Fence Board Protector

Abstract

A fence board protector is provided. The fence board protector comprises two panels telescopically secured to one another, with the first panel slidably receiving the second panel on its rear side. Each panel has a substantially rectangular cross section configured to attach to the bottom of a fence board, protecting it from damage caused by grass trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment. A fastener is disposed on the lateral sides of each of the panels, securing them to the fence board. The first panel has a larger width than the second panel, which nests within the first for compact storage. In some embodiments, a ratcheting system allows incremental extension and retraction. The protector clips on one side of a single fence board, preventing intrusion on a neighboring side of a fence.

Claims

1. A fence board protector, comprising: a first panel telescopically secured to a second panel, wherein the second panel is slidably received within a hollow interior of the first panel; wherein the first and second panel are each configured to attach to a bottom portion of a fence board; a fastener disposed on a first lateral side of the first panel and an opposing second lateral side of the second panel, wherein each fastener is positioned to secure the fence board protector to the fence board; wherein the first panel has a larger width than the second panel, wherein the width is measure between the first and second lateral sides; wherein the second panel is sized to nest within the first panel in a retracted configuration.

2. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein each fastener comprises a tab configured to wrap around a side of the fence board to secure the fence board protector to the fence board.

3. The fence board protector of claim 2, further comprising a secondary fastener configured to further secure the fence board protector to the fence board, wherein the secondary fastener is a nail driven through the tab into the fence board.

4. The fence board protector of claim 2, wherein the tabs comprise teeth that allow the panels to securely attach to the fence board.

5. The fence board protector of claim 2, wherein the tab is a bend-retentive tab configured to retain a shape once bent into a bent configuration.

6. The fence board protector of claim 1, further comprising a track disposed along an interior side of the interior volume and wherein a rail is disposed on an exterior side of the second panel, wherein the track is configured to receive the rail at the first lateral side for sliding engagement between the first and second panels.

7. The fence board protector of claim 6, wherein the track and rail are parallel to one another.

8. The fence board protector of claim 6, wherein the track terminates from at least 0.25 inches from the second lateral side of the first panel.

9. The fence board protector of claim 6, wherein the track comprises a ratcheting system that allows the second panel to extend and retract in 0.25-inch increments.

10. The fence board protector of claim 6, wherein the track includes a pair of tracks disposed on an upper half and lower half of the first panel.

11. The fence board protector of claim 9, wherein the pair of tracks and rails are disposed on the same side of the first and second panels, respectively.

12. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a width between 3-6 inches and the second panel comprises a width between 2-4 inches.

13. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein the fence board protector is configured to clip onto one side of a single fence board independently from an adjacent fence board.

14. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein the fence board protector does not extend to an opposing face of the fence board.

15. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein a pair fence board protectors are used on a single fence board, wherein a second fence board protector of the pair is rotated 180 degrees about a horizontal axis and secured to an opposing side of the fence board and wherein the fasteners do not overlap one another.

16. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein the first and second panel comprise a substantially rectangular cross section.

17. The fence board protector of claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are disposed on a same axis from each other in an upright configuration.

18. The fence board protector of claim 17, wherein the first and second fastener extend outward from each other in opposing directions halfway along a length of each lateral side thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence board protector in a partially retracted configuration.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence board protector in an extended configuration.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a rear side of an embodiment of the fence board protector.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence board.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence board.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fence board protector. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for protecting wooden fence boards from damage caused by lawn maintenance equipment. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments.

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to one embodiment, at least one embodiment, an embodiment, one example, an example, for example, and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase in an embodiment, first embodiment, second embodiment, or third embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence board protector in a partially retracted configuration and an extended configuration, respectively. The fence board protector 1000 is configured to shield fence boards, such as wooden fences, from damage caused by grass trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment. However, the illustrated embodiment is not limited to protecting wooden fence boards but also fence boards made of different materials. The fence board protector comprises a first panel 1100 telescopically secured to a second panel 1200. The telescopic arrangement of the panels 1100, 1200 ensures adjustable protection that can fit various fence board widths. Each of the first and second panels 1100, 1200 comprise a substantially rectangular cross section and are configured to attach to the bottom portion of a fence board.

[0026] The second panel 1200 is slidably received within a channel 1120 on a second lateral side 1130 of the first panel 1100, allowing for telescopic adjustment. In alternate embodiments, the first panel does not include a channel and simply overlaps with the second panel in a slidable, telescopic arrangement. In the shown embodiment, the first panel 1100 is wider than the second panel 1200, which enables the second panel 1200 to nest within the first panel 1100 for compact storage.

[0027] The panels 1100, 1200 are made from durable materials resistant to weather-related wear. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other weather-resistant plastics or metals. The choice of material ensures the protector's longevity and effectiveness in protecting the fence board.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of a rear side of an embodiment of the fence board protector. A track 1300 is integrated within the first panel 1100, and the second panel 1200 is secured to this track 1300 via a rail 1310. In the illustrated embodiment, the track and rail are parallel to one another. The track terminates from at least 0.25 inches from the second lateral side of the first panel. The track includes a pair of tracks disposed on an upper half and lower half of the first panel. The pair of tracks and rails are disposed on the same side of the first and second panels, respectively.

[0029] In some embodiments, the track 1300 includes a ratcheting system 1320 that allows the second panel 1200 to extend and retract in incremental steps (e.g., 0.25-inch increments). This mechanism ensures precise adjustment and a secure fit for various board widths. In one embodiment, a spring is disposed within the interior volume of the first panel 1100 which is secured to the second panel, thereby biasing the second panel 1200 to retract within the first panel 1100. In some embodiments, the track and rail form a trapezoidal cross section, a dovetail cross sectional area, or the like.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, there is shown rear side of an embodiment of the fence board protector, a side view of an embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence board and a side view of an alternate embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence board, respectively. The fence board protector 1000 comprises a pair of fasteners 1400 on the lateral sides of the panels. These fasteners 1400 are designed to wrap around the sides of the fence board 6000, securing the fence board protector 1000 in place. In the illustrated embodiment, a first fastener extends from a first lateral side 1140 of the first panel 1100 and a second fastener 1400 extends from the second lateral side 1420 of the second panel 1200. In the shown embodiment, the fastener is a tab configured to wrap around the board 6000. In some embodiments, the fasteners 1400 include teeth 1410 to enhance grip into a wooden fence board. Additionally, a secondary fastener, such as a nail driven through the tab, can be used to further secure the protector to the fence board. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fence board protector 1000 does not extend onto the opposing side of the fence board.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence board protector secured to a fence. In the illustrated embodiment, the fence board protector 1000 comprises a first panel 1100 with a width between 3-6 inches and a second panel 1200 with a width between 2-4 inches. The second panel 1200 is adapted to nest within the first panel 1100 for compact storage and easy adjustment. The fasteners 1400 on the lateral sides are tabs that wrap around the fence board 6000, securing the protector 1000 without the need for complex tools or procedures. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab is a bend-retentive tab configured to retain the shape once bent into a particular configuration.

[0032] In an alternate embodiment, the fasteners 1400 include teeth that grip the fence board, providing additional security. Another variation includes a secondary fastener, such as a nail or screw, driven through the tab for enhanced stability. Additionally, the ratcheting system within the track may allow for different incremental adjustments, such as 0.5-inch increments, to accommodate various user preferences.

[0033] In operation, a user selects the appropriate fence board protector 1000 size based on the width of the fence board. The second panel 1200 is extended from the first panel 1100 by disengaging the ratcheting system or simply sliding the second panel 1200 to the desired length. The protector is aligned with the bottom portion of the fence board 6000 and the taps are wrapped around the lateral sides of the fence board 6000, securing the tabs into place. This installation protects the fence board from damage during lawn maintenance, reducing the need for frequent repairs or re-staining.

[0034] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 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.

[0035] 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.