Flexible fence assembly

Abstract

A fence assembly is made up of a plurality of fence sections. Each section is made up of panels with top, bottom and side edges and front and rear surfaces. Slots are spaced from and milled into the panels along one of the sets of edges. A pair of trim extends over and covers the set edges and each trim has projections that snap or slide into the front and rear slots. The fence sections are coupled pivotably to fence posts such that the panels may pivot, under force of wind, about either their top or bottom end. The panels are restored to generally vertical position by the force of gravity.

1 . A fence section for use in a fence assembly, comprising: 
 a panel having 
 a set of top and bottom edges,  
 a set of opposite side edges,  
 front and rear surfaces, and  
 slots spaced from and running along at least one of the sets of edges and on both the front and rear surfaces; and,  
   a pair of trim, each trim having a body portion extending over and covering the edge of said at least one set of edges and secured to the panel.    
   
   
       2 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein each trim includes a pair of projections for snapping or sliding into the slots in the panel front and rear surfaces, thereby securing the trim to the panel.  
   
   
       3 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein the slots are milled into the panel.  
   
   
       4 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein the panel comprises a plurality of joined-together sheets.  
   
   
       5 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein the panel comprises a corrugated or accordian-shaped panel.  
   
   
       6 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein the trim is an extruded, flexible, plastic member.  
   
   
       7 . The fence section of  claim 1  wherein the trim is a metallic member.  
   
   
       8 . The fence section of  claim 1  including a stiffening member disposed within the trim body portion.  
   
   
       9 . A fence assembly having fence panels that may pivot under the force of wind, thus allowing wind flow through the fence, comprising: 
 at least a fence panel generally in vertical position and having an upper end and a lower end;    at least a vertical fence post;    means coupling the panel to the posts;    means allowing the panel to pivot about at least one end of the panel in response to wind; and,    gravity means for restoring the panel to its vertical position.    
   
   
       10 . The fence assembly of  claim 9  wherein the fence is pivotable about its lower end.  
   
   
       11 . The fence assembly of  claim 11  wherein the gravity means is a counterweight linked to the panel and suspended within the fence post.  
   
   
       12 . The fence assembly of  claim 9  wherein the fence is pivotable about its upper end.  
   
   
       13 . The fence assembly of  claim 9  including means for locking the panels in position.  
   
   
       14 . The fence assembly of  claim 9  wherein the panel comprises a plurality of joined-together sheets.  
   
   
       15 . The fence section of  claim 9  wherein the panel comprises a corrugated or accordian-shaped panel.  
   
   
       16 . The fence assembly of  claim 9  including 
 at least a trim disposed along an end and having open ends therein and a body portion extending over and covering the panel end and secured to the panel, and,    a pin extending from the fence post into the trim opening, thereby permitting panel pivoting action.    
   
   
       17 . The fence assembly of  claim 16  wherein the trim is an extruded, flexible plastic member.  
   
   
       18 . The fence assembly of  claim 16  wherein the trim is a metallic member.