U.S. patent application number 10/498999 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for fencing system.
Invention is credited to Kunitz, Walter Manfred.
Application Number | 20050082518 10/498999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25589408 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050082518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kunitz, Walter Manfred |
April 21, 2005 |
Fencing system
Abstract
This invention provides a fencing system (10) comprising a
plurality of spaced apart parallel extending upright posts (12); a
plurality of horizontally extending bearers (14); and a plurality
of parallel extending uprights (16). First connecting means (18)
connects the bearers (14) to the posts (12) and second connecting
means (20) connects the uprights (16) to the bearers (14). Each
post (12) defines an elongate channel 12.1, and is provided with a
cover 12.2 connected to the post (12) by a fourth connecting means
(22), for closing the channel 12.1. Posts (12) located in a central
region of the fencing system (10) are adapted to receive a
supporting insulator (24), for supporting an electrified conductor
(26). A carrier (28) is connected to corner posts (12) by third
connecting means and includes a carrier (28) with connecting
formations 28.2 for connecting to an insulator (30) for carrying
electrified conductors (26).
Inventors: |
Kunitz, Walter Manfred;
(Centurion, ZA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.
14TH FLOOR
8000 TOWERS CRESCENT
TYSONS CORNER
VA
22182
US
|
Family ID: |
25589408 |
Appl. No.: |
10/498999 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 18, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ZA02/00215 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/143 20130101;
E04H 17/1447 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/022 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2001 |
ZA |
2001/10344 |
Claims
1. A fencing system comprising at least one post; at least one
bearer; at least one upright; first connecting means for connecting
the bearer to the post; and second connecting means for connecting
the upright to the bearer, the fencing system being characterised
in that the first and second connecting means each comprises a male
formation for mating with a female formation, at least a portion of
either the male or the female formations being deformable after the
mating, to lock the bearer to the post and the upright
respectively.
2. A fencing system according to claim 1 wherein the post, bearer
and upright are of sheet material that are punched and bent to form
elongate channel defining members, having parallel extending flange
formations.
3. A fencing system according to claim 1 wherein the male formation
of the first connecting means is located on either one of the
bearer or the post and the female formation is located on the other
one.
4. A fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the male
formation of the second connecting means is located on either one
of the upright or the bearer and the female formation is located on
the other one.
5. A fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the male
formation of the first connecting means comprises a flat planar
spigot extending from each end of the bearer, and the female
formation of the first connecting means comprises a complementary
shaped slot for receiving the planar spigot.
6. A fencing system according to claim 5 wherein the male formation
is provided with a resilient portion extending out of its plane for
providing a clip lock, the arrangement being such that the portion
is forced into the plane when the planar spigot is inserted into
the slot and further such that the resilient portion deforms out of
the plane after insertion, to restrict withdrawal of the male
formation.
7. A fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the male
formation of the second connecting means comprises a portion of the
bearer deformed out of its plane, and wherein the female formation
of the second connecting means comprises a complementary shaped
opening for receiving the male portion defined by the upright, the
arrangement being such that the male formation is inserted into the
opening and deformed to restrict withdrawal of the male formation
and the arrangement being further such that the male formation is
obscured by the upright.
8. A fencing system according to claim 4 which includes a carrier
for electrified conductors and a third connecting means for
connecting the carrier to the post.
9. A fencing system according to claim 8 wherein the carrier is of
sheet material and defines connecting means in the form of a slot
through which the male formation of the bearer extend, in addition
to extending through the female formation in the post, the
arrangement being such that the carrier is trapped between the end
of the bearer and the post.
10. A fencing system according to claim 9 wherein the carrier is
further provided with a connecting formation for connecting to an
insulator for carrying the electrified conductors.
11. A fencing system according to claim 10 wherein the post is
provided with a fourth connecting means for connecting to a
supporting insulator for supporting said electrified conductor.
12. A fencing system according to claim 11 wherein the fourth
connecting means is in the form of an opening in the post and the
supporting insulator is provided with a resilient clip device which
is inserted and retained in the opening.
13. A fencing system according to any one of the claim 1 comprising
a plurality of the said posts, bearers and uprights that are
connected to each other.
14. A fencing system according to any one of the claim 1 wherein
the posts and bearers define conduits for receiving electrical
cables for lighting.
15. A fencing system according to claim 14 wherein each post is in
the form of a first elongate channel formation which is provided
with a cover for closing the channel formation.
16. A method of constructing a fence, including the steps of
providing a fencing system according to claim 7; securing the posts
in parallel extending spaced apart upright position; connecting the
bearers to the posts in spaced apart horizontally extending
condition by inserting the male formations into the female
formations and deforming either the male or female formations; and
connecting a plurality of uprights to the bearers in spaced apart
parallel extending position by inserting the male formations into
the female formations and deforming either the male or the female
formations.
17. A method of constructing a fence according to claim 16 which
includes the further steps of securing the carriers to the posts
and securing the insulators and supporting insulators to the
carriers and the posts respectively.
18. A method of constructing a fence according to claim 17 which
includes the further steps of connecting electrified conductors to
the insulators and the supporting insulators respectively.
19. A method of constructing a fence according to claim 18 which
includes the further step of disposing insulated electrical
conductors along the inside of the posts and the bearers.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
Description
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a fencing system.
[0002] South African patent number 99/0156 discloses a method of
joining an upright to a bearer. Both the upright and the bearer are
of channel sections and comprise a web with a flange along each
edge of the web, the flanges diverging from one another in the
direction away from the web. This method includes the steps of
forming two spaced slots in the bearer, the slots being at an angle
with respect to one another, forcing said flanges of said upright
towards one another to decrease the size of the gap between them,
inserting the flanges into said slots and releasing the flanges so
that they spring apart.
[0003] A disadvantage of the above fence is that, owing to the
configuration of the connection, the upright is relatively easily
removed from the bearer.
[0004] South African patent number 2000/0700 discloses a method of
constructing a fence. This method includes the steps of erecting a
plurality of spaced-apart posts by anchoring the bases of the posts
in concrete footings in the ground; connecting bearers to the posts
by aligning openings in the bearers with corresponding openings in
the posts; and feeding locking clips through the aligned openings
to lock the bearers to the posts. A series of upright or
substantially upright bars are then connected to the bearers by
aligning openings in the bars with corresponding openings in the
bearers and feeding locking clips through the aligned openings to
lock the bars to the bearers.
[0005] A disadvantage of the above fencing system is that the use
of separate locking clips is cumbersome in that one has to ensure
that an equal amount of clips and uprights are provided at the
erection site, and if one of the clips should be damaged, a
shortage of clips is experienced at the site.
[0006] WO01/00951 discloses a method of constructing a fence. The
method includes the steps of erecting a plurality of spaced-apart
posts by planting the bases of the posts in concrete footings in
the ground, and connecting bearers to the posts by feeding
projections on the bearers into openings in the posts and
interlocking the bearers with the posts by locating portions of the
posts below the openings within slots in some of the bearer
projections so as to form a structure having an upper bearer and a
lower bearer between each pair of adjacent, spaced-apart posts. A
series of upright or substantially upright bars are then connected
to the bearers by feeding the bars into openings in the bearers and
deforming a portion of each bar so as to lock the bars to the
bearers.
[0007] One of the disadvantages of the above fence is that it is
relatively expensive to manufacture as the amount of material and
machining required to manufacture the horizontal bearers are
excessive.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a fencing system with which the aforesaid disadvantages can
be overcome or at least minimised, and to provide a useful
alternative to the known fences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the invention there is provided a fencing
system comprising:
[0010] at least one post;
[0011] at least one bearer;
[0012] at least one upright;
[0013] first connecting means for connecting the bearer to the
post; and
[0014] second connecting means for connecting the upright to the
bearer,
[0015] the fencing system being characterised in that the first and
second connecting means each comprises a male formation for mating
with a female formation, at least a portion of either the male or
the female formations being deformable after the mating, to lock
the bearer to the post and the upright respectively.
[0016] The post, bearer and upright may be of sheet material that
are punched and bent to form elongate channel defining members,
having parallel extending flange formations.
[0017] The male formation of the first connecting means may be
located on either one of the bearer or the post and the female
formation may be located on the other one.
[0018] The male formation of the second connecting means may be
located on either one of the upright or the bearer and the female
formation may be located on the other one.
[0019] Preferably the male formation of the first connecting means
comprises a flat planar spigot extending from each end of the
bearer, and the female formation of the first connecting means
comprises a complementary shaped slot for receiving the planar
spigot.
[0020] Further according to the invention, the male formation is
provided with a resilient portion extending out of its plane for
providing a clip lock, the arrangement being such that the portion
is forced into the plane when the planar spigot is inserted into
the slot and further such that the resilient portion deforms out of
the plane after insertion, to restrict withdrawal of the male
formation.
[0021] The male formation of the second connecting means may
comprise a portion of the bearer deformed out of its plane, and the
female formation of the second connecting means may comprise a
complementary shaped opening for receiving the male portion defined
by the upright.
[0022] The arrangement may be such that the male formation is
inserted into the opening and deformed to restrict withdrawal of
the male formation. The arrangement may further be such that the
male formation is obscured by the upright.
[0023] Preferably the male formation is deformed using a tool,
which is designed specifically for reaching the male formation
after being inserted into the opening.
[0024] Further according to the invention, the fencing system
includes a carrier for electrified conductors and a third
connecting means for connecting the carrier to the post.
[0025] Preferably the carrier is of sheet material and defines
connecting means in the form of a slot through which the male
formation of the bearer extend, in addition to extending through
the female formation in the post, the arrangement being such that
the carrier is trapped between the end of the bearer and the
post.
[0026] The carrier may further be provided with a connecting
formation for connecting to an insulator for carrying the
electrified conductors.
[0027] The post may further be provided with a fourth connecting
means for connecting to a supporting insulator for supporting said
electrified conductor.
[0028] The fourth connecting means may be in the form of an opening
in the post and the supporting insulator may be provided with a
resilient clip device, which is inserted and retained in the
opening.
[0029] It will be appreciated that the fencing system preferably
comprises a plurality of said posts, bearers and uprights that are
connected to each other as hereinbefore described.
[0030] The posts and bearers may define channel formations or
conduits for receiving electrical cables for lighting and the
like.
[0031] The post may, for example be in the form of a first elongate
channel formation which is provided with a cover for closing the
channel formation.
[0032] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a method of constructing a fence, including the steps
of:
[0033] providing a fencing system according to the first aspect of
the invention:
[0034] securing the posts in parallel extending spaced apart
upright position;
[0035] connecting the bearers to the posts in spaced apart
horizontally extending condition by inserting the male formations
into the female formations and deforming either the male or female
formations; and
[0036] connecting a plurality of uprights to the bearers in spaced
apart parallel extending position by inserting the male formations
into the female formations and deforming either the male or the
female formations.
[0037] The method may include the further step of securing the
carriers to the posts and the insulators and supporting insulators
to the carriers and the posts respectively.
[0038] The method may include the further steps of connecting
electrified conductors to the insulators and the supporting
insulators respectively.
[0039] The method may include the further step of disposing
insulated electrical conductors along the inside of the posts and
the bearers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The invention will now be described further, by way of
non-limiting examples only with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled fencing system
according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention
constructed in accordance with a method of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an upper part of a
post, one end of a bearer and a supporting insulator, of the
fencing system of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 3 is an assembled view of FIG. 2, showing the end of an
additional bearer and supporting insulator, with an electrified
conductor in position;
[0044] FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of FIGS. 2 and 3
respectively;
[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an upper part of a
corner post, showing end portions of two bearers extending
transverse to each other as well as a carrier for an electrified
conductor;
[0046] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of FIG. 5, with an insulator and
electrified conductor in position;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 6;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5;
[0049] FIG. 9A is a perspective explosive view of a central part of
the bearer of FIG. 1 and an upper part of an upright;
[0050] FIG. 9B is an assembled view of FIG. 9A;
[0051] FIG. 10A is a front view of male formations defined on the
central portion of FIG. 9A of the bearer of FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 10B is the same view as FIG. 10A, with the formations
deformed, and indicating an upright in dotted lines;
[0053] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate further embodiments of male and
female formations according to the invention, both in pre-deformed
and deformed states;
[0054] FIGS. 12A and 12B are the same views as that of FIGS. 4A and
4B, showing an insulator according to an alternative embodiment of
the invention;
[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of part of FIG. 12A; and
[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fencing
system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a fencing system according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention, is generally designated by
reference numeral 10.
[0058] Referring further particularly to FIGS. 2 to 7 and 9, the
fencing system 10 comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel
extending upright posts 12; a plurality of horizontally extending
bearers 14; a plurality of parallel extending uprights 16; first
connecting means 18 for connecting the bearers 14 to the posts 12;
and second connecting means 20 for connecting the uprights 16 to
the bearers 14. The posts 12, bearers 14, and the uprights 16, are
stamped and bent from sheet metal and each define an elongate
channel bordered by two opposite parallel extending flanges.
[0059] The first and second connecting means (designated by
reference numerals 18 and 20) generally each comprises a male
formation for mating with a female formation, the male formations
being deformable after the mating, to lock the bearers 14 to the
posts 12 and the uprights 16 respectively. The male and female
formations come in various forms shapes and sizes as described in
more detail below.
[0060] The male formation of the first connecting means 18 is in
the form of a pair of planar spigots 18.1 extending from each end
of each bearer 14, and the female formation of the first connecting
means 18 comprises a complementary shaped slot 18.2 for receiving
the planar spigot 18.1. The planar spigot 18.1 is provided with a
resilient portion 18.1.1 extending out of the plane of the spigot
18.1 for providing a clip lock. The arrangement is such that the
portion 18.1.1 is forced into said plane when the spigot 18.1 is
inserted into the slot 18.2 and further such that the resilient
portion 18.1.1 deforms out of said plane after insertion, to
restrict withdrawal of the spigot 18.1 from the slot 18.2.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the male formation of the
second connecting means 20 comprises two planar spigots 20.1 that
are deformed out of the plane of the sheet metal of the bearer 14,
and the female formation of the second connecting means 20
comprises complementary shaped slots 20.2 stamped into the sheet
metal of the upright 16 for receiving the spigots 120.1.
[0062] The arrangement of the second connecting means 20 is such
that the spigots 20.1 are inserted into the slots 20.2 and
deformed, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, to restrict
withdrawal thereof. The arrangement is further such the spigots
20.1 are obscured by the uprights 16 and that a special tool (not
shown) is required to reach and deform the spigots 20.1.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, each post 12 defines a first
elongate channel 12.1, and is provided with a cover 12.2 for
closing the channel 12.1. The cover 12.2 is connected to the post
12 by a fourth connecting means 22 comprising planar spigots 22.1,
which border an opening 22.2 stamped into the cover 12.2. As
illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the spigots are inserted into the
channel 12.1 and deformed to engage behind the flanges 12.3
bordering the channel 12.1. The opening 22.2 is therefore exposed
and adapted to receive a supporting insulator 24 (shown in FIGS. 2
and 3), for supporting an electrified conductor 26. The supporting
insulator 24 is provided with a resilient clip device (not shown),
which is inserted and retained in the opening 22.2. The above
arrangement is particularly suitable for posts 12 located in a
central region of the fencing system 10 intermediate corner
regions, where the bearers 14 extend in-line with each other.
[0064] Referring further to FIGS. 5 to 8, the fencing system 10
further includes a carrier 28 for the electrified conductors 26.
This arrangement is more suitable for a corner post 12 where the
bearers 14 extend at right angles relative to each other. The
carrier 28 comprises an elongate metal sheet provided with a side
flange 28.1 having connecting formations 28.2 (FIG. 8) for
connecting to an insulator 30. The carrier 28 is further provided
with slots 28.3 through which the spigots 18.1 are inserted prior
to being inserted into the slots 18.2 of the posts 12. The carrier
28 is thus trapped between the end of the bearers 14 and the posts
12. The carrier 28 is connected to the post 12 by a third
connecting means.
[0065] The posts 12 and carriers 28 are provided with holes 34
through which insulated conductors (not shown) can be fed, to
extend along the inside of the channels defined by the posts 12 and
the bearers 14. Such conductors can be used to provide lights (not
shown) disposed on top of the posts 12 with electrical power.
[0066] In use, the posts 12 are secured in parallel extending
spaced apart upright positions. The bearers 14 are connected to the
posts 12 in spaced apart horizontally extending positions as
hereinbefore described, while trapping the carrier 28 at the corner
posts 12. The insulators 30 are further connected to the carrier
28. The uprights 16 are connected to the bearers 14 as hereinbefore
described in spaced apart parallel extending positions and the
supporting insulators 24 connected to the intermediate posts 12.
The electrified conductors 26 are connected to the insulators 24
and 30.
[0067] The applicant has found that it is relatively economical to
manufacture a fencing system according to the invention and that it
can be erected in a relatively shorter time. Another advantage is
that no welding is required. The fencing system can be provided in
modular form and transported to a remote area where is can be
erected.
[0068] It will be appreciated that variations in detail are
possible with a fencing system according to the invention without
departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example,
referring to FIGS. 1A and 11B, further embodiments of male and
female connecting means according to the invention, both in
pre-deformed and deformed state are generally designated by
reference numerals 20A and 20B. Many other configurations are of
course possible, and the scope of the invention is not limited to
the particular formations described herein.
[0069] Further for example, in FIGS. 12 to 13, an insulator 24A
according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
The insulator 24A comprises two tubular portions of a plastics
material, which are inserted from opposite directions through holes
34A provided in the post 12A. The two portions of the insulator 24A
engage in a friction fit and an electrical wire (not shown) is fed
through the insulator 24A so that the wire is retained and
insulated relative to the post.
[0070] Yet further for example, referring to FIG. 14, an
alternative embodiment of the carrier 28A is illustrated. The
carrier 28A is provided with a pair of planar spigots 18.1A for
connecting to complementary shaped slots 18.2A defined in the post
12A. The spigots 18.1A are each provided with a resilient portion
18.1.1A extending out of the plane of the spigot 18.1A for
providing a clip lock. The carrier 28A further defines a connecting
formation in the form of a hole 28.2A to which an electrical wire
or insulator (not shown) could be connected.
[0071] Similarly, other appliances such as lights, alarm sensors
and display boards could be connected to the posts using a similar
clip lock arrangement.
* * * * *