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  FenceUSPTO Application #: 20060081827Title: Fence Abstract: A fence may include one or more fence panels and the fence panels are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. The fence panels may include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the fence panels. The fence may also include a mower strip to obstruct plant growth proximate the fence. The mower strip is preferably constructed of plastic and it may be integrally formed with the fence panels. The fence may include one or more filler fence panels. Advantageously, the filler fence panels may be sized and configured to support and/or position the fence panels above an uneven surface. (end of abstract) Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley) - Salt Lake City, UT, US Inventors: L. Curtis Strong, Robert A. Astle, Kent Ashby, Katie Staples USPTO Applicaton #: 20060081827 - Class: 256024000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fences, Panel The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060081827. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/610,515, filed Sep. 15, 2004 and entitled FENCE, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to fences, boundaries, boarders and other types of barriers, and, in particular, to fences constructed from metal and/or plastic. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Conventional fences are made from many different types of materials. For example, many conventional fences are constructed from wood. Conventional wooden fences typically have an attractive initial appearance, but maintaining that initial appearance may require significant effort because of exposure of the wood to the elements. For example, conventional wooden fences must be periodically repainted or restained. In addition, conventional wooden fences may rot or deteriorate over time. Accordingly, the rotted or damaged portion of the fence may have to be repaired or replaced. Thus, conventional wooden fences frequently require periodic maintenance, which is time consuming and may be relatively expensive. Furthermore, conventional wooden fences may be difficult to install and skilled artisans may be required, which may increase costs and expenses. [0006] Known fences are also constructed from vinyl. Conventional vinyl fences may also have an initially attractive appearance, but these fences may deteriorate and/or discolor over time. For example, many conventional vinyl fences can become brittle from exposure to certain weather conditions, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight. Moisture, such as water from a sprinkling system, may also discolor many conventional vinyl fences. Further, many conventional vinyl fences are not very strong and may be damaged from various types of impacts. In addition, many conventional vinyl fences are not securely connected together or fixed in a stationary position and may be damaged, for example, by a sudden gust of wind. Disadvantageously, it may be difficult and expensive to repair and/or replace portions of a conventional vinyl fence. [0007] It is also known to construct all or a portion of a fence from concrete. Conventional fences constructed from concrete are typically very expensive install, repair, replace and remove. In addition, many conventional concrete fences require skilled artisans to install, repair, replace and/or remove a concrete fence. Further, many individuals are unable to install or remove a conventional concrete fence by themselves so they are required to hire others for assistance. [0008] Conventional fences are often installed around a person's lawn or garden. Disadvantageously, many conventional fences disrupt or hinder a person from taking care of their lawn or garden. For example, many conventional fences increase the difficulty of mowing the lawn. In particular, many people have grass growing next to or proximate the fence. Most conventional lawn mowers, however, are unable to cut the grass close to the fence. Accordingly, that portion of the grass may not be cut by the lawn mover and a grass trimmer may have to be used to cut that portion of the grass, which undesirably increases the amount of time to mow the lawn. In addition, many conventional grass trimmers may damage the fence if the trimmer inadvertently contacts the fence. To prevent grass from growing proximate the fence, it is known to place a concrete curb or mow strip along the fence, but this can be rather costly and time consuming. The concrete curb or mow strip may also be rather unattractive and it may make the fence more difficult to install and/or remove. SUMMARY [0009] A need therefore exists for a fence that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems. [0010] One aspect is a fence or barrier that may be constructed from relatively lightweight materials. For example, all or a portion of the fence may be constructed from plastic. Advantageously, the lightweight materials may allow the fence to be easily moved and transported. The lightweight materials may also allow the fence to be easier to install and remove. [0011] Another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. Advantageously, the fence may contain hollow interior portions that are formed during the blow-molding process, which may allow a light-weight fence to be constructed. In addition, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the blow-molded plastic portions may be relatively easily formed into many different desired shapes, sizes, configurations and designs depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or configuration of the fence. Significantly, all or a portion of the fence may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. [0012] Still another aspect is a fence that may be generally maintenance free. In particular, the fence preferably does not require any significant maintenance over time or any periodic maintenance. For example, the fence preferably does not require any painting, staining or the like. Advantageously, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the fence may require very little, if any, maintenance. Thus, for instance, if the fence is constructed from the blow-molded plastic, then the fence may be constructed from plastic with a specific color and the fence never has to be painted. [0013] Yet another aspect is a fence that may be attractive and/or include an eye-catching design. If desired, these various features and designs can be integrally formed as part of the fence. For example, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic panels, various features and designs can be integrally formed in the panels as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. In particular, one or both sides of the blow-molded plastic panels may include a design. Advantageously, the design on the sides of the panels may be the same or different, which may increase the versatility and potential uses of the fence. In addition, because blow-molded plastic panels may be formed into many different shapes, sizes, configurations and designs, that may allow many different shapes, sizes, configurations and designs of fences to be constructed. [0014] A further aspect is a fence that may have enhanced visual appeal. In particular, a fence constructed from blow-molded plastic may have a stronger and/or sturdier appearance than a conventional fence. Thus, the fence may desirably have a more rugged or durable appearance. [0015] A still further aspect is a fence that may include one or more components that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic components may be generally weather resistant and temperature insensitive, which may allow the fence to be used in a wide variety of locations and environments. In addition, the blow-molded plastic fence may be durable and long-lasting because it generally does not corrode, rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. Further, the blow-molded plastic fence may be generally waterproof and/or windproof, which may also allow the fence to be used in a wide range of locations and environments. [0016] Still yet another aspect is a fence that may be relatively strong and impact resistant. For example, the fence may be constructed from blow-molded plastic components and this may allow the fence to withstand relatively large forces or impacts without being damaged. For example, the fence may be able to withstand repeated impacts with balls, toys, bicycles and the like without being damaged. Advantageously, this may help prevent the fence from being damaged by children, pets and the like. [0017] A fence including components constructed from blow-molded plastic may be relatively strong because the blow-molded plastic components may include two opposing walls or surfaces that are separated by a given distance. The opposing walls may help create a strong, high-strength and rigid fence. In addition, a relatively lightweight fence may be constructed because the interior portion of the blow-molded plastic components may include a hollow interior portion. While the opposing walls of the fence are preferably separated by a generally constant distance, the walls can be separated by any suitable distance. [0018] Still another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and the blow-molded plastic components may include one or more depressions or "tack-offs." The depressions, which may extend from one surface towards another surface, are desirably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the fence. Preferably, the depressions extend from one surface and contact or engage an opposing surface, but the depressions do not have to contact or engage another surface. Advantageously, the depressions may form part of a design or pattern formed in the fence, and the design or pattern may minimize and/or hide the depressions from view. In addition, the depressions may be formed in one or both sides of the fence. If the depressions are formed in both sides of the fence, the depressions may be generally aligned. At least a portion of these opposing depressions may contact or engage each other, but the opposing depressions do not have to touch or engage. [0019] Significantly, a fence constructed from blow-molded plastic components may be relatively quickly and easily constructed. For example, the blow-molding process may allow opposing walls, depressions and other desired features to be quickly and easily formed. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may allow the fence to be quickly and easily assembled. Further, the blow-molded plastic components may allow portions of the fence to be easily repaired, removed and/or replaced. [0020] Advantageously, if the fence is constructed using blow-molded plastic components, then the blow-molded components may allow a strong and sturdy fence to be constructed. For example, the blow-molded plastic components may include opposing walls and depressions, which may allow the components to be constructed with relatively thin outer walls. Significantly, this may reduce the amount of plastic required to construct the components, which may reduce manufacturing costs and the amount of required resources. The thin outer walls may also allow the components to be cooled more quickly during the manufacturing process, which may allow the fence to be manufactured more quickly and efficiently. [0021] Additionally, because the fence may be constructed using blow-molded plastic components with thin outer walls, this may allow a fence with reduced weight to be constructed. Significantly, the lightweight fence may be more easily transported, which may decrease shipping costs. Additionally, the consumer may appreciate the reduced weight because they can much more easily move and/or assemble the fence. Further, the lightweight components may allow the fence easier to install, repair and remove. Continue reading... Full patent description for Fence Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fence 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 or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Protective railing Next Patent Application: Fence and method of assembling same Industry Class: Fences ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fence patent info. 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