DOUBLE PICKET SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system includes a top rail configured at a first position. The system also includes a bottom rail configured at a second position below the top rail. The system also includes a first set of clips positioned on the top rail. The system also includes a second set of clips positioned on the bottom rail. The system further includes a plurality of screws inserted in an area within the front portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to providing a double picket system to enhance pet safety.

BACKGROUND

Typical fence structures will often have open areas at a top portion of the fence. Dog and puppy owners will typically walk their pets such as dogs/puppies in and around fence structures. When dog/puppy owners walk their pets around fence structures, such pets will typically wander within open areas of the fence structures. The dogs/puppies will often stick their head or other parts of their body within the open areas in between each picket on the fence.

The dogs/puppies that position their bodies within the open areas of the fence structure can suffer harm due to positioning a portion of their body within the open areas. It may often be difficult for the dog/puppy owners to watch their pet at all times. Given these conditions, the dogs/puppies can end up suffering harm due to wandering within the open areas of the fence structure.

The fence structure can receive unwanted damage due to pets wandering within the open areas. The motion and position of the dogs/puppies can cause some type of damage to the fence structure. The dog/pet owners cannot always ensure where their pets are positioned at all times.

Accordingly, a need exits for a fence structure that has a safety feature for pets. When dog/puppy owners cannot control or watch their pets, a safety feature for the fence structure is needed to prevent the dogs/puppies from inadvertently harming themselves by wandering within the fence structure.

A need also exists to ensure that the structure of the fence is not compromised by pets wandering within open areas of the fence. The structure of the fence should not be affected or compromised due to dog/puppy owners walking their dogs/puppies around the fence structure.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide system. The system includes a top rail configured at a first position. A bottom rail configured at a second position. the bottom rail is configured below the top rail. The system also includes a first set of clips positioned on the top rail. A front portion of the first set of clips is vertically placed on the top rail. A back portion of the first set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the back portion of the first set of clips around the top rail. The system also includes a second set of clips positioned on the bottom rail below the first set of clips. A front portion of the second set of clips is vertically placed on the bottom rail. A back portion of the second set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the second set of clips around the bottom rail. The system also includes a plurality of screws inserted in an area within the front portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

The system also includes a plurality of vertical pickets configured to receive the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

The back portion of the second set of clips is secured on one or more vertical pickets of a fence structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a system includes a first rail positioned in a horizontal direction. The system also includes a second rail positioned in the horizontal direction. The second rail is positioned underneath the first rail and is connected to the first rail by a plurality of vertical pickets. The system also includes a plurality of clips positioned on the first rail and second rail. The plurality of clips each include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion for each of the plurality of clips is positioned on one side of the first rail or second rail. A second portion for each of the plurality of clips is positioned on another side of the first rail or second rail. The system also includes a fence structure configured to be connected to the plurality of clips and the first rail and second rail.

In the system, a second set of vertical clips are configured within the fence structure to be connected to the plurality of clips.

In the system, the second portion of the plurality of clips are connected to a second set of pickets within the fence structure.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method includes configuring a top rail at a first position. The method also includes positioning a bottom rail at a second position. The bottom rail is configured below the top rail. The method further includes configuring a first set of clips on the top rail. A front portion of the first set of clips are vertically placed on the top rail. A back portion of the first set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the back portion of the first set of clips around the top rail. The method also includes positioning a second set of clips on the bottom rail below the first set of clips. A front portion of the second set of clips are vertically placed on the bottom rail. A back portion of the second set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the second set of clips around the bottom rail. The method also includes inserting a plurality of screws in an area within the front portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

The method also includes inserting an open portion of the back portion of the first set of clips onto a fence structure.

The method also includes positioning vertical pickets configured between the top rail and bottom rail in between vertical pickets of a fence structure.

The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the picket system;

FIG. 2(A) illustrates another view of the picket system;

FIG. 2(B) illustrates another view of the picket system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a further view of the picket system;

FIG. 4(A) illustrates a further view of the picket system;

FIG. 4(B) depicts another view of the picket system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a completed view of the picket system; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A picket system can significantly enhance the safety of dogs/puppies that are typically walked in and around fence structures. Dog and puppy owners will typically walk their dogs and puppies around the fence structure. The positioning of the picket system on the fence structure will significantly reduce the open areas that are usually found between each picket within the fence structure. With the reduced open area in between the pickets of the fence structure, the dogs/puppies will be less likely to position their head or other portions of their body within the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure. As a result, the dogs/puppies are less likely to suffer any unwanted harm. The safety of the dogs/puppies is significantly enhanced by the picket system. The structure of the fence structure will also not suffer any unwanted damage due to the dogs positioning themselves within the open areas of the pickets.

The picket system will include a top rail and bottom rail that are each configured to receive a plurality of clips. Vertical pickets will be positioned in between the top rail and the bottom rail. The clips are needed to connect the top rail and bottom rail onto the fence structure.

The clips will include a front portion and a back portion. The front portion of each clip is positioned on either the top rail or bottom rail. The top rail and bottom rail will each receive a plurality of the clips. The front portion of the clips is positioned vertically on the top rail and bottom rail respectively. The back portion of the clips will be rotated ninety degrees to be positioned on the opposite side of the top rail and the bottom rail. The back portions of the clips will each include an opening or open portion. The opening on the back portion of the clips will be used to attach or connect to vertical pickets of the fence structure. The opening of the back portion of the clips is placed onto the vertical pickets of the fence structure. As a result, the picket system including the top rail, clips, and bottom rail are connected to the fence structure.

To secure the picket system onto the fence structure, screws are placed in between the clips on the top rail and bottom rail of the picket system. Due to the screws, the clips are secured onto both the fence structure and also the picket system.

Once the picket system is secured onto the fence structure, the positioning of the picket system prevents areas for dogs/puppies to position parts of their bodies within the fence structure. The vertical pickets of the picket system are placed in between the open areas of the vertical pickets of the fence structure. Each picket of the picket system is placed in between each picket of the fence structure. As a result, the open areas in between each picket of the fence structure are significantly reduced. The areas within which dogs/puppies would attempt to position themselves within the fence structure are reduced as a result. The dogs/puppies have much less area to position themselves within the fence structure. As a result, the dogs/puppies are not as likely to suffer any harm due to the reduced areas between the pickets of the fence structure. The picket system provides enhanced safety for various dogs/puppies. Further, the structure of the fence remains intact without any unnecessary damage due to the dogs positioning themselves within open areas of the fence structure.

In FIG. 1, a picket system 100 is illustrated. The picket system 100 includes top rail 110. Vertical pickets are connected to the top rail. The vertical pickets are also connected to a bottom rail that is positioned underneath the top rail 110. The vertical pickets connect the top rail 110 to the bottom rail within the picket system 100. A set of clips 120 are also shown. The set of clips 120 will be positioned on the top rail 110 and bottom rail. In particular, two of the clips 120 can be positioned at different positions on the top rail 110. In addition, two of the other clips 110 can be positioned at different positions on the bottom rail. Each of the clips 110 will have a front portion and a back portion. The front portion of the clips 110 will be positioned on one side of the top rail 110 or bottom rail. A back portion of the clips 120 will be positioned on another side of the top rail 110 or bottom rail.

Referring to FIG. 1, once the clips 120 are positioned on both the top rail 110 and bottom rail, the back portion of the clips 120 will be secured onto vertical pickets within a fence structure. The back portion will include an opening. The opening within the back portion of the clips 120 will enable the back portion of the clips 120 to be positioned on the vertical pickets of the fence structure. The back portion of the clips 120 are effectively placed on the vertical pickets of the fence structure. Once the clips 120 have been placed on the vertical pickets of the fence structure, the screws 130 that are illustrated can be used to secure the clips 120 onto the fence structure. The screws 130 will be placed on the top rail 110 and bottom rail respectively to secure the clips 120 onto the vertical pickets of the fence structure.

In FIG. 1, the clips 120 enable the entire picket system 100 to be positioned onto the fence structure. As a result, the vertical pickets of the picket system 100 are positioned in between each of the vertical pickets of the fence structure. As a result, pet owners will have their pets protected. When pet owners have their pets at or near the fence structure, the picket system 100 will effectively prevent the pets from accidentally or intentionally trying to position their head or body within the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure. As a result, the picket system 100 provides an important security feature for the pets of various owners.

In FIG. 2(A), a portion of the picket system 200 is illustrated in further detail. In particular, a front portion 210 and a back portion 220 of the clip are illustrated. A plurality of clips will be placed on the top rail and the bottom rail of the picket system 200. The front portion 210 will be positioned vertically downward onto one side of the top rail 230. The back portion 220 of the clips will be placed on the other side of the top rail 230. Moreover, the back portion will be rotated ninety degrees once the front portion 210 has been positioned on the top rail 230. Once the clips are positioned on and around the top rail 230, the top rail 230 and also the bottom rail can then be positioned onto the fence structure. More specifically, the back portion 220 can be placed onto the vertical pickets of the fence structure.

Referring to FIG. 2(B), the picket system 200 is illustrated further with the front portion 210 and back portion 220 of one of the respective clips within the picket system 200. The front portion 210 of the clip is placed vertically on a front portion 240 of the top rail 230. Once the front portion 210 of the clip is placed on the front portion 240 of the top rail, the back portion 220 of the clip will be rotated ninety degrees. As a result, the front portion 210 of the clip will be placed on the front portion 240 of the top rail 230, while the back portion 220 of the clip will be placed on a back portion of the top rail 230. Moreover, the back portion 220 will be placed on vertical pickets of the fence structure to interconnect the fence structure with the picket system 200.

In FIG. 3, a combined system 300 is shown with picket system positioned on a fence structure 310. When the picket system is positioned securely on a fence structure 310, the space between vertical pickets is significantly reduced. There is no space for dogs or other pets to position themselves within the open areas of the fence structure. As a result, the safety of pets is significantly enhanced.

Referring to FIG. 3, the fence structure 310 is illustrated. The fence structure 310 includes vertical pickets that receive a plurality of clips 320, 330. The back portion of the clips 320 is placed on the vertical pickets of the fence structure 310. The clips 320, 330 are on the top rail 340 and bottom rail 350 of the picket system 300. The clips 320, 330 are secured onto the vertical pickets of the fence structure 310 by screws. The screws can be positioned in an open area between the clips 320, 330 on the top rail 340 and bottom rail 350 of the picket system 300. The screws will secure the clips 320, 330 on the fence structure.

In FIG. 3, the clips 320, 330 secured on the vertical pickets of the fence structure 310 reduce the open areas between the vertical pickets of the fence structure 310. The pickets 360 positioned between the top rail 340 and bottom rail 350 of the picket system are positioned within the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure 310. Each picket 360 of the picket system is positioned within the open area in between each picket of the fence structure 310. As a result, the open area between each picket of the fence structure 310 is significantly reduced. As a result, pets such as dogs will be unable to place themselves within the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure 310. As a result, the safety of the pets is greatly enhances as pets are not as likely to be injured due to pets placing themselves within the open areas between each picket of the fence structure. In addition, the structure of the fence structure is also not comprised as well. Accordingly, the picket system improves the safety for pets and also ensures that the fence structure will be less comprised as a result.

Referring to FIG. 4(A), a specific illustration of the picket system 400 is shown. The clip 410 of the picket system 400 is placed onto the picket 420 of the fence structure. The back portion of the clip 410 is placed on the picket 420 while the front portion of the clip 410 is positioned on a top rail 440 of the picket system 400. The clip 410 has to be secured on the picket 420 and top rail 440 after the clip 410 has been placed on both the top rail 440 and picket 420. A screw 430 is thereby positioned in an open area in the top rail 440 of the picket system 400. When the screw 430 is secured in the open area on the top rail 440 of the picket system 400, the clip 410 is thereby secured onto both the picket 420 of the fence structure and the top rail 440 of the picket system 400. Moreover, although not shown, the bottom rail will also receive one of the screws 430 to secure the clips 410 positioned on the bottom rail of the picket system 400.

In FIG. 4(B), another illustration of the picket system 400 being secured on the fence structure is shown. The clip 410 is positioned on the picket 420 of the fence structure and on the top rail 440 of the picket system 400. The screw 430 will secure the clip 410 onto the picket 420 of the fence structure and the top rail 440 of the picket system 400. The bottom rail of the picket system 400 will also include another clip 410. Another screw 430 will also secure the other clip(s) 410 onto the bottom rail of the picket system 400 and the picket 420 of the fence structure.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) illustrate how the clips 410 are secured onto both the picket 420 of the fence structure and also the top rail 440 and bottom rail of the picket system 400. Once the clips 410 are positioned on the picket 420 of the fence structure and also the top rail 440 and bottom rail of the picket system 400, the screws 430 will secure the clips 410 onto both the fence structure and picket system 400.

Referring to FIG. 5, a finished version of a system 500 is shown. The fence structure 510 includes the picket system 520. With the picket system 520 securely in place, the open areas between the pickets on the fence structure 510 are reduced. The pickets of the picket system 520 are placed in the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure 510. As a result, the open areas between the pickets of the fence structure 510 are significantly reduced. Such a combined system 500 provides enhanced safety for pets that may walk in or around the system 500.

In relation to FIG. 5, pets can often be walked by their owners in or around the system 500. In other fence structures, the pets may stick their heads in between the open areas of the picket. Harm can occur to the pets when the pets protrude thru the open areas in between the pickets. The picket system 520 can significantly reduce the potential harm that can occur to the pets. The area between the pickets within the fence structure 510 is significantly reduced by the picket system 520. As a result, it is much more unlikely for pets to protrude their heads or other portions of the bodies within the open areas within the fence structure. As such, the pet safety is dramatically enhanced by the picket system 520. Moreover, with pets not as likely to protrude within the open areas in between the pickets of the fence structure 510, the structural features of the system 500 remain instance and not damaged.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 for safety enhancement of the picket system is described. The method 600 enables the open areas in between the picket areas of the fence structure are reduced due to the picket system. As a result, the safety of pets is significantly enhanced. The fence structure also retains its structural features without any undue damage.

In FIG. 6, at step 610, a top rail of the picket system is positioned initially at a first position. The top rail will be a top portion of the picket system. The top rail will receive a plurality of clips that will enable the top rail to be connected to the fence structure.

Referring to FIG. 6, at step 620, a bottom rail is configured underneath the top rail. A plurality vertical pickets will connect the bottom rail to the top rail of the picket system. The bottom rail will also be positioned to receive a plurality of clips. The plurality of clips will also enable the bottom rail to be connected to a fence structure.

In FIG. 6, at step 630, a first set of clips are positioned on the top rail. A front portion of the clips will be placed vertical on one side of the top rail. The back portion of the clips will be rotated ninety degrees and be positioned on the other side of the top rail. The back portion of the clips will include an open area. The open area of the back portion of the clips will enable the clips to be connected to pickets of a fence structure. The open portion will be placed on the vertical pickets of the fence structure.

Referring to FIG. 6, at step 640, a second set of clips are positioned on the bottom rail. The second set of clips will also include a front portion that is placed vertically on a side of the bottom rail. The back portion of the second set of clips will be placed on the bottom rail, but rotated ninety degrees to be positioned on the other side of the bottom rail. Like the first set of clips in relation to the top rail, the second set of clips will be positioned on both sides of the bottom rail. The opening on the back portion of the second clips will also be placed on the pickets of the fence structure to enable the picket system to be connected to the fence structure.

In FIG. 6, at step 650, a plurality of screws will be used to secure the first and second set of clips in place onto the top and bottom rail, and also onto the pickets of the fence structure. Open areas on the top rail and bottom rail will receive the screws to enable the clips to remain in place on both the pickets of the fence structure and on the top and bottom rail of the picket system.

Advantages/Summary

In summary, the picket system significantly increases the safety of pets such as dogs that are positioned within the vicinity of the picket system. The picket system privacy fence structure can enhance the privacy for its users. The picket system will reduce the open areas in between the vertical pickets of the fence structure. As a result, dogs and puppies will not be as likely to protrude their heads or other portions of their bodies within the open areas of the fence structure. As a result, the dogs and puppies will not suffer various harm or injuries as a result. The safety of pets is significantly enhanced. The overall fence structure also does not suffer any undue structural damage as a result.

The picket system will include a top rail and a bottom rail. The vertical pickets will be positioned in between the top rail and the bottom rail. A plurality of clips will be positioned on the top rail and also on the bottom rail. The clips will include a front and back portion. The front portion will be placed on one side of the top rail and bottom rail respectively. The clips will also include a back portion that is rotated ninety degrees and placed on the other side of the top rail and bottom rail. The back portions of the clips will include an open area that is used to attach to vertical pickets of the fence structure.

In various embodiments, the top rail will likely include two or more clips. The bottom rail will also include two or more clips. The open areas on the back portions of the clips will be placed on the vertical pickets of the fence structure. As such, the entire picket system include the top rail, vertical pickets, and bottom rail will be connected onto the fence structure. A plurality of screws will be placed in between each clip positioned on the top rail and the bottom rail to ensure that each clip is secured in place. Moreover, the entire picket system will also be secured onto the fence structure.

The vertical pickets of the picket system will be placed within open areas of the pickets of the fence structure. Due to the positioning of the pickets of the picket system, the pickets of the picket system are each placed in between the vertical pickets of the fence structure. As a result, the open areas between the pickets of the fence structure are significantly reduced due to the positioning of the vertical pickets of the picket system.

In response to the picket system being in place on the fence structure, owners who walk their dogs or puppies in or near the fence structure are ensured that their dogs/puppies are less likely to protrude their head or other parts of their bodies in between the pickets of the fence structure. The picket system will prevent many ways in which the dogs/puppies can position themselves within the pickets of the fence structure. Accordingly, the dogs/puppies will not suffer any undue harm due the picket system being in place. Further, the entire fence structure will not suffer any undue damage due to the dogs/puppies positioning themselves within the pickets of the fence structure.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein. Further, the foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. Certain exemplary embodiments may be identified by use of an open-ended list that includes wording to indicate that the list items are representative of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a top rail configured at a first position;

a bottom rail configured at a second position, wherein the bottom rail is configured below the top rail;

a first set of clips positioned on the top rail, wherein a front portion of the first set of clips are vertically placed on the top rail, wherein a back portion of the first set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the back portion of the first set of clips around the top rail;

a second set of clips positioned on the bottom rail below the first set of clips, wherein a front portion of the second set of clips are vertically placed on the bottom rail, and wherein a back portion of the second set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the second set of clips around the bottom rail; and

a plurality of screws inserted in an area within the front portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of vertical pickets configured to receive the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the back portion of the second set of clips are secured on one or more vertical pickets within a fence structure.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the back portion of the first set of clips are secured on one or more vertical pickets within a fence structure.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more vertical pickets positioned in the back portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of vertical pickets positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

vertical pickets of a fence structure positioned in between each vertical picket connected to the top rail and bottom rail.

8. A system comprising:

a first rail positioned in a horizontal direction;

a second rail positioned in the horizontal direction, wherein the second rail is positioned underneath the first rail and is connected to the first rail by a plurality of vertical pickets;

a plurality of clips positioned on the first rail and second rail, wherein plurality of clips each include a first portion and second portion, wherein the first portion for each of the plurality of clips is positioned on one side of the first rail or second rail, and a second portion for each of the plurality of clips positioned on another side of the first rail or second rail; and

a fence structure configured to be connected to the plurality of clips and the first rail and second rail.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a second set of vertical pickets configured within the fence structure to be connected to the plurality of clips.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the second portion of the plurality of clips are connected to a second set of pickets within the fence structure.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a second set of vertical pickets configured within the fence structure and positioned in between each of the first set of vertical pickets configured in between the first and second rail.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of screws to secure the plurality of clips onto the fence structure.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the pickets configured between the first and second rail are positioned in an open region of the fence structure.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the second portion of each of the plurality of clips includes an opening to receive a second set of pickets from the fence structure.

15. A method comprising:

configuring a top rail at a first position;

positioning a bottom rail at a second position, wherein the bottom rail is configured below the top rail;

configuring a first set of clips on the top rail, wherein a front portion of the first set of clips are vertically placed on the top rail, wherein a back portion of the first set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the back portion of the first set of clips around the top rail;

positioning a second set of clips on the bottom rail below the first set of clips, wherein a front portion of the second set of clips are vertically placed on the bottom rail, and wherein a back portion of the second set of clips is rotated horizontally to secure the second set of clips around the bottom rail; and

inserting a plurality of screws in an area within the front portion of the first set of clips and the second set of clips.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

inserting an open portion of the back portion of the first set of clips onto a fence structure.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

positioning vertical pickets configured between the top rail and bottom rail in between vertical pickets of a fence structure.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

positioning an open portion of the back portion of the second set of clips onto vertical pickets of a fence structure.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

vertical pickets configured between the top rail and bottom rail to be positioned around the first set of clips.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first set of clips are configured onto vertical pickets of a fence structure directly between vertical pickets configured between the top and bottom rail.