Title:
PORTABLE DECORATIVE PLASTIC SPRINKLING FENCE
United States Patent 3865309
Abstract:
A sprinkling fence constructed from one or more units having at least one rail connected to at least one upright post. The rail is in the form of a pipe provided with one or more orifices arranged for dispensing water, and the like. An anchor peg, which has a post receiving socket provided with a spike-shaped, ground-engaging element, secures the post in an upright position.
US Patent References:
Swing
La Plant - October 1925 - 1557940
Sprinkling fence
Speights - June 1960 - 2940466
Divider and sprinkler combination
Rynberk - June 1968 - 3387786
PLASTIC FENCE
Blease - October 1972 - 3700213
ELEVATED AND CONCEALED SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Matt et al. - October 1972 - 3701477
Swing
La Plant - October 1925 - 1557940
Sprinkling fence
Speights - June 1960 - 2940466
Divider and sprinkler combination
Rynberk - June 1968 - 3387786
PLASTIC FENCE
Blease - October 1972 - 3700213
ELEVATED AND CONCEALED SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Matt et al. - October 1972 - 3701477
Application Number:
05/387250
Publication Date:
02/11/1975
Filing Date:
08/10/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
256/1, 248/156, 248/545, 47/33, 239/276
International Classes:
B05B1/20; B05B1/14; B05B9/00
Field of Search:
239/200,207,266,268,273,276,280,289 248/156 52/165 256/1,19,31
Primary Examiner:
Wood Jr., Henson M.
Assistant Examiner:
Kashnikow, Andres
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
O'brien, Clarence Jacobson Harvey A. B.
Claims:
What is claimed as new is as follows
1. A sprinkling fence comprising at least one fence unit including, in combination:
1. A sprinkling fence comprising at least one fence unit including, in combination:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an irrigation system, and particularly to an improved sprinkling fence.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to combine irrigation equipment with fences enclosing areas to be irrigated. Examples of these sprinkling fences, as they are often called, may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,940,466, issue June 14, 1960 to G. Speights, and 3,425,630, issued Feb. 4, 1969 to K. C. Fessler, Sr. Both of these patents disclose the use of the upper rail of a conventional chain link and similar fences as a sprinkler pipe, with conventional sprinkler heads provided at predetermined points on the pipe. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 15,647, issued Sept. 2, 1856 to J. F. Driggs, discloses a street sprinkler provided with a perforated sprinkling pipe and intended to be used as a support for awnings, signs, lamps, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fence specifically intended for dispensing an irrigating fluid.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a sprinkling fence that is inexpensive, decorative, easily installed, and essentially maintenance free.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchor peg especially suited for supporting fence posts, and the like.
These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing a sprinkling fence comprising at least one fence unit having: at least one upright post; an anchor peg for anchoring the post to a support surface such as the earth; at least one rail connected to the post and arranged extending perpendicularly therefrom; and at least one orifice and associated hose connecting fittings associated with the rail for dispensing a fluid therefrom.
A preferred embodiment of an anchor peg according to the present invention has a socket arranged for receiving a post, and a spike-shaped element cantilever mounted to a bottom wall of the socket and arranged tapering away therefrom for securing the socket to a support surface. Foot pads may be mounted on the socket for facilitating its anchoring in a suitable support surface, such as the ground.
Advantageously, the rail is a fluid-conducting pipe, and has associated with it dispensing accessories such as a cap for sealing one or more ends of the pipe, a fitting for connecting a conventional garden hose, and the like, to an end of the pipe, and a fitting for connecting another rail pipe end to a respective pipe end so as to combine a plurality of fence units into a continuous fence structure.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, elevational view, partly cut away and in section, showing a sprinkling fence unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an anchor peg according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, top plan view, partly cut away and in section, showing the connection of a pair of fence units arranged at a right angle with respect to one another.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a sprinkling fence according to the present invention is formed by a sprinkling fence unit 10 having a plurality of spaced, upright posts 12 secured or anchored to a supporting surface S, which may be earth, and the like, as by respective anchor pegs 14. A pair of rails 16 and 18 are connected to posts 12, and arranged extending perpendicularly from post 12 in a spaced, parallel relationship. A plurality of braces 20 are connected to and arranged extending between rails 16 and 18 for rigidifying unit 10. Each post 12 is advantageously provided with a cap 22 to close off the upper end of post 12 and enhance the aesthetic properties of unit 10. The various elements forming a sprinkling fence unit 10 may be constructed from, for example, a suitable synthetic material, such as polyvinyl chloride.
Rail 16 is preferably a fluid-conducting pipe provided with a plurality of orifices 24 desirably spaced out about the pipe's longitudinal length. According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, rail 16 is mounted in post 12 so as to be able to rotate, for example, 180° from one end position to another. When this feature is provided, it will be necessary to merely cradle rail 16 in braces 20 so as to permit rail 16 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. In this manner, orifices 24 may be rotated 90 degrees in either direction from a vertical position. Caps 26 may be attached to selective ends of rails 16 and 18 in a suitable manner for sealing the pipe ends. It should be mentioned that rail 18 may also be a pipe similar to the pipe forming rail 16, but is usually not provided with orifices. A connector such as that designated 28 may be fitted to a selected end of a rail 16 to connect a, for example, conventional garden hose 30 to the rail and providing same with a flow of water, and the like. A connector such as that designated 32 is advantageously provided for connecting together the rails 16, 18 of adjacent fence units 10. That is, connector 32 may be used to connect another rail 16, 18 (only a connection between rails 18 being shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings) at the pipe end thereof to a pipe end of a respective or selected rail 16, 18.
Each anchor peg 14 has a cup-shaped receptacle 34 forming a socket and having a bottom wall 36 and a cylindrical side wall 38 arranged for receiving a post 12. A spike-shaped element 40 is cantilever mounted on bottom wall 36 of receptacle 34, and is arranged tapering away from bottom wall 36 for engaging a surface S in securing receptacle 34 to the supporting surface. Foot pads in the form of longitudinal members 42 terminating in flanges 44 extending perpendicularly from members 42 may be cantilever mounted on side wall 38 and arranged extending longitudinally therefrom for facilitating anchoring of receptacle 34 in earth, and the like. This construction is best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.
FIG. 4 of the drawings shows an arrangement of a pair of fence units 10 perpendicular to one another and connected to each other as by an elbow connector 46. It is to be understood that although they are not shown in the drawings, curved connectors of any angle could be used to connect together a pair of rails 16, 18 of adjacent fence units 10. In this manner, fencing of any length and plan may be easily erected.
As can be readily appreciated from the above description and from the drawings, a fence unit 10 may be easily installed by inserting element 40 of an anchor peg 14 into a supporting surface S as by pressing downwardly on longitudinal members 42 with a person's feet, and the like, for each post 12 being used. It is to be understood that the number of posts 12 employed with a particular fence unit may vary from the three posts shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Once anchor pegs 14 are in position, posts 12 may be inserted into receptacles 34, if they have not already been so inserted, and the basic fence unit is in position. This fence unit may be connected to adjacent fence units or appropriately capped off at its rail ends. By constructing the various elements from a lightweight, synthetic material, erection of a fence may be achieved by unskilled labor without need for special tools, and the like.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an irrigation system, and particularly to an improved sprinkling fence.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to combine irrigation equipment with fences enclosing areas to be irrigated. Examples of these sprinkling fences, as they are often called, may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,940,466, issue June 14, 1960 to G. Speights, and 3,425,630, issued Feb. 4, 1969 to K. C. Fessler, Sr. Both of these patents disclose the use of the upper rail of a conventional chain link and similar fences as a sprinkler pipe, with conventional sprinkler heads provided at predetermined points on the pipe. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 15,647, issued Sept. 2, 1856 to J. F. Driggs, discloses a street sprinkler provided with a perforated sprinkling pipe and intended to be used as a support for awnings, signs, lamps, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fence specifically intended for dispensing an irrigating fluid.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a sprinkling fence that is inexpensive, decorative, easily installed, and essentially maintenance free.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchor peg especially suited for supporting fence posts, and the like.
These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing a sprinkling fence comprising at least one fence unit having: at least one upright post; an anchor peg for anchoring the post to a support surface such as the earth; at least one rail connected to the post and arranged extending perpendicularly therefrom; and at least one orifice and associated hose connecting fittings associated with the rail for dispensing a fluid therefrom.
A preferred embodiment of an anchor peg according to the present invention has a socket arranged for receiving a post, and a spike-shaped element cantilever mounted to a bottom wall of the socket and arranged tapering away therefrom for securing the socket to a support surface. Foot pads may be mounted on the socket for facilitating its anchoring in a suitable support surface, such as the ground.
Advantageously, the rail is a fluid-conducting pipe, and has associated with it dispensing accessories such as a cap for sealing one or more ends of the pipe, a fitting for connecting a conventional garden hose, and the like, to an end of the pipe, and a fitting for connecting another rail pipe end to a respective pipe end so as to combine a plurality of fence units into a continuous fence structure.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, elevational view, partly cut away and in section, showing a sprinkling fence unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an anchor peg according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, top plan view, partly cut away and in section, showing the connection of a pair of fence units arranged at a right angle with respect to one another.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a sprinkling fence according to the present invention is formed by a sprinkling fence unit 10 having a plurality of spaced, upright posts 12 secured or anchored to a supporting surface S, which may be earth, and the like, as by respective anchor pegs 14. A pair of rails 16 and 18 are connected to posts 12, and arranged extending perpendicularly from post 12 in a spaced, parallel relationship. A plurality of braces 20 are connected to and arranged extending between rails 16 and 18 for rigidifying unit 10. Each post 12 is advantageously provided with a cap 22 to close off the upper end of post 12 and enhance the aesthetic properties of unit 10. The various elements forming a sprinkling fence unit 10 may be constructed from, for example, a suitable synthetic material, such as polyvinyl chloride.
Rail 16 is preferably a fluid-conducting pipe provided with a plurality of orifices 24 desirably spaced out about the pipe's longitudinal length. According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, rail 16 is mounted in post 12 so as to be able to rotate, for example, 180° from one end position to another. When this feature is provided, it will be necessary to merely cradle rail 16 in braces 20 so as to permit rail 16 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. In this manner, orifices 24 may be rotated 90 degrees in either direction from a vertical position. Caps 26 may be attached to selective ends of rails 16 and 18 in a suitable manner for sealing the pipe ends. It should be mentioned that rail 18 may also be a pipe similar to the pipe forming rail 16, but is usually not provided with orifices. A connector such as that designated 28 may be fitted to a selected end of a rail 16 to connect a, for example, conventional garden hose 30 to the rail and providing same with a flow of water, and the like. A connector such as that designated 32 is advantageously provided for connecting together the rails 16, 18 of adjacent fence units 10. That is, connector 32 may be used to connect another rail 16, 18 (only a connection between rails 18 being shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings) at the pipe end thereof to a pipe end of a respective or selected rail 16, 18.
Each anchor peg 14 has a cup-shaped receptacle 34 forming a socket and having a bottom wall 36 and a cylindrical side wall 38 arranged for receiving a post 12. A spike-shaped element 40 is cantilever mounted on bottom wall 36 of receptacle 34, and is arranged tapering away from bottom wall 36 for engaging a surface S in securing receptacle 34 to the supporting surface. Foot pads in the form of longitudinal members 42 terminating in flanges 44 extending perpendicularly from members 42 may be cantilever mounted on side wall 38 and arranged extending longitudinally therefrom for facilitating anchoring of receptacle 34 in earth, and the like. This construction is best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.
FIG. 4 of the drawings shows an arrangement of a pair of fence units 10 perpendicular to one another and connected to each other as by an elbow connector 46. It is to be understood that although they are not shown in the drawings, curved connectors of any angle could be used to connect together a pair of rails 16, 18 of adjacent fence units 10. In this manner, fencing of any length and plan may be easily erected.
As can be readily appreciated from the above description and from the drawings, a fence unit 10 may be easily installed by inserting element 40 of an anchor peg 14 into a supporting surface S as by pressing downwardly on longitudinal members 42 with a person's feet, and the like, for each post 12 being used. It is to be understood that the number of posts 12 employed with a particular fence unit may vary from the three posts shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Once anchor pegs 14 are in position, posts 12 may be inserted into receptacles 34, if they have not already been so inserted, and the basic fence unit is in position. This fence unit may be connected to adjacent fence units or appropriately capped off at its rail ends. By constructing the various elements from a lightweight, synthetic material, erection of a fence may be achieved by unskilled labor without need for special tools, and the like.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.