Fence panel and system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- US19/061670
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure US20260250981A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to fence panels and fences.BACKGROUND
[0002] Fences come in many varieties and may serve a variety of purposes; for example, fences may serve an aesthetic function as decoration, serve as a barrier to adjacent land areas, or provide privacy by obscuring view to adjacent land areas. Many example fences, such as those frequently used in residential and commercial contexts, are designed without the incorporation of any panels. Once installed or fully constructed, these fences are often rigid and incapable of being retrofit to include fence panels or privacy screens, at a later time, unless the fence system itself is deconstructed. Moreover, example fences that are originally designed with the incorporation of panels may be difficult to repair one or a selection of panels without deconstructing the entire fence system or a significant portion thereof. As a result, users are often forced to choose fence designs and styles without the ability to easily change, retrofit, or repair their fence system.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for an original equipment fence panel system that can be easily installed and selectively repaired, complete with fence panels that may not only be easily and interchangeably be installed into a new fence system at the time of install, but also installed or retrofit onto a variety of existing fence models in an efficient and cost effective manner.SUMMARY
[0004] A fence panel system is provided. The fence panel system further comprises unique fence panels that are easily and interchangeably installed and removed as part of original equipment rail and picket fence systems of as aftermarket retrofits for existing rail and picket fence systems.
[0005] An example fence panel comprises a first side having a first outer surface and a first inner surface and a second side having a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The first inner surface is radially spaced apart from the second inner surface by a panel width.
[0006] Within the panel width, the fence panel further comprises at least one strut having a first end coupled to the first side inner surface at a first abutment, and a second end coupled to the second side inner surface at a second abutment. Said another way, the at least one strut defines a strut height that extends from the first strut end to the second strut end. By comparison, the panel width is substantially equivalent to the strut height.
[0007] The fence panel further comprises a cantilever element having an abutment end, a distal end, and a length extending from the abutment end to the distal end. This cantilever element is coupled to the first side inner surface at the first abutment, such that the cantilever element is obliquely angled with respect to the strut. The cantilever element is designed to allow ease of assembly, or insertion of, the respective fence panel between pickets in an original equipment fence system, or as a retro fit aftermarket piece into an existing rail and picket fence system.
[0008] In this way, during installation, the respective fence panel may be inserted between two respective pickets by applying an external force upon the cantilever element at the fence panel first end to compress the distal end of the cantilever element against a respective fence picket, and then the fence panel may be rotated about the respective fence picket and the fence panel first end until the fence panel second end is aligned with a second fence picket. Upon disengagement, the external force applied upon the distal end cantilever element is released, such that the fence panel is seated between two respective fence pickets.
[0009] Removal is equally streamlined, such that to release the fence panel from between the respective pickets, an external force is applied to compress the distal end of the cantilever element against the fence pickets disposed at the fence panel first end to free the fence panel second end, such that the fence panel second end may rotate about the fence panel first end until the fence panel is no longer laterally and vertically positioned between the respective pickets. Upon alignment, the external force applied upon the distal end cantilever element is released such that the fence panel is released or removed from between two respective fence pickets or general fencing system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are therefore not intended to limit the subject matter. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example outer fence panel.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the example outer fence panel of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the example outer fence panel of FIG. 1, taken from the respective side of the outer fence panel having the bendable cantilever.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a first example interior fence panel.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the first example interior fence panel of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the first example outer fence panel of FIG. 4, taken from the respective side of the interior fence panel having the bendable cantilever.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second example interior fence panel.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the second example interior fence panel of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the second example outer fence panel of FIG. 7, taken from the respective side of the interior fence panel having the bendable cantilever.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an example fence system of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective, cross-sectional view of the example fence system of the present disclosure taken along line 10 -10 in FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12A is a schematic perspective, cross-sectional view of the example fence system of the present disclosure wherein the process of inserted or installing a respective second example interior fence panel is illustrated.
[0023] FIG. 12B is a schematic perspective view cross-sectional view of the example fence system of the present disclosure wherein the second example interior fence panel of FIG. 12A is fully installed between the respective rails and pickets.
[0024] FIG. 13A is a schematic perspective, view of the example fence system of the present disclosure wherein a respective second example interior fence panel is installed and an example outer fence panel is not yet installed.
[0025] FIG. 13B is a schematic perspective, cross-sectional view of the example fence system of the present disclosure, taken along line 13 -13 in FIG. 13A, wherein the process of inserting or installing a respective example outer fence panel is illustrated.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure.
[0027] The terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range.
[0028] The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.
[0029] Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description.
[0030] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.
[0031] The term “longitudinal”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.
[0032] The term “transverse”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.
[0033] The term “vertical”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component. The term “downward” or “downwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer and the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.
[0034] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose example embodiments of the fence panel system 10 of the present disclosure. In a general sense, the present disclosure is directed to a fence system 10 comprising unique fence panels 12 that are easily and interchangeably installed into or removed as part of original equipment rail and picket fence systems of as aftermarket retrofits for existing rail and picket fence systems. Such fence panels 12 comprise a cantilever element 40 disposed at the first end 15, 21 of the respective fence panel 12 designed to allow ease of assembly, or insertion of the respective fence panel 12 between pickets 64 in an original equipment fence system 10 or insertion of the respective fence panel 12 as a retro fit aftermarket piece into an existing rail and picket fence system 10.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an example fence panel 12, which may be further defined herein as an outer fence panel 66, 68, may be formed as a single unitary piece with a die, casting, molding, or other manufacturing mechanism, and optionally may formed from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, a plastic material, and / or a polymeric material.
[0036] More particularly, the fence panel 66, 68 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 comprises a first side 14 having a first outer surface 16 and a first inner surface 18, and a second side 20 having a second outer surface 22 and a second inner surface 24. The first side 14 may extend from a first end 15 to a second end 17 and the second side 20 may extend from a first end 21 to a second end 23.
[0037] The first inner surface 18 is spaced apart from the second inner surface 24 by a panel width 26. The panel width 26 is envisioned to remain substantially consistent between the first ends 15, 21 and the second ends 17, 23, such that the first side 14 and the second side 20 are configured to be substantially parallel to one another.
[0038] The fence panel 66, 68 further comprises at least one strut 28 having has a first end 30 coupled to the first side's inner surface 18 at a first abutment 32, and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24 at a second abutment 36. The strut 28 further defines a strut height 38 that extends from the first end 30 to the second end 34. In some example embodiments, the strut height 38 is substantially equivalent to the panel width 26. The strut 28 may extend between the first end 30 and the second end 34 along the strut height 38 in an orientation that is oblique with respect to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20, or in an orientation substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the respective first panel side 14 and second panel side 20.
[0039] The fence panel 66, 68 further comprises a cantilever element 40 having an abutment end 42, a distal end 44, and a length 46 that extends from the abutment end 42 to the distal end 44. The length 46 may be less than the strut height 38 and / or the panel width 26. The cantilever element 40 is coupled at its abutment end 42 to the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32. In this way, the cantilever element 40 forms an oblique angle with respect to the strut 28 and is therefore obliquely angled with respect to the strut 28. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the oblique angle formed between the cantilever element 40 and the strut 28 is an acute angle, that is from about 40 degrees to about 55 degrees. Said another way, the abutment end 42 of the cantilever element 40 forms a fulcrum 48 with the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32 about which the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40 is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40—i.e., a bending moment is created along the length 46 of the cantilever element 40.
[0040] The fence panel 66, 68 shown by example in FIGS. 1-3 may further comprise a vinyl coating applied to the first side outer surface 16 and / or the second side outer surface 22, providing for different designs, protective layers, and / or color schemes upon the exterior or facing surfaces 16, 22 of the fence panel 66, 68. The vinyl coating may be applied at any time before or after installation of the fence panel 66, 68 into the fencing system 10.
[0041] The fence panel 66, 68 may extend from a first end 15, 21 to a second end 17, 23 a distance D1 that is approximately the distance between a fence post 50 and a picket 64 or between two pickets 64. In an example fence system, the distance D1 may be approximately 3.75 inches. Each fence panel 66, 68 may further have a height that spans a distance D2 that is approximately the distance between the fence system 10 upper and lower rails 50, 60. In another example fence system, the distance D2 may be anywhere from three feet to seven feet.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, an example fence panel 12, which may be further defined herein as a first example interior fence panel 100A, may be formed as a single unitary piece with a die, casting, molding, or other manufacturing mechanism, and optionally may formed from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, a plastic material, and / or a polymeric material.
[0043] More particularly, the fence panel 100A as shown in FIGS. 4-6 comprises a first side 14 having a first outer surface 16 and a first inner surface 18, and a second side 20 having a second outer surface 22 and a second inner surface 24. The first side 14 may extend from a first end 15 to a second end 17 and the second side 20 may extend from a first end 21 to a second end 23.
[0044] The first inner surface 18 is spaced apart from the second inner surface 24 by a panel width 26. The panel width 26 is envisioned to remain substantially consistent between the first ends 15, 21 and the second ends 17, 23, such that the first side 14 and the second side 20 are configured to be substantially parallel to one another.
[0045] The fence panel 100A further comprises a plurality of struts 28, namely, a first strut 28A and a second strut 28B that are spaced apart from each other between the first end 15, 21 and the second end 17, 23 to disperse forces applied to the fence panel 100A generally, or more specifically to the first side 14 or second side 20 thereof. Each of the struts 28A, 28B have a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24. Each strut 28A, 28B further defines a strut height 38 that extends from the first end 30 to the second end 34. In some example embodiments, the strut height 28 is substantially equivalent to the panel width 26. The struts 28A, 28B may extend between the first end 30 and the second end 34 along the strut height 28 in an orientation that is oblique with respect to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20, or in an orientation substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20.
[0046] In one example, a first strut 28A has a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 at a first abutment 32, and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24 at a second abutment 36 and is disposed closer to the first end 15, 21 than the second end 17, 23. The strut 28A further defines a strut height 38 that extends from the first end 30 to the second end 34. In some example embodiments, the strut height 38 is substantially equivalent to the panel width 26. In a similar example, a second strut 28B has a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24 and is disposed closer to the second end 17, 23 than the first end 15, 21.
[0047] The plurality of struts 28A, 28B may extend between the first end 30 and the second end 34 along the strut height 38 in an orientation that is oblique with respect to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20, or in an orientation substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20.
[0048] The fence panel 100A further comprises a cantilever element 40 having an abutment end 42, a distal end 44, and a length 46 that extends from the abutment end 42 to the distal end 44. The length 46 may be less than the strut height 38 and / or the panel width 26. The cantilever element 40 is coupled at its abutment end 42 to the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32. In this way, the cantilever element 40 forms an oblique angle with respect to the first strut 28A and is therefore obliquely angled with respect to the strut 28A. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-6 the oblique angle formed between the cantilever element 40 and the strut first 28A is an acute angle, that is from about 40 degrees to about 55 degrees. Said another way, the abutment end 42 of the cantilever element 40 forms a fulcrum 48 with the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32 about which the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40 is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40—i.e., a bending moment is created along the length 46 of the cantilever element 40.
[0049] The fence panel 100A shown by example in FIGS. 4-6 may further comprise a vinyl coating applied to the first side outer surface 16 and / or the second side outer surface 22, providing for different designs, protective layers, and / or color schemes upon the exterior or facing surfaces 16, 22 of the fence panel 100A. The vinyl coating may be applied at any time before or after installation of the fence panel 100A into the fencing system 10.
[0050] The fence panel 100A may extend from a first end 15, 21 to a second end 17, 23 a distance D1 that is approximately the distance between two pickets 64. In an example fence system, the distance D1 may be approximately 3.75 inches. Each fence panel 100A may further have a height that spans a distance D2 that is approximately the distance between the fence system 10 upper and lower rails 50, 60. In another example fence system, the distance D2 may be anywhere from three feet to seven feet.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, an example fence panel 12, which may be further defined herein as a second example interior fence panel 100B, may be formed as a single unitary piece with a die, casting, molding, or other manufacturing mechanism, and optionally may formed from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, a plastic material, and / or a polymeric material.
[0052] More particularly, the fence panel 100B as shown in FIGS. 7-9 comprises a first side 14 having a first outer surface 16 and a first inner surface 18, and a second side 20 having a second outer surface 22 and a second inner surface 24. The first side 14 may extend from a first end 15 to a second end 17 and the second side 20 may extend from a first end 21 to a second end 23.
[0053] The first inner surface 18 is spaced apart from the second inner surface 24 by a panel width 26. The panel width 26 is envisioned to remain substantially consistent between the first ends 15, 21 and the second ends 17, 23, such that the first side 14 and the second side 20 are configured to be substantially parallel to one another.
[0054] The fence panel 100B further comprises a plurality of struts 28, namely a first strut 28A, a second strut 28B, and a plurality of intermediate struts 28X that are spaced apart from each other between the first end 15, 21 and the second end 17, 23 to disperse forces applied to the fence panel 100B generally, or more specifically to the first side 14 or second side 20 thereof. Each of the struts 28A, 28B, 28X have a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24. Each strut 28A, 28B, 28X further defines a strut height 38 that extends from the first end 30 to the second end 34. In some example embodiments the strut height 38 is substantially equivalent to the panel width 26. The struts 28A, 28B, 28X may extend between the first end 30 and the second end 34 along the strut height 38 in an orientation that is oblique with respect to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20, or in an orientation substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20.
[0055] In one example, a first strut 28A has a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 at a first abutment 32, and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24 at a second abutment 36 and is disposed closer to the first end 15, 21 than the second end 17, 23. The strut 28A further defines a strut height 38 that extends from the first end 30 to the second end 34. In some example embodiments the strut height 38 is substantially equivalent to the panel width 26. A second strut 28B has a first end 30 coupled to the first side inner surface 18 and a second end 34 coupled to the second side inner surface 24 and is disposed closer to the second end 17, 23 than the first end 15, 21. A plurality of intermediate struts 28X may be disposed between the first strut 28A and the second strut 28B. More particularly, the plurality of intermediate struts 28X may be disposed equidistantly between he first strut 28A and the second strut 28B.
[0056] The plurality of struts 28A, 28B, 28X may extend between the first end 30 and the second end 34 along the strut height 38 in an orientation that is oblique with respect to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20, or in an orientation substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the respect first panel side 14 and second panel side 20.
[0057] The fence panel 100B further comprises a cantilever element 40 having an abutment end 42, a distal end 44, and a length 46 that extends from the abutment end 42 to the distal end 44. The length 46 may be less than the strut height 38 and / or the panel width 26. The cantilever element 40 is coupled at its abutment end 42 to the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32. In this way, the cantilever element 40 forms an oblique angle with respect to the first strut 28A and is therefore obliquely angled with respect to the first strut 28A. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7-9 the oblique angle formed between the cantilever element 40 and the first strut 28A is an acute angle, that is from about 40 degrees to about 55 degrees. Said another way, the abutment end 42 of the cantilever element 40 forms a fulcrum 48 with the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32 about which the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40 is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end 44 of the cantilever element4 40, i.e. a bending moment is created along the length 46 of the cantilever element 40.
[0058] The fence panel 100B shown by example in FIGS. 7-9 may further comprise a vinyl coating applied to the first side outer surface 16 and / or the second side outer surface 22, providing for different designs, protective layers, and / or color schemes upon the exterior or facing surfaces 16, 22 of the fence panel 100B. The vinyl coating may be applied at any time before or after installation of the fence panel 100B into the fencing system 10.
[0059] The fence panel 100B may extend from a first end 15, 21 to a second end 17, 23 a distance D1 that is approximately the distance between two pickets 64. In an example fence system, the distance D1 may be approximately 3.75 inches. Each fence panel 66, 68 may further have a height that spans a distance D2 that is approximately the distance between the fence system 10 upper and lower rails 50, 60. In another example fence system, the distance D2 may be anywhere from three feet to seven feet.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 10-13B, the fence panels 12 generally shown and described in FIGS. 1-9, may be interposed as part of a fence system 10. In one example, the fence system 10 may comprise a plurality of fence posts 50, and more particularly at least a first fence post 52 and a second fence post 54. The first fence post 52 and the second fence post 54 are laterally spaced apart by a section distance 56. Each fence post 52, 54 may have at least one retaining element 70 coupled thereto. Each retaining element 70 may comprise an intermediate section 76 defining an attachment surface and a receiving surface and further extending linearly between two opposing side sections 72, 74. In one example, the retaining element comprises a u-shape, such that the two opposing side sections 72, 74 may be substantially parallel to each other and substantially orthogonal to the intermediate section 76. The retaining element associated with or fixed at its attachment surface to the first fence post 52 may be defined as a first retaining element, and the retaining element associated with or fixed at its attachment surface to the second fence post 54 may defined a second retaining element. The at least one retaining element 70 may be original to an existing fence system 10 or later installed as part of a retrofit of an existing rail and picket fence to install the fence panels 12 of the present disclosure.
[0061] The fence system 10 further may comprise an upper rail 58 and a lower rail 60, both of which extend the section panel distance 56 from the first fence post 52 to the second fence post 54. Additionally, the upper rail 58 and lower rail 60 are spaced apart by the rail spacing distance D2. Within the section panel distance 56, the fence system may comprise a plurality of pickets 64 extending the rail spacing distance D2.
[0062] As detailed herein, the fence system 10, may further include a plurality of pickets 64, wherein each picket 64 extends from an upper rail end to a lower rail end, such that each picket has a height of approximately the rail spacing distance D2. The pickets 64 may be formed as polygonal prisms, for example square prism having two square ends and four rectangular sides each with a length of the rail spacing distance D2. Moreover, the pickets 64 may be spaced apart from each other equidistantly along the section distance 56 between the first fence post 52 and the second fence post 54.
[0063] The fence system 10, may further comprise a first outer fence panel 66 configured to be removably interposed laterally between the first fence post 52 and one of the plurality of pickets 64. The first outer pence panel 66 may be of the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-3, such that the first outer fence panel 66 extends vertically between the upper rail 58 and lower rail 60, preferably by substantially the same distance as the rail spacing distance D2. Additionally, the fence system 10 may comprise a second outer fence panel 68 configured to be removably and laterally interposed between the second fence post 54 and another one of the plurality of pickets 64. The second outer fence panel 68 may be of the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-3, such that the second outer fence panel 68 may extend vertically between the upper rail 58 and lower rail 60, preferably by substantially the same distance as the rail spacing distance 62.
[0064] Accordingly, as best illustrated in FIG. 10, the first retaining element 70 may be configured to receive the first outer panel ends 17, 23 of the first outer fence panel 66. Similarly, the second retaining element 70 may be configured to receive the first outer panel ends 17, 23 of the second outer fence panel 68.
[0065] The fence system 10, may also comprise at least one interior fence panel 100A, 100B laterally disposed between two adjacent pickets 64 and extending vertically between the upper rail 58 and the lower rail 60. The at least one interior fence panel may be of the configuration shown in FIGS. 4-6 (i.e., a fence panel 100A), or of the configuration as shown in FIGS. 7-9 (i.e., a fence panel 100B). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B, the at least one interior fence panel 100B is illustrated in the configuration shown in FIGS. 7-9.
[0066] In the fence system 10, the first outer fence panel 66, the second outer fence panel 68, and the interior fence panels 100A, 100B may each be formed from one of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, a plastic material, and a polymeric material. In some examples, each of the first outer fence panel 66, the second outer fence panel 68, and the interior fence panels 100A, 100B are formed of the same material, and a vinyl coating may be applied to the first side outer surface 16 and the second side outer surface 24 of each of the first outer fence panel 66, the second outer fence panel 68, and the at least one interior fence panel 100A, 100B.
[0067] In one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10-13B, the fence panels 66, 68, 100A, 100B are easily and interchangeably installed into or removed as part of original equipment rail and picket fence systems sold together at the time of sale, as well as, as aftermarket retrofit panels for existing rail and picket fence systems, which either added privacy to an existing open rail and picket fence or replace existing or damaged privacy panels of an existing rail and picket fence system 10. The cantilever element 40 disposed at the first end 15 of the respective fence panel 66, 68, 100B are designed to allow ease of assembly, or insertion of the respective fence panel 66, 68100B between pickets 64.
[0068] In such an example, the abutment end 42 of the cantilever element 40 of each of the first outer fence panel 66, second outer fence panel 68, and / or the at least one interior fence panel 100B may form a fulcrum 48 with the first side inner surface 18 at the first abutment 32 about which the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40 is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40—i.e., a bending moment is created along the length 46 of the cantilever element 40. The rotation or deflection of the cantilever element 40 may create a bending moment, such that the cantilever element 40 resists some degree of rotation or deflection caused by the external force, thereby attempting to return to its equilibrium angle. Ultimately, by resisting some degree of rotation or deflection caused by the external force, the fence panel 100A, 100B may be laterally and removably interposed between a fence post 50 and a fence picket 64 or a plurality of fence pickets 64. When the external force being applied to the cantilever element 40 is released, the cantilever element 40 is configured to return to its approximate equilibrium angle.
[0069] In this way, during installation, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, the respective fence panel 66, 68, 100B may be inserted between two respective pickets 64 by applying an external force upon the cantilever element 40 at the fence panel first end 15, 21 to compress the distal end 44 of the cantilever element 40 against a respective fence picket 46 and then the fence panel 66, 68, 100B may be rotated about the respective fence picket 64 at the fence panel first end 15, 21 until the fence panel second end 17, 23 is aligned with the retaining element 70 in the case of the first outer panel 66 and the second outer panel 68 and with a second fence picket 64 in the case of an interior panel 100B. Upon alignment, the external force applied upon the distal end cantilever element 44 is released, such that the fence panel 66, 68, 100B is seated between two respective fence pickets.
[0070] Removal is equally streamlined, such that to release the fence panel 66, 68, 100B from between the respective pickets 46, an external force is applied to compress the distal end of the cantilever element 44 against the fence pickets 64 disposed at the fence panel first end 15, 21 to free the fence panel second end 17, 23, such that the fence panel second end 17, 23 may rotate about the fence panel first end 15, 21 until the fence panel 66, 68, 100B is no longer laterally and vertically positioned between the respective pickets (in the case of an interior panel 100B) or between a respective picket 46 and a respective fence post 52, 54 (in the case of the first outer fence panel 66 and the second outer fence panel 68). Upon alignment, the external force applied upon the distal end 44 of cantilever element 40 is released, such that the fence panel 66, 68, 100B is released or removed from between two respective fence pickets 46, a respective picket 46 and post 52, 54, or general fencing system 10.
[0071] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims.
[0072] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
[0073] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.
Claims
1. A fence panel comprising:a first side having a first outer surface and a first inner surface;a second side having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, wherein the first side inner surface is radially spaced apart from the second side inner surface by a panel width;at least one strut having a first end coupled to the first side inner surface at a first abutment, a second end coupled to the second side inner surface at a second abutment, and defining a strut height that extends from the first end to the second end, wherein the panel width is substantially equal to the strut height; anda cantilever element having an abutment end, a distal end, and a length extending from the abutment end to the distal end, wherein the cantilever element is coupled to the first side inner surface at the first abutment, such that the cantilever element is obliquely angled with respect to the strut.
2. The fence panel of claim 1 wherein the length of the cantilever element is less than the strut height and the panel width.
3. The fence panel of claim 2 wherein the abutment end of the cantilever element forms a fulcrum with the first side inner surface at the first abutment about which the distal end of the cantilever element is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end of the cantilever element.
4. The fence panel of claim 3 wherein:the fence panel has a first end and a second end; andthe at least one strut comprises a plurality of struts spaced apart from each other between the fence panel first end and the fence panel second end.
5. The fence panel of claim 4 wherein the plurality of struts are spaced apart equidistantly between the fence panel first end and the fence panel second end.
6. The fence panel of claim 5 wherein each of the plurality of struts extends orthogonal to each of the first side inner surface and the second side inner surface.
7. The fence panel of claim 5 wherein each of the plurality of struts extends are obliquely angled with respect to each of the first side inner surface and the second side inner surface.
8. The fence panel of claim 3 wherein:the fence panel is formed as a single unitary piece; and the fence panel is formed of at least one of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, a plastic material, and a polymeric material.
9. The fence panel of claim 8 further comprising a vinyl coating applied to each of the first side outer surface and the second side outer surface.
10. A fence system comprising:a plurality of fence posts comprising at least a first fence post and a second fence post, wherein the second fence post is laterally spaced apart from the first fence post by a section distance;an upper rail extending the section panel distance from the first fence post to the second fence post;a lower rail extending the section panel distance from the first fence post to the second fence post, wherein the lower rail is vertically spaced apart from the upper rail by a rail spacing distance;a plurality of pickets extending the rail spacing distance from the lower rail to the upper rail, wherein the plurality of pickets are spaced apart equidistantly along the section distance between the first fence post and the second fence post;a first outer fence panel configured to be removably interposed laterally between the first fence post and one of the pickets and extending vertically between the upper rail and lower rail and a second outer fence panel configured to be removably interposed laterally between the second fence post and another one of the pickets and extending vertically between the upper rail and lower rail, the first outer fence panel and the second outer fence panel each comprising:a first outer panel end and a second outer panel end;a first side extending from the first outer panel end to the second outer panel end and having a first outer surface and a first inner surface;a second side extending from the first outer panel end to the second outer panel end and having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, wherein the first side inner surface is radially spaced apart from the second side inner surface by a panel width;at least one strut having a first strut end coupled to the first side inner surface at a first abutment, a second strut end coupled to the second side inner surface at a second abutment, and defining a strut height that extends from the first strut end to the second strut end, wherein the panel width is substantially equal to the strut height; anda cantilever element having an abutment end, a distal end, and a length extending from the abutment end to the distal end, wherein the cantilever element is coupled to the first side inner surface at the first abutment, such that the cantilever element is obliquely angled with respect to the strut;at least one interior fence panel disposed laterally between two adjacent pickets and extending vertically between the upper rail and the lower rail, the at least one interior fence panel comprising:a first interior panel end and a second interior panel end;a first side having a first outer surface and a first inner surface and extending from the first interior panel end to the second interior panel end;a second side having a second outer surface and a second inner surface and extending from the first interior panel end to the second interior panel end, wherein the first side inner surface is radially spaced apart from the second side inner surface by a panel width;a plurality of struts spaced apart from each other between the first interior panel end and the second interior panel end, each of the plurality of struts having a first strut end coupled to the first side inner surface at a first abutment, a second strut end coupled to the second side inner surface at a second abutment, and defining a strut height that extends from the first strut end to the second strut end, wherein the panel width is substantially equal to the strut height; anda cantilever element having an abutment end, a distal end, and a length extending from the abutment end to the distal end, wherein the cantilever element is coupled to the first side inner surface at the first abutment of only one of the struts, such that the cantilever element is obliquely angled with respect to the respective strut.
11. The fence system of claim 10 wherein:the at least one strut and the cantilever element of the first outer fence panel is disposed closer to the first outer panel end than the second outer panel end; andthe at least one strut and the cantilever element of the second outer fence panel is disposed closer to the first outer panel end than the second outer panel end.
12. The fence system of claim 11 wherein the length of the cantilever element of each of the first outer fence panel, the second outer fence panel, and the at least one interior fence panel is less than the panel width.
13. The fence system of claim 12 wherein each of the struts extends substantially orthogonal to each of the first side inner surface and the second side inner surface of the respective panel.
14. The fence system of claim 13 wherein the plurality of struts of each of the interior fence panels are spaced apart equidistantly between the interior fence panel first end and the interior fence panel second end.
15. The fence system of claim 13 wherein:the abutment end of the cantilever element of the first outer fence panel forms a fulcrum with the first side inner surface of the first side of the first outer fence panel at the first abutment about which the distal end of the respective cantilever element is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end thereof;the abutment end of the cantilever element of the second outer fence panel forms a fulcrum with the first side inner surface of the first side if the second outer fence panel at the first abutment about which the distal end of the respective cantilever element is configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end thereof; andthe abutment end of the cantilever element of the at least one interior fence panel forms a fulcrum with the first side inner surface of the first side of the at least one interior fence panel at the first abutment about which the distal end of the respective cantilever element is configured rotate when an external force is applied to the distal end thereof.
16. The fence system of claim 12 further comprising at least one retaining element, wherein the retaining element comprises an intermediate section extending linearly between two opposing side sections, wherein the intermediate section further defines an attachment surface and a receiving surface; and wherein the two opposing side sections are substantially parallel to each other and substantially orthogonal to the intermediate section.
17. The fence system of claim 16 wherein the at least one retaining element is a plurality of retaining elements comprising:a first retaining element configured to receive the first outer panel end of the first outer fence panel, wherein the attachment surface of the first retaining element is disposed in contact with and fixedly coupled to the first fence post; anda second retaining element configured to receive the first outer panel end of the second outer fence panel, wherein the attachment surface of the second retaining element is disposed in contact with and fixedly coupled to the second fence post.
18. The fence panel system of claim 12 wherein:the first outer fence panel is formed as a single unitary piece;the second outer fence panel is formed as a single unitary piece;the at least one interior fence panel is formed as a single unitary piece;each of the first outer fence panel, the second outer fence panel, the at least one interior fence panel comprises one of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a fiberglass material, a vinyl material, and a plastic material.
19. The fence panel system of claim 18 wherein the first outer fence panel, the second outer fence panel, and the at least one interior fence panel are formed of the same material.
20. The fence panel system of claim 19 further comprising a vinyl coating applied to the first side outer surface and the second side outer surface of each of the first outer fence panel, the second outer fence panel, and the at least one interior fence panel.