Fence system and method

Abstract

The invention regards a fence system that appears invisible, so as not to mar the appearance of surrounding landscape. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a plurality of clear posts and a clear rail located between the posts. The rail and the posts form a fence panel. The fence system is not readily discernible with respect to the fence system's particular surrounding.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/650,877, filed Feb. 8, 2005, entitled FENCE SYSTEM, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fencing, and, more particularly, to a fence that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

2. Description of the Related Art

Outdoor fencing remains a major industry in the world. People erect fences for all sorts of purposes, including keeping people or animals in or out of a specified area. An unfortunate consequence of fencing is that the beauty of natural landscape is marred. Many people do not want their natural landscapes tarnished by a fence.

Accordingly, devices and methods have been developed to prevent the aesthetics of landscape from being negatively affected. For example, so called “invisible fencing” has been developed, in which a cable is buried underground and a pet wears an electronic receiving device that emits a mild electric shock in case the pet crosses the buried cable. In this way, a fence is installed that keeps pets in an enclosed area, and the fence is not visible.

Unfortunately, such “invisible fencing” cannot prevent wildlife or stray animals from entering an area. Without the electronic receiving device worn by an animal, the “fence” has no effect.

Various fences have been developed to provide an aesthetically enjoyable appearance, or to minimize the fence damaging the aesthetics of a natural landscape. No fence system has been found in the prior art, however, that provides for deterring or discouraging wildlife from entering an area, and wherein the fence is not readily discernible or marring of scenery.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,702 (the “'702 patent”) to Lubore provides for an Ornamental Fence. FIG. 1 of the '702 patent discusses a translucent fence which consists of hollow rails and pickets. The rail and picket walls are thin and made of a translucent material that is free from pigmentation (glass, Plexiglas, or plastic) and have sufficient transparency. Colored liquid is added to give the fence a desired color and, accordingly, to create a visible appearance.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,436 (the “'436 patent”) to Kretsch provides for a Goose Barrier. Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the '436 patent is a post holding up two plastic wires. The posts are preferably rigid and may be made of plastic or fiberglass. Although the plastic wires may be transparent monofilament fishing lines that pass through an orifice in the post, the posts do not appear to be transparent. Accordingly, the fence does not appear invisible.

In another example, a publication to Gates (United Kingdom Publication GB 932722) provides for an Anti-Glare Fencing for Multi-Track Roads. Disclosed is an anti-glare fence for multi-track roads is comprised of a plurality of thin venetian blind-like slats. Two plastic-coated wires are jammed in elongated holes in the slats, and wires pass freely through holes in the slat. The ends of the wires may be secured to plastic tubular posts. Although the fence may be made entirely of plastic; however, it does not appear to be transparent or not visually perceived.

The references described above, and, generally, the state of the prior art, do not disclose a transparent fence that comprises clear posts and rails such that the fence is not seen. Kretsch describes fence posts having transparent monofilament cords for rails; and Lubore teaches hollow translucent posts and rails (i.e., the patent to Lubore). As noted above, Lubore teaches using colored liquid to create a fence having a desired visible appearance. None of the prior art references teaches or suggests a transparent fence that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a fence system that appears clear so as not to mar the appearance of surrounding landscape. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of clear posts and at least one clear rail located between the posts. The rail and the posts form at least one fence panel. The fence system is not readily discernible with respect to the fence system's particular surrounding.

Other features of such a fence system are further envisioned. One embodiment of the present invention uses a monofilament cord for the rail. In another embodiment, the fence system comprises a cavity in at least one of the clear posts. The cord passes through the cavity in the post(s).

In one embodiment, a groove may be provided in at least one of the clear posts and a cavity may be provided in the groove. In this embodiment, the groove runs 360 degrees around the post.

In another embodiment, no groove is provided in any of the clear posts. Instead, a cavity is provided in at least one of the clear posts, and the clear rail(s) pass through the cavity. Thus, although one or more grooves may be provided, the grooves are not required or necessary. By omitting the groove(s), manufacturing costs may be reduced.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustrating the present invention, there is shown in the drawings at least one example embodiment. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, the drawings are meant to be illustrative, and, for example, are not drawn to scale, and some portions are enlarged for purposes of discussion. The present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front plan view of a partial first embodiment of the fence system of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the partial first embodiment of the fence system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front plan view illustrating in greater detail a section of the partial first embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the section illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the partial first embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a front plan of a partial second embodiment of the fence system of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the partial first embodiment of the fence system shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a front plan view illustrating in greater detail a section of the partial second embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the section shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top view illustrating a section of the partial first embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 5 is another front plan view illustrating the partial second embodiment of the fence system shown in FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a substantially or completely clear fence system that includes substantially or completely clear fence posts that support substantially or completely clear fence rails that extend between the fence posts. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the rails that extend between the fence posts are clear fiber cords or any of the known rail types that are made clear in accordance with the present invention. As used herein, the term “clear” generally refers to transparent, translucent or other properties that allow you to at least partially see through the fence system, so the fence system is not readily discernible with respect to the fence's surroundings. An example of a material that is completely clear is glass.

Preferably, the fence should also not mar the immediate surroundings. Thus, the fence system is virtually or substantially undetectable so as not to mar the natural beauty of a landowner's property. One use of the present invention would be to deter, if not prevent, deer from intruding on the landowner's property.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, at least one clear fiber cord as used as a rail and is installed horizontally and parallel to create a clear fence panel. In one embodiment, tension is maintained on each clear fiber cord and, therefore, the panel by one or more turnbuckles located throughout the clear fiber cord network. As known to one skilled in the art, a turnbuckle is an effective device to adjust tension in ropes or the like. Tension can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the turnbuckle, for example, by screwing an eyelet in or out. It is believed by the inventor that turnbuckles are effective for adjusting and maintaining tension in the clear fence of the present invention, but are not required. Any method of maintaining tension is envisioned herein and applicable to the present invention. Thus, although turnbuckles are preferred to adjust and maintain tension, they are not required.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, each clear post is a rectangular prism that is approximately ten feet to twelve feet in height and one-quarter inch to four inches in width. Each post may be provided with one or a series of cavities, at one to four inch intervals. The clear fiber fence cords are inserted through one of cavities. The cords may be inserted in alternating cavities and at various intervals. Thus, a series of cavities and clear fence cords creates one or more clear fiber fence panels.

In one embodiment, at least one post has at least one circular groove that runs 360 degrees around at least one of the cavities. According to this embodiment, a groove is approximately 0.15 to 0.50 inches in depth and approximately 0.15 to 0.75 inches in height. The clear fiber cord fits tightly in the groove at junctions at the fence direction. As noted above, providing a groove is possible, but not preferable.

In one embodiment, the clear fiber fence cord is secured to each post at regular intervals. The clear fiber cord is inserted through one of the parallel cavities to create at least one clear fiber fence panels. Further, posts may be provided that are not physically connected to the clear fiber cord and support the clear fiber cord. As noted above, tension on the clear fiber fence panel is preferably maintained by a series of turnbuckles located throughout the clear fiber cord network. Also as noted above, although currently preferred, the turnbuckles are not required.

At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a solution that deters or prevents wildlife from entering an area, and yet is not readily discernible and blends seamlessly with the surrounding scenery. In an example embodiment, the present invention provides solutions to the shortcomings of the prior art, as described above with respect to marring the natural beauty of landscape while deterring or discouraging deer or other wildlife from entering an area. In an example embodiment, the present invention relates to a clear fence system that includes posts that support fiber cords. Each fiber cord is installed, for example, as horizontally arranged cords that can be coplanar with a substantially vertical plane to provide at least one panel. Tension is preferably maintained on each fiber cord and, therefore, the panel, by one or more turnbuckles located throughout the fiber cord network.

In an example embodiment, each post is a rectangular prism that is approximately 10-12 feet in height and 0.5-4 inches in width. Each post has a cavity or a series of cavities at 1-4 inch intervals. The fiber cords are inserted through, for example, one of the cavities. The cord is inserted, for example, in alternating cavities at various intervals. This series of parallel cavities and fiber cords creates one or more fiber fence panels.

Although the foregoing discussion describes the posts as rectangular prisms, the present invention is not so limited. For example, each post of the present invention can be shaped to have at least one tapered end. Further, the posts may be formed as cylinders (as opposed to rectangles). Further, a variety of shapes may be employed for the posts, for example, such that one post is rectangular and another post is, for example, cylindrical. One or more posts of the present invention may be formed in other shapes, as would be known or evident to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, FIG. 1A is a front plan view and FIG. 1B is a side view of an example embodiment of the fence system 10 of the present invention. As noted above, the embodiment(s) of the present invention shown in the drawings are illustrative, and are not meant to limit the present invention to the precise instrumentalities shown. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, posts 12 are vertically positioned and with a portion buried beneath the ground line. Grooves 14 are interspersed at regular intervals, and each post 12 includes cavity 16 to support clear fiber fence cords (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, grooves 14 are separated from each other by a distance of approximately, for example, 3 inches, and post 12 extends approximately 10 feet above the ground line.

FIG. 2A is a front plan view and FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating in greater detail a section of the embodiment of fence 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2C is a top view illustrating a section of the partial first embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, groove 14 includes cavity 16 for supporting a clear fiber cord (not shown). In an example embodiment, the cavity 16 is approximately one half inch and groove 14 is approximately, for example, 1 inch. Further, groove 14 has convex walls 18 to enable winding of the clear fiber cord around the groove.

Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B include a plurality of cavities 16 in each groove 14, the invention is not so limited. For example, a single cavity 16 may be provided in a groove 14. Moreover, each groove 14 does not require a cavity 16. For example, a first post 12 may include a single cavity 16 that is provided in a groove 14. A second post 12 may comprise a single groove 14 that has no cavity 16 therein. The clear fiber cord can extend from the groove 14 from the first post, and be wound around a groove 14 in the second post 12 without passing through a cavity 16. In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4A, 4B and 4C, no grooves are provided and single cavities 16 (as opposed to a parallel cavities 16) are provided in posts 12.

FIG. 3A is a front plan view and FIG. 3B is a side view of another embodiment of the fence system 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, posts 12 are vertically positioned and with a portion buried beneath the ground line. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C, no grooves 14 are provided in posts 12. Also unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, each post 12 includes individual cavities 16 to support clear fiber fence cords (not shown), as opposed to a series of cavities 16, shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4A is a front plan view and FIG. 4B is a side view illustrating in greater detail a section of the embodiment of fence 10 illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4C is a top view illustrating a section of the partial first embodiment of the fence system illustrated in FIG. 3A. As noted above and with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the posts 12 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C have no groove 14, and each post 12 includes a single cavity 16 (as opposed to a series of cavities 16) for supporting a clear fiber cord (not shown). In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, cavity 16 is approximately one quarter (0.25) inch in diameter.

FIG. 5 is another front plan view of the embodiment of the fence system 10 shown in FIG. 3A. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 5 shows cords 20 that are supported by posts 12, which are not shown in FIGS. 1A-4C.

In a preferred embodiment, the fencing system 10 is seemingly transparent that comprises of seemingly transparent inelastic fiber cords and seemingly transparent posts such that the fence is not readily discernible or marring of scenery. As noted above, a plurality of turn buckles may be used to provide tension for the fiber cords that are arranged, through a cavity 16.

Therefore, the present invention provides an effective fence system to discourage, deter and/or prevent deer or other wildlife from entering an area, and is fashioned to avoid marring a landowner's property.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an outdoor fence that is not readily visible and blends in with landscape so as not to mar the landscape's appearance. Although the embodiments described herein include clear posts and cords, the invention is not so limited. Color may be introduced to any section or area of the fence including the entire fence system to accomplish this end. It may be, for example, that the present invention is erected in front of an existing structure, such as a red barn. In such case, a portion of the fence (e.g., a portion of a cord and/or a post that passes in front of the barn) may be provided with color to blend in with the surrounding area. Thus, for example, the portion of the fence that is situated in front of the barn has the same color as the barn, thereby enabling the fence to blend in effectively.

In another embodiment, the materials comprising the fence are treated with a non-reflective or non-glare coating. Preferably, the finish is a flat/matted finish so as to reduce glare. Such a coating is desirable to reduce or eliminate glare and reflections in or on clear materials, such as a polymer. In yet another alternative, the materials included in the fence are coated with a fog-resistant substance. It is believed by the inventor without being bound by theory that glare, reflection and/or fogging interferes with the appearance of invisibility and associated aesthetics of the present invention. By providing glare-resistant and/or fog-resistant coating, as known in the art, in an example embodiment, the blending of the fence of the present invention with a surrounding environment can be improved.

In a variation on the above-described alternative embodiment, the fence system can be camouflaged so as to blend into the fence's surroundings, also rendering the fence system not readily discernible with respect to the fence's surroundings. In an example embodiment, a plurality of different colors, patterns and/or designs can be applied to one or more portions of the fence system in order to achieve effective blending with the fence's surroundings. Alternatively, a single color may be applied to the fence in different areas. In this embodiment, to achieve camouflaging, the fence system need not be clear. For example, the fence system or parts thereof can be opaque.

In another example embodiment, to achieve camouflaging, the color of the fence is matched to the color of the fence system's surroundings. For example, if a person chooses to erect the fence in front of the red barn, in order to ensure a proper color match, the person obtains a paint sample of the barn. The paint sample is used to determine an appropriate color formula to be used to reproduce the color, for example, by performing a spectral analysis on the paint sample. Once the color formula is determined, the formula may be adjusted to accommodate the material used for the fence and/or the section of the fence where the color is to be applied. The particular adjustment of the color formula that was initially determined by the paint sample may depend upon various criteria, such as the thickness of the portion of the fence where color is applied, the height from the ground where the color is to be applied, the proximity to a physical structure (e.g., the barn) or the like.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A fence system for use in a particular surrounding comprising:

a plurality of clear posts; and

at least one clear rail located between the posts to form at least one fence panel, wherein the at least one fence panel is not readily discernible with respect to the particular surrounding.

2. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the at least one rail is a monofilament cord.

3. The fence system of claim 1, further comprising a cavity in at least one of the clear posts.

4. The fence system of claim 3, wherein the at least one rail passes through the cavity.

5. The fence system of claim 1, further comprising a groove in at least one of the clear posts.

6. The fence system of claim 5, further comprising a cavity in the groove.

7. The fence system of claim 5, wherein the groove is 360 degrees around the post.

8. The fence system of claim 5, wherein the groove is between 0.14 of an inch and 0.76 of an inch in depth.

9. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the posts and the at least one rail are substantially clear.

10. The fence system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the clear posts includes a groove and a cavity, wherein the groove is around the cavity.

11. The fence system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of turnbuckles provided on the clear rail, wherein the turnbuckles provide tension on the rail.

12. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the posts are shaped to refract light.

13. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the posts are rectangular or cylindrical.

14. The fence system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the posts has tapered ends.

15. The fence system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rail is colored.

16. The fence system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the posts is colored.

17. The fence system of claim 1, further comprising a non-reflective coating applied to at least one of the plurality of posts or at least a portion of the clear rail.

18. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the posts and the at least one rail are completely clear.

19. A method for providing a clear fence for use in a particular surrounding, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of clear posts; and

providing at least one clear rail located between the posts to form at least one fence panel, wherein the at least one fence panel is not readily discernible with respect to the particular surrounding.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one clear rail is a monofilament cord.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a cavity in at least one of the clear posts.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising passing the rail through the cavity.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a groove in at least one of the clear posts.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a cavity in the groove.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the groove is 360 degrees around the post.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the groove is between 0.14 of an inch and 0.76 of an inch in depth.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the posts and the at least one rail are substantially clear.

28. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a groove and a cavity in at least one of the plurality of posts, wherein the groove is around the cavity.

29. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a plurality of turnbuckles on the clear rail, wherein the turnbuckles provide tension on the rail.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein the posts are shaped to refract light.

31. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming at least one of the plurality of posts to be rectangular or cylindrical.

32. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming at least one of the plurality of posts to have tapered ends.

33. The method of claim 19, further comprising coloring at least a portion of the rail.

34. The method of claim 19, further comprising coloring at least a portion of at least one of the posts.

35. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

receiving a sample having a color;

determining a color formula to reproduce the color on the rail or at least one of the posts; and

using the color formula to provide color on at least a portion of the rail or at least one of the posts.

36. The method of claim 19, further comprising applying a non-reflective coating to at least one of the plurality of posts or at least a portion of the clear rail.

37. The method of claim 19, applying a fog-resistant coating to at least one of the plurality of posts or at least a portion of the clear rail.

38. The method of claim 19, wherein the posts and the at least one rail are completely clear.

39. A camouflaged fence system for use in a particular surrounding, comprising:

a plurality of posts, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the posts is provided with at least one selected from the group consisting of a color, pattern and design that match the particular surrounding; and

at least one rail located between the posts to form at least one fence panel, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the rails is provided with at least one selected from the group consisting of a color, pattern and design that match the particular surrounding,

wherein the at least one fence panel is not readily discernible with respect to the particular surrounding.