REMOVABLE POOL ENCLOSURE

Abstract

A removable pool enclosure system has a permanent, rigid framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface area containing a pool area to be enclosed, the framework including vertical support poles secured to the ground surface and connecting members affixed to the top of the support poles. A removable mesh fabric encloses the pool area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion which affixes to the top of the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed. A reinforced bottom hem on the side portion of the mesh fabric attaches, through grommets spaced throughout the hem; to fasteners affixed to the bottom end of the support poles to secure the reinforced bottom hem to the support poles. A sealable opening in the mesh fabric provides access to the pool area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to enclosures for outdoor swimming pools and spas, and more particularly to a removable type of enclosure similar to what is known as a “Florida room” enclosure for a pool, and to a method and apparatus for easily putting up and taking down such an enclosure which assists in keeping children, pets, wildlife, including insects and other pests outside of the pool area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor pools and spas are increasingly popular for providing recreation, exercise, relaxation and rehabilitation to their users. There are times, however, that pests such as biting insects are numerous enough to render the pools unusable. For example, black flies in New England, particularly during the spring, can be especially vicious and swarming, and leave painful, swollen welts at the site of their bites. The usual methods of dealing with the problem include curtailing outdoor activity, wearing long clothing, use of insect repellent substances on the body, and spraying insect killing/repelling chemicals into the environment around the pool area. Where the use of outdoor pools is concerned, these methods all have serious shortcomings. Curtailing outdoor activity and wearing long clothing are not helpful at all, insect repellents wash off the skin in water, aerosol dispersal of insect repellents is only partially effective in keeping pests away, and many people object to exposing their skin and respiratory system to insect-repelling chemicals.

Alternatively, the pool can be enclosed in a permanently screened structure. The screens tend to be fairly fragile, however, particularly if exposed during severe weather such as snow, sleet, high winds and the like, and are generally affixed to permanent structures which are complex and expensive to build and maintain. Accordingly, there is a need for providing a pool enclosure which is durable and sturdy, yet lightweight and flexible enough to be readily removed and stored when not in use.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an easily erectable enclosure or barrier for preventing access to a pool area by pests such as insects, birds, animals and reptiles. The invention includes a removable pool enclosure having a rigid framework which defines a pool area to be protected, a mesh fabric removably suspended from the framework which forms a barrier preventing unwanted access to the pool area, and means for raising and lowering the lower portion of the mesh fabric to provide unimpeded access to the pool area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a removable pool enclosure which prevents pests such as insects, animals, reptiles and birds from entering a pool area.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable pool enclosure that can be easily raised up to provide unimpeded access to the pool area and lowered to prevent unwanted pool area access.

It is another object of the invention to provide a removable pool enclosure constructed from a fabric-like mesh material which is strong and durable, yet lightweight and easily rolled and/or folded for storage.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable pool enclosure that can be easily removed and stored when not in use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a removable pool enclosure which further functions as a child safety fence.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a removable pool enclosure having an attachable canopy.

These objects are accomplished generally by a removable enclosure system having a rigid framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface and pool area to be enclosed, the framework including a plurality of generally vertical support poles affixed at a bottom end to the ground surface and a plurality of rigid connecting members affixed to top ends of the support poles. A mesh fabric encloses the defined volume of space above the ground surface area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion removably affixed to the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed and extend from the upper portion of the mesh fabric to the ground surface. Means for removably affixing the mesh fabric to the framework provides stability to the mesh fabric, and a sealable opening in the mesh fabric provides access to the defined volume of space.

When employed for use, the removable pool enclosure system includes a rigid framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface area containing a pool area to be enclosed, the framework including a plurality of generally vertical support poles affixed at a bottom end to the ground surface and a plurality of rigid connecting members affixed to top ends of the support poles. A mesh fabric encloses the defined volume of space above the ground surface area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion removably affixed to the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed and extend from the upper portion of the mesh fabric to the ground surface. A reinforced bottom hem on the side portion of the mesh fabric includes a plurality of spaced grommets which connect to a fastener affixed to the bottom end of a plurality of vertical support poles. Each fastener is adapted to attach to a grommet in the reinforced bottom hem for securing the reinforced bottom hem to the support poles, and a sealable opening in the mesh fabric provides access to the pool area.

These and other features, advantages and improvements according to this invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the removable enclosure system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the removable enclosure system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation view of the bottom portion of an embodiment of the removable enclosure system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the upper portion of an embodiment of the removable enclosure system of the present invention.

FIG. 4a is a close-up partial view from FIG. 4 of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rigid framework of an embodiment of the removable enclosure system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the removable pool enclosure of the present invention having a removable protective cover.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the removable pool enclosure of the present invention having a removable protective cover.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the removable pool enclosure of the present invention having a removable protective cover.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the removable pool enclosure of the present invention having a removable protective cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show different views of a similar embodiment of the removable enclosure system 10 of the present invention. Speaking generally, the removable enclosure system 10 includes a rigid framework 12 secured or supported by the ground surface 14 around the area to be enclosed and a mesh fabric 16 removably affixed inside the framework 12. The mesh fabric 16 is supported by the framework 12 and can be readily raised, removed, rolled or folded for storage when not in use.

As shown in the drawings, the rigid framework 12 defines a volume of space above a ground surface 14 area to be enclosed. The framework 12 includes a plurality of generally vertical support poles 18 affixed at a bottom end 20 to the ground surface 14 such that the support poles 18 define the perimeter of the area to be enclosed. A plurality of rigid connecting members 22 are affixed to top ends 24 of the support poles 18 to cooperatively form the rigid framework 12. A mesh fabric 16 encloses the defined volume of space above the ground surface area. The mesh fabric 16 has an upper portion 26 removably affixed to the framework 12 and a side portion 28 sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed and which extends from a perimeter of the upper portion 26 of the mesh fabric 16 to the ground surface 14. A sealable opening 30 in the side portion 28 of the mesh fabric 16 provides access to the enclosed area. The bottom ends 20 of the vertical support poles 18 support the framework 12 on the ground surface 14.

In some embodiments of the invention, the weight of the removable enclosure system 10 will provide sufficient force for affixing the support poles 18 to the ground surface 14, and the entire structure can simply rest upon the ground. In other embodiments, it will be preferable to permanently or removably affix the support poles 18 to the ground surface by conventional means, such as, for example, having a portion buried, inserted into a ground sleeve, and being bolted, welded or otherwise affixed to a ground plate. All such methods are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.

In order to provide a user access to and from the interior of the enclosure, a sealable opening 30 in the mesh fabric 16 can be opened and closed as desired. The size and shape of the sealable opening 30 is not critical, and can be as simple as a vertical seam in the mesh fabric 16. Preferred means for the sealable opening 30 include, for example, zippers and hook and loop-type fasteners. Other shapes, for example, C- and S-curves may be preferred.

Alternatively, some users may prefer to enter the enclosed area through a conventional screened door. In this embodiment, the term “sealable opening” includes a system wherein a door frame is affixed to the ground surface and/or a support pole, between adjacent support poles, and the mesh fabric has a notch cut out which is sized to circumscribe the perimeter of the door frame. The notch in the mesh fabric sealably affixes to the doorframe, for example, with hook and loop fasteners, to provide the sealable opening in the mesh fabric.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the mesh fabric 16 is removably attached to the framework 12 at both the top end 24 and the bottom end 20 of the support poles 18. FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate embodiments of the means for removably attaching the mesh fabric 16 to the framework 12, with FIG. 3 illustrating the lower attachment reinforcement in the form of a hem 42 (to the bottom of the support pole) and FIG. 4 showing the upper attachment reinforcement in the form of a tab 32 (to the top of the support pole).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the reinforcement as tabs 32 are affixed to the upper portion 26 of the mesh fabric 16. The number and placement of the reinforced tabs 32 will depend on the size, weight and durability of the mesh fabric 16 which forms the enclosure and the harshness of the environment to which the mesh fabric is exposed. For many applications, a rectangular arrangement of support poles 18 will be preferred, and in this orientation it will often suffice that the mesh fabric 16 be supported by reinforced tabs 32 which are supported by the support poles which form the four corners of the rectangular arrangement. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a pulley 34 affixed to the top end 24 of the support poles 18 facilitates raising the mesh fabric 16, while a cleat 36 affixed to the support poles 18 is used to secure and maintain the mesh fabric 16 in a raised position. To raise the mesh fabric 16 into position for use, an appropriately sized line 38 is connected at one end 40 to a reinforced tab 32 and is threaded through the pulley 34. By pulling down on the line 38, the mesh fabric 16 is raised up, after which the line 38 is secured to the cleat 36 to maintain the mesh fabric 16 in position for use. The line 38 can take the form of ropes, cords, wires, cables and the like, and can connect to the reinforced tab 32 by conventional means.

In order to provide structural integrity and stability to the enclosure system 10, the mesh fabric 16 is preferably affixed tautly at a bottom end to the framework 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, this embodiment includes a reinforcement in the form of a bottom hem 42 on the side portion 28 of the mesh fabric 16, with a number of hem grommets 44 spaced apart throughout the length of the reinforced bottom hem 42. The hem grommets 44 are employed to affix the reinforced bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16 to a fastener 46 affixed to the bottom ends 20 of the support poles 18.

The fastener 46 can take any form appropriate for securing a reinforcement such as the bottom hem 42, for example, an eye screw, a hook, bolt, ring or the like, and can further comprise one or more apertures in the support pole through which an intermediary mechanism can be secured.

The connection of the grommets 44 to the support poles 18 can be done directly or indirectly. For example, a direct connection could comprise the fastener 46 being a carabineer-type clip which connects directly through the hem grommet 44, while an indirect connection includes an intermediary mechanism affixing the fastener 46 to the grommets 44. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an intermediary mechanism for connecting the reinforced hem 42, through the grommets 44, to the support poles 18, through the fasteners 46.

Shown in FIG. 3 as the intermediary mechanism is a cable 48 proximate to the reinforced bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16 and clips 50 for fastening the cable 48 to the reinforced bottom hem 42 through the grommets 44. The cable 48 is secured to bottom end 20 of the support poles 18 by passing through the fastener 46, shown in this embodiment as an eye screw, affixed thereto. The reinforced bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16 is secured to the cable 48 by clips 50, shown in this embodiment as carabineer-type clips. The cable 48 can be formed of metal or any other material which can be formed into a tensionable cord, for example, synthetic material such as nylon and polypropylene, or natural materials such as silk and hemp.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a tensioning device 52 for securing the cable 48, and hence also the reinforced bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16, tautly to the bottom ends 20 of the support poles 18. The tensioning device 52 can take the form, for example, of a turnbuckle, a tensioning nut or the like, which connects to and pulls together opposite distal ends 54 of the cable 48. To provide full enclosure and to avoid causing a tripping hazard through the sealable opening 30, it is preferable that the cable 48 rest immediately proximate to, or directly upon, the ground surface. Alternate embodiments include having the cable affixed directly to the ground surface.

With regard to the upper attachment of the mesh fabric 16 to the support poles 18, FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 illustrate embodiments wherein the line 38 is connected to the reinforced tab 32 through a tab grommet 56 in the reinforced tab 32 affixed to an upper portion of the mesh fabric. In FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 the line 38 is shown tied directly through the grommet 56, whereas in FIG. 4a the end 40 of the line 38 is affixed to a readily attachable and releasable line fastener 58. While illustrated as an S-hook in FIG. 4a, the line fastener could alternatively take any conventional form, such as a quick release clip or carabineer, which can readily be attached to and removed from the reinforced tab 32 through the tab grommet 56. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a hanger 60 affixed to the top 24 of the vertical support pole 18. In this embodiment of the invention, the mesh fabric 16 is raised by: connecting one end 40 of the line 38 to the reinforced tab 32; threading the line 38 through the pulley 34; raising the mesh fabric 16 by pulling down on the line 38; and securing the line to the cleat 36 to maintain the mesh fabric 16 in a raised position. The reinforced bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16 can then be secured to the support poles 18 by attaching the fasteners 46 on the bottom ends 20 of the support poles 18 to the hem grommets 44. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cable 48 passes through the fasteners 46 and the hem grommets 44 are connected to the cable by clips 50. The clips 50, shown as carabineer type clips, can also connect the hem grommets 44 directly to the fasteners 46, particularly at corner support poles. The cable 48 is then pulled taut by adjusting the tension of the cable 48 with the tensioning device 52.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, after the mesh fabric 16 has been raised to its operational height by pulling down on the line 38 which passes through the pulley 34, the tab grommet 56 can be hung from the hanger 60 and the line fastener 58 detached from the tab grommet 56. The line 38, pulley 34 and line fastener 58 can then be employed to raise the bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16 by unfastening the support pole fasteners 46 from the hem grommets 44, fastening the line fastener 58 to a hem grommet 44, followed by pulling down on the line 38 to raise the bottom hem 42 of the mesh fabric 16. The hem 42 can be maintained in the raised position by fastening the line 38 to the cleat 36, for unimpeded access to the pool area when full enclosure is not necessary and without requiring complete removal of the mesh fabric from the framework.

It can be readily appreciated that, when formed of hollow pipes, the vertical support poles 18 and the connecting members 22 will form a hollow framework when connected together. Also shown in FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the lines 38 can run through the interior of the hollow framework in order to provide a neater appearance and to protect the lines 38 from exposure to the elements. In this embodiment, the pulley 34 may be partially or entirely situated within the hollow framework, with an optional lower pulley 61. It is to be appreciated that a pulley as shown in the figures is generally defined as a freely rotating wheel or disc supported by an axle and defining a groove and passage through which the line(s) 38 runs, but in its broadest form is defined as a sheave, drum, pin or similar element of a mechanical advantage system which facilitates a linear or rotational system of motion. Another embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of lines ganged together, even including a block and tackle system comprised of several pulley mechanisms, optionally within the hollow framework, such that all or several of the reinforced tabs can be raised simultaneously by pulling down on a single line.

Optionally, the invention can further comprise a powered system for raising and lowering the mesh fabric, for example, a motorized pulley system. The pulley affixed to the top end 24 of the support pole 18 can further comprise, for example, a toothed pulley/gearbelt system.

With regard to the mesh fabric 16 which forms the enclosure, a lightweight, high strength material having a mesh size fine enough to act as a barrier to insect pests is preferred. A particularly preferred material is vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh.

As shown in FIGS. 5 through 9, the rigid framework 12 structure is modular, and can be scaled to a desired size by adding more support poles 18 and connecting members 22 to the framework 12. For larger structures, it may be desirable to use more reinforced tabs 32, which can be used to removably attach the mesh fabric 16 to either the top end 24 region of the support poles 18, or to the connecting members 22 of the framework 12.

The generally vertical support poles 18 and the connecting members 22 which form the framework 12 of the invention are formed of a durable, rigid material. A preferred material is metal or plastic piping, with metal piping being particularly preferred in harsh climates. In another embodiment of the invention the connecting members are formed of a material which is more lightweight than the vertical support poles.

The support poles 18, which are generally vertical, and the connecting members 22, which are generally horizontal, are connected orthogonally at their respective ends by sleeve fittings to form the rigid framework which supports the mesh fabric. As can best be seen in FIG. 5, an orthogonal structure requires, at most, three types of fittings: corner fittings 62 connecting the ends of two horizontal connecting members 22 and a vertical support 18; side fittings 64 connecting the ends of three horizontal connecting members 22 and a vertical support 18; and interior fittings 66 connecting the ends of four horizontal connecting members 22. With this construction, the rigid framework 12 of the present invention can be assembled using as few as four different structures, lengths of piping which can serve as either vertical support or horizontal connecting member and the three types of sleeve fittings which provide modular construction. For construction of a framework for enclosing a pool area, the framework will generally be formed from vertical supports and connecting members which are from about 8 to about 12 feet in length.

A protective cover, such as plastic sheeting may be placed over or integrated with the mesh fabric 16. All or portions of the plastic covering may be attached to the framework 22, and fittings and adjustable lines to raise or lower portions of the plastic sheeting for rain protection. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 9, the protective cover 68 can be secured over the framework 12, in order to protect the enclosed area. The protective cover 68 can cover only the top surface FIGS. 6 and 7, or can cover the top surface and a portion (FIG. 8) or all of the side portions (FIG. 9), as desired by the user. When a protective cover 68 is employed, the rigid framework 12 may contain an optional peaked roof 70. The protective cover may be made of any material such as the mesh fabric described above, or may be a solid cloth, fabric or plastic material for shedding water, snow etc. The protective cover may be placed over the entire enclosure even with the above discussed mesh fabric 16 supported within the framework 12 so as to provide rain barrier for instance. With the complete enclosure shown in FIG. 9 the cover can be a complete winter protection if it is desired not to dismantle the framework 12 for instance after the summer pool season.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

PARTS LIST

• • 10 Removable Enclosure System
  • 12 framework
  • 14 ground surface
  • 16 mesh fabric
  • 18 support pole
  • 20 bottom end of 18
  • 22 connecting members
  • 24 top end of 18
  • 26 upper portion of 16
  • 28 side portion of 16
  • 30 sealable opening in 16
  • 32 reinforced tabs on 26
  • 34 pulley affixed to 24
  • 36 cleat affixed to 18
  • 38 lines
  • 40 end of 38
  • 42 reinforced bottom hem of 16
  • 44 hem grommets
  • 46 fastener affixed to the bottom end of support pole
  • 48 cable
  • 50 clip
  • 52 tensioning device
  • 54 opposite distal ends of 48
  • 56 tab grommet
  • 58 line fastener
  • 60 hanger
  • 61 lower pulley affixed to 24
  • 62 corner fitting
  • 64 side fitting
  • 66 interior fitting
  • 68 protective cover
  • 70 peaked roof of 12

Claims

1. A removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area comprising:

a framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface area to be enclosed, the framework defined by vertical support poles supported at a bottom end to the ground surface and connected by a plurality of connecting members affixed at respective top ends of the support poles;

a mesh fabric supported by the framework and at least partially enclosing the volume of space above the ground surface area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion removably connected to the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface and extend between the upper portion of the mesh fabric and the ground surface so as to substantially entirely enclose the volume of space relative to the ground surface.

2. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of pulleys supported proximate the top ends of at least certain of the vertical support poles to facilitate the supporting of the mesh fabric to the framework.

3. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a sealable opening formed in the mesh fabric providing access to the defined volume of space.

4. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 3 further comprising at least a flexible line connected between the mesh fabric through at least one of the plurality of pulleys to a line securing device on the framework.

5. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a bottom edge of the mesh fabric secured to the framework adjacent the bottom ends of certain of the plurality of vertical support poles.

6. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 5 wherein the bottom edge of the mesh fabric includes a reinforced bottom hem having a plurality of grommets spaced throughout the reinforced bottom hem and a fastener adapted to attach between the grommets and the framework.

7. The removable enclosure system for a pool or patio area as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a cable as the fastener proximate to the reinforced bottom hem for securing the lower edge of the mesh fabric close to the ground surface.

8. The removable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the means for affixing the mesh fabric to the framework comprises:

a reinforcement affixed adjacent the upper portion of the mesh fabric;

a pulley affixed adjacent the top end of at least one of the generally vertical support poles;

a cleat affixed to the framework; and

at least a flexible line connecting the reinforcement through the pulley to be secured to the cleat.

9. The removable enclosure system of claim 8, wherein the mesh fabric comprises vinyl-coated fiberglass.

10. The removable enclosure system of claim 3, wherein the sealable opening in the mesh fabric is formed by one of mechanical clips and hook and loop fasteners.

11. The removable enclosure system of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover.

12. A removable pool enclosure system comprising:

a rigid framework defining a volume containing a pool, the framework comprising a plurality of generally vertical support poles affixed at a bottom end to the ground surface and a plurality of connecting members affixed to the support poles;

a mesh fabric enclosing the defined volume of space above the ground surface area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion removably affixed to the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed and extend from the upper portion of the mesh fabric to the ground surface;

a bottom hem on the side portion of the mesh fabric;

a plurality of grommets spaced throughout the reinforced bottom hem;

a fastener affixed to the bottom end of a plurality of the generally vertical support poles, each fastener adapted to attach to a grommet in the reinforced bottom hem for securing the reinforced bottom hem to the support poles; and

a sealable opening in the mesh fabric providing access to the pool area.

13. The removable pool enclosure system of claim 12, further comprising a cable proximate to the reinforced bottom hem, the cable secured to the grommets and having opposite distal ends connected by a tensioning device, wherein the cable is secured to the grommets by a carabineer.

14. The removable pool enclosure system of claim 13, wherein the enclosure system further comprises:

a plurality of reinforced tabs affixed to the upper portion of the mesh fabric;

a pulley affixed to the top end of at least one of the vertical support poles;

a cleat affixed to each support pole having a pulley affixed thereto; and

a plurality of lines connected to the reinforced tabs, through the pulley and extending to a cleat.

15. The removable pool enclosure system of claim 14, wherein the mesh fabric comprises vinyl-coated fiberglass.

16. The removable pool enclosure system of claim 15, wherein the sealable opening in the mesh fabric is formed by means selected from a zipper and hook and loop fasteners.

17. A method of preventing undesired access to a pool comprising the steps:

providing a removable pool enclosure system having a rigid framework;

defining a volume of space above a ground surface area containing a pool area to be enclosed, the framework including a plurality of generally vertical support poles affixed at a bottom end to the ground surface and a plurality of rigid connecting members affixed to top ends of the support poles;

enclosing the defined volume of space above the ground surface area with a mesh fabric having an upper portion removably affixed to the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed and extend from the upper portion of the mesh fabric to the ground surface;

affixing a plurality reinforcements to the upper portion of the mesh fabric and affixing a pulley to the top end of the generally vertical support poles to receive a flexible line connecting the plurality of reinforcements through the pulley.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of securing a bottom edge of the mesh fabric to the framework adjacent the bottom ends of certain of the plurality of vertical support poles.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of securing a cable to a plurality of grommets and to the fasteners proximate to the bottom edge of the mesh fabric.