PRIVACY AND WEATHER PROTECTION BARRIER

An apparatus to enhance a privacy of a fenced area is provided. The apparatus includes first and second support members. Both of the support members include top and bottom sections. The bottom sections of the support members are secured to top sections of fencing poles. The apparatus further includes an initial fabric piece attached to and spanning in between the first and second support members. The initial fabric piece forms a wind barrier.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to barriers that can be used to mitigate the effects of the environment and provide an additional layer of privacy. In particular, a barrier may comprise an angled awning that has a wind barrier. The barrier may be positioned as a standalone item or in conjunction with an existing structure such as a fence, barricade, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Removable and/or permanent barriers are often found to border and define property lines, especially in highly populated urban areas. Further, such barriers provide an element of privacy over congested areas and can provide a more serene environment to a piece of property. Even still some barriers may be helpful in preventing the effects of the environment such as sun light, wind, rain, and the like from being felt by the occupants. While various barriers can provide some privacy and weather shielding effects, these barriers leave a lot to be desired.

In many locations there are laws or covenants that govern the particular appearance and/or height of such barriers. For example, some barriers may become unstable when they are too tall and may cause injury if they were to fall unintentionally. Even yet, some barriers may obstruct views in which others have a right. Shade, especially in the summer months, can be a valuable commodity. However, many conventional shade producing barriers such an umbrellas or awnings cover a limited area and may have a number of parts and require a substantial supporting structure.

Thus, there is a need for a privacy and shade producing barrier that is aesthetically pleasing, yet can be easily secured to a supporting structure. The barrier should be of a height that injuries can be limited and/or prevented as well as covering a large area. The present invention and its embodiments meets and exceeds these objectives.

REVIEW OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,552 pertains to a portable awning comprising a flexible shading element, an attachment strap for anchoring the shading element to an existing vertical support structure, and poles for maintaining the shading element at a vertically elevated position with respect to the surface of the ground. The shading element is constructed from a waterproof material such as canvas or nylon and substantially protects a user from overexposure to inclement environmental conditions, including direct sunlight, wind, rain, and snow. The poles and the attachment strap are easily disengaged from the shading element, and the shading element is foldable, thereby providing a portable awning which is easily disassembled in order that it be transported between locations or stored between successive uses.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,359 pertains to a portable fence supported awning that includes a flexible sheet mounted on a frame that has a rear frame cross member and two sets of lateral frame members. The two sets of lateral frame members are attached to the fence and can support the awning in various positions to provide the desired cover. The lateral frame members can be pivoted into and the flexible sheet can be folded into a compact state for carrying and storage.

U.S. Patent Application 2004/0089426 pertains to an improvement directed towards the privacy, shade, and aesthetic properties of a rigid barrier fence or wall or an outdoor patio. The preferred embodiment is a screen panel with visual and audio impairment properties that extends upward from the top of a barrier wall and effectively increases the overall wall height. Other embodiments affix a shade or aesthetic combination accessory from a barrier fence or wall, roof, or roof support member.

Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Generally, the present invention and its embodiments relate to an apparatus to enhance a privacy of a fenced area. The apparatus may include a first support member. The first support member may include top and bottom sections. The bottom section of the first support member may be secured to a first fencing pole. The apparatus may also include a second support member. The second support member may include the top and bottom sections. The bottom section of the second support member may be secured to a second fencing pole. The apparatus may further include an initial fabric piece attached to and spanning in between the first and second support members. The initial fabric piece may form a wind barrier.

A system to enhance a privacy of a fenced area is also disclosed. The system may include a first support member. The first support member may include top and bottom sections. The bottom section of the first support member may be secured to the top section of a first fencing pole using one or more pin based fasteners. The system may also include a second support member. The second support member may include the top and bottom sections. The bottom section of the second support member may be secured to the top section of a second fencing pole using one or more pin based fasteners. Furthermore, a wind barrier may be attached and span a distance between the top sections of the first and second support members.

A method to enhance and protect a privacy of a fenced area is also disclosed. The method may include securing a bottom section of a first support member to a top section of a first fencing pole using one or more pin based fasteners. In addition, the bottom section of a second support member may be secured to the top section of a second fencing pole using the one or more pin based fasteners. Furthermore, a wind barrier may be provided by attaching a fabric piece to the top sections of the first and second support members.

In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that increases privacy for a surrounding area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is capable of limiting wind and blown debris.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is portable and lightweight.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used for providing shade to an area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is capable of withstanding inclement weather conditions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can selectively permit blown air (i.e. a breeze, wind) to pass therethrough.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple points of securement to create a rigid and safe structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus100may take the form of a privacy and environmental protection awning that may function as a standalone structure or may be coupled to an existing support structure. The apparatus100may comprise at least two support members102with a first length of material104coupled thereto. In varying embodiments, there may be about two to about one hundred support members depending on the requirements of the user. In other embodiments, the distance between each support member102can be the same or different as the distance between any other support member102.

In this particular embodiment, support mechanisms111are used to couple the support members102to the existing support structure, which may be fencing, as shown in the drawing. In other embodiments the support members102may be coupled to fencing poles, fencing boards, concrete barriers, trees, housing and other buildings, and various other temporary and permanent structures or combinations thereof. Various mechanisms of coupling to these structures are further described inFIG. 3. However, in some embodiments, no support structure is required and the present invention may simply be held on or otherwise anchored into the ground surface by various means known in the art.

The support members102are generally comprised of a first section103and a second section105, with the first section103being coupled to the second section105. The angle formed between the first section103and second section105may vary from about 90° to about 180°. In some embodiments, the relative positions of the first section103and the second section105may be capable of being automatically (i.e. mechanically) or manually manipulated to compensate for factors such as wind, sun, and the like. In other embodiments, the position of the first section103and the second section105is fixed.

In other embodiments, the support members102are height adjustable. Either or both of the first section103and the second section105may be capable of being extended through the addition of additional lengths coupled thereto, or having telescoping properties to enable varying height/length adjustments. This enables, for example, the first section103to be lengthened or shortened to enable more or less protection and privacy. This lengthening/height adjustable feature coupled with the potential angling, as described above, provides a wide range of flexibility to the present invention in terms of adjustability and customizability for the user.

The first length of material104is preferably a continuous piece of material that spans a distance between support members102. The material has receiving areas116(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B) for receiving the first section103, second section105or a combination thereof. The first length of material104may then be secured thereto with at least one securement mechanism132. The securement mechanism132being any mechanism which is capable of retaining the first length of material104on the support member102. In some embodiments, this is a cap, clamp, or the like.

The first length of material104may be a wind barrier106as described further inFIG. 5. The wind barrier106is shown in between each support member102, however, the exact placement, size, number, and position of the wind barrier(s)106may vary. In some embodiments, the first length of material104is one piece of material that is disposed over the support members102. In other embodiments, the first length of material104comprises numerous individual pieces which may be coupled or uncoupled as described below. In either case, the distance between the receiving areas116(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B) may vary throughout the first length of material104, with any distance being the same or different as any other distance.

Additionally, there may be a fastening mechanism109disposed on any of the ends of the first length of material104. This would allow the first length of material104to be separated at this fastening mechanism109juncture. In practice, this would allow for the separation of or attachment of varying numbers of sections of the present invention. Thus, a user may desire to have only three sections of the present invention, but later decide a fourth is needed. The use can then simply use the fastening mechanism109from one end of the first length of material104to the fastening mechanism109on another end of the first length of material104. The user now has four coupled sections of the present invention.

The fastening mechanism109may take a number of forms including, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clips, and the like or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism109may allow for the attachment/detachment of a second length of material108, as shown inFIG. 6, to the first length of material104. This may allow for mixing of varying lengths, colors, patterns, designs, and the like or a combination thereof.

InFIGS. 2A and 2B, there are side views of a couple arrangements of the first length of material104. These are intended to be illustrative only, and other arrangements/compositions of the first length of material104may exist.

InFIG. 2Athe first length of material104is comprised is of a first layer109and a second layer113. The first layer109is preferably fused with the second layer113forming a single piece of material. At predetermined positions along the first length of material104the layers are allowed to remain separate. This creates a receiving area116capable of receiving a support member102therethrough.

InFIG. 2Bthe receiving area116is formed by a second material115. The first length of material104, in this example, is a single layer of material upon which the second material115is adhered. The second material115is positioned and adhered to the first length of material104at connection points128. The placement of the connection points128in conjunction with the length of the second material115provides for a receiving area116through which a support member may be passed.

FIG. 3demonstrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a support member102. The support member102has a first section103, a second section105, and a joint member107. Both the first section103and the second section105may be the same or different in terms of length, width, and other dimensions. Further, the indeterminate length of these components, including the joint member107, is shown in accordance with the above description of the adjustable length/height of these components. In some embodiments, the first section103and the second section105have the same or different composition.

The joint member107shown is used to define the angle between the first section103and the second section105. The joint member107may articulate, in some embodiments, to enable independent adjustment of the angle of a support member102. Fasteners130may be used to securely couple the first section103, second section105, and joint member107. A securement mechanism132may be affixed to one end of the support member102as previously described.

The support mechanisms111may also be capable of receiving a fastener130to securely couple the support mechanism111to a structure such as a fence as described above. The number and position of the support mechanisms111may vary and may be selected depending on the weight and structural strength of the components used in the construction of the apparatus. However, in some instances, the support mechanisms111and fasteners130are not required as the present invention may not be coupled to a vertical structure but may be anchored or otherwise held and supported by the ground.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is another example of a potential securement mechanism. Here, an anchoring mechanism122is used to anchor, tether, or otherwise provide support to a free terminal end of the apparatus. The anchoring mechanism122may be coupled to an existing structure such as fencing, poles, homes, and the like. An anchoring body124is physically coupled to the existing structure and an attachment mechanism126extends from the anchoring body124to the support member102. The attachment mechanism126is coupled to the support member102. Thus, the position of the apparatus can be reinforced to prevent damage to the apparatus or an existing structure by preventing torqueing of the apparatus. This is particularly helpful when the apparatus is exposed to windy conditions or if the terminal ends of the apparatus receive other outside forces.

In some embodiments, there may be not a suitable structure for use with the anchoring mechanism122. In such instances, it would be preferable, in some embodiments to have an eyehook or other reinforced opening on the first and/or second length of material. This would allow a line and anchor or other tie down mechanism to be used. In such embodiments, the line may be coupled to the first/second length of material's opening and to the ground, existing supporting structure, or the like or some combination thereof. Such lines and anchoring systems are known in the art and any suitable measure depending on the conditions, weight of the invention, and other considerations that need to be taken into account.

FIG. 5demonstrates another potential feature of the apparatus100. Here, there is a close up view of one section of the first length of material104situated between support members102. The first length of material104has a wind barrier106. The wind barrier106is a construct designed to allow wind, water, and other elements to pass therethrough. The wind barrier106is preferably a mesh material110positioned between the layers of the first length of material104. In other embodiments, the mesh material110exists as a section surrounded by the first length of material104. Still in other embodiments, the wind barrier106is a section of mesh material coupled to a front or back side of the first layer of material104, with the first layer of material104have an opening or aperture therein.

A resealable mechanism120can be used to selectively allow the wind barrier106to be in an open or closed position. When in an open position, an element, such as wind, can be allowed to pass through thereby removing strain placed on the apparatus by the blowing air. An open wind barrier can allow the structure to be placed in a more permanent position without subjecting it to the potential damage from the wind. In another configuration, the wind barrier106may be used to let water pass through. Depending on the angle formed by the support member102, water may pool on a surface of the first length of material104. By opening the wind barrier106the water can be allowed to pass through thereby preventing any accumulated water weight that could damage the apparatus.

In other embodiments, the wind barrier106may have varying positions, shapes, and arrangement/composition of components. In some instances, the wind barrier106may simply comprise a slit, such as a semi-circular slit, in the first length of material104. This slit would allow the aforementioned elements to pass through as needed. Such a slit may be a permanent fixture and have no sealing mechanism. In other embodiments, the wind barrier106may comprise a mesh material coupled to one side of the first length of material104. The mesh material may be coupled at least at a first point and second point above and below or on either side of an opening or aperture in the first length of material104. Such an embodiment would also not require, but could have, a resealable mechanism if so desired. The variations described herein are only intended to be illustrative and it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that various other configurations, materials, and the like may be used and are contained under the purview of this invention.

Referring now toFIG. 6, there is an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Here, the apparatus100generally comprises support members102, first length of material104, and a second length of material108. The support members102generally have at least a first section103and a second section105. However, in some embodiments, the support member102are of unitary construction. The support members102are coupled to an existing structure via securement mechanisms111.

The first length of material104has the wind barrier106as described inFIG. 5. The wind barrier106is shown in between each support member102, however, the exact placement, size, number, and position of the wind barrier(s)106may vary. Further, in this and other embodiments, a second length of material108may also be employed. The second length of material108is designed to cover gaps or openings in a structure, such as fencing, in addition to the first length of material104. The second length of material108is preferably formed from the same material (compositionally) and in some instances is located below the first length of material104. The second length of material108may also provide privacy but be easier to manipulate as it is a smaller piece of material.

Further, in some embodiments, the first length of material104may be supported or held on the support member102via a cap/lid member133. The cap member133is preferably a flap of material that rests on a terminal end of the first section103of the support member102as shown. The cap member133may be flipped up or otherwise moved from its position relieving the support provided therefrom to adjust the first length of material104. Such a cap member133may also aid in preventing slippage of the first length of material104thereby potentially limiting the maintenance on which a user musty exert in maintaining the apparatus.

For example, the cap members133can be removed and the first length of material104slid down the length of the first section103thereby allowing the first length of material104to be retracted. Additionally, this cap member133enables this retraction to be accomplished without having to remove the entire apparatus to do so. It is preferable that the securement mechanism132, in this case a cap, remains over the end of the support member102to prevent rain water and other objects from entering an open end of the support member102.

FIG. 7shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus100may include a first support member109and a second support member114that are attached to a first fencing pole102and a second fencing pole112. A fabric piece117affixed between the first and second support members (109and114) may form a wind barrier and also act to extend a privacy barrier of a fence118.

In an example scenario, the first and second support members (109and114) may each include top and bottom sections. The top and bottom sections may be rods or hollow tubes that are attached to a connecting component. The top and bottom sections may be attached at an angle (0 to 180 degrees) based on a structure (such as curved) or a position (such as bended) of the connecting component. Furthermore, the top and bottom sections may be detachable on demand.

The bottom section of the first support member109may be attached to the first fencing pole102using pin based fasteners (134and136). The pin based fasteners (134and136) may be secured to the first fencing pole102with one or more screws, bolts, among other mechanisms. In an example scenario, the pin based fastener134may be secured to a top position on the first fencing pole102. The pin based fastener136may be secured to a middle position on the first fencing pole136. Furthermore, the bottom section of the first support member109may be attached to the pin based fasteners (134and136). The bottom section may be attached by inserting the bottom section into the pin based fasteners (134and136) and securing the bottom section with pins inserted through holes in the bottom section and the pin based fasteners (134and136).

The bottom section of the second support member114may be secured to the second fencing pole112using pin based fasteners with actions similar to how the bottom section of the first support member109is secured to the fencing pole102. An initial fabric piece117may next be attached to the first and second support members (109and114) to form a wind barrier. The initial fabric piece117may include a cloth, a leather, a plastic sheet, and/or a composite material, among others. Folds (or receiving areas) on the side(s) of the initial fabric piece117may be inserted on to the first and second support members (109and114) to attach the initial fabric piece117. Alternatively, Velcro strap(s) on the side(s) of the initial fabric piece117may be used to secure the initial fabric piece117to the first and second support members (109and114).

The initial fabric piece117may span a distance between the first and second support members (109and114). The top section of the initial fabric piece117may span in between the top sections of the support member (109and114) and extend above the fence118. The top section of the initial fabric piece117may form the wind barrier and also act to extend a privacy barrier of the fence118.

In an example scenario, the initial fabric piece117may be a section of a continuous fabric that is overlaid on the fence118to form the wind barrier and extend the privacy barrier of the fence118. Alternatively, the initial fabric piece117may be one of many pieces of disjointed fabrics that form the wind barrier. In an example scenario, a third support member119may be attached to a third fencing pole121. A subsequent fabric piece123may be attached to the second and third support members (114and119). The subsequent fabric piece123may extend the wind barrier (and privacy barrier) formed by the initial fabric piece117.

Furthermore, a length of the initial fabric piece117may equal a length of the subsequent fabric piece123. The fabric pieces (117and123) may form the wind barrier over the fence118in which the fencing poles (109,114, and119) may be equally spaced. Alternatively, the length of the initial fabric piece117may differ from the length of the subsequent fabric piece123(in correlation with the positioning of the fencing poles109,114, and119). The fabric pieces (117and123) may form the wind barrier over the fence118in which the fencing poles (109,114, and119) are unevenly spaced.

In yet another alternative scenario, the initial fabric piece117and/or the subsequent fabric piece123may cover only the top sections of the attached support members (109,114, and119). As such, the fabric pieces (117and/or123) may cover only an area above the fence118(and not overlap with the fence118). As a result, the fabric pieces (117and/or123) may be created with less material and it may cost less to form the wind barrier.

FIG. 8A-8Cshow exploded views of an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 8A, the support member109may be attached to the fencing pole102with pin based fasteners (134and136). In an example scenario, a bottom section of the support member109may be attached to a top section of the fencing pole102. A bottom end of the support member109may be attached to the bottom fastener136by inserting the bottom end into the bottom fastener. The two components may be secured by inserting a pin through holes in the bottom end of the support member109and the bottom fastener. Subsequently, a middle position of the support member109may be inserted into the top fastener134. The middle position of the support member109may be secured to the top fastener134by inserting a pin thorough the holes in the middle position and the top fastener134.

An angle between the top and bottom sections of the support member109may be adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees in relation to the fencing pole102. The angle may automatically be adjusted by actuators on the component connecting the top and bottom sections of the support member109. The angle may also be adjusted manually by bending the support member109. The angle may be adjusted based on a number of external environmental signals and/or manual input to maximize wind deflection, privacy protection, and/or shade generation by the wind barrier. Some of the environmental signals may include a position of the sun, an amount of external lighting, a time of day, a speed and direction of the wind, and/or a level of sound, among others.

FIG. 8Bshows a detailed view of the top pin based fastener134. The top fastener134may include a hole in a rear component135. The top fastener134may be mounted a top position on the fencing pole102by fastening a screw and/or a bolt through the hole in the rear component135. The top fastener134may also include holes in side components137. A middle position on the bottom section of the support member109may be secured to the top fastener134by inserting a pin139through the holes in the side component137and middle position on the support member109.

FIG. 8Cshows a detailed view of the bottom pin based fastener136. The bottom fastener136may include a hole in the rear component135. The bottom fastener136may be mounted to a middle position on the fencing pole102by fastening a screw and/or a bolt through the hole in the rear component135. The bottom fastener136may also include holes in side components137. A bottom end of the support member109may be secured to the bottom fastener136by inserting the pin139through the holes in the side component137and the bottom end of the support member109. The bottom end of the support member109may also be enclosed by a bottom component of the bottom fastener136.

Examples of attaching the support member109to the fencing pole102using top and bottom fasteners (134and136) were not provided in a limiting sense. Other scenarios and embodiments may be used to attach a bottom section of the support member109to a top section of the fencing pole102.

A method to enhance and protect a privacy of a fenced area is also described. The method may include securing a bottom section of a first support member to a top section of a first fencing pole using one or more pin based fasteners. The bottom section of a second support member may also be secured to the top section of a second fencing pole using the one or more pin based fasteners. Furthermore, a wind barrier may be provided by attaching a fabric piece to the top sections of the first and second support members.