Fence Gap Cover

Abstract

The privacy device is a fence gap cover formed by two planar panels, the first planar panel having a longitudinal length equal to the height of the fence gate and a width wider than the gap between the gate and the fence post. The second planar panel extends perpendicular to and along the longitudinal length of the first planar panel. The second planar panel is attached to the fence post such that the first planar panel overlaps the front edges of the fence post and gate covering the gap. The fence gap cover may be cut to length to match the height of the gate and to allow for the latch and hinges.

Claims

1. A fence gap cover for covering a gap between a fence post and a gate, the fence gap cover comprising: a first planar panel and a second planar panel, the first planar panel having a front face and a rear face with a thickness there between, the first planar panel having a top edge and a bottom edge with a longitudinal length there between, the first planar panel having an post side edge and an gate side edge; the second planar panel extending perpendicular to the rear face along the longitudinal length of the first planar panel, the second planar panel having a longitudinal length equal to the longitudinal length of the first planar panel, the second planar panel having a front edge and a rear edge with a width there between, the second planar panel having an inside face and an outside face with a thickness there between; and a coupling component to securely attach the second planar panel to a fence post.

2. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the coupling components include an adhesive layer on the inside face of the second planar panel extending the length of the second planar panel between the front edge and the rear edge of the second planar panel, the adhesive covered by a removable protective barrier.

3. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the coupling component includes screws.

4. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the coupling component includes nails.

5. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first planar panel and second planar panels are integrally molded of a rigid material chosen from the class of rigid materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, polymer, plastic and composite.

6. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second planar panel bisects the first planar panel a distance of 35-45 percent of the distance between the post side edge and the gate side edge of the first planar panel.

7. The fence gap cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second planar panel extends perpendicular to the first planar panel along the post side edge.

8. A fence gap cover for covering a gap between a fence post and a gate, the fence gap cover comprising: a first planar panel and a second planar panel, the first planar panel having a front face and a rear face with a thickness there between, the first planar panel having a top edge and a bottom edge with a longitudinal length there between, the first planar panel having an post side edge and an gate side edge with a distance there between forming a first width, the second planar panel extending perpendicular to the rear face along the longitudinal length of the first planar panel, the second planar panel having a front edge and a rear edge with a distance there between forming a second width, the first width greater that the second width, the second planar panel having an inside face and an outside face with a thickness there between; the second planar panel bisecting the first planar panel a distance of 35-45 percent of the distance between the post side edge and the gate side edge of the first planar panel; the first planar panel and the second planar panels are integrally molded of a rigid material chosen from the class of rigid materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, polymer, plastic and composite; an adhesive layer on the inside face of the second planar panel extending the longitudinal length of the second planar panel between the front edge and the rear edge of the second planar panel, the adhesive covered by a removable protective barrier; and a gate, a fence post adjacent to the gate, a gap between the fence post and the gate for receiving the second planar panel of the fence gap cover, the adhesive coupling the inside face of the second planar panel to the fence post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fence gap cover for covering the gap between a fence and a gate constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention prior to installation on the fence.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fence gap cover for covering the gap between a fence and a gate installed on a fence and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a fence gap cover.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a front view of a fence gap cover.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of a fence gap cover showing the fence side.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a fence gap cover.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a top view of a fence gap cover.

[0028] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved Fence Gap Cover embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0030] The present invention, the Fence Gap Cover 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include a first planar panel 12 formed as a privacy panel for covering a gap 16, a second planar panel 14 perpendicular to the privacy panel for securely attaching to a fencepost 18, a means for securely attaching the secondary panel to a fence post. The fence gap cover sizable to different lengths by cutting to fit the height of a fence gate 19 for the purpose of covering the gap between the fence post and the gate. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

[0031] From a specific perspective, the invention of the present application is a fence gap cover 10 formed with a first planar panel 12 and a second planar panel 14. The first planar panel having a front face 20 and a rear face 22 with a thickness there between. The first planar panel has a top edge 24 and a bottom edge 26 with a length there between. The first planar panel having a gate side edge 28 and a post side edge 30.

[0032] The second planar panel 14 extends perpendicular to the rear face 22 along the longitudinal length of the first planar panel. The second planar panel has a front edge 32 and a rear edge 34 with a width there between. The second planar panel is formed with an inside face 36 and an outside face 38 with a thickness there between.

[0033] A means is provided for securely attaching the second planar panel to a fence post. In the preferred embodiment the means for securely attaching the fence gap cover to the fence post includes an adhesive strip 42 running the longitudinal length of the inside face of the second planar panel. The adhesive is covered by a removable protective barrier 44. The removable protective barrier is separated from the adhesive, exposing the adhesive prior to adhering the inside face of the second planar panel to a fence post.

[0034] The first planar panel and second planar panels are integrally molded of a rigid material chosen from the class of rigid materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, polymer, plastic and composite.

[0035] In one embodiment the second planar panel bisects the first planar panel a distance of 35-45 percent of the distance between the post side edge and the gate side edge of the first planar panel.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment the second planar panel extends perpendicular to the first planar panel along the post side edge.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment the distance between the right side and the left side of the first planar panel is 2.5 inches plus or minus 20%. The width of the second planar panel is 1.3 inches plus or minus 20%. In the preferred embodiment the second planar panel bisects the first planar panel 1 inch plus or minus 10% from the right side of the first planar panel. In the preferred embodiment the thickness of the first planar panel is 0.5 mm plus or minus 10% and the thickness of the second planar panel is 1 mm plus or minus 10 percent.

[0038] In an alternate embodiment the fence gap cover can be attached using a mechanical connector taken from a class of mechanical connectors including screws and nails to securely attach the second planar panel to a fence post.

[0039] The fence gap cover may be inverted to attach to the opposite fence post.

[0040] The fence gap cover is designed for use with a fence gate having fence posts on either side, the posts separated from the sides of the gate by a gap. The gate having a latch on one side removably coupling the gate to the fencepost and one or more hinges on the opposite side, the hinges coupling the gate to the opposite fencepost.

[0041] The fence gap cover is installed on the latch side of the gate by first measuring the height of the gate then measuring and cutting the fence gap cover to match the height of the gate. If needed the fence gap cover can be cut to accommodate the latch by cutting a first length between the top of the gate and the latch, measuring the second length between the latch and the bottom of the post, cutting the fence gap cover to match the first length forming a top fence gap cover and cutting the fence gap cover to match the second length forming a bottom fence gap cover. The inside face of the top fence gap cover pieces are coupled to the fence post adjacent to the gap against the corresponding parts of the fence post. In the preferred embodiment the fence gap cover is coupled to the fence past by first removing the removable protective barrier exposing the adhesive and then pressing the adhesive against the post, securely attaching the second planar panel to the fence post adjacent to the gap. The first planar panel extends across the gap between the fence post and the gate, blocking the view through the gap. The fence gap cover may be installed on the hinge side of the gate by measuring the first length between the top of the gate and the hinge. Measuring the second length between the top hinge and the bottom hinge. Measuring the third length between the bottom hinge and the bottom of the gate, cutting the fence gap cover to match the first length forming a top fence gap cover, cutting the fence gap cover to match the second length forming a middle fence gap cover, cutting the fence gap cover to match the third length forming a bottom fence gap cover. Placing the inside face of the top fence gap cover pieces against the corresponding parts of the fence post in line with the gate and securing the inside face of the second planar panel to the fence post. In the preferred embodiment removing the removable protective barrier exposing the adhesive, pressing the adhesive against the post, securely attaching the second planar panel to the fence post. The first planar face extends across the gap, blocking the view through the gap.

[0042] The Fence Gap Cover is a device to insure privacy and may be used to cover an open gap between a gate and the supporting fence posts. The width of the device is sufficient to cover the gap extending to cover a portion of the fence post and gate to create an aesthetically pleasing cover and to provide privacy by blocking visibility through the fence gap. The lengths can be varied and cut by the user to the user's preferred length in order to accommodate the latch and hinges and gates of different heights. The inside portion has an adhesive that adheres to the inside of the fence post, while the outside flap or portion covers the gap or space.

[0043] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0044] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0045] Therefore, 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.