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  Fence apparatus and related methodsUSPTO Application #: 20060038165Title: Fence apparatus and related methods Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fence and related methods for making a fence panel and for connecting the panel to other panels to form a modular type fence. The invention preferably includes a generally planar section of fencing material formed from spaced-apart wires, and at least two non-parallel stiffening portions deforming the fence section from the aforementioned generally planar configuration. (end of abstract) Agent: J Mark Holland & Associates - Newport Beach, CA, US Inventor: Charles Larsen USPTO Applicaton #: 20060038165 - Class: 256032000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fences, Wire The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060038165. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a fence structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a generally planar fence panel having surface stiffening means that provide for, among other things, improved strength-to-weight characteristics, nesting and convenient packaging of a plurality of similar panels, and related methods of manufacture. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [0002] The contents of each U.S. patent or other reference, if any, cited in this application, are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A wide range of fence types are available for residential and commercial applications including, among other uses, an enclosure; boarding, or containment structure such as a cage, pen, or kennel; a boundary element for a yard, playground, or prison; crowd control; safety and security applications; and many others. [0004] These fence types may include the quintessential "white picket fence" constructed of wood or plastic, but also commonly include some variation of a reticulated wire or wire mesh panel made of metal. For metal fences, the choice of metal typically is dependent on a number of factors including strength-to-weight-ratio, corrosive resistance, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal. In some applications, the metal wire may include a plastic or rubber coating. [0005] Metal fences already exist with horizontal bends in the mesh fence. Those bends can add structural rigidity to the mesh, in the horizontal direction. Bending the fence in this way to add structural rigidity is generally a relatively less expensive and stronger alternative than, for example, using larger diameter wire. Among other alternatives to further increase rigidity and strength, a second horizontal wire or set of wires may be positioned parallel to the first set of horizontal wires. These practices (bending and/or extra wires) can avoid or reduce the necessity and costs of using a horizontal tubular rail or other bracing to provide stiffness in the fence. [0006] For metal or other types of fences, vertical rigidity in fencing is typically achieved by attaching the fence material to a post or frame connected to a footing secured to the ground or other fixed object. Generally, one or more collar-type connectors or other fastening devices facilitates attachment of the fence material to the post. [0007] Another type of fence that provides substantial horizontal and vertical rigidity can be described as "framed wire fence panels." These generally include an exterior frame fabricated from tubular metal posts or similar relatively heavy material, with wire mesh mounted within and covering the interior area enclosed by the frame. Although relatively stiff and although they provide various benefits, such wire frame panels have a number of drawbacks. For example, the manufacture of framed wire fence panels is generally considered labor intensive (and therefore relatively expensive), since the process involves manually attaching the wire mesh fill to the framing material. In addition, frames such as the familiar tubular type post used in many applications substantially increase freight weight, handling difficulty, and bulkiness, which typically results in greater shipping costs for less fence length when compared to a fence panel without such bulky posts. Even if the tubular posts/frames are shipped separately, the total shipping weight for the assembly remains the same (although under such a "ship unassembled" approach, the intensive labor needed to assemble the fence is left to the end user). The manufactured wire fencing is commonly packaged in rolls, or cut into sheets or panels prior to shipping. [0008] The present invention addresses some or all of these problems (among other potential benefits of the invention). As explained herein, various embodiments of the invention can provide a fence panel having, among other things, improved shipping efficiency (nestability), strength-to-weight characteristics, and handling capabilities when compared to existing fence designs known to the inventor. These and other advantages of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will become readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, by reading the following disclosure of the invention and viewed in light of the accompanying figures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] One embodiment of the invention describes a fence and related method for making a fence panel, and for connecting the panel to other panels to form a modular type fence. Preferably, one embodiment includes a generally planar surface or body portion, and at least one generally non-parallel stiffening portion formed in the body portion. Each stiffening portion may include at least one wire or a bend added to the body, or a combination of wire(s) and bend(s) to provide rigidity and strength in at least two directions along the generally planar body portion. In many applications, the wires or bends eliminate the need for at least the vertical stability provided by bulky posts. Accordingly, various embodiments provide improved shipping efficiency, strength-to-weight characteristics, and handling capabilities when compared to fence designs known to the inventor. [0010] The modular fence design/applications may include a second panel that can be joined to the first panel by a joining device. In contrast to many fence connectors, the preferred joining device of the present invention preferably permits use of a single attachment device for either of two types of selective connections between the panels: (a) rotating or (b) non-rotating joining between adjacent fence panels. The versatility of this type of joining device increases product efficiency by simplifying assembly, packaging, inventory control, and manufacturing overhead (less parts have to be designed and manufactured, etc.), and also greatly enhances assembly options. [0011] For the purpose of summarizing the invention, certain objects and advantages have been described. It is understood that not all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages. [0012] These and other points will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 illustrates one method of fabricating a fence panel having a generally planar surface and at least two generally non-parallel stiffening portions formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 2(c) shows nestable characteristics of one embodiment of the present invention compared to FIGS. 2(a) and (b), which illustrate alternative nesting arrangements or characteristics for a prior art fence panel having a post type vertical support. Preferred panel engagement elements 200 are shown in phantom in FIG. 2(c). [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates preferred cuts and bends in a fence panel having a generally planar surface, to facilitate forming a junction or stiffening deformations therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 3(a) is a section view of a fence panel showing one embodiment of a stiffening deformation, as it may be formed using the cuts and bends shown in FIG. 3. [0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fence panel having a generally planar surface and at least two generally non-parallel stiffening portions deforming the fence section from the generally planar configuration, all in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 5 is the fence panel of FIG. 4 further showing an optional support link 125 connected between spaced apart wires of a junction formed in the fence panel. [0019] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the fence panel of FIG. 4, as the panel might appear in an erected position. Continue reading... Full patent description for Fence apparatus and related methods Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fence apparatus and related methods patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fence apparatus and related methods or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Energy absorbing post for roadside safety devices Next Patent Application: Nitride semiconductor light emitting device Industry Class: Fences ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fence apparatus and related methods patent info. 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