U.S. patent application number 11/634721 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for fencing system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Crimsafe Security Systems Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Peter Bouma, Steven John Brabeck.
Application Number | 20070145340 11/634721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38121247 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070145340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brabeck; Steven John ; et
al. |
June 28, 2007 |
Fencing system and method
Abstract
A fencing system and method comprises a plurality of posts, each
post comprising a pair of sockets. A screen extends between
adjacent posts and the screen comprises intruder resistant mesh
clamped to a frame comprising elongate frame members. One of the
elongate frame members is received by one of the pair of sockets of
one of the posts and an opposing elongate frame member of the
screen is received by one of the pair of sockets of an adjacent
post.
Inventors: |
Brabeck; Steven John;
(Ormeau, AU) ; Bouma; Peter; (Ormeau, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
Crimsafe Security Systems Pty
Ltd.
Ormeau
AU
|
Family ID: |
38121247 |
Appl. No.: |
11/634721 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/168 20130101;
E04H 17/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/024 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2005 |
AU |
2005242183 |
Claims
1. A fencing system comprising: a plurality of posts, each said
post comprising a pair of sockets; and a screen extending between
adjacent posts, said screen comprising intruder resistant mesh
clamped to a frame comprising elongate frame members; wherein one
of the elongate frame members is received by one of the pair of
sockets of one of said posts and an opposing elongate frame member
is received by one of the pair of sockets of an adjacent post.
2. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein each elongate frame
member comprises an integral clamping portion co-acting with a
non-integral clamping member to clamp the intruder resistant mesh
to the frame.
3. The fencing system of claim 2, wherein each elongate frame
member comprises an integral tongue terminating in a hook to seat a
slot in the non integral clamping member and positively locate the
non-integral clamping member with respect to the frame.
4. The fencing system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the
following have a serrated surface: the integral clamping portion;
the non-integral clamping member.
5. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the elongate frame member
comprises a pair of walls, the relative size of the walls and the
sockets being such that a range of positions are available to
fasten the elongate frame members to the posts.
6. The fencing system of claim 5, wherein the walls are ribbed.
7. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein one of the elongate frame
members of the screen forms a handrail.
8. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the pair of sockets of at
least one of the posts oppose each other such that the post is
substantially I-shaped or H-shaped in cross-section.
9. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the pair of sockets of at
least one of the posts are substantially at 90 degrees to each
other.
10. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein each post further
comprises at least one cover to obscure from view fastening means
of the fencing system.
11. The fencing system of claim 1, further comprising a base member
having a pair of spaced apart walls extending substantially
perpendicularly from a base plate for attaching each post to a
surface.
12. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the screen is in the
form of a gate.
13. A method of constructing a fence including the steps of:
installing a plurality of posts, each said post comprising a pair
of sockets; inserting an elongate frame member of a screen into one
of the pair of sockets of one of said posts; inserting an opposing
elongate frame member of the screen into one of the pair of sockets
of an adjacent post; and clamping intruder resistant mesh to the
elongate frame members.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the steps of inserting the
elongate frame members of the screen into the sockets of the posts
are followed by the step of clamping the intruder resistant mesh to
the elongate frame members.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of clamping the
intruder resistant mesh to the elongate frame members is followed
by the steps of inserting the elongate frame members of the screen
into the sockets of the posts.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of clamping includes
integral clamping portions of the elongate frame members coacting
with non-integral clamping members of the elongate frame
members.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of clamping includes
the step of positively locating the non-integral clamping member of
each elongate frame member with respect to the frame by seating a
slot in the non-integral clamping member on a terminal hook of an
integral tongue of a respective elongate frame member.
18. The method of claim 13, further including the step of selecting
one of a range of positions to fasten walls of the elongate frame
member's to the posts, the range of positions being available by
virtue of the relative size of the walls and the sockets.
19. The method of claim 13, further including the step of attaching
at least one cover to each post to obscure the fastening means from
view.
20. The method of claim 13, further including the step of attaching
each post to a surface using a base member having a pair of
substantially vertical walls extending from a base plate.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a fencing system and
method. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention
relates to a fencing system and method for pool fences, although
the present invention is not limited to this application and other
applications, such as balconies, verandas, staircases and the like
are envisaged.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional fences, fencing systems and balustrade systems
are used in a wide range of applications and exhibit a range of
construction techniques and fastening mechanisms. Such systems
typically comprise a plurality of spaced apart posts and, in one
form, a plurality of panels, each panel attached between a pair of
adjacent posts. In one alternative, instead of panels, an upper and
lower rail extends between adjacent posts with a plurality of
spaced apart balusters extending vertically between the upper and
lower rails.
[0003] One known system comprises a plurality of posts, which are
either circular or substantially square in cross section, and a
plurality of panels, such as glass panels. Each panel comprises
upper and lower rails, which are used to attach the panels to the
posts. Such a fencing system is commonly employed on balconies,
verandas, staircases and around swimming pools. One disadvantage
with this and other systems is the high degree of accuracy that is
required. For example, the posts need to be positioned accurately
to ensure that they are exactly vertical. The panels also need to
be put together accurately to ensure they are square and of exactly
the correct size to fit in the inter-post space. A small degree of
error with the positioning of the posts and/or the production of
the panels can result in difficulty in affixing the panels and/or
gaps occurring between the panels and the posts. The unsightly gaps
then need to be hidden using trims or the like. The requirement for
a high degree of accuracy contributes to the installation time, the
cost and can impair the aesthetic appearance of the finished
fence.
[0004] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising"
or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion,
such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements does not include those elements solely, but may well
include other elements not listed.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
fencing system that addresses or at least ameliorates the
aforementioned accuracy problems of the prior art fencing
systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the
broadest form, the invention resides in a fencing system
comprising:
[0007] a plurality of posts, each said post comprising a pair of
sockets; and
[0008] a screen extending between adjacent posts, said screen
comprising intruder resistant mesh clamped to a frame comprising
elongate frame members;
[0009] wherein one of the elongate frame members is received by one
of the pair of sockets of one of said posts and an opposing
elongate frame member is received by one of the pair of sockets of
an adjacent post.
[0010] Preferably, each elongate frame member comprises an integral
clamping portion co-acting with a non-integral clamping member to
clamp the intruder resistant mesh to the frame.
[0011] Preferably, each elongate frame member comprises an integral
tongue terminating in a hook to seat a slot in the non-integral
clamping member and positively locate the non-integral clamping
member with respect to the frame.
[0012] Suitably, one or more of the following have a serrated
surface: the integral clamping portion; the non-integral clamping
member.
[0013] Preferably, each elongate frame member comprises a pair of
walls, the relative size of the walls and the sockets being such
that a range of positions are available to fasten the elongate
frame members to the posts.
[0014] Suitably, the walls are ribbed.
[0015] Suitably, one of the elongate frame members of the screen
forms a handrail.
[0016] The pair of sockets of at least one of the posts may oppose
each other such that the post is substantially I-shaped or H-shaped
in cross-section. Alternatively, to form a corner post, the pair of
sockets of at least one of the posts are substantially at 90
degrees to each other.
[0017] Suitably, each post further comprises at least one cover to
obscure fastening means of the fencing system from view.
[0018] Suitably, the fencing system further comprises a base member
having a pair of spaced apart walls extending substantially
perpendicularly from a base plate for attaching each post to a
surface.
[0019] In another form, the invention resides in a method of
constructing a fence including the steps of:
[0020] installing a plurality of posts, each said post comprising a
pair of sockets;
[0021] inserting an elongate frame member of a screen into one of
the pair of sockets of one of said posts;
[0022] inserting an opposing elongate frame member of the screen
into one of the pair of sockets of an adjacent post; and
[0023] clamping intruder resistant mesh to the elongate frame
members.
[0024] Suitably, the steps of inserting the elongate frame members
of the screen into the sockets of the posts are followed by the
step of clamping the intruder resistant mesh to the elongate frame
members.
[0025] Suitably, the step of clamping the intruder resistant mesh
to the elongate frame members is followed by the steps of inserting
the elongate frame members of the screen into the sockets of the
posts.
[0026] Preferably, the step of clamping includes integral clamping
portions of the elongate frame members co-acting with non-integral
clamping members of the elongate frame members.
[0027] Preferably, the step of clamping includes the step of
positively locating the non-integral clamping member of each
elongate frame member with respect to the frame by seating a slot
in the non-integral clamping member on a terminal hook of an
integral tongue of a respective elongate frame member.
[0028] The method may further include the step of selecting one of
a range of positions to fasten walls of the elongate frame members
to the posts, the range of positions being available by virtue of
the relative size of the walls and the sockets.
[0029] The method may further include the step of attaching at
least one cover to each post to obscure fastening means from
view.
[0030] The method may further include the step of attaching each
post to a surface using a base member having a pair of
substantially vertical walls extending from a base plate.
[0031] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the
invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fencing system according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an elongate frame member of
the fencing system shown in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the fencing system shown in
FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base member and a post of
the fencing system shown in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the base member and the post
shown in FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a gate using the fencing
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the post of the fencing system
shown in FIG. 1 comprising a cover plate; and
[0040] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of constructing a
fence in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a fencing system 10
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
fencing system 10 comprises a plurality of posts 12 and at least
one screen 14 extending between adjacent posts. It will be
appreciated that a fence 11 constructed from the fencing system of
the present invention can comprise a plurality of posts 12 and a
plurality of screens 14. Each post comprises a pair of sockets 16.
In this embodiment, the screen 12 comprises intruder resistant mesh
18 clamped to a frame 20 comprising elongate frame members 22. One
of the elongate frame members 22 is received by one of the pair of
sockets 16 of one of the posts 12 and an opposing elongate frame
member 22 is received by one of the pair of sockets 16 of an
adjacent post 12.
[0042] The Applicant's Australian Patent No. 694515, which is
incorporated herein by reference, describes an intruder resistant
screen incorporating a woven wire intruder resistant mesh clamped
between a plurality of clamping portions and clamping members with
a leveraged clamping action and a similar clamping mechanism is
employed in the present invention.
[0043] The intruder resistant mesh 18 covering the opening enclosed
by the frame 20 is a woven grid of stainless steel wire. Suitable
mesh dimensions have been described in Australian Patent No. 694515
and the most suitable dimensions have been found to be wire
diameters from 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm and wire spacing (in weft or warp)
from 1 mm to 2.2 mm.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment,
elongate frame member 22 is formed from extruded aluminium and has
a channel section 23 for receiving a corner stake (not shown) at
each of its ends. Channel section 23 can be considered to comprise
a base 25, a pair of ribbed walls 38 extending from the base 25 and
an upper surface 27 extending between the pair of ribbed walls 38.
Accordingly, frame 20 is formed to the desired shape and dimensions
by cutting suitable lengths of each frame member 22 and assembling
the lengths with mitred corners. Although frame members 22 are
preferably extruded aluminium lengths, they may be extruded, roll
formed or press formed lengths of any suitable material.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the elongate frame member
22 comprises an integral clamping portion 24 extending from base 25
of channel section 23, which co-acts with a non-integral clamping
member 26 to clamp the intruder resistant mesh 18 to the frame 20.
The integral clamping portion 24 and the non-integral clamping
member 26 are of an identical length and extend along the length of
the elongate frame member 22.
[0046] Spaced holes are drilled along the integral clamping
portions 24 and the non-integral clamping members 26 to receive
fastening means (not shown) in the form of pop-rivets or screws,
which co-act with the integral clamping portions 24 and the
non-integral clamping members 26 to clamp the mesh 18 to the frame
20. Hence, when clamped, an area adjacent each respective edge of
mesh 18 is clamped to the frame 20 such that each clamped area is
in the same plane as the rest of mesh 18, which is enclosed by
frame 20. As a result, each edge of mesh 18 is clamped to no more
than one clamping surface of each one of integral clamping portions
24 and non-integral clamping members 26.
[0047] The elongate frame member 22 comprises an integral tongue 28
terminating in a hook 30 to seat a slot 32 in the non-integral
clamping member 26 and positively locate the non-integral clamping
member 26 with respect to the frame 20.
[0048] According to specific embodiments, the integral clamping
portion 24 and/or the non-integral clamping member 26 have a
serrated surface 34, 36 respectively, to provide stronger retention
of the mesh 18. The serrations on the integral clamping portion 24
and/or the non-integral clamping member 26 act together to firmly
hold the mesh 18 in the elongate frame member 22. The fastening
means (not shown) hold the non-integral clamping member 26 in
position against the integral clamping portion 24 with the result
that the mesh can withstand significant impact and not be pulled
from the frame.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the pair of ribbed walls 38 of
opposing elongate frame members 22 abut inside surfaces 40 of the
sockets 16 of the posts 12. Outer surfaces 42 of the posts 12
comprise v-shaped grooves 43 along the length of the posts 12 to
aid location of fastening means 44 in the form of screws,
pop-rivets or the like. The relative size of the walls 38 and the
sockets 16 are such that a range of positions for the elongate
frame members 22 within the sockets 16 are available to fasten the
elongate frame members 22 to the posts 12.
[0050] FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate that the pair of sockets 16 of at
least one of the posts 12 in the fencing system oppose each other
such that the post 12 is substantially I-shaped or H-shaped in
cross-section. Sockets 16 can be considered to be formed from the
central member 58 of the post 12 and a perpendicular member 59
extending from each end of the central member 58. As shown in FIG.
3, in a corner post 12 of the fencing system, the pair of sockets
16 are substantially at 90 degrees to each other.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each post 12 further comprises
at least one cover 46 to obscure from view fastening means 44 of
the fencing system. Covers 46 can be detachably attached to the
posts 12 by a snap fixing as is known in the art and can have a
curved surface as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or can have any
alternative surface shape and/or finish as desired.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to one
embodiment, the fencing system 10 further comprises a base member
48 having a pair of spaced apart walls 50, 52 extending
substantially perpendicularly from a base plate 54 for fastening
each post 12 to a surface 56, such as a pool surround, balcony,
deck, veranda, staircase or the like. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, wall 50 extends further from the base plate 54 than
wall 52, such that a central section 58 of each post 12 is fastened
to both walls 50, 52 near the base plate 54 and only to wall 50
further from the base plate 54. Fastening means 60 for fastening
the base plate 54 to the surface 56 and the post 12 to the base
member 48 are in the form of nuts and bolts, although other
fastening means such as welding may be employed. Alternatively,
posts 12 can be set into the surface 56 and secured in place with,
for example, concrete.
[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates that an upper elongate frame member of
the screen forms a handrail of the fencing system, which avoids the
necessity of providing and affixing an additional element for this
purpose, thus saving time, money and materials. Caps, such as
plastic caps (not shown) can be snap fitted to the top of the posts
12 for aesthetic purposes.
[0054] Although the screens 24 are shown in FIG. 1 as being
substantially rectangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the
panels can be formed in other shapes, such as a diamond shape, i.e.
an out-of-square rectangle, for staircases or the like.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the screen
14 of the fencing system of the present invention is in the form of
a gate 62, which is constructed in the same manner as the screen 14
as described above. In this embodiment, post 12 comprises a snap
cover 64 having a partially curved surface 66 and a partially flat
surface 68. Flat surface 68 allows a first part 70 of a self-sprung
hinge 72 to be attached thereto and to post 12 with a fastening
means 74, such as a screw or rivet. A second part 76 of the
self-sprung hinge 72 is attached to wall 38 of elongate frame
member 22 with a fastening means 75, such as a screw or rivet. An
opposing elongate frame member 22 of the gate 62 abuts a closer 78
attached to an adjacent post 12. Closer 78 comprises a wool pile
channel 80 on arm 81 and is secured within socket 16 of post 12 via
arms 83 with fastening means 82, such as screws or rivets or any
other suitable fastening means. Fastening means 82 can be concealed
with covers 46 as described above.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, where posts 12 form an end post, a
cover plate 84 is secured within socket 16 of post 12 via arms 86
with fastening means 82, such as screws or rivets or any other
suitable fastening means. Fastening means 82 can be concealed with
covers 46 as described above.
[0057] A method 100 of constructing a fence 11 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. The method 100 includes in
step 110 the step of installing a plurality of posts 12, each post
comprising a pair of sockets 16. In step 120, an elongate frame
member 22 of the screen 14 is inserted into one of the pair of
sockets 16 of one of the posts 12. Next, the method includes
inserting an opposing elongate frame member 22 of the screen 14
into one of the pair of sockets 16 of an adjacent post 12, as
represented by step 130. In step 140, the method includes clamping
intruder resistant mesh 18 to the elongate frame members 22.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the steps of inserting the
elongate frame members 22 of the screen 14 into the sockets 16 of
the posts 12 are followed by the step of clamping the intruder
resistant mesh 18 to the elongate frame members 22. It will be
appreciated that, in this embodiment, the elongate frame members 22
can be inserted into the sockets 16 of the posts 12 from the side
or from the top.
[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the step of clamping the
intruder resistant mesh 18 to the elongate frame members 22 is
followed by the steps of inserting the elongate frame members 22 of
the screen 14 into the sockets 16 of the posts 12. It will be
appreciated that, in this embodiment, the elongate frame members 22
will be inserted into the sockets 16 of the posts 12 from the
top.
[0060] It is envisaged that the method of constructing a fence in
accordance with the present invention includes the step of
installing one of the posts 12 followed by the step of clamping the
intruder resistant mesh 18 to the elongate frame members 22
followed by the step of inserting one of the elongate frame members
22 of the screen 14 into one of the sockets 16 of the inserted post
12 followed by installing a further post 12. In this embodiment,
the step of installing the further post 12 includes inserting an
opposing elongate frame member 22 of the screen 14 into one of the
sockets 16 of the further post 12.
[0061] Although unlikely to be implemented very often in practice,
the inventors envisage a further embodiment in which the fence 11
depends from an upper surface. In this embodiment, the elongate
frame members 22 can be inserted into the sockets 16 of the posts
12 from the side or from the bottom.
[0062] Hence, there is flexibility for the user in using the
fencing system of the present invention.
[0063] Hence, the system and method of the present invention thus
provides a solution to the aforementioned accuracy problem of the
prior art by virtue of the relative size of the walls 38 of the
elongate frame members 22 and the sockets 16 of the posts, which
are such that a range of positions for the elongate frame members
22 within the sockets 16 are available to fasten the elongate frame
members 22 to the posts 12. Therefore, it does not matter if the
posts 12 are not positioned exactly vertical and/or if the screens
14 are not of exactly the correct length. The present invention
still allows the screens 14 to be attached to the posts 12 without
leaving any gaps. The means of clamping the intruder resistant mesh
18 to the frame 20 by the integral clamping portion 24 and the
non-integral clamping member 26 also provides tolerance in the
manufacturing and installation process. Hence, the requirement for
a high degree of accuracy and the associated installation time and
cost are avoided and a fence with an aesthetically pleasing
appearance can be achieved.
[0064] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe
the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment
or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant
art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will
nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *