| |
| United States Patent
|
6,832,752 |
| Cuzzocrea |
December 21, 2004 |
Modular-grid fence system
Abstract
A modular-grid fence system that comprises integral connectors on
each end that allows each respective grid to be connected to each
other grid and form a fence. The connectors also provide that the
modular-grid fence system may be utilized in angles from near zero
degrees, to an in-line angle of 180 degrees. This connecting feature
provides that the modular-grid fence system may be used to augment
and provide additional restriction to an existing fence, or be used
as a freestanding fence. In addition, the modular-grid fence system
is stackable, easily assembled without tools, and storable or
shippable in a flat container.
| Inventors: |
Cuzzocrea; Lawrence A.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/313,413 |
| Filed: |
December 6, 2002 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
256/25 ;
256/32; 256/45 |
| Current
International Class: |
A01K
3/00 (20060101); E04H 17/16 (20060101); E04H 017/16 () |
| Field of
Search: |
256/24,25,32,45
|
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
524860 |
|
Jan., 1993 |
|
EP |
|
2606817 |
|
May., 1988 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Stodola; Daniel P.
Assistant Examiner: Flandro; Ryan M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit of Provisional application No.
60/340,587 filed Dec. 6, 2001.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A secondary fence system, related to attachment to at least one
permanent primary fence, such primary fence comprising, at least one
substantially planar fence section comprising apertures situated
between at least two substantially vertical supports, said system
comprising, in combination: a) at least two rigid, substantially
rectangular modular grid fence elements attached substantially
parallel and adjacent to such at least one permanent primary fence,
b) wherein each respective said substantially rectangular modular
grid fence element comprises i) at least one first length end, ii)
at least one second length end, and iii) at least one connector
connecting said at least one first length end to said at least one
second length end; c) wherein said at least two substantially
vertical supports of said primary fence define a predetermined
distance therebetween and said predetermined distance substantially
equals the total length of an integer number of said substantially
rectangular planar modular grid fence elements; d) wherein said
substantially rectangular planar modular grid fence elements
comprise substantially rectangular apertures; e) wherein said
substantially rectangular apertures are substantially smaller than
the apertures of the primary fence section.
2. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one connector further comprises at least one male connecter
and at least one female connector structured and arranged such that,
when said at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements are connected, there is no substantial gap between said
respective elements.
3. The secondary fence system according to claim 2 wherein: a) said
at least one male connector comprises at least one cylindrical pin;
and, b) said at least one female connector comprises at least one
hollow cylinder; c) wherein said at least one male connector
slidably inserts into said at least one female connector.
4. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence elements each
comprises a substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid, each said
substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid having a plurality of
vertical wires and a plurality of horizontal wires connected
together in a grid pattern.
5. The secondary fence system according to claim 4 wherein: a) each
said substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid comprises a first
length end and a second length end; b) at least two said male
connectors are connected to said first length end; c) at least two
said female connectors are connected to said second length end; and
d) said at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements may be connected to each other by inserting each one of
said at least two male connectors into a respective one of said at
least two female connectors.
6. The secondary fence system according to claim 5 wherein: a) each
said at least two male connectors comprises a cylindrical pin; b)
each said at least two female connectors comprises a hollow
cylinder; c) said grid pattern comprises vertical and horizontal
wires spaced about every 21/2 inches, on center, in both directions;
d) each said substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid comprises
an exterior dimension of about twenty-two and one-half inches by
about forty-seven and one-half inches; e) each said
substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid may be connected to
each other respective said substantially-rectangular, modular wire
grid; and f) said grid pattern and distances are maintained when
each said substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid is connected
to each other respective said substantially-rectangular, modular
wire grid.
7. The secondary fence system according to claim 6 wherein each said
at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence elements
comprises non-corrosive paint.
8. The secondary system according to claim 6 wherein each said at
least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence elements
comprises non-corrosive material.
9. The secondary fence system according to claim 4 wherein said grid
pattern comprises vertical and horizontal wires spaced about every
21/2 inches, on center, in both directions.
10. The secondary fence system according to claim 9 wherein said
grid pattern and distances are maintained when said at least one
connector is used to connect one of said substantially-rectangular,
modular wire grid to another of said substantially-rectangular,
modular wire grid.
11. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein said
substantially-rectangular, modular wire grid comprises an exterior
dimension of about two feet by about four feet.
12. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein each of
said at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements comprises steel.
13. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein each
said plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence elements comprises paint.
14. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein each
said at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements comprises non-corrosive paint.
15. The secondary fence system according to claim 1 wherein each
said at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements comprises non-corrosive material.
16. The modular fence system according to claim 1 wherein said
substantially rectangular planar modular grid fence elements are
substantially shorter than the at least one permanent primary fence.
17. The modular fence system according to claim 1 wherein: a) the
primary permanent fence comprises no more than three horizontal
members; and b) said substantially rectangular modular grid fence
elements comprise at least five horizontal members.
18. The modular fence system according to claim 1 wherein each said
at least two substantially rectangular modular grid fence elements
further comprises: a) substantially horizontal members having a
first cross-sectional area; b) substantially vertical members,
having a second cross-sectional area; and c) wherein said first
cross-sectional area and said second cross-sectional area are
substantially equal.
19. A method of making a secondary fence system attached to a
primary fence system, comprising, in combination: a) providing a
plurality of rigid modular-grid fence elements, each respective said
modular grid fence element having a first length end and a second
length end, wherein each respective said modular-grid fence element
comprises at least one connector structured and arranged to connect
at least one of said first length end and said second length end
with at least one length end of another of said plurality of
modular-grid fence elements; b) using said at least one connector,
connecting said plurality of modular-grid fence elements; c)
attaching said at least two of plurality of modular-grid fence
elements to the primary fence system such that each modular grid
fence element is attached parallel and directly abuts the primary
fence system.
20. A method for use relating to a secondary fence system,
attachable to at least one permanent primary fence, such primary
fence comprising, at least one substantially planar fence section
comprising apertures situated between at least two substantially
vertical supports, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing
at least one rigid substantially rectangular planar modular grid
fence element comprising at least one substantially rectangular
aperture wherein such at least one substantially rectangular
aperture is substantially smaller than the apertures of the primary
fence section; b) arranging an integer number of such substantially
rectangular planar modular grid fence elements to substantially fit
evenly between such at least two substantially vertical supports of
the at least one permanent primary fence; and c) arranging an
integer number of such substantially rectangular planar modular grid
fence elements between such at least two substantially vertical
supports of the at least one permanent primary fence, wherein said
at least two substantially vertical supports of said primary fence
define a predetermined distance therebetween and said predetermined
distance substantially equals the total length of the integer number
of said substantially rectangular planar modular grid fence
elements; and In the second to last line, changed "adjacent to"
to--directly abutting.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for fencing. Typically,
fences, such as pool fences, have openings of 4 inches or more.
Small children and animals may still be able to penetrate such
fencing and gain access to the fenced area. Heretofore, people have
used chicken wire or chain-link fencing to augment or further block
a primary fence structure that comprises such openings. These types
of augmented fencing are difficult and time-consuming to install. It
would be useful to have a fence system that could act independently
or complement another fence, such as described, be easily installed,
transported, stored and also provide additional restriction and
pleasing appearance.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill
the above needs in providing a system for fencing.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a fence system that is easily assembled and
disassembled.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a fence system that may be added to and complements
another fence, thereby limiting access even further.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a fence system that is stackable, easily stored, and
has a pleasing appearance.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a modular fence system comprising, in combination: a
plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence
elements, each respective such modular grid fence element having a
first length end and a second length end; and, wherein each
respective such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence element comprises at least one connector structured and
arranged to connect at least one of such first length end and such
second length end with at least one length end of another of such
plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence
elements. Moreover, it provides such a modular fence system wherein
such at least one connector further comprises at least one male
connector and at least one female connector structured and arranged
such that, when such substantially-rectangular, integral modular
grid fence element and such another substantially-rectangular,
integral modular grid fence element are connected, there is no
substantial gap between such respective elements.
Additionally, it provides such a modular fence system wherein: such
at least one male connector comprises at least one cylindrical pin;
and, such at least one female connector comprises at least one
hollow cylinder; wherein such at least one male connector slidably
inserts into such at least one female connector. Also, it provides
such a modular fence system wherein such plurality of
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence elements
each comprises a substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire
grid, each such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire
grid having a plurality of vertical wires and a plurality of
horizontal wires connected together in a grid pattern. In addition,
it provides such a modular fence system wherein: each such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid comprises a
first length end and a second length end; at least two such male
connectors are connected to such first length end; at least two such
female connectors are connected to such second length end; and at
least two of such plurality of respective such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence elements may
be connected to each other by inserting each one of such at least
two male connectors into a respective one of such at least two
female connectors. And, it provides such a fence system wherein such
grid pattern comprises vertical and horizontal wires spaced about
every 21/2 inches, on center, in both directions. Further, it
provides such a modular fence system wherein such grid pattern and
distances are maintained when such at least one connector is used to
connect one of such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular
grid fence elements to another of such substantially-rectangular,
integral, modular grid fence elements.
Even further, it provides such a modular fence system wherein each
such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence elements comprises an exterior dimension of about two feet by
about four feet. Moreover, it provides such a fence system wherein
each of such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grid fence elements comprises steel. Additionally, it
provides such a modular fence system wherein each such plurality of
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence elements
comprises paint. Also, it provides such a modular fence system
wherein each such plurality of such substantially-rectangular,
integral, modular grid fence elements comprises non-corrosive paint.
In addition, it provides such a modular fence system wherein each
such plurality of such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular
grid fence elements comprises non-corrosive material. And, it
provides such a modular fence system wherein such plurality of such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular grid fence elements may
be connected to each other respective such plurality of
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular grid fence elements to
form a self-standing fence.
Further, it provides such a modular fence system wherein each such
at least two male connectors comprises a cylindrical pin; and, each
such at least two female connectors comprises a hollow cylinder;
wherein such grid pattern comprises vertical and horizontal wires
spaced about every 21/2 inches, on center, in both directions;
wherein each such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire
grid comprises an exterior dimension of about twenty-two and
one-half inches by about forty-seven and one-half inches; wherein
each such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid may
be connected to each other respective such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid; and wherein
such grid pattern and distances are maintained when each such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid is connected
to each other respective such substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular wire grid. Even further, it provides such a modular fence
system wherein each such wire grid may be connected to each other
respective such wire grid to form a self-standing fence. Even
further, it provides such a modular fence system wherein each such
plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grids
comprises non-corrosive paint. Even further, it provides such a
modular fence system wherein each such plurality of
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grids comprises
non-corrosive material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method of making a secondary fence system
attached to a primary fence system, comprising, in combination:
providing a plurality of modular-grid fence elements, each
respective such modular grid fence element having a first length end
and a second length end, wherein each respective such modular-grid
fence element comprises at least one connector structured and
arranged to connect at least one of such first length end and such
second length end with at least one length end of another of such
plurality of modular-grid fence elements; using such at least one
connector, connecting such plurality of modular-grid fence elements;
attaching such plurality of modular-grid fence elements to the
primary fence system.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a modular system for dividing spaces comprising,
in combination: a plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grid elements, each respective such modular grid element
having a first length end and a second length end; wherein each
respective such modular-grid element comprises at least one
connector structured and arranged to connect at least one of such
first length end and such second length end with at least one length
end of another of such plurality of modular-grid elements.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a secondary fence system for attachment to a
primary fencing, comprising, in combination: a plurality of
modular-grid fence elements, each respective such modular grid fence
element having a first length end and a second length end; wherein
each respective such modular-grid fence element comprises at least
one connector structured and arranged to connect at least one of
such first length end and such second length end with at least one
length end of another of such plurality of modular-grid fence
elements; and, at least one attacher structured and arranged to
attach such plurality of grid fence elements to the primary fencing.
Even further, it provides such a secondary fence system wherein such
plurality of modular-grid fence elements is color-matched to such
primary fencing. Even further, it provides such a modular fence
system wherein such plurality of modular-grid fence elements is
attached to such primary fencing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modular-grid fence system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a fence panel of the modular-grid fence
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the
unassembled connection system of the modular-grid fence system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the assembled
connection system of the modular-grid fence system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view, partially in section, of the assembled
connection system of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a top view, partially in section, of an embodiment of the
modular-grid fence system attached to a post member of a primary
fence according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the modular-grid fence system in use
as a freestanding unit according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of the modular-grid fence system 20 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, modular-grid fence
system 20 comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of
modular-grid fence panel(s) 22. Preferably, each respective
plurality, of modular-grid fence panel(s) 22 comprises a
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid, as shown
(embodying herein a plurality of substantially-rectangular,
integral, modular-grid fence elements, each respective such modular
grid fence element having a first length end and a second length
end; and, embodying herein a plurality of modular-grid fence
elements, each respective such modular grid fence element having a
first length end and a second length end). In a preferred
embodiment, modular-grid fence panel(s) 22 are preferably assembled
and installed adjacent a primary fence 26, which is preferably a
stationary permanent fence 24, such as primary fence 26, as shown
(embodying herein wherein such plurality of modular-grid fence
elements is attached to such primary fencing). Preferably, the parts
of the fence system 20 are made of steel (embodying herein wherein
each of such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grid fence elements comprises steel) and, preferably, the
parts are color-matched to the primary fence 26 (embodying herein
wherein such plurality of modular-grid fence elements is
color-matched to such primary fencing). For example, such
color-matching may be done with paint (embodying herein wherein each
such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence elements comprises paint) or a color-coating. Under
appropriate circumstances, other material and color arrangements may
suffice. For example, a non-corrosive material such as high strength
plastic, aluminum or stainless steel may suffice (embodying herein
wherein each such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grids comprises non-corrosive material). Furthermore, use of
a non-corrosive coating may also be utilized (embodying herein
wherein each such plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grids comprises non-corrosive paint). Even further, in light
of the teachings herein those knowledgeable in such materials art
may select less costly materials especially where such material use
provides the required fencing functions of the user. Still further,
such materials may be decorative. Such primary fence(s) 26 typically
have standardized spacing 31 between the bars 28 of the fencing
structure, as shown (for example, a pool fence having vertical
bar(s) 28 located at about five inches on center). Further, such
primary fence(s) 26 typically comprise post members 30, which are
usually set in the ground 29 (or other such substrate) and support
the primary fence 26.
Preferably, fence panel(s) 22 are rectangular having dimensions of
about two feet in height by about four feet in length (embodying
herein wherein each such plurality of substantially-rectangular,
integral, modular-grid fence elements comprises an exterior
dimension of about two feet by about four feet). Most preferably,
having preferred dimensions of forty-seven and one half inches in
length and about twenty-two and one half inches in height (embodying
herein wherein each such substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular wire grid comprises an exterior dimension of about
twenty-two and one-half inches by about forty-seven and one-half
inches). Under appropriate circumstances, other dimensional
arrangements may suffice, for example, to match alternate primary
fence sizes. Preferably, the fence panel(s) 22 is/are sized in
length such that the fence panel(s) 22 may be installed between the
post members 30, either singularly or in multiple pieces, as shown.
Typically, primary fence(s) 26 used around pools are about eight
feet between post members 30. Under appropriate circumstances, the
fence panel(s) 22 may be interconnected and installed continuously
over the post members 30. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fence system
20 assists in improving the fence by further restricting the
openings 31 between the bars 28, for example, by restricting an
animal 33 from passing through the fence. Further specific details
of the fence system 20 will now be explained below.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a fence panel 22 of the fence system 20
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, fence panel(s) 22 comprise a modular grid 32, as shown,
preferably made from rounded steel wire, preferably comprising a
wire of about 7-gauge (about three-sixteenths of an inch in
diameter). Preferably, grid 32 comprises a plurality of equally
spaced parallel vertical wire member(s) 34 and a plurality of
equally spaced parallel horizontal wire members 36, as shown
(embodying herein wherein such plurality of
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence elements
each comprises a substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire
grid, each such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire
grid having a plurality of vertical wires and a plurality of
horizontal wires connected together in a grid pattern).
Preferably, the vertical wire member(s) 34 and horizontal wire
members 36 are overlaid and spot welded together at the points of
crossing, using known spot-welding methods, to form a grid 32 with
about two-and-one-half-inch spacing, center-to-center of the wire,
between each respective vertical wire member 34 and each respective
horizontal wire member 36, with the exception of the second end 46
(this arrangement embodies herein wherein such grid pattern
comprises vertical and horizontal wires spaced about every 21/2
inches, on center, in both directions).
Preferably, at second end 46, the last vertical end wire 58 is moved
toward the second to the last vertical wire 56 about
three-sixteenths of an inch, such that a distance D (see FIG. 4) of
about five-inch spacing, center-to-center of the vertical wires, is
maintained, when two fence panel(s) 22 are connected end-to-end, as
shown and further described in the following Figures. This
arrangement embodies herein wherein such grid pattern and distances
are maintained when such at least one connector is used to connect
one of such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular grid fence
elements to another of such substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular grid fence elements; and, embodies herein wherein each such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid may be
connected to each other respective such substantially-rectangular,
integral, modular wire grid.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the
unassembled integral connection system 42 of the modular-grid fence
system 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the assembled
integral connection system 42 of the modular-grid fence system 20
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view, partially in section, of the assembled
integral connection system 42 of FIG. 4. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 further
illustrate a preferred method of connecting the fence panel(s) 22.
Preferably, in order to connect the fence panel(s) 22 together, each
respective fence panel 22 preferably comprises an integral
connection system 42, as shown. Such integral connection system 42
preferably comprises at least one, but, preferably, two, male
connector(s) 38, and at least one, but, preferably, two, female
connectors 40. Preferably, each respective modular-grid fence panel
22 may be connected to each other fence panel 22 by inserting each
one of male connector(s) 38 into a respective one of the female
connectors 40. Under appropriate circumstances, other connecting
arrangements integral with fence panel(s) 22 may suffice. The
above-described arrangement embodies herein at least two of such
plurality of respective such substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular-grid fence elements may be connected to each other by
inserting each one of such at least two male connectors into a
respective one of such at least two female connectors; and, embodies
herein wherein each respective such modular-grid element comprises
at least one connector structured and arranged to connect at least
one of such first length end and such second length end with at
least one length end of another of such plurality of modular-grid
elements.
Preferably, two male connector(s) 38, preferably L-shaped
cylindrical steel wire (embodying herein such at least one male
connector comprises at least one cylindrical pin), preferably
7-gauge (three-sixteenths inch in diameter), are connected,
preferably by welding, to first end 44 of the fence panel 22, as
shown (embodying herein at least two such male connectors are
connected to such first length end). Preferably, one male connector
38 is welded to top horizontal wire member 62, as shown. A second
male connector 38 is preferably located near the bottom on
horizontal wire 64 (as shown in FIG. 2). Preferably, the length of
the vertical leg 66 of male connector 38 is about one inch with the
horizontal leg 70 having sufficient length to support a pair of
welds 68, as shown. Preferably, two female connectors 40, preferably
hollow steel tubing (embodying herein such at least one female
connector comprises at least one hollow cylinder), preferably each
having an outer diameter of about seven-sixteenth inch and an inner
diameter of about five-sixteenths inch and each having a length of
about one-inch are preferably connected, by welding, to second end
46 (opposite the panel end supporting male connector(s) 38) of the
fence panel 22, as shown (embodying herein at least two such female
connectors are connected to such second length end). Preferably, the
connector(s) 38 and 40 are arranged to adjoin a plurality of fence
panels 22, as shown (this arrangement embodying herein wherein each
respective such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence element comprises at least one connector structured and
arranged to connect at least one of such first length end and such
second length end with at least one length end of another of such
plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid fence
elements; and, embodying herein at least two of such plurality of
respective such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular-grid
fence elements may be connected to each other by inserting each one
of such at least two male connectors into a respective one of such
at least two female connectors). Most preferably the connector(s) 38
and 40 are arranged such that when the fence panel(s) 22 are
adjoined, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the typical modular spacing
between vertical wire member(s) 34 is maintained across the two
adjoined fence panel(s) 22, and there is little or no gap 60 between
each respective fence panel 22 (embodying herein wherein such at
least one connector further comprises at least one male connector
and at least one female connector structured and arranged such that,
when such substantially-rectangular, integral modular grid fence
element and such another substantially-rectangular, integral modular
grid fence element are connected, there is no substantial gap
between such respective elements). For example, if the fence
panel(s) 22 is/are about 48 inches long and two panels are adjoined,
the overall length of the two adjoined panels will be about 96
inches (if arranged and measured in a straight line). To maintain
the vertical wire member 34 center-to-center spacing across two
adjoined panels, the longitudinal centerline 72 of the female
connectors 40 is approximately justified with the outer edge of
second end 46, as shown. Similarly, the longitudinal centerline 74
of vertical leg 66 is approximately justified with the outer edge of
first end 44, as shown. When the male connectors 38 and the female
connectors 40 are engaged, the distance D (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) of
about five-inch spacing, center-to-center of the vertical wire
member(s) 34, is maintained, when two fence panel(s) 22 are
connected end-to-end, as shown (embodying herein wherein such grid
pattern and distances are maintained when each such
substantially-rectangular, integral, modular wire grid is connected
to each other respective such substantially-rectangular, integral,
modular wire grid). Under appropriate circumstances, other
arrangements to maintain a consistency of grid member spacing may
suffice.
Further, the preferred connector(s) 38 and 40 allow the fence
panel(s) 22 to swivel about the adjoined panel ends from a
face-to-face panel position, comprising a panel-to-panel angle of
about zero degrees (useful for transporting), to an acute angle
position (useful with angular fence portions), to an in-line
position comprising a panel-to-panel angle of about
one-hundred-eighty degrees (for in-line fencing portion).
FIG. 6 is a top view, partially in section, of an embodiment of an
attachment of the modular-grid fence system 20 to a post member 30
of a primary fence 26 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, the fence panel(s) 22 are attached to
the fence post members 30, preferably, utilizing a plastic tie 50,
such as is commonly used to tie electrical cable wires together (for
example, such as those available from TIEWRAPS.com.TM.) The
preferred modularity of fence system 20 permits the integral
connection system 42 and gap 60 to preferably coincide with the
vertical post members 30 of primary fence 26, as shown, thereby
providing a secure and attractive installation. Under appropriate
circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
In a preferred method of installation, with reference to FIG. 1
through FIG. 6, a plurality of fence panel(s) 22 are joined
end-to-end using integral connection system 42, as shown (embodying
herein wherein each respective such modular-grid fence element
comprises at least one connector structured and arranged to connect
at least one of such first length end and such second length end
with at least one length end of another of such plurality of
modular-grid fence elements). Preferably, the arrangement of
connected fence panel(s) 22 are raised and positioned over primary
fence 26 with the first end 44 and second end 46 of fence panel(s)
22 aligned with vertical bars 28 of primary fence 26, as shown.
Preferably, fence panel(s) 22 are then secured to primary fence 26
using plastic tie 50 (embodying herein at least one attacher
structured and arranged to attach such plurality of grid fence
elements to the primary fencing passing around first end 44 and
second end 46 and post member 30, as shown.
This arrangement embodies herein providing a plurality of
modular-grid fence elements, each respective such modular grid fence
element having a first length end and a second length end, wherein
each respective such modular-grid fence element comprises at least
one connector structured and arranged to connect at least one of
such first length end and such second length end with at least one
length end of another of such plurality of modular-grid fence
elements; using such at least one connector, connecting such
plurality of modular-grid fence elements; attaching such plurality
of modular-grid fence elements to the primary fence system.
The preferred swivel feature of integral connection system 42
permits fence system 20 to adapt to exterior and interior corners 76
of primary fence 26, as shown.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the modular-grid fence system 20 in
use as a freestanding unit 52 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Preferably, utilizing the above described
integral connection system 42, the fence panel(s) 22 may be arranged
into a freestanding unit 52, as shown (embodying herein wherein such
plurality of such substantially-rectangular, integral, modular grid
fence elements may be connected to each other respective such
plurality of substantially-rectangular, integral, modular grid fence
elements to form a self-standing fence). Under appropriate
circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
Further, the above described fence system 20 may be easily
disassembled and reassembled quickly and without tools. Preferably,
the fence panel(s) 22 are easily stacked and utilize a minimal
amount of shipping space. In addition, the fence panel(s) 22 are
shippable in a flat container. Further, the fence system 20 may be
shipped in a kit, ready for assembly and installation to an existing
fence, or as a freestanding unit. Under appropriate circumstances,
the fence system may also be made in different sizes and modules to
complement a user's needs.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from each and every novel
detail, feature, article, process, system and/or method disclosed in
or mentioned by or shown in this specification, including the
drawings, the claims, the abstract, and any appendices.
* * * * *
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