Abstract:
A fence covering system includes a frame configured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. A panel is connected to the frame to provide a visual effect. A connector secures the frame on a portion of the fence, the connector providing an attachment position for the frame.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/466,949, filed May 2, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fence covering systems, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for mounting onto and covering at least one side of existing or new fences. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A fence covering system includes a frame configured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. A panel is connected to the frame to provide a visual effect. A connector secures the frame on a portion of the fence, the connector providing an attachment position for the frame. 
     Advantageously, the present invention provides an efficient, convenient and relatively inexpensive way of converting, for example, a “plain” see-through chain-link fence or other fence into a fence offering more privacy, noise reduction and an immediate upscale and decorative appearance. Such effect is achieved without the hassle and expense of excavating an existing fence, and in the case of new fences to be constructed, standard fence posts, piping and fittings provide a sufficient frame onto which a fence covering system according to the present invention may be mounted. 
     Further, the fence covering system according to the present invention is easily removable, so that alternate designs and configurations may be freely interchanged and installed as desired. Advantageously, the present invention may be adapted to be used with virtually any type of fence or fence frame, and is not limited to use with, e.g., chain-link fences. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This disclosure will present in detail the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view showing a panel frame and panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is an assembled perspective view showing a panel frame and panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-G  are perspective views showing panel frames being assembled on a chain link fence in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view showing a panel frame with additional height in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view showing panel frames cascaded in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4B and 4D  are perspective views showing adjustable mounting plates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view showing a panel frame mounted on a chain link fence in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4E  is a perspective view showing mounting plates secured to poles of a fence in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-C  are perspective views showing adjustable pole covers and ornamental poles used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6L  are perspective views showing a plurality of different assemblies to be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  are perspective views showing hardware employed on gates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict an exemplary fence covering panel  100  according to an aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the fence covering panel  100  is constructed of a rigid but somewhat flexible and resilient material, e.g., aluminum, vinyl, plastic, etc. In one embodiment, the present invention is generally comprised of at least one panel frame  102  having an interior panel  104  fitted therein which may include, e.g., optional openings/perforations  106 , etc. It is to be noted that the interior panel  104  may include, for example, various graphics (e.g., “artwork”) on its outer face. In addition, the interior panel  104  may be constructed in various configurations and designs (e.g., picket or slot designs  108 ). 
       FIGS. 2A-2G  show various alternative embodiments wherein two of the fence covering panels  100  are combined to be fitted over both sides of a chain-link fence  200 . It is to be noted that the chain link fence  200  shown here is for exemplary purposes only and use of the present invention with other types of fences may be contemplated. 
     In one embodiment, each covering panel  100  is placed over either side of the fence  200  and then joined to each other at, for example, a top end via, e.g., snaps, screws, bolts, etc. (not shown). In another embodiment, as shown e.g., in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , one or more pairs of mounting plates  202  are first installed and fixed onto the fence  200  or a top fence bar  201  via, e.g., snaps, screws, etc. At least one of the pair of mounting plates  202  may include, for example, protrusions  204  shaped to at least fit through, for example, links of the chain-link fence  200 , and be mated with appropriately shaped receiving cavities (not shown) on a corresponding mounting plate  202  on the other side of the fence (see  FIG. 2D ). Alternatively, at least one of a pair of mounting plates  202  may be adapted for attachment on the top fence bar  201  (e.g., may have a hollow cavity formed therein shaped to receive a portion of the top fence bar  201 ) and then be attached to a corresponding mounting plate  202  on the other side of the top fence bar  201 . In these ways, for example, each mounting plate  202  may be snapped into place and secured onto the fence  200  as well as be secured to each other. 
     In yet another alternate embodiment, it is to be noted that each covering panel  100  may include attachment points for attachment of various mounting plates  206  thereon as desired (e.g., plates mounting over fence bar  201  or through the chain-link fence  200 ) that are removable and independently interchangeable as desired (see  FIG. 2E ). 
     Next, each covering panel  100  can then be attached to the fence  200  via each installed mounting plate  202 . For example, each covering panel  100  may be snapped, screwed onto, or otherwise fastened onto each mounting plate  202 . The mounting plates  202  also serve to ensure and simplify correct alignment of each covering panel  100  with each other and with respect to the fence  200  prior to installation of each covering panel  100 . 
     In yet another embodiment, each covering panel  100  is first attached to each other at a top end (via, e.g., screws, snaps, etc.) and then slidably installed over the fence  200  (see  FIG. 2F ).  FIG. 2G  shows a segment of two fence covering panels  100  according to the present invention as installed on, for example, both sides of the chain-link fence  200 . It is to be noted that each of the fence covering panels  100  may include a fastening means (not shown) to secure the panels  100  to the fence  200 . Such fastening means may comprise, e.g., a clip to secure the bottom of each panel  100  to the bottom of the fence  200 . Alternately, two covering panels are integrally formed to provide a single piece, which can be fitted over the top of a fence  200 . The two panels may be hingedly connected to fit over the fence and be attached to or through the fence at a lower portion. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the fence covering panel  100  having an optional extended detailing feature  300  according to an aspect of the present invention. The detailing  300  may comprise, e.g., railings, posts, arches, walls, etc. in any shape, size or configuration to extend the height of the overall fence as desired. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show exemplary arrangements wherein multiple fence covering panels  100  are installed on either sides of the fence  200  as well as adjacent to each other along the fence  200 . It is to be noted that the fence covering panels  100  may include, e.g., interlocking/mating features (not shown) for side-by-side attachment to each other when they are adjacently installed. 
     The installation of the panels  100  onto the fence  200  may be accomplished using, e.g., individual mounting plates  202  as described above or upper and lower adjustable mounting plates  400  and  401 , respectively. The upper and lower adjustable mounting plates  400  and  401  may be, for example, slideable to provide for adjustment of their length as desired along each side of the fence  202  (see  FIG. 4B ). Thus, in an alternate embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4C , a single extended fence covering system  402  may be installed onto the fence  200  on appropriately extended adjustable mounting plates  400  and  401  (not shown). 
     In yet another alternate embodiment,  FIG. 4D  depicts installation of upper and lower adjustable mounting plates  400  and  401  on a standard fence frame comprising fence posts  404  and top fence bar  201 . It is to be noted that in this embodiment, the lower adjustable mounting plate  401  may be used alone without an additional bottom fence bar for reinforcement.  FIG. 4E  shows yet another embodiment wherein frame mounting plates  406  are installed onto the top fence bar  201  and a bottom fence bar  408  for mounting of the fence covering panels  100 . 
     Thus advantageously, it is to be noted that it is not required to construct an actual fence in its entirety for installation and attachment of a fence covering system according to the present invention. Instead, a simple fencing frame can provide sufficient structural support for installation, mounting and utilization of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show exemplary embodiments wherein a fence post covering system  500  is installed onto a fence  200 . It is to be noted that the fence post covering system  500  may be used to cover fence posts or fences of any type, and is not limited to chain-link fences. In one embodiment, the fence post covering system  500  is comprised of at least one fence post mounting plate  501  and at least one fence post covering panel  503 . It is to be noted that the mounting plate  501  may be adapted so as to be removably attachable to a fence post (see  FIG. 5A ) or at any point along the fence (see  FIG. 5B ). In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5C , each fence post covering panel  503  includes removable mounting pieces  505  attached therein that are shaped/positioned accordingly for attachment of the panel  503  to the fence post  404  or to any point along the fence  200 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6L  depict various embodiments of a combined fence and fence post covering system according to the present invention. It is to be noted that the fence and fence post covering system may be adapted for use on either one of both sides of the fence  200  as desired. Preferably, each of the components of the fence and fence post covering system is constructed of a rigid but somewhat flexible and resilient material, e.g., aluminum, vinyl, plastic, etc. 
     In  FIG. 6A , a combination fence and fence post covering system  600  is shown comprising fence post coverings  503 , a side panel  601  and a cap  603 . The fence post coverings  503  may be attached to each fence post  404  via e.g., fence post mounting plates  501  or mounting pieces  505 , as described above. The side panel  601  is preferably cut and sized to fit between each post covering  503  and may be attached to the fence  200  by e.g., partially inserting/sliding each edge  602  of the panel  601  under/into each post covering  503 . The cap  603  is also preferably cut and sized to fit between the post coverings  503  and preferably has an interior cavity  604  appropriately sized/shaped to fit over and receive the top fence bar  201 . The cap  603  may be secured if desired to the fence bar  201  and/or to either or both of the fence covering posts  503  via any conventional means e.g., suction, snaps, clips, bolts, screws, etc. 
     Alternatively, the cap  603  may be attached to the fence bar  201  via mounting onto at least one cap mount  605  (see  FIG. 6B ). Preferably, for optimal stability, at least two cap mounts  605  are used for mounting the cap  603  thereon. Each cap mount  605  may be attached to the fence bar  201  by any conventional means, e.g., screws, bolts, snaps, suction, etc. 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6C , a modified post mount  607  may be provided for attachment to a top end of the fence post  404 . Preferably, each post mount  607  is designed to secure at least one or, alternatively, both post coverings  503  on either side of the fence  200 , as well as the cap  603  to the fence  200 . The post mount  607  may be affixed to the post  404  via conventional means, e.g., bolts, pressure screws, snaps, etc. It is to be noted that the modified post mount  607  may be used in a similar fashion on a bottom end of the fence bar  404 . 
     It is to be noted that the side panel  601  may be comprised of individual panels  609  that are integrated (e.g., attached) to each other (see  FIG. 6D ). The individual panels  609  may be pre-cut in various sizes/shapes and may each have identical or varying widths and dimensions. The individual panels  609  are preferably designed to fit together and include means for attaching to each other. For example, each panel  609  may be secured to each other by various conventional means, e.g., via snaps, by being slid into place and secured via interlocking mechanisms, etc. The individual panels  609  are removable/attachable to each other as desired to adjust the width of the overall side panel  601 . A lower bar panel  611  may also be added, for example, along the lower portion of the fence between each post covering  503 . The lower bar panel  611  may be secured to the fence  200  via snaps, screws, bolts, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the side panel  601  having the cap  603  and the lower bar panel  611  attached thereon may be provided as a single side panel unit  613  for ease of installation (see  FIG. 6E ). The single side panel unit  613  may be mounted onto one or both sides of the fence  200 . In yet another embodiment, the single side panel unit  613  may be further combined with at least one post covering  503  to provide a combined panel and post unit  615  (see  FIG. 6F ). The combined panel post unit  615  may include one or two post coverings  503 . It is to be noted that the side panel  601 , whether or not it is combined with the cap  603 , the lower bar panel  611  or the post covering  503 , may be constructed in various designs (e.g., cross-panels  617  (see  FIG. 6G ), picket design, etc.) and/or further customized to include various graphics (e.g., as described above for the interior panel  104 ). 
     In an alternate embodiment, the combined panel and post unit  615  may be modified, e.g., to have a removable lower section  619  as well as a removable lower post covering  621  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6H ). It is to be noted that either the lower section  619  and/or the lower post covering  621  may be removed or added as desired. Preferably, the post covering  503  is attached at at least one point on the upper portion of the fence post  404  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6C ) via, e.g., post mount  501 , mounting pieces  505  or modified post mount  607  as described above, such that even if the lower post covering  621  is removed, the remaining portion of the post covering  503  is supported by and affixed to the fence post  404  (not shown). 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6I , extended post coverings  623  may be provided which extend upwards a desired height beyond the height of the fence  200 . An upper panel  621  may be added which fits between the extended post coverings  623  to extend the height of the fence  200  as desired. The upper panel  621  may be removably attached to the top of the cap  603  or to the top of the fence covering panel  100 , or be combined with the fence covering panel  100  as one unit. In addition, the extended post coverings  623  may optionally include attachment points (not shown) for securing each end of the upper panel  621  to the extended post coverings  623 . 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6J , a removable planter box  625  may be mounted between the extended posts  623 . The planter box  625  may be permanently affixed or integrally formed with the side panel  601 . It is to be noted that the planter box  625  may be affixed, for example, atop the cap  603  or directly atop the side panel  601 , and may further be secured to the extended posts  623  at each end. The extended posts  623  may further optionally include lamps  627  or other ornamental features attached, for example, at a top end. 
     Alternatively, the planter box  625  may be permanently/removably attached to the bottom end of the fence  200  between each post covering  503  (see e.g., FIG.  6 K). In this embodiment, the side panel  601  may include, for example, a removable panel  629  for providing pass-through of light through the fence  200  when the planter box  625  is used. It is to be noted that the side panel  601  may be comprised of openings, perforations, etc., in any configuration to also permit pass-through of light as desired. 
     A corner post covering  631  may be provided having slots  633  enabling the covering  631  to be slid into place over a fence corner post  635  (see  FIG. 6L ). Alternatively, an extended version of the corner post covering  631  may be provided and the slots  633  may serve as receiving points on at least two adjacent sides of the corner post covering  631  for permitting attachment of, for example, the upper panels  621  (see  FIG. 6I ). The slots  633  may comprise, e.g., openings sufficient for insertion of one end of the upper panel  621  and may include locking mechanisms to secure the upper panels  621  therein. Any other conventional means (e.g., snaps, bolts, etc.) for attachment of the upper panel  621  to the extended version of the corner post covering  631  may be contemplated. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  depict various embodiments of the present invention as adapted for fence gates. At a basic level, a gate side panel  701 , gate post coverings  703  and a gate cap  705  may be provided for covering a fence gate  700 . Alternatively,  701 ,  703  and  705  may be provided as a combined single fence covering unit  707  (see  FIG. 7B ). It is to be noted that the fence post covering  503  which covers a fence post adjacent to the opening point of the fence gate  700  may be modified to include, e.g., a slot  709  or other means for receiving a gate locking hinge or other locking/closing mechanism on the fence gate  700 . 
     Having described preferred embodiments for fence covering systems (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.