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US 7,523,921 B2Granted
High wind fence system
OwnerRobert M. Garrityinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a fence system for homes, buildings and the like. The fence system according to the instant invention includes panels constructed and arranged to be pivoted between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. When connected to permanently mounted posts in a vertical orientation, the fence panels may be utilized for privacy and/or security. Pivoting the panels to horizontal position during storms, such as hurricanes, reduces or eliminates the damage caused to the fence by high winds and/or wind-borne debris.
Claims8
A high wind fence system comprising:
- a first and a second post secured in a substantially parallel and vertical arrangement, said first and said second posts each having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion constructed and arranged to be secured to a ground surface;
- a panel having a first end, a second end, an upper portion and a lower portion, an upper stringer extending between said first and second ends of said upper portion, a lower stringer extending between said first and said second ends of said lower portion;
- a first hinged bracket assembly secured to a first end of said lower stringer and said lower portion of said first post for pivotable movement therebetween, a second hinged bracket assembly secured to a second end of said lower stringer and said lower portion of said second post for pivotable movement therebetween, whereby said first and said second hinged bracket assemblies are adapted to allow said panel to be moved between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation with respect to said ground surface;
- a first and a second retainer member, said first retainer member constructed and arranged to selectively secure a first end of said upper stringer to said upper portion of said first post, whereby said panel is secured in a vertical orientation, said second retainer member constructed and arranged to selectively secure a second end of said upper stringer to said upper portion of said second post, whereby said panel is secured in a vertical orientation;
- a hold-down assembly including at least one stake member, an upper portion of said at least one stake member including a lateral member secured thereto, said lateral member extending outwardly and oriented transversely with respect to said stake member for cooperation with at least one said panel, whereby said stake member is adapted to be driven into said ground surface until said lateral member cooperates with said panel to maintain said panel in said horizontal orientation for protection of said fence against high winds.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.