BARRIER SYSTEM
A barrier system including two or more panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define one or more gaps therebetween, and one or more intermediate elements at least partially positioned between the panel elements respectively, to at least partially occupy the gap(s).
This invention is related to a barrier system having a number of panel elements and intermediate elements positioned therebetween respectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn certain structures (e.g., fences), wooden panel elements typically are positioned substantially abutting each other edge-to-edge, in an attempt to form a barrier that provides privacy. For instance, in a typical board fence, boards that are nominally 1 inch by 6 inches (i.e., nominally 2.54 cm×15.24 cm) are positioned to abut each other edge-to-edge. As is well known in the art, the boards are secured to a structure that supports the boards. However, the boards frequently shrink and, to some extent, warp over time, because the wood dries out (i.e., loses moisture) as it ages.
The result is that one or more gaps typically are formed between the boards. As a result, the barrier provides privacy only to a limited extent.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONFor the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a barrier system that overcomes or mitigates one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art.
In its broad aspect, the invention provides a barrier system including two or more panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define one or more gaps therebetween, and one or more intermediate elements at least partially positioned between the panel elements, to at least partially occupy the gap(s).
In one of its aspects, the invention additionally provides a barrier system including a structure subassembly, and two or more panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define one or more gaps therebetween, the panel elements being secured to the structure subassembly. The barrier system includes one or more intermediate elements at least partially positioned between the panel elements, to at least partially occupy the gap(s), and one or more utility elements secured to the structure subassembly for at least partially supporting the panel elements.
In another aspect, the invention provides a barrier system including two or more panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define one or more gaps therebetween and a structure subassembly for supporting the panel elements. Also, the barrier system includes a number of fasteners for securing the panel elements to the structure subassembly and one or more gap elements at least partially positioned between the panel elements, the gap element(s) including one or more gap web portions extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof, and a first flange connected to the web portions at the first side thereof and positioned substantially transverse to the web portion(s), the first flange being positioned for at least partial engagement with the panel elements, to at least partially locate the web portion(s) in said at least one gap, the gap element(s) being secured to the structure subassembly.
In yet another of its aspects the invention provides an intermediate element for positioning at least partially between at least two panel elements, the intermediate element including one or more web portions extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof, a first flange connected to the web portion at the first side thereof, a second flange connected to the web portion at the second side thereof, the web portion being at least partially locatable between the panel elements, and each of the first and second flanges being formed to at least partially engage the panel elements when the web portion is at least partially located between the panel elements, to maintain the web portion at least partially between the panel elements.
In another aspect, the invention provides a panel assembly having a number of rails, the rails being positioned substantially parallel to each other, and a number of panel elements secured to the rails, the panel elements being positioned substantially orthogonal to the rails and located substantially edge-to-edge serially, to define gaps therebetween. The panel assembly also includes a number of intermediate elements, each intermediate element being positioned at least partially between a selected pair of the panel elements. In addition, the panel assembly includes one or more panel supports, for supporting the rails.
In yet another of its aspects, the invention provides a kit of parts for a barrier system. The kit includes a structure subassembly for assembly into a structure, having one or more posts and one or more rails securable to the post, to provide the structure. The kit also includes a number of panel elements securable to the structure, and a number of intermediate elements positionable between the panel elements respectively, the intermediate elements being adapted to cover gaps between the panel elements when the panel elements are secured to the structure. In addition, the kit includes a number of fasteners, for securing the rails to the posts, and for securing the panel elements to the rails.
The invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings in which:
In the attached drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout. Reference is first made to
As can be seen, for instance, in
It will be understood that certain features are exaggerated in certain drawings, for clarity of illustration. For instance, in
An exemplary barrier system 20 is illustrated in
As will be described, it is preferred that a top surface 38 of the top rail 32 is located substantially flush (i.e., even) with top ends 40 of the panel elements 22, and a bottom surface 42 of the bottom rail 36 is located substantially flush with bottom ends 44 of the panel elements 22. In one embodiment, each of the panel elements 22 preferably is secured to the rails 32, 34, 36 by suitable fasteners 29, e.g., nails (
In one embodiment, the intermediate element 26 preferably includes one or more web portions 50 extending between a first side 52 thereof and an opposed second side 54 thereof. Preferably, the intermediate element 26 also includes a first flange 56 connected to the web portion 50 at the first side 52 thereof, and a second flange 58 connected to the web portion 50 at the second side 54 thereof (
For clarity of illustration, the two panel elements partially shown in
As can be seen in
Preferably, and as can be seen in
In one embodiment, the first and second flanges 56, 58 preferably are at least partially formed to taper inwardly relative to the web portion 50, for at least partial engagement of the first and second flanges 56, 58 with the panel elements 22A, 22B (
As can be seen in
The intermediate element 26 may be made of any suitable material, preferably a material that is relatively flexible. Those skilled in the art would be aware of suitable materials. It is preferred that the intermediate element 26 is made of any suitable plastic. For instance, it is believed that the following are suitable materials: polycarbonate, polystyrene, ABS (Acrylonitrite Butadiene Styrene), rigid polyvinyl chloride, and nylon. Also, the intermediate element may be made (in whole or in part) of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Rubber may also be a suitable material.
Depending on the material, the intermediate element 26 may be provided in a variety of colors. Also, the intermediate element may be clear, or translucent, and colored or colorless. The translucent intermediate element has the advantages that it allows some light through, but provides privacy.
A method of securing the panel elements 22 to the structure subassembly 28 of the invention will now be described. Referring to
Next, a trailing lengthwise side 48A-2 of a second panel element 22-2 is positioned in a first slot (not shown in
A third panel element 22-3 is next put into position. First, a trailing lengthwise side 48A-3 is inserted into a first slot (not shown) of a third intermediate element 26-3. Next, a leading lengthwise side 48B-3 of the panel element 22-3 is inserted transversely into a second slot 90-2 of the intermediate element 26-2. The third panel element 22-3 is then secured to the rails 32, 34, 36, using suitable fasteners 29.
As can be seen in
In use, after the panel elements 22 are secured to the structure subassembly 28, the intermediate elements 26 are in position on the panel elements 22, so that the web portions 50 thereof are at least partially located in the gap(s) 24. This prevents observation through the gaps 24, to provide privacy.
As described above, after a fence or similar wooden structure is built, the wooden elements tend to lose moisture. The panel elements shrink as they lose moisture over time, and this leads to gaps opening up between adjacent panel elements. As noted above, in this situation, the prior art fence or other barrier may not provide the desired degree of privacy, as the gaps permit observation therethrough. However, as can be seen in
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the intermediate element 26 preferably is formed so that the engagement portions engage the respective exterior surfaces of the panel elements 22A, 22B to a limited extent only. Accordingly, it is preferred that the intermediate element 26 is formed to fit onto panel elements having predetermined dimensions, and are securely held against the panel elements because the intermediate elements fit onto the panel elements in a friction fit. Preferably, the intermediate element 26 is formed so that it is relatively easily slid into position substantially lengthwise onto the panel element 22. However, it is also preferred that, once the intermediate element 26 is in position on the panel element 22, the intermediate element 26 is securely engaged with the panel element 22, so that it remains in position thereon.
In summary, an embodiment of a method 103 of forming the barrier system 20 of the invention preferably includes providing the structure subassembly 28 (step 105,
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that alternatives to certain of the sequences of steps of the method 103 as described above and as illustrated in
An alternative embodiment of the barrier system 220 of the invention is illustrated in
As can be seen in
As can be seen in
As can be seen in
As shown in
As noted above, the utility element 292 at least partially locates and supports the panel elements 22 during installation of the panel elements 22, and also after installation, i.e., after the panel elements are secured to the structure subassembly 28 by fasteners (e.g., nails) 29. However, as noted above, it has been found that, after the panel elements 22 have been installed for a period of time, the panel elements lose moisture, causing them to shrink, and sometimes to warp. Due to these changes in the shapes of the panel elements over time, the intermediate element 26 tends to become less securely attached to the panel elements over time, at least in part. In particular, it has been found that, during hot weather, the thermal expansion of the intermediate element can cause the intermediate element to become only loosely attached to the panel elements which it is located between. In these circumstances, the utility element supports the intermediate elements as well as the panel elements.
An embodiment of the barrier system 220 is illustrated in
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the barrier system of the invention preferably is also provided in the form of a kit of parts, i.e., to be assembled into the barrier system. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the kit preferably includes the structure subassembly for assembly into a structure. The structure subassembly preferably includes one or more posts and one or more rails securable to the posts, to provide the structure. The kit preferably also includes a number of panel elements that are securable to the erected structure subassembly, and a number of intermediate elements which are positionable between the panel elements respectively, as described above. In particular, and as described above, the intermediate elements are adapted to cover gaps between the panel elements when the panel elements are secured to the structure subassembly. It is also preferred that the kit includes a number of fasteners, for securing the rails to the posts, and for securing the panel elements to the rails.
In another embodiment, the kit preferably also includes one or more utility elements, for at least partially supporting the panel elements. The utility elements preferably are also securable to the structure subassembly, as described above. As described above, the utility element preferably also supports intermediate elements.
Those skilled in the art would also appreciate that the utility element 292 may be provided in various forms. One such alternative form of the utility element 292 is disclosed in
An embodiment of a method 303 of forming the barrier system 220 of the invention includes providing the structure subassembly 28 (step 305,
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that alternatives to certain of the sequences of steps of the method 303 as described above and as illustrated in
As noted above, the structure subassembly 28 may have various designs. For instance, in one design, the posts 30 are positioned to protrude beyond front surfaces of the rails. In one embodiment, the barrier system 220 of the invention preferably includes an end element 216 secured to a selected one of the posts 30. Preferably, the end element 216 defines an end element slot 218 in which a lengthwise side of a selected one of the panel elements is at least partially receivable. It is preferred that the end element 216 is secured to the post 30 by the fastener 29, e.g., a nail. The end element 216 at least partially occupies any gaps between the post and the panel element nearest to the post.
It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, when the panel elements are installed, certain arrangements are required to be made at one end of the barrier system. For example, referring to
The invention also provides a pre-assembled panel assembly 412, illustrated in
It will be understood that the panel assembly 412 preferably also includes one or more utility elements secured to the structure subassembly, for at least partially supporting the panel elements.
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that, in use, the pre-assembled panel assembly 412 preferably is secured to posts (not shown in
In one embodiment, a pre-assembled panel assembly 412′ (
An embodiment of a barrier system 420 including the pre-assembled panel assembly 412′ is illustrated in
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the end element 416 provides a means for filling the gap between a panel support 495 and the panel element nearest thereto that can be used in any design where the post extends or protrudes beyond a plane substantially defined by the front surfaces of the rails.
In another embodiment, the barrier system 520 includes one or more gap elements 514 at least partially positioned between two panel elements 22. As can be seen in
As can be seen in
As can be seen in
As described above, the structure subassembly 28 may be provided according to different designs. A barrier system 720 is disclosed in
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specific function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, para. 6.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims
1. A barrier system comprising:
- at least two panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define at least one gap therebetween; and
- at least one intermediate element at least partially positioned between said at least two panel elements, to at least partially occupy said at least one gap.
2. A barrier system according to claim 1 in which said at least one intermediate element comprises:
- at least one web portion extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof;
- a first flange connected to said at least one web portion at the first side thereof;
- a second flange connected to said at least one web portion at the second side thereof; and
- the first and second flanges being positioned substantially transverse to said at least one web portion for at least partial engagement of the first and second flanges with said at least two panel elements, to at least partially locate said at least one web portion in said at least one gap.
3. A barrier system according to claim 2 in which each of said first and second flanges is formed to at least partially engage said at least two panel elements in a friction fit, to maintain said at least one web portion at least partially in said at least one gap.
4. A barrier system according to claim 2 in which:
- each of the first and second flanges comprises two flange parts respectively, and each said flange part extends from said at least one web portion to an outer edge of each said flange part respectively, the outer edge being spaced apart from said at least one web portion by a predetermined distance; and
- each said flange part is positioned to define an acute angle between each said flange part and said at least one web portion respectively.
5. A barrier system according to claim 3 in which each said flange part comprises an inner surface at least partially facing toward a selected other one of said flange parts.
6. A barrier system according to claim 2 in which the first and second flanges are at least partially formed to taper inwardly relative to said at least one web portion, for at least partial engagement of the first and second flanges with said at least two panel elements.
7. A barrier system according to claim 2 additionally comprising:
- a structure subassembly for supporting said at least two panel elements; and
- a plurality of fasteners, for securing said at least two panel elements to the structure subassembly.
8. A barrier system comprising:
- a structure subassembly;
- at least two panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define at least one gap therebetween, said at least two panel elements being secured to the structure subassembly;
- at least one intermediate element at least partially positioned between said at least two panel elements, to at least partially occupy said at least one gap; and
- at least one utility element secured to the structure subassembly for at least partially supporting said at least two panel elements.
9. A barrier system according to claim 8 in which said at least one utility element comprises:
- a utility web portion;
- a utility flange positioned substantially transversely to the utility web potion.
10. A barrier system according to claim 9 in which:
- the utility flange comprises two flange parts, each said flange part extending from the utility web portion to outer edges of each said flange part respectively, the outer edge being spaced apart from the utility web portion by a predetermined distance; and
- each said flange part is positioned to define an acute angle between each said flange part and the utility web portion respectively.
11. A barrier system according to claim 8 in which:
- the structure subassembly comprises at least one post;
- the barrier system additionally comprises: an end element positioned adjacent to the post, to define at least one second gap between the end element and a selected one of said at least two panel elements; a gap element comprising: a gap web portion extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof; a flange connected to the gap web portion at the first side thereof, the flange being positioned substantially transverse to the gap web portion, for at least partial engagement of the flange with the end element and the selected one of said at least two panel elements, to at least partially locate the gap web portion in said at least one second gap;
- the gap web portion being at least partially positioned in said at least one second gap; and
- the gap element being secured to the structure subassembly.
12. A barrier system according to claim 8 additionally comprising an end element secured to a selected one of the posts, the end element defining an end element slot in which a lengthwise side of a selected one of the panel elements is at least partially receivable.
13. A barrier system comprising:
- at least two panel elements positioned adjacent to each other to at least partially define at least one gap therebetween;
- a structure subassembly for supporting said at least two panel elements;
- a plurality of fasteners for securing said at least two panel elements to the structure subassembly;
- at least one gap element at least partially positioned between said at least two panel elements, said at least one gap element comprising: at least one gap web portion extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof; a first flange connected to said at least one web portion at the first side thereof and positioned substantially transverse to said at least one web portion, the first flange being positioned for at least partial engagement with said at least two panel elements, to at least partially locate said at least one web portion in said at least one gap; and
- said at least one gap element being secured to the structure subassembly.
14. An intermediate element for positioning at least partially between at least two panel elements, the intermediate element comprising:
- at least one web portion extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof;
- a first flange connected to said at least one web portion at the first side thereof;
- a second flange connected to said at least one web portion at the second side thereof;
- said at least one web portion being at least partially locatable between said at least two panel elements;
- each of the first and second flanges being formed to at least partially engage said at least two panel elements when said at least one web portion is at least partially located between said at least two panel elements, to maintain said at least one web portion at least partially between said at least two panel elements.
15. A panel assembly comprising:
- a plurality of rails, the rails being positioned substantially parallel to each other;
- a plurality of panel elements secured to the rails, the panel elements being positioned substantially orthogonal to the rails and located substantially edge-to-edge serially, to define gaps therebetween;
- a plurality of intermediate elements, each said intermediate element being positioned at least partially between a selected pair of the panel elements, each said intermediate element comprising: at least one web portion extending between a first side thereof and an opposed second side thereof; a first flange connected to said at least one web portion at the first side thereof; a second flange connected to said at least one web portion at the second side thereof; said at least one web portion being at least partially locatable between the panel elements in the selected pair; each of the first and second flanges being formed to at least partially engage said at least two panel elements when said at least one web portion is at least partially located between the panel elements, to maintain said at least one web portion at least partially between the panel elements; and
- at least one panel support, for supporting the rails.
16. A barrier system comprising:
- at least one post;
- the panel assembly according to claim 15; and
- said at least one panel support being secured to said at least one post.
17. A panel assembly according to claim 16 additionally comprising at least one utility element secured to the structure subassembly for at least partially supporting the panel elements.
18. A kit of parts for a barrier system, the kit comprising:
- a structure subassembly for assembly into a structure, comprising: at least one post; at least one rail securable to the post, to provide the structure;
- a plurality of panel elements securable to the structure;
- a plurality of intermediate elements positionable between the panel elements respectively, the intermediate elements being adapted to cover gaps between the panel elements when the panel elements are secured to the structure; and
- a plurality of fasteners, for securing the rails to the posts, and for securing the panel elements to the rails.
19. A kit of parts according to claim 18 additionally comprising at least one utility element for at least partially supporting the panel elements, said at least one utility element being securable to the structure subassembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 20, 2012
Inventor: Daniel J. Dickert (Kitchener)
Application Number: 13/524,086
International Classification: E04H 17/16 (20060101); E04H 17/20 (20060101);