Thorley Exhibit No. 1011
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`

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`6,076,448
`Page 2
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`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`5,582,266
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`12/1996 Rexroad et al.
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`...................... .. 182/138
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`5,344,157
`5,393,051
`5,408,770
`5,433,852
`5,433,991
`
`9/1994 Mccord ................................ N 273/411
`2/1995 Merino et al.
`...................... N 273/29 B
`Suzuki
`.................................... N 38/102
`7/1995 Tseng et a1.
`. 427/245
`
`7/1995 Boyd et al.
`428/193
`,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
`
`5,622,094
`5,752,550
`5,758,868
`5,771,716
`5,789,025
`
`4/1997 Rexroad ...................................... 87/12
`5/1998 Scarfet al.
`............................ .. 139/420
`6/1998 Shen ..................................... ..
`6/1998 Schlussel
`................................ .. 66/195
`8/1998 St. Clair .................................. 427/245
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 1 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 2 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 3 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`FIG.4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20, 2000
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`51166” Of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 5 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20, 2000
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`Sheet 7 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 8 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 9 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20, 2000
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`Sheet 10 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 11 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20, 2000
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`Sheet 12 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 13 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`FIG.15
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`106
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`FIG.14
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20, 2000
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`Sheet 14 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`17B
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 15 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`130
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`FIG. 19
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 20,2000
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`Sheet 16 of 16
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`6,076,448
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`6,076,448
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`1
`METHOD OF USING BARRIER MATERIAL
`AND SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a material used in parti-
`tioning children’s play areas and industrial guards and
`relates more particularly to an improvement in such mate-
`rials and guards whereby the material used is unlikely to
`unravel, otherwise creating an unsafe condition, undesirable
`appearance thereby making the play environment or guard
`more safe and very controlled in its deflection making it
`highly advantageous for use in industrial guard applications.
`The use of playscapes or playground type environments
`where compartments are filled with plastic balls and slides
`that deliver children through the environments are becoming
`increasingly popular especially as found in fast food restau-
`rants. However, it is important to keep certain parts of the
`playscape confined so that the child does not wander out of
`it and cause an injury to him or herself. Thus, as between the
`modular structural pieces of the playscape a barrier is used
`to make impassable areas of the structure which children
`should not be moving into. Such further materials have
`usually been of fishing net
`type construction and lack
`durability, softness to the touch as well as any color which
`would combine with the otherwise colorful array of mem-
`bers in the playscape to make the environment more aes-
`thetically appealing to the child. Also, it has been found that
`barrier nets have used a simple wire-like plastic mesh which
`has limited capacity for installation methods and flexibility.
`However, such single woven material have been known to
`shred and snag when pulled by a sharp object and thereby
`lose its shape.
`As well, in industrial application wherein large packages
`and/or equipment is being moved, it is desirable to reduce
`deflection of the barrier so that travel paths of the packages
`may not be disrupted. Also, it is desirable to use a material
`which can withstand and/or prevent unravelling as packages
`are moved along a delivery system. Even still,
`in the
`industrial guard application, it is desirable to use a mesh
`material which is collapsible on itself when it is necessary
`for the mesh to be retracted and material that allow various
`
`sizes and shapes to be fabricated to reduce sag and provide
`more accurate tolerances.
`
`Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
`barrier mesh structure of the aforementioned type wherein
`the material making up the netting is structurally resistant to
`shredding when pulled or snagged by a sharp object such as
`would be found in the context of industrial guards and child
`play areas.
`Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a
`material of the aforementioned type which is capable of
`having a given color which is coordinated with the color
`scheme of a given playscape or
`industrial/commercial
`seams.
`
`Still a further object of the invention is to provide a barrier
`material which is used for children in a playscape and which
`material has a mesh construction that is small enough to
`prohibit climbing by an individual.
`Further objects and advantages of the present invention
`will become apparent from the following disclosure and
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a partially fragmentary plan view of a coated
`yarn leno weave.
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`FIG. 2a is a partially fragmentary plan view of a leno
`weave shown in FIG. 1 with a multicolor design.
`FIG. 2b is a partially fragmentary plan view of an
`alternate weave.
`
`FIG. 3a is a partially fragmentary view of the over under
`weave pattern.
`FIG. 3b is a partially fragmentary view of a basket weave
`pattern.
`FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary plan view of a lock
`woven mesh.
`
`FIG. 5 is a partially fragmentary plan view of a multicolor
`lock woven mesh.
`
`FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the cutting pattern of an
`otherwise diamond shape lock woven mesh cut to form a
`square shape configuration.
`FIG. 7a is a partially fragmentary elevation view showing
`a cord or rope sewn to a mesh for securement purposes.
`FIG. 7b is a partially fragmentary elevation view showing
`a cord or rope sewn to an improved viability and increased
`ventilation mesh for securement purposes.
`FIG. 8a is a partially fragmentary view showing of a
`pocket webbing sewn to a mesh to allow a cable rod or rope
`chain to pass therethrough for securing the mesh to a
`structure.
`
`FIG. 8b is a showing of a pocket webbing sewn to a
`improved viability and increased ventilation mesh to allow
`a cable rod or rope chain to pass therethrough for securing
`the mesh to a structure.
`
`FIG. 9a shows a webbing with grommets for securement
`to a structure.
`
`FIG. 9b shows a improved viability and increased venti-
`lation webbing with grommets for securement to a structure.
`FIG. 10a illustrates a mesh attached to a frame structure
`
`by tie wrap and by lashing.
`FIG. 10b illustrates a improved viability and increased
`ventilation mesh attached to a frame structure by tie wrap
`and by lashing.
`FIG. 11 illustrates an attachment of a border rope to a
`mesh with a flexible C rings with the border rope being then
`hung to cables via hooks or clips.
`FIG. 12a illustrates a retractable improved viability and
`increased ventilation barrier using flexible borders and top
`border attached to cables with hooks.
`
`FIG. 12b illustrates a retractable fine mesh barrier using
`flexible borders and top border attached to cables with
`hooks.
`
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another support system.
`FIG. 14 is a vertical section view of the support system of
`FIG. 13 with a cushion disposed therearound.
`FIG. 15 is an end view of the support system of FIG. 13
`with a single mesh panel.
`FIG. 16 shows an end view of a single mesh panel
`connected to a border member with flat webbing folded over
`and sewn to create a pocket.
`FIGS. 17a and 17b are fragmentary perspective views of
`an alternative connection.
`
`FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of an inflatable unit
`with mesh secured to it for ventilation.
`
`FIG. 19 is a partially fragmentary perspective view of a
`sewn connection between a jump unit connecting flap and
`fine mesh.
`
`FIG. 20 is a partially fragmentary perspective view of a
`sewn connection between a jump unit connecting flap and a
`high visibility mesh.
`
`

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`6,076,448
`
`3
`FIG. 21 is a partially fragmentary perspective View of a
`lashing connection between a jump unit connecting flap and
`fine mesh.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention resides in a method of providing a barrier
`in an environment comprising the steps of providing a
`structural member which is part of the environment; pro-
`viding a flexible foam coated fine mesh material capable of
`being folded on itself and providing the mesh material with
`a means for securing the mesh material
`to a structural
`member in the environment and securing the mesh material
`through the means to the structural member to provide a
`barrier between one environment and another.
`
`Desirably, the method is characterized by providing the
`mesh as a leno weave and with a flexible foam PVC coating.
`In one embodiment the method includes providing the
`leno weave with a polyester yarn running in a vertical
`direction and two polyester yarns running in a horizontal
`direction wherein the denier of the polyester yarn running in
`the vertical direction is twice that of the yarn running in the
`horizontal direction. alternatively, two yarns running in the
`horizontal direction may be provided having a color which
`is different from those yarns running in a vertical direction,
`or the yarn running in a vertical direction may be provided
`with a color different from each of the colors of the two
`
`yarns running in the horizontal direction.
`Alternative the method may be practiced by providing a
`mesh being a basket-weave pattern.
`Desirably the method is characterized by providing a
`border member and holding a portion of the mesh having at
`the leading edge thereof over the border member and sewing
`the leading edge to the border member, or by providing the
`means for securement of the mesh to a structure as a pocket
`webbing in securing the pocket webbing to the mesh through
`a longitudinal serger stitch.
`The invention also resides in a method of forming a
`barrier partitioning one area from the other comprising the
`steps of providing at least one structural member in an area
`for supporting a barrier mesh therein; providing a mesh
`comprised of a plurality of closed shapes each comprised by
`a length of cord connected to a juxtaposed length of cord at
`given nodal points; providing each the lengths of cord as a
`lock woven mesh cord wherein the lock woven mesh cord is
`
`formed by weaving two pillars of cord in side by side lock
`together manner; attaching the mesh to a means and con-
`necting the mesh to the means to the structural member to
`provide a barrier between one area and another.
`The method is further characterized by the lock woven
`mesh being formed in a diamond pattern and cutting the
`mesh diamond pattern in a diagonal fashion so as to create
`a square mesh pattern and by providing an upper webbing
`and sewing the mesh at the leading edge thereof to the
`webbing and inserting within the upper webbing a support
`cable.
`
`Ideally, the method is further characterized by providing
`a lower pocket webbing at the lower end of the mesh and
`securing it to the lower end of the mesh via a sewn stitch and
`inserting within the lower pocket webbing a weight or chain
`for pulling the mesh tautly between the support cable and the
`chain and by providing the upper pocket webbing with at
`least one grommet and supporting the mesh structure using
`the grommet. Also possible are top and side borders with
`other options, such as sewn cord.
`Desirably, the method is further characterized by provid-
`ing a right angle connection between two structural mem-
`
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`bers and connecting at least one edge of the mesh to an
`associated structural member using a tie wrap or lashing
`cord and by providing a right angle connection between two
`structural members and connecting at least one edge of the
`mesh to an associated one of the structural members using
`a lashing or tie wrap.
`In one embodiment, the method is further characterized
`by using the mesh in a diamond configuration and threading
`a border rope through endmost ones of nodes defining the
`mesh and attaching at least one of the endmost nodes to the
`border rope using a flexible C ring fastener and by connect-
`ing the border rope to a structural member via a locking
`hook or a doubled back length of the border rope.
`The invention further resides in a system for creating a
`slidable barrier in amusement and industrial settings com-
`prising a generally horizontally disposed structural member
`located generally in a plane with at least two vertically
`oriented and spaced anchor points. A mesh is provided
`having a upper border member and a lateral border member.
`The upper border member having a plurality of hook rings
`which are passed through the upper border member and
`connect
`the around the horizontally disposed structural
`member; the lateral side edge border having a means for
`securing same between the two vertically spaced anchor
`points such that
`the lateral side edges of the mesh are
`constrained against the movement and the horizontally dis-
`posed border can be retracted horizontally thereto.
`While discussed in terms of horizontal and vertical above,
`the orientation of the structural members can be changed
`such that the anchor points are horizontally oriented and the
`slidable barrier slides vertically rather than horizontally.
`Ideally, the hook members being passed through grom-
`mets in the upper horizontally extending border member and
`the lateral border member being a hollow pocket webbing
`through which a rope is passed and secures between the two
`anchor points disposed in vertical alignment with one
`another. Alternatively,
`the hook members can be passed
`through the mesh directly through a cord border.
`The invention resides still further in a system comprising
`a structural member, a hollow border member, a support rod
`disposed within the hollow border member, and a mesh
`having at least one panel with a connection line connecting
`the hollow border member to the mesh. The border member
`
`having at least one cutout formed therein with forming a
`spacing between the support rod and the one edge of the at
`least one cut out. A securement means is provided for
`connecting the support rod to the structural member, the
`securement means passing around the structural member and
`through the at least one cutout.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`Referring to FIG. 1 the weave illustrated generally as two
`is disclosed for use in a new and unobvious application for
`a barrier material in a play area or used in industrial guards.
`A playscape is generally defined as a play area set aside
`usually in a fast food chain restaurant or in an amusement
`park where children engage in sliding down a structure and
`into, for example, a pool of plastic balls. With such a
`structure it is important to enclose certain areas against child
`access out of the area and for example onto a hard pavement
`below. It may also be necessary to restrict the ability of a
`child to climb up on such barrier material in order to impede
`vertical movement. The mesh 2 is illustrated is a leno weave
`
`as is well understood in the industry and in the preferred
`embodiment and is comprised of yarn of 1,000 denier
`
`

`
`6,076,448
`
`5
`polyester running a vertical direction as illustrated by ele-
`ments 4,4 and two 500 denier yarns 6,6 running in a
`horizontal direction. The yarns are coated by using a highly
`flexible foam PVC. It is the coating of the yarns 4,4 and 6,6
`which allows the material to be highly supple and flexible
`and soft to the touch. Also, the coating provides for excellent
`wear and is easily fabricated as well as being excellently fire
`retardant to performance. The below Table 1 illustrates the
`specific characteristics of one type of material. Also, in the
`preferred embodiment,
`the material 2 is commercially
`readily available and is sold in a variety of products which
`can be purchased. One such product is sold by BO-Tex Sales
`Corporation, 175 Industrial Road, Hogansville, Ga. 80250,
`under part number BO-LOC7X5 and is described in Table A
`below.
`
`Construction:
`Coating:
`Core Yarn:
`Fabric Weight:
`Tensile Strength:
`(ASTM D—2261)
`Tongue-single rip
`Mullen Burst Strength:
`(ASTM D—3786)
`Fire Retardancy:
`
`(Fed. Std. 191,
`Method 5903.2, Vertical)
`Cold Crack:
`UV Resistance:
`(ASTM G53)
`
`Specific Gravity:
`
`TABLE A
`
`7 x 5 ends/inch
`Flexible Foamed PVC
`100 denier Polyester
`6.5-7.5 oz/sq. yd.
`
`45 lbs. minimum warp
`35 lbs. minimum fill
`257 lbs/sq in minimum
`
`Afterflame: Less than 3 seconds
`(typical)
`Char Length: Less than 4 inches
`(typical)
`No cracking after 24 hours @
`—40° F., 2" mandrel
`
`1000 hours QUV exposure-slight
`color deterioration (Not
`applicable for fluorescent
`colors)
`0.60
`
`As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the mesh material 2‘ may further
`be made more aesthetically pleasing to the environment in
`which it is used by causing each of the yarn 6,6‘ to be colored
`differently while the vertically extending yarns 4,4 may be
`colored differently from the other horizontally disposed
`yarns 6‘,6‘. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, a length of
`webbing may be attached to a length of the material 2,2‘ via
`a sewn intersection 8 for allowing the mesh to be secured to
`a structure as will be discussed in greater detail later.
`As seen in FIG. 2B, the barrier material 2“ employed by
`the present invention may take the form of a fine mesh which
`is coated not by foamed plastic but
`in stead by other
`materials, such as, VINYL or ARLYN. The material shown
`in FIG. 2b is commercially sold by PHIFER Wire Products,
`Inc., P.O. Box 1700 Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35403, as a color fast
`10><7 mesh, 0.025 mil plain weave. The yarns, e.g. warp and
`fill, are each of the same 0.025“ diameter and are made from
`polyester fabric coated with vinyl. Alternatively, the inven-
`tion can be equally successfully practiced using an ARLYN
`coated polyester fabric, with a 4x4 grid having a 28 mil yarn,
`also sold by PHIFER Wire Products, Inc.
`Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b it should be seen that
`the mesh 2'", 2"“ may further take the form of a basket-
`weave pattern with the vertically extending yarns 4,4 inter-
`secting with the horizontally disposed yarn 6,6 in an over/
`under configuration. While shown in a one-to-one
`corresponding pattern in FIG. 3a,
`it should be understood
`that the invention may be practiced by a 2-1 or 3-2 type
`over/under corresponding relationship between vertical and
`horizontal extending yarns as shown in FIG. 3b.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, and to an alternative embodi-
`ment of the mesh structure shown in FIGS. 1-3, it should be
`
`6
`seen that the mesh structure shown in FIG. 4 is a mesh which
`is capable of allowing enhanced ventilation and viability of
`the individual or object within the enclosed environment.
`That is, depending upon the type of application, the mesh
`disclosed in FIGS. 1-3 can be used where a nonclimbing
`environment is to be used or a more enclosed appearance is
`desired, whereas the mesh of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used
`where greater visibility is desired.
`The mesh structure illustrated in FIG. 4 and referred
`generally as element 12 is a lock woven mesh. A lock woven
`mesh is meant that the mesh is comprised of two pillars
`woven together and which two pillar members are caused to
`intersect and connect to one another at nodes 11,11 in a
`manner that greatly reduces and/or eliminates the unravel-
`ling of the mesh. In the example shown, the mesh is 4%
`stretch mesh thus creating an intersection of the braid to
`create a diamond pattern. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the mesh
`can be cut in a diagonal fashion along lines 15,15 so as to
`create a square mesh pattern which is readily applicable in
`a square arrangement, such as shown in FIGS. 7a, 8a, 9a,
`10a and 11a.
`
`The two pillar construction is in fact a flat construction
`when seen in the side view thereby allowing a thicker or
`heavier footprint to be made by the twin pillar construction
`for better partitioning effect and stability. The process by
`which the twin pillar construction is affected by the addi-
`tional use of a bar in the weaving process such that the
`opposing bars are locked together. The lock woven mesh is
`readily commercially available as sold by TEK-Knit
`Industries, 521 Boul. Lebeau Boulevard, St-Laurenent,
`Quebec, H4N 1S2, Canada. The mesh as sold commercially
`is of a diamond-shaped construction and is rotated 45° from
`its otherwise diagonal shape whereupon as shown in FIG. 6.
`As will be discussed in further detail later with reference to
`
`FIG. 7a, the cut mesh is sewn such that the leading edge of
`the mesh strand is aligned in a straight pattern with the rope
`and a sewing 8 made thereto.
`Referring now to FIG. 5, it should be seen that each of the
`cords of the mesh 12‘ may be given a different color such that
`the intersections at every 4% inches creating a diamond
`pattern can create a “lightning bolt” type of color array for
`a given color pattern. That is, the bipillar cords intersect and
`are interwoven as such locations 11 which define nodal
`
`points of the mesh. By weaving each cord in a different color
`the mesh becomes a multicolored design thereby leading to
`a aesthetically pleasing variant of color pattern that
`is
`workable with a given playscape configuration.
`Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b, it should be seen that
`a border construction is shown wherein a rope or cord 14 can
`be used as a border support to which the mesh 12 is attached
`via a serger stitch 15. As seen, the mesh 12, 12‘ can take the
`form of either the improved viability and increased venti-
`lation mesh shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 or the mesh 12‘ shown
`in FIGS. 4 and 5.
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b, it should be seen that
`the mesh construction 12, 12‘ in this embodiment is con-
`nectable to pocket webbing 20 and 22, respectively, which
`is attached to the upper and lower edges of the mesh through
`respective sewing attachments 26 and 28. The pockets 20
`and 22 are tubular members which are sewn along their
`bottom length to a length of mesh. Alternatively, each pocket
`member can be formed from a doubled over length of
`webbing which is sewn together with the connected length
`of mesh along sewing attachment points 26 and 28 (similar
`to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 16). The sewing 26
`and 28 is a lengthwise connection using a stitch which is
`well known in the industry as a serger stitch.
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`Each pocket 20, 22 has an internal chamber 32, 34 into
`which an appropriate structural member is received. In the
`case of the upper pocket 22, a support cable 36 is received
`within the opening 32, while in the case of the lower pocket
`22, a chain or similar weighted material 38 is placed. In this
`way,
`the mesh 12, 12‘ will be pulled tautly, vertically,
`downwardly from the support cable 36 at the upper end. It
`should, however, be understood that while the mesh struc-
`ture 12 shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b can be a multicolored
`mesh as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mesh 12 shown in FIGS.
`7-9, and that shown in FIG. 6, noting of course that mesh 12
`can take the form of either the improved viability and
`increased ventilation mesh shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and
`the mesh 12‘ is that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, it should be seen that
`the flat webbing shown therein as element 40 is provided
`with a plurality of grommets 42,42 which serve as anchorage
`points for the webbing 40 to be supported such as by hooks
`on the structural member. As mentioned earlier, depending
`upon the type of application, the mesh identified as 12 in
`FIG. 9a is that which is disclosed in FIGS. 1-3 and is used
`
`where a nonclimbing environment or more enclosed appear-
`ance is desired, or the mesh identified as 12‘ in FIG. 9b is that
`disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used where a more visible
`
`and open environment is desired.
`Referring now to FIGS. 10a and 10b, it should be seen
`that a right angle structural connection shown generally as
`48 and is comprised of an elbow joint 50 with inserted
`tubular members 52 and 54 connected thereto. As illustrated,
`either of the meshes 12, 12‘ can be attached via its upper
`horizontal run 56 through a tie wrap 58 which is caused to
`clamp around the member 52, or alternatively, as shown in
`the vertically disposed structural member 54, to a spiral lash
`60 which may be used to secure the left-most run 62 of the
`mesh 12,12‘ to the structural member 54.
`Referring now to FIG. 11, it should be seen that mesh 12“,
`may be connected to an intermediary border member 64 to
`the intermediary of flexible C ring connections 66,66. The
`mesh 12" is of the type which is in its unaltered commer-
`cially available state wherein the diamond pattern is left
`uncut (as discussed by the method of FIG. 6.) The flexible
`C ring connections used are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,582,266 issued to Rexroad et al. and entitled “Safety/
`Debris Net System” and which patent is hereby incorporated
`by reference. The rings 66 are readily commercially avail-
`able and sold Stanley Inc. under part No. 15G100P and are
`applied via a commercially available tool sold under the
`tradename Spenax under model no. SC4C and part no.
`TLSCSC4C.
`
`As illustrated, the mesh 12“ in the embodiment shown in
`FIG. 11 is specifically oriented in its diamond orientation to
`accommodate the border rope 64 thread through the leading
`nodal points 70,70 such that alternative ones of the nodes
`70,70 need only be affixed by a C-ring connection 66,66. As
`between the border rope 64 and a support member herein
`illustrated in element 72, a fastening hook 74 is provided and
`connects between a nodal point 70‘ and the structural mem-
`ber 72. As illustrated, the placement of the fastening hook 74
`is made preferably at a node point where the mesh is only
`threaded through the border rope and no C-ring is present.
`It is noted that it is preferable to use a mesh 12" which is of
`a diagonal design, but it is well within the purview of the
`invention to use a square configuration, such as shown in
`FIGS. 7a, 8a and 9a, or to use a fine mesh of the type shown
`in FIGS. 1-3.
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b, it should be seen
`that the system shown therein includes mesh 112, 112‘ which
`
`8
`can be comprised of any type of mesh structure with a border
`sewn or otherwise connected at orthogonally disposed edges
`of the mesh to define the illustrated borders 63 and 65. For
`purposes of illustration however,
`the mesh 112, 112‘
`is
`shown in FIG. 12a as a mesh and in FIG. 12b as a improved
`viability and increased ventilation mesh. The horizontally
`disposed border 62 preferably includes at least one grommet
`67 which may connect to a structural member 52 through the
`intermediary of a hook or ring of the type shown at 74 in
`FIG. 11. Alternatively, a mesh with a cord border as shown
`in FIG. 7 may be used with the hook or ring. Aplurality of
`such connections can be made across the member 52 secured
`
`at given intervals along the border 62 so as to allow the mesh
`112 to slide freely over the structural member 52. In this
`way,
`the mesh is movably retractable in the indicated
`direction AA. That is, prior art mesh, such a manufactured
`by TWITCHELL, P.O. BOX 8156 Dothan Ala. 36304, part
`#T69WKS012, while suitable for purposes other than dis-
`cussed herein, is a material of leno weaves which is stiff and
`limited in flexibility making it hard to work with and
`incapable of folding or collapsing against itself in a curtain
`like manner, which in accordance with the invention can be
`either vertically or horizontally.
`With respect to the lateral side edge of borders 65, it
`should be seen that each border 65 is a hollow pocket
`webbing which has an internal confine 77 through which a
`support cable or rope 84 is passed. An I-bolt 88 is also
`provided and is connected to the horizontally disposed
`member 54 to provide a securement point for the vertically
`disposed border 65. The rope may be double backed upon
`itself after passing through the I-ring as illustrated or can
`include a cable clamp at either end for locking engagement
`through the I-bolt 88 which is mounted to the structural
`member 52 to secure the lateral side edges of the mesh
`against movement. In this way, a barrier similar to a movable
`curtain can be created and implemented to allow access or
`prohibit access of certain areas of an environment.
`Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, it should be seen that a
`system for connection to a structural member 91 according
`to the invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, the system
`for illustration purposes uses an improved viability and
`increased ventilation mesh 12‘ which is connected along
`sewn connection line 90 to a hollow border member 92 such
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`that the mesh 12‘ forms a ninety degree angle with respect
`to the mesh panel connected by the line 90. Within the
`hollow confine 94 of the hollow border member 92 is a
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`support rod or rope 96 which run coextensively within the
`border member 92.
`
`The hollow border member 92 has a plurality of cutouts
`98,98 formed therealong which extend inwardly enough to
`clear the diameter of the support rod 96 so as to provide a
`gap 100 through which is passed a plastic tie wrap 102 or
`lashing cord (not shown). The plastic tie wrap 102 is secured
`about a structural member 91.
`In this way,
`the border
`member 92 is oriented radially relative to the circular form
`of the member 91. This radial orientation of the border
`
`to be spaced from the
`member 92 allows the mesh 12‘
`member so as to allow a circular cushion 106 with a radial
`
`slit 108 in it corresponding to the position of the border
`member 92 to be placed about the member so as to locate the
`connecting line 90 generally coincidentally with the outer
`surface of the cushion.
`
`Referring to the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 17a and
`17b, is should be seen that the member 91 has a longitudinal
`slit 120 which extends lengthwise therealong which is
`sufficiently wide to receive the width of the border 92
`therein, but is to narrow enough to prohibit the member 96
`
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`6,076,448
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`9
`from passing therethrough. Thus the mesh 12, 12‘