US20090014701A1

US20090014701A1 - Fencescapes

Info

Publication number: US20090014701A1
Application number: US12/217,630
Authority: US
Inventors: Jason J. Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-10
Filing date: 2008-07-08
Publication date: 2009-01-15

Abstract

In combination with a section of fencing having a predetermined length, a predetermined height and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprises an apparatus for providing a decorative effect on such section of fencing. The apparatus includes a base sheet disposed on a pre-selected side of the section of fencing, such base sheet being formed of a second predetermined material. There is a top track disposed on a top portion of the base sheet. A bottom track is disposed of a bottom portion of the base sheet. A landscape background having a first predetermined design is disposed on a predetermined side of the base sheet closely adjacent a top portion of the base sheet and below such top track. A plurality of one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks is disposed on a front portion of the base sheet below such landscape background. Such one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks being formed in a decorative manner on the base sheet in a second predetermined design.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/958,992 filed Jul. 10, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a fence, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a fence that features a self contained waterfall and other natural landscaping designs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interesting design elements can make spending time in the back yard more enjoyable. People often seek out creative landscaping choices in order to create a customizing look. A focal point with integrated water often produces soothing and relaxing sounds that are particularly pleasant.
Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a simple and effective means of creating a landscaping effect that is not only unique but one that makes boring lawns and gardens seem even more exciting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides in combination with a section of fencing having a predetermined length, a predetermined height and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprises an apparatus for providing a decorative effect on such section of fencing. The apparatus includes a base sheet disposed on a pre-selected side of the section of fencing, such base sheet being formed of a second predetermined material. There is a top track disposed on a top portion of the base sheet. A bottom track is disposed of a bottom portion of the base sheet. A landscape background having a first predetermined design is disposed on a predetermined side of the base sheet closely adjacent a top portion of the base sheet and below such top track. A plurality of one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks is disposed on a front portion of the base sheet below such landscape background. Such one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks being formed in a decorative manner on the base sheet in a second predetermined design.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a unique, decorative fencing system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative fencing system with an integrated self-contained waterfall system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative fencing system that has a natural landscaping design.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative fencing system wherein such natural designs includes forests, jungles waterfalls and gardens.
In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus showing a decorative design on a fence section.

FIG. 2 is a is a cutaway view of the water circulation system wherein such water cascades over the decorative design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.
In a first aspect the present invention provides in combination with a section of fencing having a predetermined length, a predetermined height and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprises an apparatus for providing a decorative effect on such section of fencing. The apparatus, generally designated 10, includes a base sheet 4 is disposed on a pre-selected side of the section of fencing 2, such base sheet 4 being formed of a second predetermined material. There is a top track 6 disposed on a top portion of the base sheet 4. A bottom track member 8 is disposed of a bottom portion of the base sheet 4. A landscape background 12 having a first predetermined design is disposed on a predetermined side of the base sheet 4 closely adjacent a top portion of the base sheet 4 and below such top track 6. A plurality of one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks 14 is disposed on a front portion of the base sheet 4 below such landscape background 12. Such one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks 14 being formed in a decorative manner on the base sheet 4 in a second predetermined design.
Such apparatus 10 further includes water and a means, generally designated 20, for circulating such water over such second predetermined design. Such means 20 includes a water pump member 16. Such means 20 further includes appropriate tubing 18 for carrying the water from such pump member 16 so it can be circulated over the second predetermined design of such rocks or simulated rocks 14.
The means 20 also includes a reservoir 22 that is in fluid communication with the pump member 16 and, further, in fluid communication with the bottom track member 8 for collecting water that has circulated over the second predetermined design. Such reservoir 22 is sunk into the ground below such bottom track 8. It is presently preferred that such reservoir 22 is selected from a group containing one of bucket 22, a trough, and a tub 22. Such reservoir having a predetermined capacity. It is preferred that such reservoir 22 is a bucket 22 and even more preferred that such predetermined capacity is five gallons.
In use, the circulating water cascades over the plurality of rocks or molded plastic simulating rocks 14 and flows into the base track member 8 and then is collected into the reservoir 22. From the reservoir 22 the water is pumped by such pump member 16 through the appropriate tubing 18 disposed behind the base sheet 4 to the top track 6 where such water is discharged over the first and the second predetermined design through a portion of the appropriate tubing 18 that has a plurality of apertures 24 disposed therein. Although the water flows over the first predetermined design of the landscape background 12, such landscape background 12 is covered by a sheet of water resistant material. It is preferred that such water resistant material is plastic and further that such plastic is transparent so that the landscape background 12 shows through.
It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is plastic and, further, that such plastic is polyvinyl chloride.
It is also preferred that such molded plastic simulating rocks 14 is adhered to the base sheet 4 by lamination. Such molded plastic simulating rocks 14 is adhered to base sheet by lamination. Such molded plastic simulating rocks 14 are adhered to the base sheet by an adhesive.
It is also preferred that such appropriate tubing 18 is made of polyvinyl chloride.
Thus, the present invention provides an innovative fencing design (Fencescape) that can be installed in any yard or garden. Each design consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base sheet, a base track, a top track, a water pump along with appropriate tubing. The top of the base sheet features a landscape background protected by transparent plastic sheet or other similar water resistant transparent material.
The front of the base sheet is constructed with rocks or molded plastic designed to simulate rocks. These are positioned in a specific, natural design with options for waterfalls, mountains, forests, jungles, and garden themes. Water is pumped through a PVC tube connected to the center slat of the fencing. Holes in the water tube allow the water to flow comfortably down the face of the rocks without splashing or bouncing off. The water returns to the base track to be collected in a reservoir from which it is pumped through the system again. The installation of the present invention offers a relaxing waterfall element to a yard or garden. The exact dimensions are determined by the user but a variety of sizes would be available to accommodate the user's needs. The pump is a ½ horsepower pump while the tubing is PVC tubing.
While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In combination with a section of fencing having a predetermined length, a predetermined height and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprising an apparatus for providing a decorative effect on said section of fencing, said apparatus including:

(a) a base sheet disposed on a pre-selected side of said section of fencing, said base sheet being formed of a second predetermined material;

(b) a top track disposed on a top portion of said base sheet;

(c) a bottom track member disposed of a bottom portion of said base sheet;

(d) a landscape background having a first predetermined design disposed on a predetermined side of said base sheet closely adjacent a top portion of said base sheet and below said top track; and

(e) a plurality of one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks disposed on a front portion of said base sheet below said landscape background, said one of rocks and molded plastic simulating rocks being formed in a decorative manner on said base sheet in a second predetermined design.

2. The combination, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes water and a means for circulating said water over said second predetermined design.

3. The combination, according to claim 2, wherein said means for circulating said water includes a water pump member.

4. The combination, according to claim 3, wherein said means for circulating said water further includes appropriate tubing for carrying said water from said pump member so it can be circulated over said second predetermined design.

5. The combination, according to claim 3, wherein said apparatus further includes a reservoir in fluid communication with said pump member and further in fluid communication with said bottom track member for collecting water circulated over said second predetermined design.

6. The combination, according to claim 5, wherein said reservoir is sunk into a section of ground below said bottom track.

7. The combination, according to claim 6, wherein said reservoir is selected from a group containing one of a bucket, a trough and a tub, said reservoir having a predetermined capacity.

8. The combination, according to claim 5, wherein such circulating water cascades over said one of said plurality of rocks and said molded plastic simulating rocks and flows into said base track member and collects into said reservoir.

9. The combination, according to claim 5, wherein said water in said reservoir is pumped through said appropriate tubing disposed behind said base sheet to said top track where said water is discharged over said first and said second predetermined design through a portion of said appropriate tubing having a plurality of apertures disposed therein.

10. The combination, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined material is plastic.

11. The combination, according to claim 10, wherein said plastic is polyvinyl chloride.

12. The combination, according to claim 1, wherein said landscape background is protected with a sheet of a water resistant material.

13. The combination, according to claim 12, wherein said water resistant material is plastic.

14. The combination, according to claim 13, wherein said plastic is transparent.

15. The combination, according to claim 1, wherein said molded plastic simulating rocks is adhered to said base sheet by lamination.

16. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein said molded plastic simulating rocks adhered to said base sheet by an adhesive.

17. The combination, according to claim 3, wherein said appropriate tubing is made of polyvinyl chloride.

18. The combination, according to claim 1, wherein said bottom track member is substantially parallel to said top track.