CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/601,401, filed on August 13, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fence structures and methods of construction. More particularly, it relates to a chain link fence having privacy slats inserted into the fence with an image applied to at least one side of the slats for decoration, information, advertising or other purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following patent publications relate to chain link fence constructions having slats, tiles or panels inserted into the fence for privacy, wind protection, decoration, information, advertising or other purposes. These and all other patents and patent applications referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

US 6,708,955 granted to Cummings for Lattice insert Abstract: An insert consisting of a plastic square that is fastened to a plastic garden-lattice that affects the lattice's functional and ornamental characteristics. This device is dispersed throughout the lattice according to personal preference to achieve varying degrees of both function and ornamentation, with regards to protection from the elements, colors, composition, letters, numbers, embossing, etc.

US 6,669,175 granted to Snow, et al. for Tile type fencing insert Abstract: A rectangular sheet of flexible and resilient material such as plastic with notches at the midpoint of its sides. The size of the sheet and notches allow the insert to be placed into and located by a cell of a chain link fence. Notches fit around the wire crossovers of the chain link fence and locate the insert at the mid-plane of the fence. The corners of the insert extend into adjoining cells. Adjoining inserts overlap to provide complete visual privacy. The tile-like nature of the inserts allows great flexibility in arrangements and colors to provide visual privacy, decoration, words, logos, or signage.

US RE36,085 granted to McLaughlan, et al. for Chain link fencing with decorative slats that provide complete privacy Abstract: Chain link fencing having a plurality of elongate picket members comprising elongate slats that lie in diagonal valleys of the chain link fencing. Elongate, U-shaped channels lie along the respective sides of each elongate slat. The channels fit over and cover a row or ridge of knuckles formed along the side of each of the respective valleys of the chain link fencing. The pickets cover essentially the entire side of the chain link fence and leave no spaces or openings between pickets. The system thus provides complete privacy. Engagement members are associated with the channels to secure the channel members and thus the pickets to respective rows or ridges of knuckles on the chain link fencing.

US 5,395,092 granted to McLaughlan, et al. for Chain link fencing with decorative slats that provide complete privacy Abstract: Chain link fencing having a plurality of elongate picket members comprising elongate slats that lie in diagonal valleys of the chain link fencing. Elongate, U-shaped channels lie along the respective sides of each elongate slat. The channels fit over and cover a row or ridge of knuckles formed along the side of each of the respective valleys of the chain link fencing. The pickets cover essentially the entire side of the chain link fence and leave no spaces or openings between pickets. The system thus provides complete privacy. Engagement members are associated with the channels to secure the channel members and thus the pickets to respective rows or ridges of knuckles on the chain link fencing.

US 5,275,381 granted to Cluff, et al. for Wire fencing with decorative slats that provide essentially complete privacy Abstract: Wire fencing having a plurality of elongate picket members that lie adjacent to a side face of the chain link fencing so as to be substantially superposed over the fencing. Engagement members extend from the back faces of the picket members to project into the fencing and engage respective mounting members positioned within the fencing or on the opposite side face of the fencing. The interengagement of the engagement members and the mounting members holds the picket members firmly in place on the side of the fencing. US 5,234,199 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing with decorative slats Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system for retaining and locking the slats in the chain link fabric comprises (1) an elongate rail woven between consecutive links of the chain link fence such that the rail lies adjacent to mutually respective, aligned, first ends of the elongate slats, and (2) engagement members formed integrally with the mutually respective first ends of the elongate slats, with the engagement members including interlocking means which make interlocking engagement with the elongate rail when the respective first end of the elongate slat is abutted against the elongate rail.

US 5,165,664 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing with decorative slats Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system for retaining and locking the slats in the chain link fabric comprises (1) an elongate rail woven between consecutive links of the chain link fence such that the rail lies adjacent to mutually respective, aligned, first ends of the elongate slats, and (2) engagement members formed integrally with the mutually respective first ends of the elongate slats, with the engagement members comprising a pair of separate, distinct, spaced apart barbs positioned adjacent to the respective side edges of the slat. The barbs make interlocking engagement with the elongate rail when the respective first end of the elongate slat is abutted against the elongate rail.

US 4,725,044 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing containing decorative slats and locking clips Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system for locking and retaining the slats in the chain link fabric comprises an elongate clip member which is received in locking interengagement in a receptacle or opening in the respective slat. The clip member can be of the type which simply extends from the sides of the slat to form an obstruction with the links in the fence such that the slats cannot be removed from the fence. Alternatively, the clip members can be adapted to extend from the slat to a bottom rail so as to lock the slats to the bottom rail such that the slats cannot be removed from the fence.

US 4,723,761 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing containing decorative slats Abstract: A means for retaining slats woven flatwise through the links of a chain link fence is provided with a receptacle formed in each of the slats and a generally U-shaped clip member having legs engaging respective receptacles in adjacent slats.

US 4,651 ,975 granted to Howell for Insert member for chain link fences Abstract: A device designed to be secured to a chain link fence improves the appearance of the fence and partially closes the openings in the fence so as to provide privacy and wind protection. Decorative blocks, such as of wood or plastic, are installed onto the obliquely angled wires of the fence via a wire-receiving groove formed in one surface of each block. Each block extends partially over each of two adjacent fence openings on either side of the wire. Flexible connectors, such as of light wire, are strung generally in lines to connect the series of blocks and secure their position and orientation. Installation of a large number of the blocks provides the appearance of a closed fence, improves the appearance of the fence and provides some wind protection. GB 2329913 filed by Haynes et al. for Screened chain link fencing Abstract: A chain link fence, made from wire mesh which is screened by means of the insertion of lightweight slats which are secured parallel to each other by means of a u-shaped channel, and, or the use of a securing wire, which can be passed through a securing stud in or to prevent their movement or unwanted removal of the slats from the fence. If required the slats can be printed, or a sign or image applied to the slats, so as to provide a slatted hoarding for the presentation of information such as an advertisement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One disadvantage of many of the prior art privacy fences is that they do not provide an adequate level of privacy. It is easy for passers by to focus through the gaps between the colored privacy slats to see what is behind the fence. On the other hand, the few examples that are configured to provide complete privacy by overlapping the slats to eliminate the gaps require more elaborate construction and are consequently more expensive to make and install. What would be desirable therefore is a privacy fence that provides enhanced privacy without having to resort to complex and expensive constructions.

To solve this problem, the present invention takes advantage of the eye's natural tendency to focus on an image that is presented to it. When the eye is focused on an image in the foreground, the background will be out of focus and will largely be ignored by the observer. By placing a decorative image on the surface of a privacy fence, the eyes will be drawn to the image and will focus on it. Even though the fence is not completely opaque, objects and activities behind the fence will be ignored by the casual observer. This provides an enhanced level of privacy without having to resort to complex and expensive fence constructions. The decorative privacy fence of the present invention can also be configured to provide additional advantages, such as wind protection, decoration, information, advertising, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1 shows a front view of a decorative privacy fence constructed in accordance with the present invention having a chain link fence with privacy slats inserted into the chain link fence with an image applied to at least one side of the slats.

FIG 2 shows a rear view of a decorative privacy fence constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG 3 is an enlarged view showing construction details of the decorative privacy fence.

FIG 4 shows construction details of optional features of the decorative privacy fence.

FIGS 5 A and 5B show a top view and an end view of a fixture used for manually laminating an image onto the privacy slats of the decorative privacy fence.

FIG 6 shows an end view of a privacy slat after lamination. FIG 7 shows an interim step in the manufacture of privacy slats from a flat panel of material.

FIG 8 shows an end view of finished privacy slats made from a flat panel of material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG 1 shows a front view of a decorative privacy fence 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The privacy fence 100 is configured as a chain link fence made from interwoven strands of wire 102 that form an interwoven wire fabric 112. The interwoven wire fabric 112 is typically supported between upright posts 116, which are optionally connected by horizontal rails 118 at the top and bottom of the fence 100. The interwoven pattern of the wire 102 leaves a multiplicity of open vertically oriented channels 104 into which a multiplicity of privacy slats 106 can be inserted.

The privacy slats 106 typically have an elongated rectangular configuration when viewed from the front. In one preferred configuration shown in FIGS 3 and 6, when viewed from the ends, the privacy slats 106 are typically configured with an elongated rectangular cross section with rounded lateral edges. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the privacy slats 106 are formed as a thin-walled, hollow profile polymer extrusion with internal walls or webbing between the opposing faces. This configuration reduces the weight of the privacy slats 106 and saves materials costs. Alternatively, the privacy slats 106 may be configured with flattened tubular or channel-shaped cross section or other convenient shape. The privacy slats 106 are preferably constructed of a low cost, durable, weatherproof material, for example a polymer such as polyvinyl chloride or a polymer composite. The privacy slats 106 may be formed by extrusion, rolling, stamping, molding or other convenient manufacturing process. The privacy slats 106 may be colored in the manufacturing process or left a natural color.

The privacy slats 106 are preferably configured with at least one generally flat surface 108 onto which an image 110 can be applied. The image 110 can be applied to the privacy slats 106 using any known process that results in a durable, weatherproof image. The flat surface 108 of the privacy slats 106 must be compatible with the image application process. In one preferred method, the image 110 is formed on a durable, weatherproof polymer film, such as polyvinyl chloride or mylar. The polymer film with the image 110 on it is cut into strips approximately the width of the privacy slats 106 and applied to the flat surface 108 using an adhesive, such as a contact adhesive previously applied to the back surface of the polymer film. Advantageously, it has been found that the adhesion of the laminated image to the slats actually increases with time and weathering. Optionally, an image can be applied to both surfaces of the privacy slats 106.

The privacy slats 106 with the image 110 applied to them are inserted into the open vertically oriented channels 104 in the chain link fence 112 as shown in FIG 1. FIG 2 shows a rear view of the completed privacy fence 100. Optionally, the back surface of the privacy slats 106 can have an image applied to it as well or it may have a uniform color or a pattern on it.

For standard chain link fences with a repeat pattern of approximately 3V4 inches, the privacy slats 106 will preferably have a width of approximately 2% inches and a thickness of approximately % inch to fit into the open vertically oriented channels 104 in the woven wire fabric 112. Privacy slats 106 with a width of approximately 1 inch and a thickness of approximately % inch can be used for smaller mesh sizes of chain link fence. The length of the privacy slats 106 will preferably correspond to the height of the woven wire fabric 112 of the privacy fence 100. The privacy slats 106 can be manufactured in any other dimensions to accommodate other mesh sizes of chain link fences.

FIG 3 is an enlarged view showing construction details of the decorative privacy fence 100. Optionally, the privacy slats 106 can be secured in place by bending the free ends 114 of the wires 102 over at the top and/or bottom of the chain link fence. Alternatively, locking devices, such as those described in the prior art, may be used to secure the privacy slats 106 in place.

FIG 4 shows construction details of optional features of the decorative privacy fence. In order to avoid distortion of the image printed on the privacy fence 100, is important that the privacy slats 106 be properly aligned with one another along the fence, particularly as compared to prior art privacy fences that use solid colored privacy slats. To achieve this, the lower ends of the wires 102 can be bent into lower support loops 120 that support the privacy slats 106 at the same correct height, thus providing a datum for aligning the portions of the image printed on each of privacy slats 106.

FIGS 5 A and 5B show a top view and an end view of a fixture 200 used for manually laminating an image onto the privacy slats 106 of the decorative privacy fence 100. The fixture 200 is preferably configured to be used on a horizontal table. The fixture 200 includes a multiplicity of channels 202 separated by raised fences 204. The raised fences 204 will preferably have a height approximately the same as the thickness of the privacy slats 106. Alignment pins 206 or other alignment features are located approximately on the centerline of each of the raised fences 204. A multiplicity of undecorated privacy slats 106 are placed in the channels 202 of the fixture 200 with the upper and lower ends of the slats aligned and the flat surface 108 facing upward. Next an image formed on a polymer film 122 is adhesively attached to the flat surface 108 of the privacy slats 106. A steel rule or the like (not shown) is aligned with the spaces between the privacy slats 106 using the alignment pins 206 on the centerline of the raised fences 204. The polymer film 122 with the image on it is slit between the privacy slats 106 using a razor knife or other sharp cutting blade. Preferably, the raised fences 204 will be made of wood or metal to resist damage by the cutting blade. The cut polymer film 122 is wrapped around and adhered the rounded lateral edges of the privacy slats 106, preferably covering the privacy slats 106 up to approximately the midpoint of the rounded lateral edges, as shown by the arrow marked W in FIG 6, which shows an end view of a privacy slat 106 after lamination. This configuration of the privacy slats 106 has an additional advantage in that the image on the privacy slats 106 appears more continuous than if it had only been applied to the flat surface 108, including when the fence is viewed from angles other than perpendicular to the front surface of the fence. Preferably, the privacy slats 106 are marked with numbers, letters or other indicia prior to removal from the fixture 200 to indicate the order of the slats for later insertion into the open vertically oriented channels 104 of a chain link fence 112. For example, the indicia may be applied using removal labels. A portion or all this manual process may be automated for more rapid and efficient manufacturing of the decorative privacy fence 100. In addition, the insertion of the privacy slats 106 into the open vertically oriented channels 104 of a chain link fence 112 may be automated. For example, the privacy slats 106 may be inserted into the vertically oriented channels 104 of a chain link fence 112 as the woven wire fabric is being formed.

FIG 7 shows an interim step in the manufacture of privacy slats from a flat panel of material 130. In this method an image is first applied to a rigid flat panel of material 130, then the flat panel and the image are cut into strips to form a multiplicity of privacy slats 106, as shown in FIG 8.

In general, the image may be applied to the flat panel shown in FIG. 7, or alternatively to slats, using any acceptable method. For example, the image may be applied to the flat panel 130 by printing the image onto a polymer film, for example 3M Controltac IJl 80C film, and laminating the printed polymer film onto the flat panel 130. The image may be printed on the polymer film using a wide format printer, such as those available from Mutoh, Encad, ColorSpan or Hewlett- Packard. Alternatively, the image may be printed directly onto the flat panel 130 using a wide format flatbed printer, such as those available from Mutoh, Encad or Mimaki. If the flat panel 130 is treated prior to printing, it can be printed on using solvent base inks. If the flat panel 130 is untreated, it can be printed on using UV cured inks. In other embodiments, the image is created using autosterioscopic technologies, such as those using paralax barriers, lenticular sheets, or other methods to create holographic or 3D images, moving images, changing images, and other effects that may be readily created using such technology. In some embodiments both sides of the slats, and thus the fence incorporating the slats, may include an image formed thereon. In one preferred embodiment, the flat panel 130 is configured as a hollow cell profile extrusion formed of a polymer, including, but not limited to, PVC, polypropylene or polyethylene. The end view of the flat panel 130 in FIG 7 and the end view of finished privacy slats 106 in FIG 8 show the hollow cell profile extrusion configuration. Plat panels 130 of this configuration are available in 4 x 8 and 4 x 10 foot panels.

Using any of the printing techniques described, the decorative image can be readily scaled to the size of the privacy fence. Optionally, a UV resistant coating can be applied to the privacy slats 106 after laminating or printing to increase durability of the decorative privacy fence 100. Another option is to apply a graffiti resistant coating, such as 3M Scotchcal High Gloss Graffiti- Resistant (polyester) Overlaminate 8912 ES, to the privacy slats 106 after laminating or printing.

The product may be provided in roll form as wire fence fabric with preinserted printed privacy slats or, alternatively, the printed privacy slats may be provided separately for insertion into the wire fence fabric in the field.

While the present invention has been described herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments and the best mode for practicing the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, improvements and subcombinations of the various embodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.