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FenceRelated Patent Categories: Fences, Rail, Connection, Rail To PostFence description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070181866, Fence. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/758,670, entitled FENCE, which was filed on Jan. 12, 2006, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to fences and, in particular, to a clip or securing member that may be used in connection with a fence. [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 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] Many conventional vinyl fences include sections that are connected to fence posts by screws. The screws, however, may not allow a strong and sturdy fence to be constructed. In addition, the screws may be difficult to install and the screws may limit the potential uses of the fence. In particular, many conventional vinyl fences include metal tubes and screws are inserted into the metal tubes to assemble the fence. Disadvantageously, it may be very difficult to drill screw holes into round metal tubes, especially if this is required by purchaser of the vinyl fence. Additionally, the head of the screw may be the only structure that holds the metal tube in position, which may create a relatively weak or fragile structure. Further, because of the location of the metal tube and/or other portions of the fence, it may be very difficult to attach the screw to the metal tubing. This may make the fence difficult to install and assemble. Finally, the attachment of the screws to the metal tubing may limit the potential uses of the vinyl fence. For example, if the length of the fence needs to be decreased, then the metal may have to be cut and that may require a new screw hole to be drilled into the tubing. Undesirably, the steps of cutting the metal tubing, drilling a new screw hole and attaching the screw to the tubing may be very difficult, especially if the purchaser does not have the correct tools and/or if the purchaser is not skilled in this area. BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0008] A need therefore exists for a fence that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems. [0009] One aspect is a fence 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 for the fence to be installed and removed more easily. [0010] Another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. For example, the fence may include panels or sections that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Advantageously, the panels may include hollow interior portions that are formed during the blow-molding process, which may allow a lightweight fence to be constructed. In addition, if the panels are constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the panels may be relatively easily formed into many different shapes, sizes, configurations and designs depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or configuration of the fence. Other portions of the fence, such as slats, decorative covers, and the like, may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic. The fence may also be constructed from other suitable materials, such as metal or vinyl, and/or other processes, such as injection molding, rotational molding and the like. [0011] Still another aspect is a fence that may be generally maintenance free. In particular, the fence may not require any significant maintenance over time or 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 may not have to be repainted or stained. [0012] Yet another aspect is a fence that may include various features and/or have an attractive or 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 as part of the panels. 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. Further, the panels may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. The panels, however, could be constructed from one or more components. [0013] Significantly, 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. The blow-molded plastic components may also be durable and long-lasting because it generally does not corrode, rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may be generally waterproof and/or windproof, which may also allow the fence to be used in a wide range of locations and environments. [0014] A further aspect is a fence that may have enhanced visual appeal. For example, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic, it 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 be relatively strong and impact-resistant. For example, if the fence may be constructed from blow-molded plastic components, 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. The fence 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 the strong, impact-resistant fence. While the opposing walls are preferably separated by a generally constant distance, the walls can be separated by any suitable distance depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or design of the fence. [0016] Another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic components that 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, 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 be aligned and the depressions do not have to touch or engage. [0017] 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. The blow-molded plastic components may also be constructed with relatively thin outer walls, which may reduce the amount of plastic required to construct the components. The thin outer walls may reduce manufacturing costs and allow the components to be cooled more quickly during the manufacturing process, which may allow the fence to be manufactured more quickly and efficiently. [0018] 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 transported more easily, which may decrease shipping costs. Additionally, the consumer may appreciate the reduced weight because the fence may be moved and/or assembled more easily. Further, the lightweight components may allow the fence to be installed, repaired and removed more easily. [0019] Still another aspect is a fence that may include portions that are constructed from two or more different types of materials, such as blow-molded plastic and metal. This may allow a more decorative or attractive fence to be created. For example, the fence may include ornamental metal components that are attached to upper and/or lower portions of a blow-molded plastic panel. The fence could also include different types of materials to allow a strong and more rigid fence to be constructed. For instance, the fence could include metal components that are structural portions of the fence. The metal components may also allow the fence to be assembled and installed more quickly and easily. The metal portions may be disposed inside and/or outside other portions of the fence, such as blow-molded plastic panels. If the metal portions are disposed within the blow-molded plastic panels, the metal portions may not be visible and that may help protect the metal portions from damage and/or limit the expose of the metal portions to the environment. [0020] Still yet another aspect is a fence that may include a plurality of panels which may be interconnected. For example, the fence may include panels that are about one to two feet in width and about four to six feet in height. The fence could also include larger panels, such as panels that are about four to eight feet in width, or smaller panels, such as panels that are about four to twelve inches in width. The panels may be directly connected together and/or connected to support members, such as support or fence posts. Advantageously, the fence may be constructed with a wide variety of different types and sizes of panels. This may allow the fence to have different configurations and arrangements to follow, for example, the contour of the ground and allow different sizes of fences and enclosures to be constructed. In addition, the panels may have different designs, colors, textures and the like. This may allow, for example, the panels to be mixed and matched. Of course, the panels could have various suitable designs and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence. [0021] A further aspect is a fence that may include support members that are sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the fence. For example, the support members may be constructed from hollow metal tubing and the support members may be at least partially disposed within other portions of the fence, such as the panels. Advantageously, the support members may be used to interconnect the panels and/or connect the panels to the support posts. Continue reading about Fence... 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: Pickets for use in modular fence systems Next Patent Application: Heterostructure including light generating structure contained in potential well Industry Class: Fences ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fence patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.14332 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , 174 |
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