WO2022264128A1

WO2022264128A1 - Fencing and shade roofing system

Info

Publication number: WO2022264128A1
Application number: PCT/IL2022/050626
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie MAUDA
Original assignee: Efar International Trade Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2022-06-12
Publication date: 2022-12-22
Also published as: IL308344A

Abstract

A slat wall, wall decoration and/or shade includes one or more tracks and a plurality of a slats. Optionally, each track has a plurality of a brackets and/or each slat is attached to a bracket on each of the tracks. Optionally, the attachment may be reversible. Optionally, brackets on each track are evenly spaced resulting in a set of parallel slats. The slats are optionally attached to the backets by a reversible connection and/or an interference element.

Description

Title: Fencing and shade roofing system

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/210,079 filed 14 June 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/308,093 filed 9 Feb. 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a method and/or system for making a slat wall, fence and/or shade roof and, more particularly, but not exclusively, comprising slats and/or panels attached to preformed tracks.

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for a decorative slat wall including: a track; a slat; and wherein the track has a plurality of brackets and the slat includes a connector for connecting to a bracket of the plurality of brackets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of brackets includes between 2 to 30 brackets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of brackets are evenly spaced along the track.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the brackets are milled out of the track.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the track is hollow.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a width of the track is between 1/100 cm to 10 cm.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a length of the track is between about 10 cm to 3 meters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector has at least one clip.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector fits over the bracket.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector connects reversibly to a bracket of the plurality of brackets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector runs an entire length of the slat.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector includes a socket.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the socket runs a portion of a length of the slat.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the slat has a length of between 10 cm to 8 meters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the slat is mounted vertically.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the slat is mounted horizontally.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the slat is mounted at an angle of between 30 to 60 degrees.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is mounted on a at least one of a wall, a fence post, a support beam, and a base. According to some embodiments of the invention, the slat is made from at least on of wood, wood composite, aluminum, stainless steel, hardened plastic, cast iron, zinc alloy, and chrome.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the decorative slat wall system the slat is covered with a decorative coating.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the tracks, brackets, slats and panels are covered with a decorative coating or a protective coating.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the decorative slat wall system includes a plurality of the tracks mounted parallel to each other and a plurality of the slats, each of the plurality of slats attached to at least on bracket of the plurality of brackets on each of the plurality of the tracks.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of slats are parallel to each other.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of making a decorative slat wall system including: attaching a track with a plurality of brackets to a support; connecting a track to a bracket of the plurality of brackets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the track is attached vertically.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the track is attached horizontally.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the track is attached at an angle between 30 to 60 degrees.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching of the track to the support is by at least on of screwing, gluing, welding.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes hiding an attachment of the track to the support by the connecting of the slat to the track over the attaching.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connecting of the slat is by at least one clip. According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching of the track to the bracket is reversible.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes removing the slat from the bracket using a specialized key.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method for use in preparing a decorative slat wall, fence or roof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 A is a side view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. IB is a top view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 1 C is a front view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. ID is a perspective view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention

FIG. 2C is a side view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention

FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of a preformed track with a square cross section in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a preformed track with a rectangular cross section in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of a decorative slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of a decorative slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of a decorative slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a decorative slats mounted on a track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a preformed track with decorative slats in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a preformed track with decorative slats mounted to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 12: perspective view of a slat removal key in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; FIG. 13: Side view of a slat removal key in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a level closed form slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of tilted closed form slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 16: is a flow diagram illustrating installation of slats in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 17 is a block of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a method and/or system for a slat wall and/or fence and/or shade roof. Particularly, but not exclusively the system may include a preformed track 102, 202, level slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502, and/or optionally tilted slats 1502. Optionally, the system may provide a slat wall appearance. Optionally, the system may provide privacy. Optionally, the system may provide shade. Optionally, the system may be made with a with preformed track 102, 202. Optionally, the track 102, 202 and/or slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be made of weatherproof components. For example, the track 102, 202 and/or slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be made of wood, wood composite, aluminum, stainless steel, hardened plastic, cast iron, zinc alloy, chrome or other material resistant to weathering, or combination thereof. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the track 202 ,102 and/or slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be covered with a decorative facing e.g., a wood finish, decorative pattern, various colors, etc. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may be hollow. Optionally, various strategies (for example making the track hollow) may be used to reduce the weight of the track and/or to make the track easy to mount. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may be affixed directly and/or indirectly to a support, such as the ground, a wall 1102, or support beam, base, etc. e.g., by bolts, screws, glue, etc., or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each track 202 ,102 may have a length 802 of less than one meter, and/or between about 1 to 3 meters and/or between about 3 to 8 meters and/or more than about 8 meters (e.g., FIG. 8). Optionally, a preformed track 102, 202 may comprise brackets 106, 206. For example, each track 102, 202 may include between about 15 to 50 brackets 106, 206 and/or less than about 15 brackets 106, 206 and/or between about 50 to 100 brackets 106, 206 and/or more than about 100 brackets 106, 206. For example, the distant between brackets may range between about 5 to 10 cm, and/or between about 10 to 25 cm, and/or between about 25 to 50 cm, and/or between about 1 to 5 cm, and/or less than about 1 cm. Optionally, the brackets 106, 206 may be prepositioned along the track 102, 202. For example, the brackets 106, 206 may be positioned at fixed intervals along the track 102, 202.

In an embodiment, the vertical tracks 102, 202 may act as fence posts. Optionally, vertical tracks 102, 202 may be attached directly and/or indirectly to the ground. Optionally, the tracks 102, 202 may be attached to a base. Optionally, the base may be completely and/or partial buried in the ground. Optionally, the base may be completely and/or partial buried in a wall. Optionally, a base may be made with a vertical bar sticking out several of centimeters. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may fit over the bar. Optionally, one or more screws may be put through one or more bolt holes 1010 in the track 102, 202 into the base and/or bar and may hold the post tight to the bar and/or base. Optionally, the bolt holes 1010 and screws may be positioned so that when the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be connected to the track 102, 202, they may partially or completely cover the screws. Optionally, attaching slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to the vertical tracks 102, 202 may produce an appearance of a slat fence and/or roof.

In an embodiment, horizontal tracks 102, 202 and/or angled tracks may be attached to a wall and/or support beams and/or posts to provide shade roofing. Optionally, an additional horizontal track 102, 202 may be mounted at the top of a vertical tracks 102, 202. Optionally, horizontal and/or angled tracks 102, 202 may act as roofing beams and/or be mounted on a roofing beam. Optionally, a shade roof may be mounted using one or more screws and bolt holes at the top of the track 102, 202. Optionally, the roofing tracks 102, 202 may be mounted at an angle of between about 30 to 170 degrees, and/or less than 170 degrees and/or between about 45 to 130 degrees and/or more than about 60 degrees to the vertical track 102, 202 to provide a shade roof. Optionally, the tracks 102, 202 may be mounted vertically and/or horizontally, and/or at an angle. For example, tracks 102, 202 may be mounted onto a wall 1102, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be attached to the tracks 102, 202 which may provide an appearance of a slat wall.

Optionally, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be connected to the tracks 102, 202. For example, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have a connector 410, 510, 610 (e.g., a socket and/or a clip and/or a bracket) which may be mounted onto the track 102, 202. Optionally, the connectors 410, 510, 610 may be continuous along the length of the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502, for example, allowing a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to be attached to a track 102, 202 at many and/or any and/or all points along the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502.

Optionally, each slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have a length 804 ranging between 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between about 1 to 3 meters, and/or between about 3 to

8 meters and/or more than about 8 meters (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 9). Optionally, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be clicked, slid, and/or locked into place, without the need for screws and/or measurement to ensure that the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be straight and/or evenly spaced. Optionally, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be produced in a fixed width 404, 504, 604 throughout their length 804, which may reduce and/or eliminate the need to cut pieces to the required width. For example, once the tracks

102, 202 are correctly installed, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be automatically be straight and/or parallel and/or evenly spaced. In some embodiments, the correct positioning of the track may be facilitated without needing to position and/or calibrate each slat separately. connection feature 104, 204. In some embodiments, the tracks and/or slats may be curved. For example, a track may be made as an arched and/or tracks placed onto the track to make a vaulted space. For example, a track may be arched out of the plane of a wall to make a protruding section of slats. Optionally, a track may have curve along its length. For example, slats may have curve away from the plane of the track and/or have a curved surface in the plane of the track. Optionally, slats may curve along their length 804 for a serpentine fence and/or a to fence in a curved boundary. For example, panels may have curve away from the slat and/or track and/or have a curved surface.

An embodiment of the current invention may ease the process of making a slat wall and/or fence and/or roof which may in certain circumstances be very tedious using previous technologies. Some embodiments of the system may improve ease of installation and/or appearance of a decorative slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may provide a decorative wall, a fence, a roof, and/or shade. Optionally, the system may be used to as an internal surface, mounted on an existing wall 1102, for example to provide a decorative effect indoors. Optionally, the system may be used to as an external surface e.g., an external fence for a garden or roof for a deck or car park. Optionally, the system may be used to mount flower baskets, hanging plants, climbing plants, exterior lights, motion sensors, insect repellant, a security system, etc. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the system may be used to cover an existing exterior wall, window, ceiling, roof, etc. For example, a slatted covering may provide shade (e.g., to help keep a wall and/or a roof and/or a building cool and/or as a roof of a patio) and/or privacy (e.g., as the wall of a garden), and/or cover an existing wall for decorative purposes, such as to maintain a unified appearance with a fence and/or decorate an interior space. Optionally, slats may include solar panels, sensors, display screens etc. In some embodiments, click on slats may help produce walls, fences, coverings, awnings, display screens that can be assembled, removed and or transformed. In some embodiments, click on slats may facilitate assembling, removing, reassembling and/or transforming walls, fences, coverings, awnings and/or display screens. Optionally, wall, fence, covering, awning and/or display screen may be directional.

In some embodiments of the current invention relates to a method and/or system for a slat wall and/or fence and/or shade roof comprising a preformed track 102, 202, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502.

In an embodiment, the preformed track 102, 202 may be affixed to a background wall and/or another surface (e.g., by welding and/or glue and/or screws and/or nails and/or other ways). Optionally, bolt holes 1010 affixing the track 102, 202 to the wall 1102 may be positioned where they may be shielded by the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 and/or will not be seen in the final product. For example, a hole 1010 for a bolt holding the track 102, 202 to the wall 1102 may be positioned in the bracket 106, 206. Optionally, a single track 102, 202 may be affixed to a wall 1102 and/or multiple tracks 102, 202 may be fitted, parallel to each other, to a wall 1102 and/or surface. Alternatively or additionally, the tracks 102, 202 may be mounted at differing heights, for example, to mount slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502, at an angle and/or in a serpentine manner.

In an embodiment, the vertical tracks 102, 202 may act as fence posts. Optionally, vertical tracks 102, 202 may be attached directly and/or indirectly to the ground. Alternatively, and/or additionally, in an embodiment vertical, horizontal and/or angled tracks 102, 202 may act as roofing beams. Alternatively or additionally, a track 102, 202 may be attached to an existing post and/or an existing beam. Optionally, the tracks 102, 202 may be attached to a base. Optionally, the base may be completely and/or partial buried in the ground. Optionally, the base may be completely and/or partial buried in a wall. Optionally, a base may be made with a vertical bar sticking out several of centimeters. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may fit over, onto and/or into the bar. Optionally, one or more screws may be put through one or more bolt holes 1010 in the track 102, 202 into the base and/or bar and may hold the post tight to the bar and/or base. Optionally, the bolt holes 1010 and screws may be positioned so that when the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be connected to the track 202 ,102, they may partially or completely hide the screws. Optionally, attaching slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to the vertical tracks 102, 202 may produce an appearance of a slat fence and/or roof.

In an embodiment, horizontal and/or angled tracks 102, 202 may be attached to a wall 1102 and/or support beams and/or posts and/or vertical tracks 102, 202 and/or structure to produce a roof (e.g., FIGs. 10 and 11). Alternatively, and/or additionally, a track 102, 202 may be mounted at the top of the vertical tracks 102, 202 and/or a wall and/or a post and/or a beam and/or slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 connected to the track e.g., to provide a shade roof. Optionally, the shade roof may be mounted using one or more additional screws and bolt hole at the top of the track 102, 202. Optionally, the shade roof track 102, 202 may be mounted at an angle of between about 30 to 170 degrees, and/or less than 170 degrees and/or between about 45 to 130 degrees and/or more than about 60 degrees to the vertical. Optionally, the shade roof may be mounted using one or more additional screws and bolt hole at the top of the track 102, 202.

In some embodiments of the invention, the preformed track 102, 202 (e.g., a bar and/or a beam) may include one or more brackets 106, 206. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may be formed without the brackets 106, 206 and/or the brackets 106, 206 may be machined (e.g., cut) into the track 102, 202 and/or built into and/or attached to it (herein a bracket 106, 206 may include a structure designed to hold a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502, preferably, a bracket holds a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 firmly by a click on connection feature 104, 204, for example using an interference element and/or an elastic element). For example, a series of brackets 106, 206 may project out from and/or be sunken into the track 102, 202. For example, the brackets 106, 206 may be milled and/or cut out of the shape of the track 102, 202 and/or they may be attached to the track 102, 202 (e.g., welded and/or glued and/or nailed and/or screwed and/or other). Brackets 106, 206 may be positioned evenly one from the other and/or may be positioned at various designed distances from each other (e.g., brackets in the middle of a track 102, 202 may be closer together and brackets 106, 206 on the ends of a track 102, 202 may be farther apart, this may create a desired aesthetic).

In some embodiments, tracks 102, 202 may have one or more bolt/nail/screw holes 1010 going through the bracket 106, 206. Optionally, this may allow a user to secure the track 102, 202 to a wall 1102 and/or to a base with screws (e.g., FIGs. 10 and 11). Optionally, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be affixed to the brackets 106, 206 so as to cover the screws. Optionally, this may enhance the aesthetic look. Optionally, tracks 102, 202 may be made of wood, wood composite, aluminum, stainless steel, hardened plastic, stainless steel, cast iron, zinc alloy, chrome, other material resistant to weathering and/or other metals and/or plastic and/or wood and/or other materials and/or combinations thereof. Optionally, tracks 102, 202 may have a decorative and/or protective coating (e.g., decorative wood design and/or resin and/or waterproofing and/or other). Optionally, a decorative and/or protective coating may be on the entire track 102, 202 and/or only on parts of it. For example, the decorative and/or protective coating may only be on the parts of the track 102, 202 that may be visible once the decorative slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 are affixed to the track 102, 202. Optionally, the track 102, 202 may comprise one or more connection assemblies (e.g., brackets 106, 206) to connectors 410, 510, 610 and/or clips 412 on one or more slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502.

In some embodiments of the invention, a fence and/or roof may be covered with an additional layer, e.g., a backing layer on the outside (side opposite to the slats, panels and brackets) to provide additional shade and/or weatherproofing.

In some embodiments of the invention, a bracket 206 , 106 of a track 102, 202 may be made with a feature 104, 204 that may connect to a connector 410, 510, 610 of a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 (e.g., the feature 104, 204 may include a ledge that is caught by an interference element of the slat). Optionally, the connection feature 104, 204 may be carved and/or milled out of the track 102, 202 and/or bracket 106, 206 and/or may be attached to the track 102, 202 and/or bracket 106, 206 (e.g., welded and/or glued and/or nailed and/or screwed and/or other).

In some embodiments of the invention, the track 102, 202 may be solid and/or hollow. For example, a track 102, 202 may be a single and/or double hollow bar and/or beam. For example, one hollow profile may serve as a backbone for the track 102, 202 and/or the rest of the profile may serve for brackets 106, 206. For example, a hollow bar may have an internal webbing dividing the hollow inside into sections. Optionally, brackets 106, 206 may be cut out (e.g., milled) out of one of the sections while the second section remains complete and/or serves as a backbone e.g., stiffing the track 102, 202.

Optionally, a track 102, 202 may have a square profile (e.g., the width 110, 210 and depth

108 being equal), and/or rectangular, and/or triangular, and/or curved. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the ratio of the width 110, 210 to the depth 108 may range between about 0.1 to 0.5, and/or between about 0.5 to 1, and/or between about 1 to 2, and/or between about 2 to 5, between about 1 to 10, and/or between about 1 to 20. Optionally, the ratio a depth 108 of the backbone of the track 102, 202 to a depth of the brackets 106, 206 may range between about 0.1 to 0.5, and/or between about 0.5 to 1, and/or between about 1 to 2, and/or between about 2 to 5, and/or between about 1 to 10, and/or between about 1 to 20.

Some embodiments of the current invention include one or more decorative slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502. Optionally, the slats may be hollow. Optionally, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have one or more connectors 410, 510, 610. Optionally, the connector 410, 510, 610 may be designed to fit on and/or be affixed on the brackets 106, 206 of one or more tracks 102, 202. Optionally, a connector 410, 510, 610 in the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may run the entire length 804 of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 for example, allowing a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to be attached to a track 102, 202 at many and/or any and/or all points along the slat. Optionally, a connector 410, 510, 610 may run only in a portion of the length 804 of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502. For example, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have connectors 410, 510, 610 milled or carved out of the slat in predesigned positions where it will align with the track brackets 106, 206 and/or the rest of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 will be solid beam which may be without connector 410, 510, 610. Alternatively, and/or additionally, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be extruded and/or shaped by folding with a unitary profile. For example, the track 102, 202 facing side of the slat may include an open-end slot, short socket, and/or a long socket.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be mounted and/or affixed to one or more brackets 106, 206 on the track 102, 202. For example, slats may be affixed by welding and/or glue and/or screws and/or nails and/or other ways. Optionally, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may click and/or clip into a bracket 106, 206. Optionally, a connector 410, 510, 610 may have a clip 412 on an edge and/or on both edges that may connect to the bracket 106, 206 (e.g., FIG. 7). For example, the outer edges of the brackets 106, 206 and/or the inner edges of a slot along the track 102, 202 facing side of the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may include an interference element (e.g., a connector 410, 510, 610 and/or clip 412) and/or an inclined surface (e.g., surface 615 which slides over the bracket 106,206 stressing the connector 610 outward) and/or a hook and/or a barb 613). The slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may optionally be made of a slightly flexible material (e.g., aluminum, steel, wood, and/or plastic). Optionally, when the clip 412 of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be pressed against the bracket 106, 206, the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may flex allowing the opening or connector 410, 510, 610 of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to widen and/or allowing the interference elements of the connector 410, 510, 610 to pass the interference element of the bracket 106, 206. For example, the interference element and/or the connector 410, 510, 610 (e.g., and opening thereof) and/or the clip 412 may include a barb 613 and/or a hook and/or an inclined surface 615 (e.g., inclined with respect to an opening 617 of the slat 602, 1402, 1502 that slides onto the bracket 106, 206 (e.g., stressing and/or flexing the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502) and/or locks to the bracket 106, 206 (e.g., when the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 returns to an unstressed state). Optionally, once the interference elements of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 have passed by the interference elements of the bracket 106, 206, the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may elastically return (e.g., snap back) to its undeformed (unflexed) shape and/or lock the interference elements and/or the walls of the connector 410, 510, 610 against the interference elements of the bracket 106, 206 and/or inhibiting release of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 from the bracket 106, 206 and/or inhibiting movement of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 with respect to the bracket 106, 206 in one more directions.

In some embodiments, the connection between the bracket 106, 206 and the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be strong enough that removing the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 from the bracket 106, 206 may be difficult by hand and/or may be done by means of a tool or key (e.g., key 1202). Optionally, a specialized tool may be supplied for this purpose. Alternatively, and/or additionally, moving the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 with respect to the bracket 106, 206 may be done by hand (e.g., sliding the slot along the bracket 106, 206 and/or may require a large force and/or may be done using a tool). Alternatively, and/or additionally, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may include a connector 410, 510, 610 (e.g., a bracket and/or a clip and/or a socket) that attaches to a connector 410, 510, 610 of the track 102, 202. For example, the connector 410, 510, 610 of the slat 402, 502 may include an outward facing interference element (e.g., clip 412, 512) and/or the bracket of the track may include an inward facing interference element. Alternatively or additionally, the connector 610 of the slat 602 may include an inward facing interference element (e.g., clip 612) and/or the bracket 106, 206 of the track 102, 202 may include an outward facing interference element (e.g., connection feature 104, 204).

In some embodiments of the invention, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be made of aluminum and/or other metals and/or plastic and/or wood and/or plastics and/or other materials and/or combinations thereof. Optionally, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be made from a weatherproof material. Optionally, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have a decorative and/or protective coating (e.g., decorative wood design and/or resin and/or weatherproofing and/or other). Optionally, a decorative and/or protective coating may be on the entire slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 and/or only on parts of it. For example, the decorative coating may only be on the parts of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 that may be visible once the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be affixed to the track 102. For example, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have a decorative coating on the outside around and/or on the inside (e.g., in the connector 410, 510, 610) may not. Optionally, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be produced in a fixed width 404 throughout their length 804, which may reduce and/or eliminate the need to cut pieces to the proper width 404. For example, once the tracks 102 are correctly installed, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 will automatically be straight and evenly spaced along their lengths 804, therefore, there may be no need to position and/or calibrate each slat separately.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more panels may be mounted on and/or affixed to the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 and/or directly onto the tracks 102, 202. Optionally, the panels may be affixed by clicking and/or sliding and/or welding and/or glue and/or screws and/or nails and/or other ways. Optionally, a panel may have a clip on an end and/or on both ends that may connect to a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 and/or a track bracket 106, 206.

In some embodiments of the invention, the panels may be straight panels, deep straight panels, and/or angled panels, and/or combinations thereof. Optionally, panels may allow air flow while blocking sunlight and/or providing privacy. Optionally, the panels may provide shade. Optionally, panels may be made of aluminum and/or other metals and/or plastic and/or wood and/or plastics and/or other materials and/or combinations thereof. Optionally, panels may have a decorative and/or protective coating (e.g., decorative wood design and/or resin and/or weatherproofing and/or other). Optionally, a decorative and/or protective coating may be on the entire panel and/or only on parts of it, e.g., only on the side exposed to the sun. Optionally, the panel may have a series of holes, slits, cut outs, and/or designs cut into and/or through them. Optionally, these voids may be used to direct airflow and/or to create aesthetic patterns e.g., leaf shapes, etc. Optionally, the panels may be square, rectangular, oval, circular, triangular, etc., or combinations thereof. Optionally, panels may be all the same shape and/or may be of different shapes.

In some embodiments of the invention, the panels may be reversibly attached, removably attached and/or permanently attached. Optionally, the positions of the panels along the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be repositioned by the user for optimal shade, for example the panels may be moved from one position to another by a user as the sun moves across the sky to provide optimal shade for the user. Optionally, the panels may be clicked, slid, and/or locked in place using a tool or key, for example a key may be used to remove the panels if they are installed in a tight space where it would be difficult to get behind them to pry them off and/or there is not enough space to slide them sideways.

In some embodiments of the invention, the system may be used to as an external surface e.g., an external fence and/or roof for a deck or car park. Optionally, the system may be used to mount flower baskets, hanging plants, climbing plants, exterior lights, motion sensors, insect repellant, a security system, etc. Alternatively, and/or additionally, in some embodiments, the system may be used to cover an existing exterior wall, a ceiling, a roof.

FIGs. 1A-1D and 2A-2C are schematic illustrations and FIGs. 3A and 3B are photographs illustrating preformed tracks in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

In some embodiments, tracks 102, 202 may have various depths 108, 208. For example, a track depth 108, 208 may be between about 0.01 cm to 1 cm, and/or between about 1 cm to 4 cm, and/or between about 4 cm to 10 cm, and/or between about 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between about 1 meter to 10 meter. Optionally, track depths 108, 208 may be all the same depth and/or may be of different depths. Optionally, a track 102 may have different depths 108, 208 in different locations along its length (e.g., the middle of a track 102 may be thinner and/or wider and the ends of a track 102 may be wider and/or thinner, this may create a desired aesthetic).

In some embodiments, tracks 102 may have various widths 110, 210. For example, a track 102 may have a width 110, 210 between 0.01 cm to 1 cm, and/or between 1 cm to 4 cm, and/or between 4 cm to 10 cm, and/or between 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between 1 meter to 10 meter. Optionally, track widths 110, 210 may be all the same width and/or may be of different width (e.g., widths 110, 210 in the middle of a track 102 may be thinner and/or wider and/or brackets 106, 206 on the ends of a track 102 may be wider and/or thinner, this may create a desired aesthetic).

In some embodiments, tracks 102 may have various lengths 802, various widths 110, 210, and various depths 108, 208 and/or combinations thereof. For example, a track length 802 may be between about 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between about 1 meter to 3 meter, and/or between about 3 meters to 10 meters, and/or between about 10 meters to 50 meters.

In some embodiments, brackets 106, 206 may have various lengths. For example, a bracket 106, 206 may be between about 0.01 cm to 1 cm and/or between about 1 cm to 4 cm, and/or between about 4 cm to 10 cm, and/or between about 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between about 1 meter to 10 meter. Optionally, brackets 106, 206 may be all the same length and/or may be of different lengths (e.g., brackets in the middle of a track 102 may be shorter and/or longer and brackets 106, 206 on the ends of a track 102 may be longer and/or shorter this may create a desired aesthetic).

FIGs. 4, 5, 6, 14 and 15 are schematic illustrations illustrating decorative slats as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention.

In some embodiments, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be of various lengths 804. For example, a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be between about 0.01 cm to 10 cm, and/or between about 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between about 1 meter to 3 meter, and/or between about 3 meters to 10 meters, and/or between about 10 meters to 50 meters in length 804. Optionally, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to be arranged on a wall 1102 may be of the same size and/or be designed in different sizes and/or demotions and/or have different connectors 410, 510, 610 and/or clips 412. For example, to fit the various sized brackets 106, 206 on the various tracks 102. Optionally, the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be performed with the required length 804. Optionally, the slats may be cut to size in-situ.

In some embodiments, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have various widths 404. For example, to fit to various tracks 102. For example, a slat width 404 may be between 0.01 cm to 1 cm, and/or between 1 cm to 4 cm, and/or between 4 cm to 10 cm, and/or between 10 cm to 1 meter, and/or between 1 meter to 10 meters. Optionally, slat widths 404 may be all the same length 804 and/or may be of different lengths 804 (e.g., slats mounted/affixed in the middle of a track(s) 102 may be thinner and/or wider and slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 on the ends of a track 102 may be wider and/or thinner, this may create a desired aesthetic).

In some embodiments, slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have various depths 406 506, 606. For example, to fit to various tracks 102, 202. For example, a slat depth 406, 506, 606 may be between 0.01 cm to 1 cm, and/or between 1 cm to 4 cm, and/or between 4 cm to 10 cm, and/or between 10 cm to 1 meter. Optionally, slat depths 406 may be all the same depth and/or may be of different depths (e.g., slats mounted/affixed in the middle of a track(s) 102 may have more depth and/or less depth and slats on the ends of a track 102 may have more depth and/or less depth this may create a desired aesthetic). In some embodiments, the width 404 of a slat connector 410, 510, 610 and/or bracket 106, 206 may range between 1 mm to 10 mm and/or between 10 mm to 3 cm, and/or between 3 to 10 cm, and/or between 10 to 50 cm.

In some embodiments, a connector 410, 510, 610 of a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may have a clip 412. Optionally, the clip 412 may be carved and/or milled out of the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 and/or may be attached to the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 (e.g., welded and/or glued and/or nailed and/or screwed and/or other). Optionally, clips 412, 512, 612 may be flat and/or angled. Optionally, clips 412, 512, 612 may have flat and/or angled edges. Optionally, the clip width 408 may range between about 0.001 to 0.01 cm, and/or between about 0.01 to 0.1 cm, and or between about 0.1 to 0.5 cm, and/or between about 0.05 to 1 cm, and/or between about 1 to 5 cm. Optionally, the clip 412, 512, 612 may attach to a connection feature 104, 204 on a bracket 106, 206. Optionally, this may give the slat additionally stability on the bracket 106, 206. Optionally, the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 may be made that once the slat is affixed to the bracket 106, 206 then a special tool may be supplied to remove it (for example, because the clip 412 and the connection feature 104, 204 mat be strongly connected). Optionally, this may prevent the slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 from falling off the track 102 and/or may improve the security of the slat wall.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a decorative slats 602 mounted on a track 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a preformed track in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIGs. 10 and 11 are schematic illustration of a decorative wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIGs. 10 and 11 illustrates how a slat 602 may be affixed to a track 102 by the clips 612 and/or connection feature 104, 204 of the bracket 106.

Optionally, the system may be based on a preformed track 102 (e.g., a bar and/or a beam). For example, the preformed track 102 may be affixed to a base, and/or a background wall 1102, and/or another surface (e.g., by welding and/or glue and/or screws and/or nails and/or other ways). Optionally, connectors affixing the track 102 to the base and/or wall 1102 may be positioned where they may be shielded by the slats 602 and/or will not be seen in the final product. For example, a hole for a bolt holding the track 102 to the wall 1102 may be positioned in the middle of a bracket 106. Optionally, a single track 102 may be affixed to a wall 1102 and/or multiple tracks 102 may be fitted, parallel to each other, to a wall 1102 and/or surface.

FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment, a key 1202 or tool for remove a slat in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, the key 1202 may comprise a grip 1203 and hook 1204. Optionally, the key grip 1203 may be at an angle to the hook 1204. Optionally, the angle of key grip 1203 may range between about 20 to 45 degrees, and/or between about 45 to 80 degrees, and/or between about 80 to 120 degrees, and/or between about 120 to 180 degrees. Optionally, the key grip 1203 may be long enough to comfortably fit in the hand of the user and/or fit between slats 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to reach an interference element connecting the slat 402, 502, 602, 1402, 1502 to the bracket 106, 206. For example, the key grip length 1203 may range between 3 cm to 5 cm, and/or between 5 cm to 10 cm, and/or 10 cm to 20 cm and/or 20cm to lm. Optionally, the hook 1204 may comprise a socket and/or one or more hooks 1204. Optionally, the hook 1204 may click onto and/or grip the slat or panel making it easier to remove. Optionally, the key 1202 may allow the user to apply increased force and/or improved grip on the slat and/or panel. Optionally, the key may be made from aluminum, stainless steel, hardened plastic, stainless steel, cast iron, zinc alloy, chrome, other material, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates a key 1202 and FIG. 13 illustrates using the key 1202 for removing a slat 402 from a track 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, a key 1202 includes a hook 1204. For example, hook 1204 may hook to a slat 402 e.g., to a clip 412. For example, (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13), a user inserts hook 1204 between two slats and/or hooks clip 412 of slat 402. The user optionally pivots key 1202 to lever clip 412 away from a connection feature 104 facilitating removal of slat 402 from track 102.

FIG. 14 illustrates a decorative slat with a closed cross section in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments a slat 1402 is level (e.g., it extends directly away from the bracket 106, 206) and/or has a depth 1412 (for example, the slat includes and/or have the appearance of a thick beam). Optionally the depth 1412 may be fixed and/or variable (for example, having an appearance of a sculpted beam). For example, the slat 1402 may have a rectangular cross section and/or curved and/or oval cross section and/or an arbitrary cross section. For example, the cross section may be fixed and/or may change along the length of the slat 1402.

FIG. 15 illustrates a decorative slat with a closed cross section tilted with respect to a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments a slat 1502 extends at an angle (e.g., tilted between 5 to 30 degrees and/or between 30 to 50 degrees) away from the clip 608 and/or has a depth 1512 (for example, the slat be included and/or have the appearance of a thick beam angled). Optionally the depth 1412 may be fixed and/or variable (for example, having an appearance of a sculpted beam). The tilt of the slat 1502 may allow control (e.g., increase or decrease) the shade created by a slat wall and/or roof. For example, the slat may be tilted towards the equator such that sun passes through the space between the slats in the winter but is blocked in the summer. Optionally, the cross section of the slat 1502 is a parallelogram and/or may be extended (long and thin) away from the clip 608.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method of use of a decorative wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Alternatively, and/or additionally, in an embodiment, a slat fence and/or roof system may be made with horizontal decorative slats 1602 and/or vertical decorative slats 1604 and/or angled slats. Optionally, for vertical salts, one or more tracks 102 may be attached to one or more vertical support beams 1606. Optionally, for horizontal salts, one or more tracks 102 may be attached to one or more vertical bases, bars, and/or support beams 1608. Optionally, decorative slats may be affixed to the track until the track is covered 1610.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a preformed track 1704 may be attached to a support 1702 (e.g., a support beam, a post, a pillar, a base, a wall, etc.). The track may have a bracket 1706 with a connector to a socket. A decorative slat 1710 (optionally including a socket and/or clips) may be connected to the bracket 1706 of the track 1704 by the connector 1708.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a preformed track 1804 may be attached to a support (e.g., a support beam, base, wall, etc.) 1802. The track may have a bracket 1806, for example, with a connector to a connector 1808. A decorative slat 1810 with a socket 1812 and clips 1814 may be connected to the bracket 1806 of the track 1804 by the connector 1808. A shade panel 1816 with a socket 1818 and/or clips 1820 may be connected to the decorative slat 1810 by the clips 1820.

GENERAL

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant building technologies, artificial intelligence methodologies, computer user interfaces, image capture devices will be developed and the scope of the terms for design elements, analysis routines, user devices is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10%

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A system for a decorative slat wall comprising: a track; a slat; and wherein said track has a plurality of brackets and the slat includes a connector for connecting to a bracket of said plurality of brackets.

2. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of brackets includes between 2 to 30 brackets.

3. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of brackets are evenly spaced along the track.

4. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1 , wherein said brackets are milled out of said track.

5. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said track is hollow.

6. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein a width of said track is between 1/100 cm to 10 cm.

7. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein a length of said track is between about 10 cm to 3 meters.

8. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said connector has at least one clip.

9. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said connector fits over said bracket.

10. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said connector connects reversibly to a bracket of said plurality of brackets.

11. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said connector runs an entire length of said slat.

12. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said connector includes a socket.

13. The decorative slat wall system of claim 12, wherein said socket runs a portion of a length of said slat.

14. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said slat has a length of between 10 cm to 8 meters.

15. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1 , wherein said slat is mounted vertically.

16. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said slat is mounted horizontally.

17. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said slat is mounted at an angle of between 30 to 60 degrees.

18. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein said system is mounted on a at least one of a wall, a fence post, a support beam, and a base.

19. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein the slat is made from at least on of wood, wood composite, aluminum, stainless steel, hardened plastic, cast iron, zinc alloy, and chrome.

20. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, said slat is covered with a decorative coating.

21. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said tracks, brackets, slats and panels are covered with a decorative coating or a protective coating.

22. The decorative slat wall system of claim 1, including a plurality of said tracks mounted parallel to each other and a plurality of said slats, each of said plurality of slats attached to at least on bracket of said plurality of brackets on each of said plurality of said tracks.

23. The decorative slat wall system of claim 21, wherein said plurality of slats are parallel to each other.

24. A method of making a decorative slat wall system comprising: attaching a track with a plurality of brackets to a support; connecting a track to a bracket of said plurality of brackets.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said track is attached vertically.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said track is attached horizontally.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein said track is attached at an angle between 30 to 60 degrees.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein said attaching of said track to said support is by at least on of screwing, gluing, welding.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising hiding an attachment of said track to said support by said connecting of said slat to said track over said attaching.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein said connecting of said slat is by at least one clip.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein said attaching of said track to said bracket is reversible.

32. The method of claim 31 , further including removing said slat from said bracket using a specialized key.

33. The method of claim 24, for use in preparing a decorative slat wall, fence or roof.