VISUAL BARRIER WINDSCREEN, INCLUDING KNITTED INTERLOCKING CHAINS FORMING WIND PASSAGE HOLES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Abstract

A visual barrier windscreen comprising a first series of monofilament threads, a second series of monofilament threads, and a third series of monofilament threads. The first series of threads may be formed in pillar stitches, the second series of threads may be formed in zig-zag stitches, and the third series of threads may be formed in zig-zag stitches. A pattern of wind-passage holes may be formed by a cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads. At least a 75% visual block may be attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series and the third series of threads. The cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads may achieve an air flow permeability that may be greater than 755 cfm/ft2.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of barriers, and in particular to windscreens installed on fences for providing a visual barrier and wind block, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, windscreens are mesh fabric installed on fences used for visual barriers and wind block. Typical applications are athletic fields, tennis courts, as well as other fences where there is a desire to “dress up” the fence as well as add some visual barrier. Historically, the more common fabrics that have been used for windscreens are vinyl coated polyester mesh and woven polypropylene. There have also been some knitted polyethylene fabrics that have been used. The standard desired visual block for these products has been around 80%. The knitted polyethylene products are stretchy and may not look good once installed on the fence due to the sagging caused by this stretchiness.

Tape is a thin sheet of polyethylene that is slit into very narrow widths and used as a type of yarn in the polyethylene knitting industry. A windscreen that lasts longer may not address a problem that plagues all windscreen owners. This problem is “wind maintenance” and “wind damage”. Windscreen owners have a problem with windscreens blowing off the fence in medium to high winds. This increases costs to the owner when the fasteners break, the screen flaps in the wind, and maintenance personnel must get those fasteners replaced as soon as possible. This adds to the maintenance costs for facilities that have windscreens and may even prohibit windscreens from being installed at certain locations.

If the owner does not replace fasteners and re-attach the windscreen to the fence, and the windscreen is left flapping in the wind for any length of time, the windscreen will get damaged from flapping and banging against the fence. This is called wind whipping and is a common problem seen at almost all facilities that have windscreens. Another problem to be considered when evaluating wind maintenance, is that there may be occasions where fences are blown down in high wind events because of the added load that the windscreen puts on the fence. In view of the above discussion, as an alternative to the typical woven products, there may be a desire for a knitted polyethylene fabric that is knitted with increased stability to reduce or eliminate any stretchiness, improved performance against UV degradation, and increased durability.

This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of typical technology that may be related to various aspects or embodiments of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be useful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in light of, and not as admissions of, the prior art. Moreover, this background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for a visual barrier windscreen that may comprise a first series of monofilament threads, a second series of monofilament threads, and a third series of monofilament threads. The first series of threads may be formed in pillar stitches, the second series of threads may be formed in zig-zag stitches, and the third series of threads may be formed in zig-zag stitches. A pattern of wind-passage holes may be formed by a cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads. At least a 75% visual block may be attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series and the third series of threads. The cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads may achieve an air flow permeability that may be greater than 755 cfm/ft².

The second series of threads and the third series of threads may be positioned to bind the first series of threads. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first, the second, and the third series of threads may have approximately 450 denier each, and the visual barrier windscreen may have a weight of about 340 grams/m². In other embodiments of the present invention, the first series of threats may have approximately 750 denier; wherein the second and third series of threads comprise approximately 450 denier each, and the visual barrier windscreen may have a weight of about 410 grams/m².

The second and third series of threads may be formed in closed zig-zag stitches that may be extending across an equivalent of five needle gaps in a first direction and a second direction respectively. The wind-passage holes may comprise hexagonal wind passage holes that may be formed by the cooperation of the first series, the second series and the third series of threads. In some embodiments of the present invention, the visual barrier windscreen may be configured to be installed on a fence. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the first, the second, and the third series of threads may comprise a series of monofilament threads.

A method aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a method of making a visual barrier windscreen. The method may include forming a first series of threads in pillar stitches, and forming a second series of threads in zig-zag stitches binding the pillar stitches. The method may further include forming a third series of threads in zig-zag stitches binding the pillar stitches, and forming a pattern of wind-passage holes are formed by cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads. At least a 75% visual block may be attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series and the third series of threads. The cooperation of the first series, the second series and the third series of threads may achieve an air flow permeability that may be greater than 755 cfm/ft².

The first series of threads may be formed extending in a warp direction. The second series of threads may be formed extending in a first weft direction relative to the warp direction. The third series of threads may be formed extending in a second weft direction opposite to the first weft direction. In some embodiments, the wind-passage holes may comprise hexagonal wind passage holes that may be formed by the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads.

The second and third series of threads may be formed in closed zig-zag stitches that may be extending across an equivalent of five needle gaps in the first and second weft directions respectively. The second and the third series of threads may comprise Ultraviolet (UV) stabilized high density polyethylene of approximately 450 denier each, and the first series of threads may comprise UV stabilized high density polyethylene of approximately 750 denier. In some embodiments, one or more of the first, the second, and the third series of threads may comprise a series of monofilament threads.

These and other advantages, aspects, and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and implementations of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention is also capable of other embodiments and different embodiments, and details can be modified in various respects without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions below are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a segmented rubber insert according to a conventional approach.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a single donut rubber insert according to a conventional approach.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the single donut rubber insert of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram including a cross-sectional view of run-flat tire insert installed on a wheel within a pneumatic tire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the run-flat tire insert of FIG. 4 and the transmission of vertical load forces to lateral bead lock forces according to features of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective sectional view of the run-flat tire insert of FIG. 4 mounted on a wheel.

FIG. 6B is a perspective sectional view of another embodiment of the run-flat tire insert of FIG. 4 mounted on a wheel including a structural foam filling the insert interior.

FIGS. 7A-7C are perspective views of exemplary shapes for the run-flat tire insert of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional approach using a bead lock device within a pneumatic tire instead of a run-flat insert.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the run-flat tire insert of FIG. 4 installed on a wheel within a pneumatic tire and illustrating the bead lock feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating a weight comparison and relative benefits for a conventional 3-piece run-flat insert approach with the run-flat tire insert of FIG. 9 including features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

Warp knitting is a family of knitting methods in which the yarn zig-zags along the length of the fabric; i.e., following adjacent columns, or wales, of knitting, rather than a single row, or course. For comparison, knitting across the width of the fabric is called weft knitting. Since warp knitting requires that the number of separate strands of yarn, or ends, equals the number of stitches in a row, warp knitting is almost always done by machine rather than by hand.

The concept of ‘air permeability’ is widely used in the textile industry to interpret the intrinsic characteristics of fabric. Several existing standards can be used for air permeability evaluation with different testing conditions. Air permeability is significantly influenced by a fabric's material and structural properties, such as shape and value of the pores of the fabric and yarn, which in turn are dependent on the structural parameters of the fabric, such as fabric weave, the raw material of the yarns, the set of yarns and others.

Construction factors and finishing techniques can also have an effect upon air permeability by causing a change in the length of air flow paths through a fabric. Fabrics with different surface textures on either side can have a different air permeability depending upon the direction of air flow.

ASTM defined the term air permeability as the rate of air flow passing perpendicularly through a known area under a prescribed air pressure differential between the two surfaces of a material. It is generally expressed in SI units as cm³/s/cm² or in inch-pound units as cfm/ft². The term air permeability is also closely related to the term wind resistance performance which evaluates the performance of parachutes, sail cloth, windscreens and industrial filter fabrics.

ASTM D737 is an air permeability test of textile fabrics. The rate of air flow passing perpendicularly through a known area of fabric is adjusted to obtain a prescribed air pressure differential between the two fabric surfaces. From this rate of air flow, the air permeability of the fabric is determined.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an example embodiment including a system, device and method according to features of the present invention is described and illustrated. The example embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. Dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a visual barrier windscreen 10 in accordance with features of the present invention. The visual barrier windscreen 10 is illustrated as being installed on a fence section 12 and may be used for visual barriers and wind block. Typical applications are athletic fields, tennis courts, as well as other fences that require some visual barrier and/or wind block.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a portion of an example of a warp knitting machine 20, used to make the visual barrier windscreen 10, and including latch needles 22, a trick plate 24, and three guide bars GB1, GB2 and GB3. For example, the warp knitting machine 20 may be a 9-gauge three bar Raschel-type warp knitting machine.

As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the Raschel machine is a machine that relies on warp knits. As such, the warps are laid diagonally to form the fabric. Each warp is then twisted, locked with a loop from the adjacent warp and then shifted back, by one warp, to the prior column of knitting. The needles in the machine move in a ground steel plate. This plate is known as a trick plate. It limits the top level of the loops, known as the verge. The loops are limited by the pull of the yarn and sinkers that are located between the needles. The machine has locking belts that are fixed in location relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the shaking motion, the motion usually referred to in the industry as shogging. In addition, the yarn laying-in comb, and at least one guide bar for the stitch yarns, is movable not only in a plane perpendicular to the shaking direction but also in a plane parallel to it. The motion of the laying-in comb allows large under laps without the associated risk of faulty lapping of the yarns.

Coarser yarns are generally used for Raschel knitting. In a knitting cycle, the needles start at the lowest point, when the preceding loop has just been cast off, and the new loop joins the needle hook to the fabric. The needles rise, while the new loop opens the latches and ends up on the shank below the latch. The guide bars then swing through the needles and the front bar moves one needle space sideways. When the guide bar swings back to the front of the machine, the front bar has laid the thread on the hooks. The needles fall, the earlier loops close the latch to trap the new loops, and the old loops are cast off. Raschel knits, made in a variety of forms, are usually more open in construction and coarser in texture than are other warp knits.

For example, in the warp knitting machine 20, the first guide bar GB1 may carry a series of guide needles, the second guide bar GB2 may carry a series of guide needles, and the third guide bar GB3 may carry a series of guide needles. The latch needles 22 of the knitting machine 20 may be spaced 1/9th of an inch apart. Hence, the needle gaps may be 1/9th of an inch. A knitted fabric 14 made on the knitting machine 20 includes a series of monofilament threads M1 each of which passes through the eye of a corresponding one of the guide needles of the first guide bar GB1, a second series of monofilament threads M2 each of which passes through the eye of a corresponding one of the guide needles of the second guide bar GB2, and a third series of monofilament threads M3 each of which passes through the eye of a corresponding one of the guide needles of the third guide bar GB3.

In various embodiments, the threads M1 are preferably 750 Denier monofilament threads of high density polyethylene. The threads M2 and M3 are preferably each a 450 Denier monofilament threads of high density polyethylene. With knitted polyethylene including threads that are produced with UV inhibitors, the resulting fabric may last a relatively long time compared to standard woven polyester and woven polypropylene.

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic views illustrating example stitch patterns of the respective monofilament threads of the visual barrier 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, each of the monofilament threads M1 are threaded in first guide bar GB1 and knitted to form a pillar stitch 30 which gives the fabric strength in the longitudinal or warp direction. The monofilament threads M1 are knitted, for example, with 16 pillar stitches per inch of fabric to provide the fabric 14 with the desired density and coverage. As shown in FIG. 3B, the monofilament threads M2 are threaded in the second guide bar GB2 and are knitted in a zig-zag fashion to form a binding between adjacent pillar stitches 30. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the monofilament threads M2 are threaded in alternate guides keeping one guide empty and one guide full. The monofilament threads M2 are knitted in a closed stitch 32 and traverse the equivalent of five needle gaps in a weft direction per machine cycle. As shown in FIG. 3C, the monofilament thread M3 is threaded in the third guide bar GB3 and knitted in a zig-zag pattern to form a binding between adjacent pillar stitches 30. As can be seen in threading diagram from FIG. 4, the guides of GB3 are alternately threaded, keeping one guide empty and one guide full. Further the lapping movement of GB3 is opposite to the direction of GB2, as can be seen in FIG. 3C. The monofilament threads M3 are knitted in a closed stitch 34 and traverse the equivalent of five needle gaps in a weft direction per machine cycle. The use of monofilament threads M2 and M3 for the weft, as well as the knitting pattern, provides excellent stability to the fabric 14 in the warp direction.

FIG. 4 is an example threading diagram for guide bars used in the warp knitting machine 20. It should be noted, as illustrated in threading diagram FIG. 4, the threading of guide bars GB2 and GB3 is such that, in the parallel guides of GB2 and GB3, one guide is threaded and the parallel guide in the other guide bar is empty. This threading structure facilitates the formation of desired knit patterns (e.g., hexagonal knit patterns) when the guide bars GB2 and GB3 move in opposite directions.

FIG. 5 is a stitching diagram illustrating an example of the fabric 14 of the visual barrier windscreen 10 including wind passage holes 16 (e.g., hexagonal wind passage holes) formed by the cooperation of the pillar stitches 30 and zig-zag closed stitches 32, 34 of FIGS. 3A-3B. Due to the knit configuration of the knitted fabric 14, a hexagonal wind passage hole 16 is created by the interaction of monofilament threads M1, M2 and M3. This hexagonal wind passage hole 16 is created between each knot of the pillar stitch 30 and the adjacent pillar stitch 30. It is because of these hexagonal wind passage holes 16 that the fabric 14 allows minimum resistance to the wind as the hexagonal wind passage holes 14 allow a clear passage of the wind. Further, the use of all monofilament threads, which have a circular cross section, also provides minimum resistance to wind.

The tight knit configuration of the fabric 14 with opposing weft forces provides the fabric additional stability and reduced elongation. The fabric 14 may be constructed using a 9-gauge machine. The use of 9-gauge machine for knitting may be preferable, but 6-gauge and 12-gauge machines are also contemplated. A 6-gauge machine has 6 needles per inch, 9-gauge machine has 9 needles per inch and 12-gauge machine has 12 needles per inch.

Using a 6-gauge machine, the knitted fabric 14 may have reduced fabric density and coverage and offer reduced wind resistance. The 12-gauge machine fabric 14 may result in more resistance to wind but an increased density and hence more coverage and more visual blockage. However, to achieve the desired results for the application, the 9-gauge fabric construction may be preferred. The results of the 9-gauge knitted fabric 14 may offer the most balanced combination of minimal wind resistance and favorable coverage.

In an embodiment of the knitted fabric 14, the fabric 14 was made on a 9-gauge machine using monofilament threads M1, M2, M3 that are 450 denier each, and are UV stabilized High Density Polyethylene. This embodiment of the fabric 14 may achieve a coverage, or visual block, of 75-76% at 340 grams/m².

To increase the visual block from the fabric 14, e.g., to an 80% coverage, an embodiment of the knitted fabric 14 was made on a 9-gauge machine using monofilament threads M1 at 750 Denier, and monofilament threads M2, M3 at 450 denier each. By increasing the diameter of the circular cross section of the monofilament thread M1, the fabric coverage improved and the knitted fabric 14 also achieved an increased warp strength. With this development, the fabric was able to achieve a coverage of 80% in black color with a fabric weight of 410 grams/m².

In view of the above discussion, the windscreen knit pattern of the present embodiments achieves the desired visual block (e.g., 75-80%) and addresses the wind maintenance issue of the prior art by allowing the wind to pass through with significantly reduced load, thereby solving a problem that nearly all windscreen owners face. The embodiments may use 100% monofilament and eliminate any tape. Thus, the embodiments include a knit pattern that allows for a 75-80% visual block, but also significantly reduces wind loads on the screen and the fence while using 100% monofilament yarns and keeping the costs down. In various embodiments, the hexagonal knit pattern is effective and creates a stable product, for example, with minimal stretch. During field tests, the windscreen according to the present embodiments handled high winds better than prior windscreens.

A fabric testing lab conducted an air permeability test which showed the amount of air that flows through the windscreen (ASTM D737). The present windscreen was tested against an industry popular windscreen. The existing product was a vinyl coated polyester product with a 78% visual block. So, the test included an example embodiment of the present windscreen at 78% visual block using the knitted polyethylene with the hexagonal knit pattern against a 78% visual block vinyl coated polyester product. The existing product tested at 444 cfm/ft². The windscreen of the present embodiments tested at 755+ cfm/ft². The lab used a plus (+) symbol because their machine could not record over 755 cfm/ft². This test shows that the windscreen of the present embodiments measured against a similar visual block product allowed 41% more wind to pass through. Accordingly, this will reduce the load on a fence by the same percentage, as well as the load on the fasteners.

In addition to the high air permeability, there are additional advantages with the present embodiments due to the knit pattern (e.g., hexagonal). These individual tiny hexagonal patterns are knitted together in concentric, interlocking “chains” and create a slightly springy characteristic. This unique hexagonal pattern allows for very minimal but important “give” in the fabric. This allows for the fabric to stretch to handle a high wind gust and then return to its original shape. This slight stretch acts as a kind of shock absorber letting the wind to pass through without breaking the fasteners. So, this knit pattern is advantageous because it allows for the desired visual block while allowing more wind to pass through than prior windscreen designs, while also allowing for the shock absorber affect. These advantages address the wind maintenance problems of the prior art discussed above.

Furthermore, by changing the yarn size, an 80% visual block may be achieved. The same air permeability test (ASTM D737) was run on the 80% visual block embodiment and the results were still at 755+ cfm/ft². The windscreen embodiments of the present invention alleviate the wind maintenance issues of the prior art, as well reduce loads on fences by significant amounts. The present structure provides a stable windscreen with at least a 75-80% visual block that can save thousands of dollars in operational costs each year, and additionally can prevent potential fence damage in high wind events.

The present invention may have also been described, at least in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the present invention is used herein to illustrate the present invention, an aspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof, and/or an example thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that embodies the present invention may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.

The above description provides specific details, such as material types and processing conditions to provide a thorough description of example embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments may be practiced without using these specific details.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof.

Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of the parent application or other related applications. Applicant therefore rescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parent application or any predecessor application in relation to the instant application. Any such previous disclaimer and the cited references that it was made to avoid, may need to be revisited. Further, any disclaimer made in the instant application should not be read into or against the parent application.

Claims

1. A visual barrier windscreen comprising: a first series of threads formed in pillar stitches;a second series of threads formed in zig-zag stitches; anda third series of threads formed in zig-zag stitches;wherein a pattern of wind-passage holes are formed by a cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads;wherein at least a 75% visual block is attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads; andwherein the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads achieve an air flow permeability that is greater than 755 cfm/ft2.

2. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the second series of threads and the third series of threads are positioned to bind the first series of threads.

3. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the first, the second, and the third series of threads comprise approximately 450 denier each; and wherein the visual barrier windscreen has a weight of about 340 grams/m2.

4. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the first series of threats comprises approximately 750 denier; wherein the second and third series of threads comprise approximately 450 denier each; and wherein the visual barrier windscreen has a weight of about 410 grams/m2.

5. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, the second, and the third series of threads comprise a series of monofilament threads.

6. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the second and third series of threads are formed in closed zig-zag stitches extending across an equivalent of five needle gaps in a first direction and a second direction respectively.

7. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the wind-passage holes comprise hexagonal wind passage holes formed by the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads.

8. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the visual barrier windscreen is configured to be installed on a fence.

9. A visual barrier windscreen comprising: a first series of monofilament threads formed in pillar stitches extending in a first direction;a second series of monofilament threads formed in zig-zag stitches extending in a second direction and binding the pillar stitches; anda third series of monofilament threads formed in zig-zag stitches extending in a third direction opposite the second direction and also binding the pillar stitches;wherein a pattern of wind-passage holes are formed by a cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of monofilament threads;wherein the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of monofilament threads achieve an air flow permeability that is greater than 755 cfm/ft2; andwherein the visual barrier windscreen is configured to be installed on a fence.

10. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 9, wherein the second and third series of monofilament threads are formed in closed zig-zag stitches extending across an equivalent of five needle gaps in the second and third directions respectively.

11. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 9, wherein at least a 75% visual barrier is attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of monofilament threads.

12. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 9, wherein the wind-passage holes comprise hexagonal wind passage holes formed by the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of monofilament threads.

13. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 9, wherein the first, the second, and the third series of monofilament threads comprise Ultraviolet (UV) stabilized high density polyethylene.

14. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 9, wherein the second and the third series of monofilament threads comprise approximately 450 denier each; and wherein the visual barrier windscreen has a weight of about 340 grams/m2.

15. The visual barrier windscreen according to claim 14, wherein the first series of monofilament threats comprises approximately 750 denier; and wherein the visual barrier windscreen has a weight of about 410 grams/m2.

16. A method of making a visual barrier windscreen, the method comprising: forming a first series of threads in pillar stitches;forming a second series of threads in zig-zag stitches binding the pillar stitches;forming a third series of threads in zig-zag stitches binding the pillar stitches; andforming a pattern of wind-passage holes are formed by cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads;wherein at least a 75% visual block is attained with the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads; andwherein the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads achieve an air flow permeability that is greater than 755 cfm/ft2.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first series of threads are formed extending in a warp direction; wherein the second series of threads are formed extending in a first weft direction relative to the warp direction; wherein the third series of threads are formed extending in a second weft direction opposite to the first weft direction; and wherein the wind-passage holes comprise hexagonal wind passage holes formed by the cooperation of the first series, the second series, and the third series of threads.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second and third series of threads are formed in closed zig-zag stitches extending across an equivalent of five needle gaps in the first and second weft directions respectively.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the second and the third series of threads comprise Ultraviolet (UV) stabilized high density polyethylene of approximately 450 denier each; and wherein the first series of threads comprise UV stabilized high density polyethylene of approximately 750 denier.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first, the second, and the third series of threads comprise a series of monofilament threads.