GB2477465A

GB2477465A - Fence with base and posts

Info

Publication number: GB2477465A
Application number: GB1108429A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alastair Roy Henman; Paul Antony Painter
Original assignee: Zaun Ltd
Current assignee: Zaun Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-26
Filing date: 2011-05-19
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-19
Also published as: GB2477465B; GB201108429D0; GB201012500D0

Abstract

The invention provides a fence assembly which includes a pair of spaced post members (12) and a corresponding pair of post member mountings (14) for mounting each of the post members (12) to a base in the form of a repositionable single common base unit (16). The assembly further includes a fence panel (18) and a plurality of fence panel mountings for mounting the fence panel (18) to the post members (12). The invention also provides a post member mounting (14) which includes a clamp, which is movable between an interim condition in which the clamp permits relative movement between the post member (12) and the base (16), and an installed condition in which the clamp clamps the post member (12) in a selectable fixed position relative to the base (16).

Description

I

Fence Assembly The present invention relates to fence assemblies.

Conventionally, a fence assembly comprises a fence panel mounted to a plurality of posts. In temporary installations, the posts are mounted into movable concrete base units, each post being mounted into its own base unit.

The base units are relatively small so as to be relatively easily manually repositionable, by, for example, one or two persons, without the use of mechanised lifting equipment. Such assemblies are utilised to prevent unauthorised access to locations such as construction sites. However, such assemblies do not provide high security because of the relatively easily repositionable base units, and also cannot be used in trafficked areas.

1 5 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence assembly, the assembly including a post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base.

Possibly, the assembly includes one or more post members, and a corresponding one or more post member mountings for mounting the or each post member to the base. Possibly, the assembly includes a plurality of spaced post members and a corresponding plurality of post member mountings for mounting the post members to the base. Possibly, the assembly includes a pair of spaced post members and a corresponding pair of post member mountings for mounting the post members to the base.

Possibly, the assembly includes the base. Possibly, the assembly includes a fence panel and a plurality of fence panel mountings for mounting the fence panel to the or each post member.

Possibly, the base is in the form of a single base unit, which may be common to the plurality of post member mountings, and/or may repositionable.

Possibly, the base unit includes a first end formation at one end, and may include a second end formation at an opposite end. Possibly, the first and second end formations are substantially similar. Possibly, the or each end formation defines a recess and may include a projection. Possibly, in use, in an installed condition, the or one projection is receivable in one recess of an adjacent base unit. Possibly, the or one projection projects from a downstream end of a side face of the base unit in use when that side face is positioned adjacent to a traffic flow. Possibly, the or one or each projection 1 0 corresponds in size and shape with the or each recess.

Possibly, the base unit includes a fastener at each end to permit fastening of adjacent base units together. Possibly, each projection defines one or more fastener holes, which may form the fastener. The or each hole 1 5 may align with the corresponding fastener hole of an adjacent base unit in use.

Possibly, the base unit is relatively heavy, and may exceed the weight permitted for manual handling by two persons. Possibly, the base unit can only be moved by utilising mechanical lifting equipment. Possibly, the weight of the base unit is at least 50kg, and may be at least 100kg.

Possibly, the base unit is of a type suitable for use in trafficked areas.

Possibly, the base unit has a weight of at least one tonne, and may have a weight of at least two tonnes.

Possibly, the height of the base unit is at least 20% of the maximum height of the post member, and may be at least 25%.

Possibly, a plurality of fence panels are mounted to the post members.

Possibly, an area of the or one or each panel overlaps a side face of the base unit, and may be in contact with the side face. The side face may be substantially vertical.

Possibly, an area of the or one or each panel projects beyond an end of the base unit, and in an installed condition may abut or overlap a panel of an adjacent fence assembly.

Possibly, the or each post member mounting is arranged to permit adjustment of the orientation of the post member relative to the base, and may be arranged to permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the post member relative to the base. Possibly, the base has a length and a width.

Possibly, the or each post member mounting is arranged to permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the post member relative to the base along the length of the base. Possibly, the or each post member mounting is arranged to permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the post member relative to the base across the width of the base.

Possibly, the or each post member mounting includes a clamp, which may be movable between an interim condition in which the or each clamp permits relative movement between one of the post members and the base, and an installed condition in which the or each clamp clamps the post member in a selectable fixed position relative to the base unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base in a fence assembly, the mounting including a clamp, which is movable between an interim condition in which the clamp permits relative movement between one of the post members and the base, and an installed condition in which the clamp clamps the post member in a selectable fixed position relative to the base.

Possibly, in the interim condition, the post member is rotatable relative to the base unit. Possibly, in the interim condition, the post member is rotatably adjustable relative to the base along the length of the base, and/or may be rotatable relative to the base across the width of the base.

Possibly, the or each post member mounting includes a projecting post member mounting member, which may project laterally from the post member. Possibly, the or each clamp includes a pair of jaw members, between which the post member mounting member may be located.

Possibly, in the installed condition, the jaw members act upon the post member mounting member to prevent relative movement thereof.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a fence, the method including providing a post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base.

Possibly, the method includes providing or forming a base. Possibly, the method includes providing or forming a base on a ground surface without a purpose designed or formed foundation. Possibly, the method includes locating a plurality of base units end to end to form a substantially continuous run of base units. Possibly, the method includes mounting a plurality of fence panels to the base units to form a substantially continuous run of fence panels.

Other steps and features of the method and/or assembly are as described in the paragraphs above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fence assembly from behind, one side and above; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the fence assembly of Fig 1 from the front, the other side and above; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional detail from above of a fence panel mounting of the assembly; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a detail of a post member mounting member of the assembly; Fig. 5 is a viewfrom the rearof the detail of Fig 4; Fig. 6 is a similar view to Fig 4, with a jaw of a clamp removed, with a fence panel in a raked condition; Fig. 7 is a similar view to Fig 5, with a fence panel in a stepped condition; Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of a plurality of fence assemblies in a stepped condition; Fig. 9 is a plan view of two fence assemblies; and Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of a plurality of fence assemblies in a raked condition.

Figs. 1 to 5 show a fence assembly 10, the assembly 10 including a pair of spaced post members 12, a corresponding pair of post member mountings 14 for mounting each of the post members 12 to a base in the form of a repositionable single common base unit 16, a fence panel 18 and a plurality of fence panel mountings 20 for mounting the fence panel 18 to the post members 12.

In this specification, the front side is the side of the base unit 16 to which or above which the panel 18 is mounted, and correspondingly the rear side is the side away from or opposite to the front.

In the example shown, the fence panel 18 comprises a plurality of first members 54 and a plurality of second members 56 which together form a mesh. The first members 54 could be substantially vertical in orientation, and the second members 56 could be substantially horizontal in orientation. The first and second members 54, 56 could each be in the form of a wire or a rod, and could be formed of steel, which could be galvanised, and could be joined together by welding, or, more desirably for increased security, could be woven together. For increased security, the first and second members 54, 56 could be formed of high tensile steel.

Fig 3 shows a fence panel mounting 20, which includes a fastener 70 such as a screw or a bolt, and a clamp plate 72. The fastener 70 locates through a hole defined in the clamp plate 72, through the fence panel 18, into a threaded hole 74 defined by the hollow section post member 12. A threaded nut 76 could be provided to increase the thread depth. The clamp plate 72 could extend substantially a major proportion of the length of the post member 12. Alternatively, the fastener could extend completely through the post member 12, and be tightened by means of a nut.

In the example shown, the assembly 10 includes the base unit 16. The base unit 16 is generally cuboidal in shape, and includes a first end formation 40 at one end, and a substantially similar second end formation 41 at an opposite end. Each end formation 40, 41 defines a recess 60 and includes a projection 62. In one example, the recess 60 and the projection 62 extend from a top face 44 of the base unit 16 the whole depth of the base unit 16.

The projections 62 and recesses 60 correspond in size and shape so that, in use, when a plurality of base units 16 are laid end to end, the projection 62 of one base unit 16 is receivable in the recess 60 of an adjacent base unit 16.

The base unit 16 is provided with flow direction indicator marks 64 in the form of arrows on a front side face 32 and a rear side face 48, which indicate the direction of traffic flow when the base unit 16 is laid adjacent to a traffic flow. The projections 62 project from a downstream end of the front side face 32 and the rear side face 48. This ensures that any mismatch or displacement in the alignment of adjacent base units does not result in a step facing oncoming traffic which could cause a hazard.

Each of the projections 62 defines a pair of fastener holes 52 which comprise fasteners 51, which align with the fastener holes 52 of an adjacent base unit 16 in use to permit the base units to be fastened together.

Although the base unit 16 is repositionable, in contrast to prior art arrangements the base unit 16 is relatively heavy, exceeding the weight permitted for manual handling by two persons, and thus can only be moved by utilising mechanical lifting equipment. In one example, the weight of the base unit 16 is at least 50kg, and more desirably is at least 100kg. For greater security, it is desirable for the weight to be at least one tonne, and more desirably at least two tonnes. In preferred embodiments, the base unit 16 is suitable for use alongside trafficked areas. The greater weight provides 1 0 greater security as it is more difficult to move the base unit, and the fence assembly 10 is more resistant to attack by vehicles (ram raiding"). The interlocking end formations 40 and fastening of the base units 10 together further enhances stability and security.

The base unit 16 could be formed of precast concrete. In one example, the height of the base unit 16 could be at least 20% of the maximum height of the post member, and more desirably, could be at least 25%. So, for example, the base unit 16 could have a height of approximately 800 mm, and the maximum height of the post member 12 above ground surface 86 could be approximately 2800 mm. The base unit 16 could have a length of approximately 3000 mm, and the width of approximately 450 mm.

Each post member mounting 14 includes a projecting hollow cylindrical post member mounting member 24, which projects laterally and rearwardly from the respective post member 12.

Each post member mounting 14 includes a clamp 22, each clamp 22 including a pair of jaw members comprising a U shaped upper jaw 26 and a U shaped lower jaw 28, between which the post member mounting member 24 is located, the open part of the U shape of each of the jaws 26, 28 receiving part of the post member mounting member 24.

Each post member mounting 14 includes a pair of fasteners in the form of clamp bolts 36 which extend through holes 52 defined by the post member mounting member 24, holes (not shown) defined by the upper and lower jaws 26, 28 and into threaded sockets (not shown) formed or provided in the base unit 16. As most clearly shown in Fig 6, in which the upper jaw 26 has been removed, the post member mounting member holes 52 are oversized, and could be oval or slot like to permit angular rotational adjustment of the post member mounting member 24 relative to the clamp 22. Each clamp 22 is thus movable between an interim condition in which the clamp bolts 36 are loose so that the clamp 22 permits relative movement between one of the post members 12 and the base unit 16, and an installed condition in which the clamp bolts 36 are tight so that the clamp 22 clamps the post member 12 in a selectable fixed position relative to the base unit 16. In the installed condition, the jaw members 26, 28 act upon the post member mounting member 24 to prevent relative movement thereof.

In the embodiment shown, each post member mounting 14 is located in a transverse channel 50 defined by a top face 44 of the base unit 16.

In use, a plurality of base units 16 are laid end to end utilising suitable mechanical handling equipment, with the end formations 62 interlocking, and fasteners such as bolts located through the fastener holes 52 to secure adjacent base units 16 together. It will be noted, that, due to the size and weight of the base units 16, it is not necessary to provide purpose designed or formed foundations, and the base units 16 are simply positioned on the ground surface 86. (The skilled person will realise however that this does not preclude foundations being provided in certain circumstances, and the base units 16 being located either partially or wholly below the ground surface 86.) If not already provided, threaded sockets (not shown) for receiving the clamp bolts 36 are then formed or provided in the base units 16. In the example shown, the sockets are provided in the transverse channels 50 defined in the top face 44 of the base unit 16. The lower jaws 28 are located above the sockets, and the post member mounting members 24 of the post members 12 located on the lower jaws 28. The upper jaws 26 are then located over the post member mounting members 24 and the clamp bolts 36 located through the upper jaws 26, the fastener holes 52, the lower jaws 28 and into the sockets.

The angular rotational orientation of each of the post members 12 relative to the base unit 16 along the length of the base unit 16 can be adjusted, by rotating the cylindrical post member mounting member 24 within the jaws 26, 28 around post member mounting member axis 82 which extends across the width of the base unit 16. Advantageously, this means that if the base unit 16 is on a slope (for example, as shown in Fig 8) the post member 12 can be installed substantially vertical, providing a stronger, neater construction. Fig 7 shows an example in which the base unit 16 is installed on a slope. The top face 44 of the base unit 16 is at an angle A to the horizontal. The clamp bolt axis 38, which is normal to the top face 44, is correspondingly at an angle A to the vertical 58. The post member 12 could be adjusted to be substantially vertical, subtend ing an angle 78 with the clamp bolt axis 38, which is equal to the angle A of the clamp bolt axis 38 with the vertical.

In one example, the relative angular orientation 78 of the post member 12 to the base unit 16 along the length of the base unit 16 could be up to +1- 150. The total range of relative angular movement could thus be up to 30°.

With the post members 12 in the desired orientation, the clamp bolts 36 are tightened to clamp the post member mounting members 24 securely in position.

The angular rotational orientation of each of the post members 12 relative to the base unit 16 across the width of the base unit 16 can also be adjusted, by tightening the clamp bolts 36 by differing amounts sufficiently to elastically deform the U shaped jaws 26, 28 so that each post member mounting member 24 is received by differing amounts along the length of the lower jaw 28, thus permitting the post members 12 to be trued vertically in 2 axes.

The fence panels 18 are then mounted to the post members 12, as already described, with the fence panel mountings 20. A plurality of fence panels 18 could be mounted to the post members 12 on one single common base unit 16, so that an area of at least one and possibly two of the panels 18 projects beyond an end or two ends of the base unit 16, across to an adjoining base unit 16 and overlaps a panel 18 of the adjacent fence assembly.

The invention thus provides a security barrier comprising a substantially continuous run of base units 16 on which is mounted a substantially continuous run offence panels 18.

For security, the adjacent fence panels 18 are overlapped, and an area of each panel 18 overlaps and is in contact with the front face 32 of the base unit 16. Figs 8 and 1 0 show different examples of the installation of the fence panels 18 when the base units 16 are laid on sloping ground. In Fig 8, the fence panels 18 are stepped, each fence panel 18 being at a different height. Such an arrangement is necessary, for example, if the panels are formed of welded mesh. In Fig 10, the fence panels 18 are formed of a woven mesh which permits the panels 18 to be raked, ie, the relative angle of the first and second members 54, 56 can be varied.

As shown in Fig 9, advantageously, the fence panels 18 can be installed between successive base units 16 to cover gaps 66 therebetween, which could occur, for example, when the base units 16 are laid non linearly, for example, to a curve. In the example shown, the relative angular orientation between successive base units is indicated by the reference numeral 80. The panel 18 could be curved, bent or provided with one or more creases or folds to accommodate the curve of the installation. The panel 18 could extend the whole height of the base unit 16 down to ground level or beyond.

In trafficked areas, the fence panels 18 are installed so that upstream panels 18 overlap downstream panels 18, as shown in Fig 9, in which the direction of traffic flow is shown by arrow T. Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The various components could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material. The post member mountings could be formed differently.

The post members post member mounting members could be installed on a pre-existing base, such as a concrete foundation, or retrofitted to existing 1 5 bases or base units.

Any of the features of any of the embodiments shown could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided a fence assembly which provides a temporary high security barrier. Foundations are not required. With the use of suitable base units, the fence assembly can be installed adjacent to traffic, and is sufficiently robust and heavy to provide resistance to vehicle attack. High security fences can have a relatively dense mesh which is subject to relatively high wind loads, and the relatively heavy base units provide stability. The fence assembly can accommodate sloping ground and non linear installation, while maintaining the security of the installation. Following use, the fence assembly can be disassembled easily, without having damaged the underlying ground or requiring extensive or significant refurbishment or repair to the underlying ground.

Claims

Claims 1. A fence assembly, the assembly including a post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, in which the assembly includes one or more post members, and a corresponding one or more post member mountings for mounting the or each post member to the base.
3. An assembly according to claim 2, in which the assembly includes a plurality of spaced post members and a corresponding plurality of post member mountings for mounting the post members to the base.
4. An assembly according to claim 3, in which the assembly includes a pair of spaced post members and a corresponding pair of post member mountings for mounting the post members to the base.
5. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the assembly includes the base.
6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the assembly includes a fence panel and a plurality of fence panel mountings for mounting the fence panel to the or each post member.
7. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the base is in the form of a repositionable single common base unit.
8. An assembly according to claim 7, in which the base unit includes a first end formation at one end and a second end formation at an opposite end, the first and second end formations being substantially similar, each end formation defining a recess and including a projection, in use, in an installed condition, one projection being receivable in one recess of an adjacent base unit.
9. An assembly according to claim 8, in which one projection projects from a downstream end of a side face of the base unit in use when that side face is positioned adjacent to a traffic flow.
10.An assembly according to claims 8 or 9, in which the projections correspond in size and shape with the recesses.
11.An assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which the base unit 1 0 includes a fastener at each end to permit fastening of adjacent base units together.
12.An assembly according to claim 11, in which each projection defines one or more fastener holes which form the fastener, which align with the 1 5 fastener hole or holes of an adjacent base unit in use.
13.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 12, in which the base unit is relatively heavy, and exceeds the weight permitted for manual handling by two persons, and may only be moved by utilising mechanical lifting equipment.
14.An assembly according to claim 13, in which the weight of the base unit is at least 50kg, and may be at least 100kg.
15.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 14, in which the base unit is of a type suitable for use in trafficked areas, and may have a weight of at least one tonne, and may have a weight of at least two tonnes.
16.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 15, in which the height of the base unit is at least 20% of the maximum height of the post member, and may be at least 25%.
17.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 16 when dependent on claim 6, in which a plurality of fence panels are mounted to a plurality of post members.
18.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 17 when dependent on claim 6, in which an area of the or one or each panel overlaps a side face of the base unit, and may be in contact with the side face, which may be substantially vertical.
1 9.An assembly according to any of claims 7 to 18 when dependent on claim 6, in which an area of the or one or each panel projects beyond an end of the base unit, and in an installed condition abuts or overlaps a panel of an adjacent fence assembly.
20.An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the or each post member mounting includes a clamp, which is movable between an interim condition in which the or each clamp permits relative movement between one of the post members and the base, and an installed condition in which the or each clamp clamps the post member in a selectable fixed position relative to the base.
21.A post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base in a fence assembly, the mounting including a clamp, which is movable between an interim condition in which the clamp permits relative movement between the post member and the base, and an installed condition in which the clamp clamps the post member in a selectable fixed position relative to the base.
22.An assembly according to claim 20 or a post member mounting according to claim 21, in which, in the interim condition, the post member is rotatably adjustable relative to the base.
23.An assembly or a post member mounting according to claim 22, in which, in the interim condition, the post member is rotatably adjustable relative to the base along the length of the base, and/or may be rotatably adjustable relative to the base across the width of the base.
24.An assembly according to claim 20 or any claim dependent thereon, or a post member mounting according to claim 21 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the or each post member mounting includes a projecting post member mounting member, which projects laterally from the post member, and the or each clamp includes a pair of jaw members between which the post member mounting member is located, wherein, in the installed condition, the jaw members act upon the post member mounting member to prevent relative movement thereof.
25.A method of assembling a fence, the method including providing a fence assembly, the assembly including a post member mounting for mounting a post member to a base.
26.A method according to claim 25, in which the assembly includes any of features defined in claims 1 to 20 or 22 to 24.
27.A method according to claims 25 or 26, in which the method includes providing or forming a base.
28.A method according to claim 27, in which the method includes providing or forming a base on a ground surface without a purpose designed or formed foundation.
29.A method according to any of claims 25 to 28, in which the method includes locating a plurality of base units end to end to form a substantially continuous run of base units, and mounting a plurality of fence assembles to the base units, each fence assembly including at least one fence panel, to form a substantially continuous run of fence panels.
30.A fence assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
31.A method of assembling a fence substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
32.A post member mounting substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.