Abstract:
Disclosed is a system and method for a decorative, easy to install privacy fencing system and method therefor. A customizable fencing and privacy enclosure system is provided comprising vertical clamp members and a preferably decorative fabric sheet providing at least some level of ventilation therethrough, such system being configured for attachment to existing fence posts or newly installed fence posts. Such system is comprised of a small number of simplistic components that allow a do-it-yourself homeowner (or other person not particularly advanced as a skilled craftsman) to easily install, customize, and adjust the system to fit the homeowner&#39;s particular needs and aesthetic desires.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/690,219 entitled “Fencing and Privacy Enclosure System,” filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 21, 2012 by the inventors herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to fencing systems, and more particularly to an easy-to-install, customizable privacy fencing system and method for its installation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Fences come in a wide variety of shapes and configurations. For instance, some fences, such as simple chain link or security fences, are typically configured to simply cordon off a particular area. Other fences may provide privacy, such as plank wood fencing often used in residential neighborhoods to fence a homeowner&#39;s back yard. Still other fences may provide a distinctive and attractive appearance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the overall property on which they are installed (in addition to providing the standard feature of delineating a particular space). 
         [0004]    Often times, such fencing systems are formed of metal which may rust over time, or wood which may become worn and weathered over time. For the homeowner that wishes to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the originally installed fencing system, this can become frustrating and create a significant chore for the homeowner, often requiring resurfacing/repainting, removal and replacement of fencing sections, and the like, all of which can be significantly laborious tasks. Further, such systems (whether comprised of metal, wood, or synthetic materials) will often require close measurement and fitting for proper installation, and can be quite unforgiving if mistakes are made in doing so, as the ability to customize component dimensions is quite limited. Still further, as components of such systems weather, they may expand or shrink depending upon environmental conditions, and again present significant challenge if the homeowner thereafter wishes to adjust the components of his system to provide a better fit. 
         [0005]    Moreover, typically known fencing systems may come at significant cost to the homeowner in both material and installation expenses. Likewise, prior known fencing systems are typically provided as permanent installations. Thus, while they might provide the homeowner opportunity to provide a unique and aesthetically attractive appearance to their yard, they provide little opportunity to change that appearance should styles or simply the desires of the homeowner change. 
         [0006]    It would therefore be advantageous to provide a fencing system, and more preferably a privacy fencing system, capable of easy installation, customization, and modification that is sufficiently easy to install and modify so that a do-it-yourself homeowner may easily undertake such tasks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Disclosed is a system and method for a decorative, easy to install privacy fencing system and method therefor. With regard to certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, a customizable fencing and privacy enclosure system is provided comprising vertical clamp members and a preferably decorative fabric sheet providing at least some level of ventilation therethrough, such system being configured for attachment to existing fence posts or newly installed fence posts. Such system is comprised of a small number of simplistic components that allow a do-it-yourself homeowner (or other person not particularly advanced as a skilled craftsman) to easily install, customize, and adjust the system to fit the homeowner&#39;s particular needs and aesthetic desires. Such system provides a sense of privacy and a sleek aesthetic appearance while providing at least some amount of ventilation. The fabric sheet may be comprised of mesh, in order to provide increased ventilation, or a more substantial fabric to increase privacy. The system may also be easily disassembled in order to conduct maintenance on the system or to change the style, color, or other design of the fabric sheet. The system also provides a variety of configurations of fencing, as the components that comprise the system may be cut or otherwise sized to the homeowner&#39;s size and specification requirements. Also, while the primary use of such system is for use as privacy fencing, such system could also be used for many functional and decorative fencing and enclosure applications. 
         [0008]    Also disclosed herein is a method for installing such a system on existing or newly installed fence posts, which method is designed to be carried out by a homeowner or other installer having minimal craftsman skill (such as a do-it-yourself homeowner). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a customizable fencing system in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a vertical clamp member suitable for use in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cross member suitable for use in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the customizable fencing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for use with the customizable fencing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  provides side, top, and bottom views of a fitting for use with the customizable fencing system of claim  1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    The following description is of a particular embodiment of the invention, set out to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, and is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
         [0017]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a front view of a customizable fencing system  100  in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention is shown attached to a plurality of fence posts  200  of standard configuration. Fence posts  200  may be comprised of any material suitable for forming fence posts, deck posts, or similar structures, such as (by way of non-limiting example) wood posts, vinyl posts, and the like. As used herein, “fence post” is intended to refer to any vertical post member that is used in fencing, decking, or similar structures and to which horizontal cross-members are typically directly connected. Customizable fencing system  100  is configured for attachment to vertical fence posts  200  of any configuration, such as square, rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, or even irregular shaped vertical posts, as will be discussed in further detail below. 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , customizable fencing system  100  includes vertical clamp members  110  which are directly attached to fence posts  200 , and a fabric sheet  150  that is held taught between two, adjacent, facing vertical clamp members  110 . Fabric sheet  150  is clamped in place at opposite ends of the fabric sheet  150  between a clamp member  110  and the fence post  200  to which it is attached. Vertical clamp members  110  are preferably attached to fence posts  200  with semi-permanent connectors, such as screws or similarly configured threaded fasteners (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), each of which extends through a vertical clamp member  110 , then through fabric sheet  150 , and into the immediately adjacent fence post  200 . As used herein, semi-permanent connector is intended to refer to any connector that will rigidly hold vertical clamp member  110  to its intended fence post  200  through typical environmental conditions (wind, rain, snow, etc.), but that may be intentionally removed and replaced through action by a homeowner (such as by unscrewing when it is desired to modify the configuration of customizable fencing system  100 , as discussed in greater detail below). 
         [0019]    Also as shown in  FIG. 1 , an upper cross member  120  may be provided that extends between and is attached to two, adjacent, facing vertical clamp members  110  for each fabric sheet  150 . Upper cross member  120  serves to maintain a fixed distance between adjacent, facing vertical clamp members  110 , and also provides support for a top edge of fabric sheet  150 . As fabric sheet  150  is preferably at least somewhat flexible, the top edge of fabric sheet may optionally be joined to upper cross member  120 , such as by way of threaded fasteners such as screws, by use of hook and loop fastening material or snaps, or any other connecting device that will hold the top edge of fabric sheet  150  in place during typical use, but that will allow its intentional removal therefrom when desired by homeowner. 
         [0020]    Similarly, a lower cross member  130  may optionally be provided that also extends between and is attached to two, adjacent, facing vertical clamp members  110  for each fabric sheet  150 , but at a lower position along vertical claim member  110  from upper cross member  120 . Lower cross member  130  will further assist in maintaining a fixed distance between adjacent, facing vertical clamp members  110 , and also provides support for a bottom edge of fabric sheet  150 . As with the connection to upper cross member  120 , the bottom edge of fabric sheet  150  may optionally be joined to lower cross member  130 , such as by way of threaded fasteners such as screws, by use of hook and loop fastening material or snaps, or any other connecting device that will hold the top edge of fabric sheet  150  in place during typical use, but that will allow its intentional removal therefrom when desired by homeowner. 
         [0021]    The configuration of customizable fencing system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  provides a sense of privacy, and a sleek aesthetic appearance while providing slight ventilation through fabric sheet  150 . Although a mesh exterior fabric is most preferred, a heavier, more solid fabric may likewise be used to provide a greater degree of privacy. For example, a solution-dyed acrylic fabric (many varieties of which are readily commercially available and known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including that which is commercially distributed under the name SUNBRELLA) could be used, as could any marine fabric normally used in, for instance, boat covers (with the exception of cotton duck material which has a tendency to shrink). Moreover, through use of semi-permanent connectors as discussed above, customizable fencing system  100  may be easily disassembled in order to carry out maintenance on the fabric sheet  150  (such as removing it for washing or the like), or for purposes of changing out fabric sheet  150  from a particular section to provide a change in fabric style, color, or the like. The customizable fencing system  100  is configured of components that may be cut to the purchaser&#39;s size and specification, and thus may be easily customized to fit any existing fence post configuration. Further, while one use of such a customizable fencing system  100  is use as privacy fencing, it is also suitable for use in any functional and decorative fencing and enclosure purpose. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  provides a detail view of a vertical clamp member  110 . Vertical clamp member  110  is preferably formed of anodized aluminum tubing, making it suitable for long term use outdoors. In a particular embodiment, vertical clamp member  100  is formed of square anodized aluminum tubing, and more particularly ¾″ square anodized aluminum tubing, capable of being easily cut with a hacksaw or the like so as to allow for easy size customization, and while maintaining a sufficiently low profile in the overall aesthetic appearance so as to maintain a sleek, pleasing appearance. In any given installation of customizable fencing system  100 , vertical clamp member  110  is preferably provided a height dimension H that is sufficient to extend ¾″ beyond the top edge  152  and the bottom edge  154  ( FIG. 1 ) of fabric sheet  150 , in order to ensure that the full height dimension of fabric sheet  150  is clamped between clamp member  110  and its adjacent fence post  200 . 
         [0023]    Vertical clamp member  110  has an interior face  112  (the face that points toward an opposing vertical clamp member  110  at the opposite end of a single fabric sheet  150 ), and an exterior face  113  (the face that points toward the immediately adjacent fence post  200 ). A series of preferably vertically aligned holes  114  extend along the length of interior face  112 , each hole passing through the width of vertical clamp member  110  and out through exterior face  113 . Vertically aligned holes  114  are configured to receive semi-permanent connectors  115 , such as screws or similarly configured threaded connectors, and most preferably stainless steel screws, as discussed above. Optionally, in the event that vertical clamp members  110  are to be attached to irregularly shaped fence posts  200 , shims, washers, or the like may be provided between such irregularly shaped fence posts  200  and the adjacent vertical clamp member  110  to keep vertical clamp member  110  vertically aligned, and more particularly parallel to a facing vertical clamp member  110  at the opposite end of a single fabric sheet  150 . 
         [0024]    Preferably, an end cap  116  is provided at an upper end of each vertical clamp member  110 , such as a nylon end cap, to provide a clean, finished appearance to the end of each vertical clamp member  110 . 
         [0025]    Further, in those installations of customizable fencing system  100  that utilize upper cross member  120  and/or lower cross member  130 , a fitting  118  may be provided on the interior face  112  of vertical clamp member  110 , which fitting  118  is configured to receive an end of each of upper cross member  120  and lower cross member  130 . Optionally, each of upper cross members  120  and lower cross member  130  may be semi-permanently joined to each such fitting  118 , such as by use of a screw or similarly configured connecting device. 
         [0026]    In certain embodiments of the invention, fitting  118  may be configured to fit within an interior of each end of upper cross member  120  and lower cross member  130  so as to provide a clean intersection between each end of upper cross member  120  and lower cross member  130  and each adjacent clamp member  110 , maintaining a sleek and aesthetically appealing appearance. In such embodiments, and with particular reference to  FIG. 6 , fitting  118  may comprise head member  142  having outer perimeter dimensions configured to fit closely within each end of upper cross member  120  and lower cross member  130 , preferably by way of a friction-fit engagement (although other connection mechanisms, such as screws or the like, may likewise be used to provide a more permanent and/or fixed connection). Hollow insert member  144  is attached to and extends away from a back surface of head member  142 , and is sized with outer perimeter dimensions to fit within and to be frictionally held within an opening in clamp member  110  that has minimally larger perimeter dimensions than insert member  144 . A hollow channel  146  extends through head member  142 , and is configured to receive a semi-permanent connector  115  therein that will, when installed through fitting  118 , extend into post  200  so as to affix fitting  118  to post  200  (holding clamp member  110  therebetween). With fitting  118  so installed on post  200  and clamp member  110 , the open end of cross members  120  and  130  may be placed over head member  142  of each fitting  118  to removably mount cross members  120  and  130  to the remainder of customizable fencing system  100 . 
         [0027]    Next,  FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of an upper cross member  120  (though it is noted that lower cross member  130  would preferably take the same configuration as upper cross member  120 ). Upper cross member  120  has a front face  122 , which front face  122  is intended for engaging an interior side of fabric sheet  150  along and immediately adjacent to top edge  152  of fabric sheet  150 . Upper cross member  120  also has a top face  124 . Customizable fencing system  100  is preferably configured so that top edge  152  of fabric sheet  150  aligns with top face  124  of upper cross member  120  when customizable fencing system  100  is installed between fence posts  200 . Likewise, in the event that a lower cross member  130  is used, bottom edge  154  of fabric sheet  150  aligns with a bottom face  126  of lower cross member  130  when customizable fencing system  100  is installed. 
         [0028]    Front face  122  of upper cross member  120  may optionally be provided a plurality of connectors, such as snaps  126  or sections (or a single section) of hook and loop fastening material for joining top edge  152  of fabric sheet  150  to front face  122  of upper cross member  120 . Similarly, in those installations in which a lower cross member  130  is used, front face  122  of lower cross member  130  is likewise provided such snaps  126  or other connectors for joining bottom edge  154  of fabric sheet  150  to lower cross member  130 . 
         [0029]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , fabric sheet  150  is preferably an elongate, flexible sheet of fabric, and may be comprised mesh or a somewhat more solid fabric material that allows at least some ventilation. Fabric sheet  150 , while customizable in length (through cutting by the homeowner during the installation process), preferably has a length that is sufficient to span the entire space between adjacent fence posts  200 , pass between each vertical clam member  110  and fence post  200  between which it runs, and an additional length that will later be customized after the fabric sheet (and other elements of customizable fencing system  100 ) have fully acclimated to the environmental conditions in the space in which it is installed (e.g., dimensional changes caused by humidity or temperature, etc.). Furthermore, the outer face  156  of fabric sheet  150  (and optionally the inner face opposite the outer face) may be provided a decorative pattern  158  to add to the aesthetic appeal of customizable fencing system  100 . 
         [0030]    Next,  FIG. 4  shows a rear perspective view of a portion of customizable fencing system  100  where it attaches to a fence post  200 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , fabric sheet  150  is positioned so that its top edge  152  is aligned with the top face  124  of cross member  120 . A leading edge  159  of fabric sheet  150  extends over the front face (not seen in the perspective of  FIG. 4 ) of clamp member  110 , between the exterior face of vertical clamp member  110  and the fence post  200 , and extends by some amount past a rear face  117  of vertical clamp member  110 , such additional material allowing for later adjustment of the position of fabric sheet  150  (e.g., further tightening of fabric sheet  150  between facing vertical clamp members  110 ) with respect to the rest of the components of customizable fencing system  100  after all elements become acclimated to their in-use environment. 
         [0031]    The above described customizable fencing system  100  is configured as a highly simplistic system that maintains aesthetic appeal, provides a privacy fencing function, provides opportunity for a homeowner to easily change such aesthetics as they may desire (such as by switching out one fabric sheet  150  having one decorative pattern  158  thereon with another fabric sheet  150  having a distinct decorative pattern  158  thereon), and through its simplistic design may be easily installed by a homeowner having minimal craftsman skill. In accordance with further aspects of an embodiment of the invention, such simplistic system may be installed by way of the following method. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , at a first step  500 , vertical clamp members  110  are loosely attached to the fence posts  200  between which fabric sheet  150  is to be installed by inserting semi-permanent connectors  115 , such as stainless steel screws, into the top-most and bottom-most holes  114  on the interior face  112  of clamp members  110 , through the body of each clamp member  110  and into the immediately adjacent fence post  200 . Next, at step  510 , a leading edge  159  of fabric sheet  150  is placed between the exterior face  113  of a vertical clamp member  110  and the immediately adjacent fence post  200 , with the full height of fabric sheet  150  being positioned between the two semi-permanent connectors  115  installed at step  500 . The top-most and bottom-most holes  114  in vertical clamp member  110  are positioned sufficiently close to the ends of vertical clamp member  110  (which extends preferably at least ¾″ beyond the full height of fabric sheet  150 ) so that fabric sheet  150  may rest flat against the exterior face  113  of vertical clamp member  110 . Next, at step  520 , top edge  152  of fabric sheet  150  is aligned on the exterior face  113  of vertical clamp member  110  with the ultimately intended position of the top face  124  of cross member  120  (which may be indicated, for example, by the top most portion of fitting  118 ), and may likewise be aligned with rear face  117  of vertical clamp member  110  (relying on the opposite end of fabric sheet  150  to provide additional slack material to provide for future adjustment), or additional slack material (preferably at least 2 inches) may extend beyond rear face  117  of vertical clamp member  110  to maximize the ability to adjust the fit of fabric sheet  150 . Next, at step  530 , the remaining semi-permanent connectors  115  are installed in the remaining pre-drilled holes  114 , thus drawing vertical clamp member  110  tight against fence post  200  and clamping fabric sheet  150  in place. Next, at step  540 , fabric sheet  150  is then stretched across the opening between the facing vertical clamp members  110 , and placed behind such facing vertical clamp member  110  between the semi-permanent connectors  115  installed in the top-most and bottom most pre-drilled holes  114  in such facing vertical clamp member  110 . Next, at step  550 , the remaining leading edge  159  of fabric sheet  150  is grasped by the installer and pulled tight at the location of each pre-drilled hole  114  (fabric sheet  150  being particularly sized to allow the installer to easily grip and tighten the fabric sheet  150  while securing semi-permanent connectors  115  through vertical clamp member  110 ), and the installer places a semi-permanent connector  115  in each such hole  114  one-by-one and tightens at the hole  114  to the fence post  200 . Next, at step  560 , cross member  120  may be placed on fittings  118  on each vertical clamp member  110  in order to maintain the intended distance between adjacent fence posts  200 , thus ensuring that the fabric sheet  150  will remain taught and attractive. At this point, lower cross member  130  may likewise be installed on fittings  118 . Next, at step  570 , adjustments may be made to the fabric sheet  150  in order to optimize the fit of fabric sheet  150  between fence posts  200 . Specifically, the installer may loosen each connector  115  on a single vertical clamp member  110 , reposition fabric sheet  150  if and as necessary to make it form a flat, planar panel, and retighten each connector  115 . Preferably, at least 2 inches of material of fabric sheet  150  should extend beyond the back face  117  of vertical clamp member  110  at the time of installation and up to preferably one month in order to allow for tightening after the fabric sheet  150  is fully acclimated. Next, at step  580 , nylon end caps may be pressed into the top and bottom ends of each vertical clamp member  110  to provide a finished and professional appearance. Finally, at step  590 , and after preferably one month of allowing the fabric sheet  150  and the other components of the customizable fencing system  100  to become acclimated to their environment, remaining side portions of fabric sheet  150  that extend beyond the rear face  117  of each vertical clamp member  110  may be cut, such as by way of a razor knife, at the intersection of rear face  117  and exterior face  113  of each vertical clamp member  110  so as to create a clean edge for fabric sheet  150 . 
         [0033]    The foregoing method describes the installation of a single section of customizable fencing system  100  between two adjacent fence posts  200 , and would be repeated as necessary in order to install fabric sheets  150  between all fence posts  150  that are to be included in the installation. 
         [0034]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.