Lattice structures are very popular for many purposes where panels are typically useful, and generally combine desirable characteristics of strength, light weight, and low cost. FIG. 1, labeled prior art, shows a typical lattice structure 11 formed from straight elements such as elements 13 arranged in a crossing pattern and fastened together, forming openings 15 in the shape of parallelograms, often referred to as diamond-shaped.
The crossed lattice structure typically has border elements, such as elements 17, 19, 21, and 23, to make the overall structure stronger, and the define a boundary and elements for joining with other lattice structures to provide such as a fence or divider.
By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of a conventional lattice structure the relative area of openings may be varied, and the geometry of the parallelogram openings may be varied as well. For example, lattice structures of this conventional sort may have crossed horizontal and vertical elements (slats) fastened at right angles, in which case the openings are rectangles or squares. As is well known, and evident in FIG. 1, the structural elements form regular and repeatable openings by the fact that about one-half of the elements are arranged parallel at one angle with a fixed reference, and the other one-half are arranged parallel at a second angle with the same reference.
In the art up until the lime of the present invention, conventional lattice structures have been formed of straight elements, or slats, as shown in FIG. 1, and although these structures have many uses, the geometry is not pleasing to everyone, and the use of such structures is thus somewhat limited.
What is clearly needed is a lattice structure formed of other than straight elements, providing thereby a unique and more pleasing appearance, and openings of curved outline, which will provide structures adapted to expanded use.