JOINING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HORIZONTAL VINYL FENCE

Abstract

A system includes a first mid-rail slit positioned at a first position. A second mid-rail slit is positioned at a second position directly across from the first mid-rail slit. A first and second stile are positioned between the first and second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a bottom panel to be aligned in a vertical direction between the first and second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile provide separation for a plurality of decorative screen panels. The plurality of decorative screen panels are positioned in contact with the first and second stile.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to providing privacy at the top of a horizontal vinyl fence.

BACKGROUND

Typical fence structures will often have open areas at a top portion of the fence. In many fence structures, two end posts will be located. In addition, vertical pickets or horizontal boards are typically positioned in between the end posts. Above the horizontal boards, there can typically be an open area that enables outside viewers to view the activities of users of the fence structure.

Users of the fence structure can typically not enjoy complete privacy of the activities. The open area above the horizontal boards between the end posts allows standing and moving viewers to be able to see and identify most or all activities of the users. The users may thus have a reduced or compromised amount of privacy.

The open space between the end posts above the horizontal boards may not have an aesthetic appeal to the users of the fence. The open area can appear to make the fence structure appear as an incomplete and aesthetically unappealing structure.

Accordingly, a need exits for a fence structure that protects the privacy of the users. The users should be able to enjoy complete privacy when performing activities. The top portion of a fence should not include an open area that enables outside viewers to view the activities of the users. In addition, a need exits for a fence structure that is structurally enhanced at the top portion of the fence.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide system. The system includes a first mid-rail slit positioned at a first position. The system also a second mi-rail slit positioned at a second position. The second mid-rail slit is positioned directly across from the first mid-rail slit. The system also includes a first stile and a second stile positioned between the first mid-rail slit and the second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a bottom panel to be aligned in a vertical direction between the first and second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile provide separation for a plurality of decorative screen panels. The system also includes the plurality of decorative screen panels positioned in contact with the first and second stile.

One of the decorative screen panels is positioned in contact with the first stile.

One of the decorative screen panels is positioned in contact with the second stile.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a system includes a first end post configured at a first position. The system also includes a second end post configured at a second position. The second end post is directly opposite to the first end post. The system also includes a plurality of stiles configured between the first end post and second end post. The plurality of stiles are positioned in adjacent positions in a vertical direct. The plurality of stiles are configured to receive a plurality of decorative screen panels. The plurality of stiles provide separation between the plurality of screen panels. The system also includes a top panel positioned above the plurality of stiles.

The plurality of stiles have openings to receive the plurality of decorative screen panels.

The plurality of stiles are locked in position in a center region between the first end post and the second end post.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method includes positioning a first mid-rail slit at a first position. The method also includes configuring a second mid-rail slit at a second position. The second mid-rail slit is positioned directly across form the first mid-rail slit. The method also includes positioning a first stile and second stile between the first mid-rail slit and the second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a bottom panel to be aligned in a vertical direction between the first and second mid-rail slit. The first and second stile provide separation for a plurality of decorative screen panels. The method also includes configuring the plurality of decorative screen panels to be in contact with the first and second stile.

The method also includes inserting an end post at an end of the first mid-rail slit.

The method also includes positioning a decorative panel between the one or more plugs and top rail.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.

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 privacy fence system;

FIG. 2(A) illustrates top view of the privacy fence system;

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

FIG. 3 illustrates a further view of the privacy fence system;

FIG. 4 illustrates a further view of the privacy fence system;

FIG. 5 depicts a completed view of the privacy fence 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 privacy fence structure can enable users to have increased privacy when they are performing activities in back of the privacy fence structure. The privacy fence structure will have decorative screen panels that are secured above the horizontal boards of the privacy fence structure. The decorative screen panels will reduce the view of outside viewers who may attempt to view what the users are doing. The users of the privacy fence structure enjoy an enhanced privacy due to the decorative screen panels. The decorative screen panels also structurally enhance the features of the privacy fence structure.

The process begins with the structure including two end posts. Each end post includes vertical u-channels and mid-rail slits. The mid-rail slits include openings to receive one end of at least one of the decorative screen panels. A plurality of horizontal boards are also positioned in between the end posts.

In between the end posts, two stiles will be positioned. The two stiles will be positioned in a center region in between the end posts and above the horizontal boards including a bottom panel board. The two stiles will be positioned vertically, and adjacent to one another. Further, the two stiles will include an opening to receive an end of at least one of the decorative screen panels. The two stiles will separate the decorative screen panels.

When the stiles have been secured, the decorative screen panels can be positioned within the privacy fence structure. The decorative screen panels will be positioned within the end posts. One end of the decorative screen panels will be positioned within an opening of the respective stile in the center region. Another end of the decorative screen panels are positioned within an opening of the mid-rail slit configured within each of the end posts. After the decorative screen panels are positioned within the stiles and mid-rail slits, the top panel board can be positioned over the decorative screen panels and stiles. The top panel board and bottom panel board will provide structural support for the stiles and decorative screen panels.

Once the decorative screen panels have been secured, the decorative screen panels will provide a reduced view of the activities of the users that are performing activities in behind the privacy fence structure. The structure of the decorative screen panels will limit the views of any outside viewers. In addition, the decorative screen panels enhance the structure of the entire privacy fence structure.

In FIG. 1, a portion of a privacy fence system 100 is shown. Two mid-rail slits 110, 120 are positioned within two end posts. The two mid-rail slits 110, 120 are positioned to each receive a decorative screen panel. The decorative screen panel will provide privacy for the users of the privacy fence system 100. The decorative screen panels will prevent other users outside of the privacy fence system 100 from viewing most of the activities performed from within the privacy fence system 100. As such, the users of the privacy fence system 100 will have much needed privacy from outside viewers.

Referring to FIG. 1, vertical (U) channels 130, 140 are each positioned below the mid-rail slits 110, 120. A bottom panel 150 is also positioned below the vertical channels 130, 140 and mid-rail slits 110, 120. The bottom panel will provide structural support for the decorative screen panels. In addition, a plurality of stiles will be vertically positioned above the bottom panel 150. The plurality of stiles will be inserted horizontally in between the mid-rail slits 110, 120, and rotated in the perpendicular direction. As such, the plurality of stiles will be positioned vertically. The plurality of stiles will also be positioned adjacent to each other, which each of the stiles including an opening to receive one of the decorative screen panels.

In FIG. 1, the plurality of stiles will be placed in contact with each other. The stiles will each include an opening. The opening within each of the stiles can receive a decorative screen panel. Each decorative screen panel can be secured on the end of the stile. In addition, the decorative screen panels can be secured on their other end by the corresponding mid-rail slit 110, 120. The bottom panel 150 will provide structural support for the stiles positioned in a center region between the mid-rail slits 110, 120. The privacy fence system 100 will provide much needed privacy for its users and a structural enhancement for the fence structure.

Referring to FIG. 2(A), a top view of the privacy fence system 200 is illustrated. The stiles 210, 220 are illustrated in a vertical alignment. The stiles 210, 220 each include an opening. The opening within each stile 210, 220 is configured to receive a decorative screen panel. The respective decorative screen panel will be secured at the respective end within the respective stile 210, 220. The stiles 210, 220 will be positioned over a bottom panel. The stiles 210, 220 will be inserted horizontally within mid-rail slits, and then rotated perpendicularly to their vertical alignment. The stiles 210, 220 will then be secured in contact with each other, and each receive a respective decorative screen panel.

In FIG. 2(B), another view of the privacy fence system 200 is shown. The stiles 210, 220 are positioned above a bottom panel 230. The bottom panel 230 is positioned between end posts 240, 250. The bottom panel 230 is also positioned above horizontal boards 260. The bottom panel 230 will provide structural support for the plurality of stiles 210, 220. The plurality of stiles 210, 220 are secured within a center region between the end posts 240, 250 and above the bottom panel 230. Each of the stiles 210, 220 will have an opening to receive a decorative screen panel. The decorative screen panels each secured within the respective stiles 210, 220 will provide privacy for the users of the fence and structural enhancement for the fence structure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the privacy fence system 300 is shown in further detail. Decorative screen panels 310, 320 will be placed into a respective stile that are positioned and secured above the bottom panel 340. The stiles are positioned and secured in a center region between the end posts 350, 360. The decorative panels 310, 320 are also positioned above the plurality of horizontal boards 330.

In FIG. 3, the decorative screen panels 310, 320 are positioned within an opening in a respective stile when the stiles are secured above the bottom panel 340 between the end posts 350, 360. The decorative screen panels 310, 320 will also be positioned within the end posts 350, 360 within a respective mid-rail slit that are each positioned within the end posts 350, 360. Accordingly, the decorative screen panels will be secured within an opening of a respective stile within the center region in relation to the end posts 350, 360. In addition, the decorative screen panels 310, 320 will be secured within an opening within an opening in the respective mid-rail slit that is configured within the respective end posts 350, 360.

Referring to FIG. 3, the decorative screen panels 310, 320, when secured within the top portion of the privacy fence system 300, will enable the privacy fence system 300 to provide privacy to the users of the privacy fence system 300. Outside viewers will have a reduced view of the users' activities in front of the privacy fence system 300. The users of the privacy fence system 300 will have enhanced privacy due to the decorative screen panels 310, 320. In addition, the decorative screen panels 310, 320 will provide a structural enhancement for the entire privacy fence structure 300. The decorative screen panels 310, 320 will enhance the entire structural features for the entire fence structure.

In FIG. 4, another illustration of a privacy fence system 400 is shown. A plurality of stiles 410, 420 are placed within a center region between end posts 440, 450. The stiles 410, 420 are rotated to the vertical direction, and positioned perpendicularly to a bottom panel 460. The stiles 410, 420 receive structural support from the bottom panel 460 and are able to remain secured due to the bottom panel 460. The plurality of stiles 410, 420 are also positioned below a top panel 430. The top panel 430 also provides structural support for the stiles 410, 420 and also enables the stiles 410, 420 to remain secure in a center region between the end posts 440, 450.

Referring to FIG. 4, stiles 410, 420 each include an opening to receive a decorative screen panel. The respective decorative screen panel will be placed in an opening within the respective stile 410, 420. The respective stiles 410, 420 are configured vertically and in contact with each other. The respective stiles 410, 420 will respectively receive one end of the decorative screen panel within the opening of the stiles 410, 420. The end posts 440, 450 each include a mid-rail slit with an opening. The opening of the mid-rail slit within the respective end post 440, 450 will receive the other end of the decorative screen panel. The decorative screen panels are thereby secured within the stiles 410, 420 and mid-rail slits within the end posts 440, 450. The decorative screen panels are also positioned above the plurality of horizontal boards.

In FIG. 4, the decorative screen panels will have structural support from the end posts 440, 450 to remain within its respective mid-rail slit. Further, the decorative screen panels will also have structural support from the top panel 430 and bottom panel to remain secured within the respective stile 410, 420.

With respect to FIG. 4, the decorative panels enable the privacy fence structure to provide much needed privacy for users of the entire fence structure. Viewers from the outside will have a very limited view of what occurs to viewers behind and protected by the privacy fence structure 400. The decorative screen panels also provide structural enhancement for the entire fence structure as well.

Referring to FIG. 5, a completed view of the privacy fence structure 500 is shown. The plurality of stiles 510, 520 are secured in a center region of the privacy fence structure 500. The stiles 510, 520 are positioned between end posts 570, 580. The plurality of stiles 510, 520, as mentioned above in FIGS. 1-4 each include an opening. The openings within the stiles 510, 520 are configured to receive a respective decorative panel 550, 560. One end of the decorative panels 550, 560 are inserted into the opening of the respective stiles 510, 520. The end posts 570, 580 each include mid-rail slits. The respective mid-rail slits each include an opening. The openings of the respective mid-rail slits each receive the other end of the respective decorative screen panels 550, 560.

In FIG. 5, the decorative panels 550, 560 and stiles 510, 520 are positioned below and over a top panel 530 and bottom panel 540 respectively. The top panel 530 and the bottom panel 540 provide structural support for the stiles 510, 520 and the decorative screen panels 550, 560. The decorative screen panels 550, 560 provide a reduced view of what occurs behind the privacy fence structure 500. As a result, outside viewers will have only a reduced view of the events that occur behind the privacy fence structure 500. Accordingly, the users of the privacy fence structure 500 will have enhanced privacy. The decorative screen panels 550, 560 also structurally enhance the entire privacy fence structure 500.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 for enhancing privacy for the privacy fence structure is described. The method 600 enables a plurality of decorative screen panels to enable the privacy fence structure to provide enhanced privacy to its users. In addition, the decorative screen panels structurally enhance the privacy fence structure.

In FIG. 6, at step 610, a first mid-rail silt will be positioned within a top portion of an end post. The first mid-rail slit will include an opening to receive an end of a decorative screen panel.

Referring to FIG. 6, at step 620, a second mid-rail silt is positioned at a second position. The second mid-rail slit is positioned directly opposite from the first mid-rail slit. The second mid-rail slit is positioned at a top portion in an interior region of the other end post that is directly opposite from the first end post that has the first mid-rail slit.

In FIG. 6, at step 630, a first and second stile are positioned between the first mid-rail slit and the second mid-rail slit. Both the first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a bottom panel and horizontal board members. The first and second stile are aligned in contact and adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The first and second stile also provide a separation point for a plurality of decorative screen panels.

Referring to FIG. 6, at step 640, the plurality of decorative screen panels are positioned in contact with the first and second stile. One of the decorative screen panels is positioned within an opening within the first stile and the first mid-rail slit within the first end post. The other decorative screen panel is positioned within an opening of the second stile and the second mid-rail slit within the second end post. The decorative screen panels, when secured, provide enhanced privacy to the users of the privacy fence structure. The decorative screen panels reduce the outside view to any outside viewers. As a result, the users of the decorative screen panels will enjoy enhanced privacy. The decorative screen panels also structurally enhance the entire privacy fence structure.

ADVANTAGES/SUMMARY

In summary, the privacy fence structure can enhance the privacy for its users. The decorative screen panels within the end posts will reduce the view for outside viewers. Due to the reduced view, the outside viewers cannot view most of what is occurring behind the privacy fence structure. The decorative screen panels also structurally enhance the entire privacy fence structure.

The privacy fence structure includes end posts at opposite ends. Each of the end posts will include vertical u-channels at a bottom and mid portion of the end posts. The top and mid portions of the end posts will include mid-rail slits. The mid-rail slits will openings to receive a decorative screen panel. Within the end posts, a plurality of horizontal boards can be positioned. In addition, two stiles can be inserted within the end posts and over the horizontal boards.

The stiles can initially be positioned horizontally, and rotated to the vertical position. Both of the stiles will be positioned perpendicularly to the horizontal boards. Further, both stiles will be positioned adjacent to each other. Each of the stiles will include an opening to receive a decorative screen panel. The decorative screen panel can be placed above the horizontal boards within openings of the stiles and mid-rail slits.

After the stiles have been secured, the decorative screen panels can be placed within the privacy fence structure. One end of the decorative screen panels will be placed within an opening of the stiles that are positioned in a center region between the end posts. Another end of the decorative screen panels will be placed in an opening within the mid-rail slits that are positioned within the respective end posts. As such, the decorative screen panels can be secured within the stiles and mid-rail slits within the privacy fence structure. A top panel and a bottom panel positioned above and below the decorative screen panel can provide structural support for the decorative screen panels.

The decorative screen panels will reduce the view between the top and bottom panels due to the structure and design of the decorative screen panels. As such, outside viewers will not be able to fully view the activities that the users positioned behind the privacy fence structure are performing. The users of the privacy fence structure have increased and enhanced privacy due to the decorative screen panels. The decorative screen panels also structurally enhance the privacy 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 first mid-rail slit positioned at a first position;

a second mid-rail slit positioned at a second position, wherein the second mid-rail slit is positioned directly across from the first mid-rail slit;

a first stile and second stile positioned between the first mid-rail slit and the second mid-rail slit, wherein the first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a plurality of board members to be aligned in a vertical direction between the first and second mid-rail slit, wherein the first and second stile provide separation for a plurality of decorative screen panels;

the plurality of decorative screen panels positioned in contact with the first and second stile.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the decorative screen panels is positioned in contact with the first stile.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the decorative screen panels is positioned in contact with the second stile.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of horizontal members positioned underneath the plurality of screen panels.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an end post positioned in contact with the first mid-rail slit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative screen panels is inserted above a bottom panel.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first stile and second stile are aligned directly between the plurality of decorative screen panels.

8. A system comprising:

a first end post configured at a first position;

a second end post configured at a second position, wherein the second end post is directly opposite to the first end post;

a plurality of stiles configured between the first end post and second end post, wherein the plurality of stiles are positioned in adjacent positions in a vertical direction, and configured to receive a plurality of decorative screen panels, wherein the plurality of stiles provide separation between the plurality of decorative screen panels; and

a top panel positioned above the plurality of stiles.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of stiles are positioned between a top and bottom panel.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein at the plurality of stiles have openings to receive the plurality of decorative screen panels.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of stiles are locked in position in a center region between the first end post and second end post.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a mid-rail silt positioned within the first end post.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the decorative screen panels are inserted into mid-rail slits.

14. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a bottom panel positioned below the plurality of stiles.

15. A method comprising:

positioning a first mid-rail slit at a first position;

configuring a second mid-rail slit at a second position, wherein the second mid-rail slit is positioned directly across from the first mid-rail slit;

positioning a first stile and second stile between the first mid-rail slit and the second mid-rail slit, wherein the first and second stile are inserted and positioned in a perpendicular direction to a plurality of board members to be aligned in a vertical direction between the first and second mid-rail slit, wherein the first and second stile provide separation for a plurality of decorative screen panels;

configuring the plurality of decorative screen panels to be in contact with the first and second stile.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

inserting an end post at an end of the first mid-rail slit.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the bottom panel is configured underneath the first and second stile to provide structural support for the first and second stile.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

positioning a top panel above the first and second stile.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

inserting an end post to support the second mid-rail slit.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

aligning a first end post and second end post around the decorative screen panels.