US-12618261-B2 - Privacy panel and system

Abstract

An engineered privacy panel comprising a recycled rubber composition, where the panel comprises one or more integral reinforcement members for reinforcement and providing fastening means for fastening the back of the panel to a support. The privacy panel can be used to make partitions and partition systems, each of which can be provided as a kit.

Inventors

• Derek Erdman
• Stevenson Tom
• Stephen Dixon

Assignees

• MULTY HOME LP

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20200810

Claims (18)

1. 1 . A panel comprising: a body having a front face and a back face; one or more embedded reinforcement members over-coated and located within the body and configured to provide support for the panel along a top member and a bottom member; and one or more fastening means accessible and visible only from the back face of the body, the one or more fastening means comprising one or more apertures formed in the one or more embedded reinforcement members and one or more threaded inserts, each threaded insert being received in a respective aperture of the one or more apertures and being configured to receive a fastener for securing the panel to a vertical support.
2. 2 . The panel of claim 1 , comprising two, three or four embedded reinforcement members.
3. 3 . The panel of claim 1 , wherein none of the one or more embedded reinforcement members extend a full length of the top member and bottom member of the body, the one or more embedded reinforcement members each having at least one of the one or more apertures formed at each of a first end and a second end of the one or more embedded reinforcement members.
4. 4 . The panel of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the one or more embedded reinforcement members extend a full length of the top member and/or the bottom member of the body, the embedded reinforcement members having at least one of the one or more apertures formed at each of a first end and a second end of the one or more embedded reinforcement members.
5. 5 . The panel of claim 4 , wherein each threaded insert received by the one or more apertures extend through the one or more embedded reinforcement members but do not penetrate the front face of the body.
6. 6 . The panel of claim 5 , the body further comprising a frame, wherein the top member and the bottom member are connected by side members, wherein the side members have a first end and a second end and comprise a top threaded insert and a bottom threaded insert at each of the first end and the second end, respectively, for mounting a wall bracket.
7. 7 . The panel of claim 5 , wherein the top member and/or the bottom member further comprise a substantially central connection member aperture formed within the one or more embedded reinforcement members.
8. 8 . The panel of claim 5 , further comprising a fastener driven into each of the threaded inserts of the one or more embedded reinforcement members via the back face of the panel, wherein the fastener being driven through a bracket means to fasten the panel to the vertical support.
9. 9 . The panel of claim 4 , wherein the panel is interconnectable with one or more other panels.
10. 10 . The panel of claim 1 , wherein the one or more embedded reinforcement members are made of metal.
11. 11 . The panel of claim 10 , wherein the metal is steel or a steel alloy.
12. 12 . The panel of claim 1 , wherein the front face and the back face comprise a decorative pattern; optionally wherein the decorative pattern is three dimensional; optionally wherein the decorative pattern permits a flow of air and/or sunlight to pass through.
13. 13 . The panel of claim 12 , wherein the decorative pattern comprises slats, a knot design or a cross-weave design.
14. 14 . The panel of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a recycled rubber composition.
15. 15 . The panel of claim 14 , wherein the recycled rubber composition comprises one or more of: ground crumb SBR, EPDM, polyolefin, additives and colorants.
16. 16 . The panel of claim 15 , wherein the recycled composition comprises the polyolefin, which is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyisoprene, polypentene and mixtures thereof.
17. 17 . The panel of claim 15 , wherein the recycled rubber composition comprises ground crumb SBR and polyolefin, and wherein a ratio of ground crumb SBR to polyolefin is about 20:80 to 80:20 by weight.
18. 18 . A kit comprising: the panel of claim 1 ; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of one or more posts, one or more brackets, one or more fasteners, one or more washers, one or more connection members, one or more wall mount brackets, and a plurality of base post supports.

Description

FIELD Described embodiments generally relate to engineered privacy panels, a partition including one or more of the engineered privacy panels and a partition system that may include a plurality of interconnected partitions that comprise one or more of the engineered privacy panels forming a variety of configurations and arrangements. The engineered privacy panels comprise recycled rubber materials and are esthetically pleasing. BACKGROUND Outdoor living is desirable in the cities, however, with the increased density of living units, privacy is at a premium. With adjoining dwellings, adjacent balconies and smaller yards, it may be desired to prevent others from seeing into one's space. Typically this includes desiring privacy around decks, patios, pool and outdoor hot tubs. It is also desired to conceal unattractive features such as an air conditioning unit, sheds, garden supplies, pool equipment, recycling bins, garbage bins and the like. Outdoor panels are available that provide privacy and may increase the attractiveness of the landscape design, however, they may not be manufactured of sufficient size, are not adequately structurally stable, may lack durability, are difficult to assemble and mount, and cannot be arranged in a customized design. Furthermore, many are fabricated from materials that have imperfections, do not weather well, can discolor, crack, warp and be infested by rot or pests. It would be desirable to provide a privacy panel and system with desirable physical and environmental properties that is easy to mount to new or existing posts, walls and the like in a variety of configurations. The discussion of the background herein is included to explain the context of the inventions described herein. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date of any of the claims. SUMMARY In embodiments are provided engineered privacy panels, a partition including one or more of the engineered privacy panels and a partition system comprising a plurality of interconnected partitions comprising one or more of the engineered privacy panels that can be formed into a variety of configurations and arrangements. The engineered privacy panels comprise recycled rubber compositions. The fastening means are discreetly formed (i.e. substantially concealed) and positioned such that the esthetics of the panel are maintained while supporting the panel firmly in place. As concealed, the fastening means are still readily fastened and unfastened as may be required. In further embodiments are methods to make the engineered privacy panels, partitions incorporating the engineered privacy panels and a partition system comprising two or more partitions incorporating the engineered privacy panels. Partitions and partition systems can be freestanding or secured to a ground surface. The engineered privacy panels of the invention in aspects and in embodiments is versatile to use and can be readily and easily reversibly affixed to a variety of supports in different spatial arrangements with minimal tools. As used forming part or all of a partition, the engineered privacy panels are easily secured to supports, easily removable from the supports (readily dismantled) and readily interchangeable. The engineered privacy panels may serve many functions and are suitable for residential and commercial use. The privacy panels are decorative and may be used to enhance the esthetics of any spaces (indoor and outdoor) such as being used as wall art or as a façade to an existing structure. The privacy panels may also be used alone or as part of a partition or partition system to increase privacy in a variety of outdoor spaces as their three dimensional (3D) design limits visibility through the panel yet still permits some airflow (airflow allowance and wind resistance) and light there-through (sunlight mitigation). The panels used alone or in embodiments as part of a partition or partition system may be used to enclose and define an outdoor space such as for example around pool areas, patios, seating arrangements and hot tubs. They may also be used to conceal unattractive features such as an air conditioning unit, a shed, garden supplies, pool equipment, pumps, recycling bins, garbage bins and the like. They may also be used to shield against the sun (provide some shade) and wind. They may also be used to hang a vertical garden, hang other decorative elements, hang lights such as solar powered lights, or woven with a string of lights (solar powered or connected electrically) throughout the three dimensional patterns of the panel. Thus any type of outdoor accessory may be used and incorporated for use with the engineered privacy panels, partitions and partition systems of the invention. One of skill in the art will recognize that the engineered privacy panels may be used in any desired manner and is not limited. The engineered privacy