Abstract:
A solid barrier, sound partition and privacy fence system including a plurality of interconnected fence panels whose ends are adapted to fit to pre-existing fence posts. The ends of the fence panels include attachment structure for releasably securing adjacent fence panels to one another around an existing fence post. The privacy fence system provides for installing a privacy fence that reuses existing cement anchored fence posts. The attachment structure may comprise either an interlocking fastening device or a threaded fastening device. The privacy fence may also include an optional fence post cap that is attached to the top portion of the existing poles. Each fence panel is constructed of a lightweight, one piece, molded material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/815,829 filed Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,853, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/459,965, filed Apr. 4, 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to solid barriers, sound partitions, privacy fences and, more particularly, to barrier systems that may be attached to cement anchored posts from a preexisting cyclone fence. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Many homeowners have standard cyclone fences around their yards. A standard cyclone fence can keep unwanted visitors off of the property. A cyclone fence, however, does not provide much privacy for the user. The structure of a cyclone fence allows outsiders to look through the fence and see what is located in the yard. 
   There are several common types of privacy fences that prevent outsiders from looking into the area surrounded by the fence, thus providing the user with a heightened degree of privacy. Examples of common fences are described in the following patent documents. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,266,757 issued to Kirkwood discloses a corner fence post clip. The invention is a device for attaching horizontal fence rails or a fence panel to tubular fence post. The device is an attachment member equipped with a top section in the shape of a hook that engages the open top of a tubular fence post. The attachment member is further equipped with a plurality of U-shaped clips that are adapted to receive the fence rails or panels. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,988 issued to Eisele discloses a portable fence. The portable frame comprises a frame supporting a fencing net. A base element engages the bottom of the fence and holds it in a vertical position. A collapsible mechanism attaches the base element to the frame and permits the base to disengage from the frame on application of a predetermined force to the frame. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,289 issued to Lancer, Sr. discloses a plastic multi-functional privacy fence. The fence is comprised of vertical slats that interlock along each adjacent edge to create an effective barrier against intrusions. The vertical slats are interlocked at mating seams and are attached to a frame that provides rigidity to the fence. The frame is comprised of horizontal rails that are attached by fasteners to vertical posts that are anchored to the ground. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,080 issued to Vise discloses a fence system that includes a frame and a plurality of panels attached to the frame. The frame includes vertical posts and non-vertical rails. Adjacent panels are positioned on the frame to provide an overlapping area. A reinforcing member is positioned on the overlapping area. A fastener extends through the overlapping area of two panels to attach the panels to the frame. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,689 issued to Wilson discloses a flexible and detachable fence apparatus. The fence comprises fence panels for providing a barrier, posts for vertically supporting the fence panels and posthole inserts for securing the fence to the ground. The fence panel is equipped with a connector means for securing the fence panel to the posts. The posts have receptacle means for receiving and interlocking with the connector means of the fence panel. Preferably, the connector means and receptacle means provide a mechanism for detachably securing the fence panel to the posts. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,428 issued to Simioni discloses a fence system including a plurality of wooden posts encased in sections of vinyl eaves, a frame constructed of galvanized track and stud elements, J-strips located on each end of the frame abutting the posts, and vertical panels formed of vinyl siding connected to each other and to the frame between the posts. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,828 to English comprises a prefabricated interlocking fence post. The interlocking fence post includes slots that slidably receive adjoining fence panels. A cap may be secured to the top of the post after the panel is slid into position. An L-shaped bracket on the outside of the post slot may be rigidly clamped to provide a variable-height attachment site for horizontal support rails. 
   The problem with existing privacy fences is that they are usually difficult to assemble. Another problem with the privacy fences occurs when a homeowner already has a preexisting cyclone fence in place and wants to replace it with a privacy fence. Normally the preexisting fence must be completely disassembled and removed before the new fence can be assembled. Then the homeowner must erect the new fence. This is both time-consuming and expensive. It would be much more efficient to adapt the existing fence into a privacy fence. 
   Therefore what is needed is a privacy fence system that can reuse the existing fence posts from the previous fence. What is further needed is a privacy fence system that can easily be assembled by a single person with common hand tools. What is still further needed is a privacy fence system that can adapt to existing irregularities in placement of existing poles. Finally, what is still further needed is a privacy fence system that can be non-destructably disassembled and moved. 
   None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a privacy fence system that is attached to the cement anchored posts of a preexisting cyclone fence. When a homeowner has a cyclone fence installed in his yard the chain mesh body portion may be removed while leaving the fence posts in their original position. The present privacy fence system provides a way to install a new privacy fence without having to remove the preexisting posts and replace them with new posts. 
   The present privacy fence system is made up of a plurality of interconnected fence panels where a first end of each of the fence panels is adapted to fit the fence panels to an existing fence post. The first end of each of the fence panels further comprises an attachment releasably securing adjacent fence panels to one another around an existing fence post. The first end of each of the fence panels comprises a post-receiving cavity. The post-receiving cavity allows adjacent fence panels to fit around a preexisting fence post. The attachment then releasably secures the adjacent fence panels to one another while fit to the fence post. 
   The second end of each fence panel is adapted to releasably secure each fence panel to another adjacent fence panel, without fitting the adjacent fence panels around a fence post. The second end of each of the fence panels is attached to another adjacent fence panel by a plurality of molded pop rivets. The pop rivet securing allows the adjacent fence panels to overlap one another when they are attached. It is usually necessary to provide a structure for overlapping the adjacent panels to compensate for irregularities of previously misplaced fence posts. 
   The privacy fence system provides both linear fence panel segments and corner fence panel segments. The fence panels are made from a lightweight, one piece, molded construction. The fence panels may be non-destructably disassembled so that the privacy fence system may be removed and installed in another location. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention the attachment means comprises an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism on a first fence panel comprises a plurality of connector slots. The interlocking mechanism on an adjacent fence panel comprises a plurality of connector projections. The connector slots are adapted to receive the connector projections of an adjacent fence panel. When the connector projections are received into the connector slots of an adjacent fence panel, the fence panels are releasably secured to one another around the existing fence post. 
   In a particular embodiment of the interlocking design, the interlocking mechanism on each fence panel provides both connector slots and connector projections. The top half of each fence panel interlocking mechanism comprises either connector slots or connector projections. The bottom half of each fence panel interlocking mechanism comprises either connector slots or connector projections. For example, a first fence portion has connector projections on the top half of the interlocking mechanism and connector slots on the bottom half. The adjacent fence portion has connector slots on the top half of the interlocking mechanism and connector projections on the bottom half. The first fence panel is lifted to the mid point of the adjacent fence portion and then it is slid into place, connecting the two adjacent fence portions. The alternating configuration of the interlocking mechanism in this embodiment provides a more secure connection and easier assembly. 
   In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the attachment means comprises a threaded fastener. The fence post receiving slots fit the ends of adjacent fence panels around a fence post. The threaded fastener extends through adjacent ends of the adjacent fence panels, releasably securing said adjacent fence panels to one another around the existing fence post. 
   The privacy fence system optionally includes a fence post cap. The fence post cap is a rain cap that has a circular base and a plurality of sidepieces forming a pyramidal top portion. The circular base is equipped with a snap-in retainer lip and a compression relief slit that allows the fence post cap to be releasably secured to the top of the fence posts. 
   Accordingly, the instant invention provides a privacy fence system that can be attached to and reuse the existing fence posts from a previously installed cyclone fence. The system can easily be assembled by a single person with common hand tools and is adaptable to existing irregularities in the placement of the preexisting poles. The system can be non-destructably disassembled and moved. 
   The present invention presents improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes. 
   A clear understanding of the invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a privacy fence system according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged-scale perspective view of a linear segment of a first embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting adjacent fence panels connected to an existing fence pole. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a linear segment of the first embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting adjacent fence panels and the existing fence post. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a corner segment of the first embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting adjacent corner fence panels attached to the existing fence post. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a linear segment of the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting adjacent fence panels connected to an existing fence post. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a corner segment of the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting adjacent corner fence panels attached to the existing fence post. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the connection point between adjacent corner fence panels according to the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system depicting the location of the threaded screw through the fence panels. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a horizontal corrugated fence panel according to the present privacy fence system. 
       FIG. 8A  is a side view of a vertical fence panel design according to the present privacy fence system. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a post cap according to the present privacy fence system. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the post cap depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of the post cap depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fence panel according to an alternate embodiment depicting the alternating interlock mechanism. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view displaying the overlapping connection of two adjacent fence panels of a horizontal corrugated design. 
       FIG. 13A  is a perspective view displaying the overlapping connection of two adjacent fence panels of a vertical panel design. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a molded linear segment of a horizontal corrugated panel of the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a molded linear segment of a vertical panel the privacy fence system. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view displaying the fence panel of  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 15 . 
   

   Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention is a solid barrier system, for use as a privacy fence, which fence replaces an existing cyclone fence while reusing the preexisting fence posts of the cyclone fence. The present privacy fence system allows the user to remove the wire mesh fencing from an installed cyclone fence but leave the cement anchored fence posts in their original places. The privacy fence is adapted to fit onto the preexisting fence posts. The solid barrier system is not limited to the embodiments discussed below but may also be used for any solid barrier or sound partition.  FIG. 1  depicts an environmental, perspective view of a privacy fence system  10  according to the present invention. 
   The privacy fence system  10  comprises a plurality of fence panels with at least one end of the fence panels being adapted to fit around the preexisting fence posts.  FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a linear segment of a first embodiment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting adjacent fence panels connected to an existing fence post. Adjacent fence panels  30  and  40  are fit around a fence post  20 . The seam  22  between the fence panels  30 ,  40  defines the connection point of the adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  around the fence post  20 . A first end of each fence panel  30 ,  40  is adapted to securely fit around the fence post  20 . The distal end  42  of the fence panel  40  is not adapted to fit around a fence post  20 . The distal end  42  is adapted to releasably attach to the distal end of another adjacent fence panel. 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view of the linear segment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting the fence panel attachment means according to one embodiment of the present invention. A first end  34 ,  44  of each fence panel provides respective post receiving slots  36 ,  46 , which slots are adapted to fit the fence panels  30 ,  40  around the fence post  20 . The first ends  34 ,  44  of each fence panel further comprise an attachment means for releasably securing adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  together around the existing fence post  20 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the attachment means comprises an interlocking attachment mechanism. The interlocking attachment mechanism on panel  30  is a plurality of connector projections  35 ,  37 . The interlocking mechanism on an adjacent fence panel  40  is a plurality of connector slots  45 ,  47 , which slots are adapted to receive the connector projections  35 ,  37  of panel  30 . To connect the fence panels, the first fence panel  30  is raised above the top of the adjacent fence panel  40  so that the connector projections  35 , 37  are aligned with and can slide into the connector slots  45 , 47 . Only the first ends  34 ,  44  of each fence panel are equipped with the attachment means. The distal ends  32 ,  42  of each fence panel are adapted to be secured to the distal ends of other adjacent fence panels. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a corner segment of the first embodiment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting adjacent corner fence panels  30 ,  40  attached to the existing fence post  20 . The attachment means for the corner fence panels  30 ,  40  is identical to that of the linear segments discussed above. The only difference between the corner and linear segments is the position of the attachment means. At a corner fence post, the attachment means are positioned at a different angle so that the adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  provide a corner for the fence system  10 . 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a linear segment of the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  connected to an existing fence post  40 . In the preferred embodiment each fence panel  30 ,  40  is equipped with an attachment means for releasably securing the adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  around a fence post  20 . The attachment means in the present embodiment comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners  50 . 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a corner segment of the preferred embodiment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting adjacent corner fence panels  30 ,  40  attached to the existing fence post  20  by the threaded fasteners  50 . The threaded fasteners  50  are positioned along the entire height of each fence panel  30 ,  40 . The threaded fasteners  50  are preferably conventional 2 inch wood screws. The fasteners, however, are not limited to conventional wood screws but may take the form of any appropriate fastener. 
     FIG. 7  is a top view of the connection point  22  between adjacent corner fence panels  30 ,  40  according to the second embodiment of the privacy fence system  10  depicting the location of the threaded screws  52 ,  53  through the fence panels  30 ,  40 . The adjacent fence panels  30 ,  40  are fitted to a fence post  20  in the same manner as was described in the earlier embodiments. Once the adjacent panels  30 ,  40  are positioned around the fence post  20  they are releasably secured by the plurality of threaded fasteners  50 . Each of the holes created by threaded fasteners  50  is filled with a respective decorative plug  54 ,  55 . 
     FIG. 8  is a side view of a fence panel  40  according to the present privacy fence system  10 . The panel surface is configured to define horizontal corrugations therealong. The corrugated surface provides additional support for the fence panel  40  making it sturdier than if the panel  40  were flat.  FIG. 8A  is illustrative of an embodiment wherein the fence panel  40   a  has a flat, vertical configuration and is provided with a vertical reinforcing strut  40   b.    
   The privacy fence system  10  optionally comprises a plurality of fence post caps located on the top of the fence posts.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a post cap  60  according to the present privacy fence system.  FIG. 10  is a side view of the post cap depicted in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 11  is a top view of the post cap depicted in  FIG. 9 . The fence post cap  60  is a rain cap that has a circular base  64  and a plurality of sidepieces  67  that come to a point  69  forming a pyramidal top portion. The circular base is equipped with a snap-in retainer lip  66  and a compression relief slit  68  that allows the fence post cap  60  to be releasably secured to the top of the fence posts  20 . Side members  62 ,  63  fit around the top portion of each fence panel  30 ,  40  and hold the fence post cap  60  in place. 
     FIG. 12  depicts an alternate embodiment of the interlocking mechanism. In this embodiment the first end  94  of a fence panel  90  is equipped with connector slots  97  and connector projections  98 . The connector slots  97  are located on the top half portion  95  of the first end  94  of the panel  90 . The connector projections  98  are located on the bottom half portion  96 . An adjacent fence panel (not depicted) would be equipped with connector projections on the top half portion of the panel and connector slots on the bottom half portion of the panel. The interlocking mechanism depicted in  FIG. 12  provides a more secure attachment of the adjacent fence panels around the fence post  20 . The present embodiment also allows for easier assembly of the privacy fence system  10 . In the present embodiment the fence panel  90  only has to be raised to half of the height of the adjacent fence panel. The projections  96  on each fence panel then slide into the slots  97  of the adjacent panel. 
     FIG. 13  is a perspective view displaying the overlapping connection of two adjacent fence panels  40 ,  80  of the horizontal corrugated design. The distal end  42  of fence panel  40  is not adapted to fit around a fence post  20 . The distal end  42  of the fence panel  40  is adapted to be releasably secured to the distal end  82  of another adjacent fence panel  80 . The fence panel  40  overlaps the adjacent fence panel  80  and is releasably secured to the adjacent panel  80  by an overlapping securing means. The overlapping securing means is preferably a plurality of typical pop rivets, which rivets are located along the entire height of each fence panel. The pop rivets are located on the fence panels at position  70 . The overlapping securing means allows the length of the linear segments to be adapted to irregularities in the placement of the original fence posts. The adjacent fence panels  40 ,  80  can be altered in the distance that they overlap to compensate for fence post misplacements. If two of the original fence posts were positioned too close to one another, the adjacent fence panels  40 ,  80  will overlap a greater distance to effectively shrink the privacy fence system to accommodate the misplacement of the posts. In  FIG. 13   a,  the overlapping feature is illustrated in fence panels  40   a  and  80   a  having a vertical design. 
     FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a molded linear segment  100  of the privacy fence system. The segment  100  is formed by pouring material into a mold to form the shape of the segment. The front portion  102  of each segment  100  includes a plurality of mold receiving slots  106 . The mold receiving slots  106  receive projections inside of the mold that form the shape of the segment  100 . 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 14  but illustrating the flat panel design as discussed above. 
     FIG. 16  is a perspective view depicting the fence panel as discussed separately in  FIGS. 13A and 15 . 
   The fence panels are preferably made from a light-weight, one piece, molded construction. The fence panels are preferably six feet high and have a length of 67 inches. The height of six feet allows for ten pop rivets to be positioned along the distal end of the fence panel. These dimensions, however, are only illustrative and are not meant to limit the present privacy fence system. 
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.