U.S. patent application number 14/507264 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for clamping support for assembly of pipe fencing and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Preston Rudy Loehr. Invention is credited to Preston Rudy Loehr.
Application Number | 20160097217 14/507264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55632447 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160097217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loehr; Preston Rudy |
April 7, 2016 |
Clamping Support for Assembly of Pipe Fencing and Method of Use
Abstract
A method of constructing a fence comprising encircling one or
more of the posts with supporting brackets which support railing
members for securing to the post. The supporting brackets allowing
for repositioning of the rail before securing. The supporting
brackets further being conducive to welding, drilling, or use of
adhesives in securing the railing to the post.
Inventors: |
Loehr; Preston Rudy;
(Caldwell, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Loehr; Preston Rudy |
Caldwell |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55632447 |
Appl. No.: |
14/507264 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.01 ;
156/60; 228/212; 29/418 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 2017/146 20130101;
E04H 2017/1452 20130101; E04H 17/1421 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/24 20060101
E04H017/24; E04H 17/22 20060101 E04H017/22; E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting fence railings to post for assembly
comprising: a body and a door hinged to encircle the fence post;
and a closing mechanism securely clamping the encircling body and
door to the fence post, the body further comprising a support
extending perpendicular from the body.
2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a
grounding point on the body or door.
3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the closing
mechanism further comprises force binders and a clamp binding to
the force binders.
4. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the force binders
are notches in the body and the door against which the clamp may
bind.
5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising, a
notched distal end extending upward from the support distal the
body.
6. An apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein the notched distal
end further comprises additional supports extending from the
notched end.
7. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the door is
substantially similar to the body.
8. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein the door or the
body is oriented approximately 180 degrees in the vertical
orientation.
9. A method of constructing a fence comprising: encircling a fence
post at a pre-determined height with a clamping apparatus
comprising: a body with an outwardly extending support; a door; a
hinge connecting the body and door; and a closing mechanism for
securing the apparatus to the post; encircling a second fence post
at a pre-determined height with a second clamping device; and
positioning a rail on the extending supports of the clamping
devices; securing the rail to the posts; and removing the plurality
of clamping devices.
10. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 9
further comprising: encircling one or more central posts at a
pre-determined height with additional clamping devices.
11. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 9
further comprising: sliding the rail along its length to refine its
position prior to securing the rail to the post.
12. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 9
wherein securing the rail comprises welding the rail and the
post.
13. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 12
wherein the clamping apparatus further comprises a grounding
connection for welding equipment.
14. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 9
wherein securing the rail comprises drilling and bolting the rail
to the post.
15. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 9
wherein securing the rail further comprises adhering the rail to
the post with adhesive and allowing the adhesive to cure before
removing one or more of the clamping devices.
16. A method of constructing a fence comprising: enclosing a fence
post at a pre-determined height with a clamping apparatus
comprising: a body with an outwardly extending support; a door; a
hinge connecting the body and door; and a closing mechanism for
securing the apparatus to the post; positioning a first end of a
rail on the extending support of the clamping device; lifting the
distal end of the rail and securing said distal end to a second
post at a pre-determined height; securing the first end of the rail
to the first post; and removing the clamping device.
17. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 16
further comprising: sliding the rail along its length to refine its
position prior to securing the rail to the second post.
18. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 16
wherein securing the rail comprises welding the rail and the
post.
19. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 16
wherein the clamping apparatus further comprises a grounding
connection for welding equipment.
20. A method of constructing a fence as described in claim 16
wherein securing the rail comprises drilling and bolting the rail
to the post.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
NOTICE OF INTENT TO RESERVE COPYRIGHT OR MAST WORK RIGHTS
[0001] Not Applicable.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable.
[0004] REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0005] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Pipe fencing is very popular due to its durability and
adaptability to many situations/uses. During fabrication, a
plurality of posts are placed in the ground at intervals to support
the railing. Horizontal railing is then used to span the gaps
between the posts.
[0007] A single railing connects one or more posts to create a
barrier and to add structural support. Pipes come in lengths as
long as 40 feet and can weigh more than 300 lbs., making precise
alignment difficult, and requiring several people to properly
position and secure each rail.
[0008] In one common form of pipe fencing, the rails are attached
along the front face of the post. In this configuration, the
central axis of the rail is oriented perpendicular to the central
axis of the post. These axes are offset by a distance of the
combined radii of the post and rail, placing the two outer walls of
the pipe in proximity, and then joining the pipes in such
configuration. This configuration is referred to as a lap
joint.
[0009] In another common configuration of the pipe fencing, the
rails are attached to the sides of the post. In this configuration,
the central axis of the rail is oriented perpendicular to the
central axis of the post, and these central axes intersect at the
approximate center of the joint location. The walls of the post
and/or rail are often drilled, notched, cut, or otherwise shaped to
reduce gap space in the joint. This configuration is referred to as
a butt joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of typical construction for
a welded pipe fence.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of typical construction for a
welded pipe fence.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a positioning bracket in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an alternative positioning bracket in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the positioning bracket installed to position a
butted rail for securing in accordance with the teachings
herein.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows the positioning bracket installed to position a
spanning rail for securing in accordance with the teachings
herein.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the positioning
bracket in accordance with the teachings herein.
[0017] FIG. 7A shows the attachment of the body to the clamp, in
place of force binders, in the alternative embodiment of FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Described herein is an apparatus and method of use which
allows repeatable, precise positioning of the railing by a single
individual. A single clamp may be used to quickly and temporarily
support one end of a pipe railing at the correct height so a worker
may position and secure the distal end. A plurality of clamps may
be utilized to position the pipe along its length at multiple
points so a worker is free to secure the railing to the post or
make positioning adjustments.
[0019] In one implementation, the body of the positioning brackets
is secured to a plurality of posts at a specific height. In the
case of long railing, that span more than a single post interval,
positioning brackets may be used at each end and additional
positioning brackets may be used on central posts to prevent the
rail from sagging under its own weight.
[0020] Once the positioning brackets are placed and secured, the
railing is lifted onto the positioning brackets. The railing may
then be moved horizontally in the positioning brackets to allow
precise alignment. Once aligned, the rail is secured to the post.
In the preferred embodiment securing the rail to the post is
accomplished by welding. One skilled in the arts would appreciate
that other methods could be employed such as, but not limited to,
bolting, screwing, drilling, pegging, and slotting, or by employing
adhesives.
[0021] The positioning bracket allows precise, repeatable
positioning, because the top of the positioning bracket's body is
always secured at a designated offset from the rail's resting
position.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the rail support projects from
the body proximately even with the top of the body. The rail will
be supported on the top of the rail support for a lap joint;
therefore, the positioning brackets should be positioned with the
top of the body aligned with the bottom of the rail's desired
position.
[0023] Railing will be supported on the butt support for a butt
joint; therefore, the positioning brackets should be positioned
with the top of the body a precise distance below the bottom of the
rail's desired position. The precise distance depends on the
positioning bracket's actual construction.
[0024] FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate a typical construction for a
welded pipe fence. Posts (10) are placed in the ground (30) at
intervals. The intervals between posts (10) are spanned by rails
(20). Top rails (20A) are traditionally secured on top of posts
(10) with a notched lap joint (70A) and secured with a welded seam
(80) to `finish` the top of the post (10) without requiring a cap
or other `closing` of the post (10) top. One or more rails (20) may
then be added below the top rail (20A), depending on the fence's
intended uses. These rails (20) may be butted rails (20B), or
spanning rails (20C).
[0025] Butted rails (20B) are cut and optionally notched to fit the
interval between the posts (10). The butted rails (20B) are joined
to the posts (10) with a butt joint (50) where the ends of the
rails (20) are notched to join the sides of the post (10) and then
welded (80) into place.
[0026] Spanning rails (20C) extend beyond the intervals between the
posts (10) and therefore are positioned against the inside or
outside of the fence. The outer wall of the spanning rail (20C) is
positioned against the outer wall of the post (10) at the desired
location and the two are joined producing a lap joint (70). In the
preferred embodiment, the joining is accomplished by a weld
(80).
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the
positioning bracket. The bracket (100) comprises a body (110) and a
door (130) connected by a hinge (120), which allows the bracket to
encompass the post (10, not shown) by use of a clamping mechanism
(90, not shown), which secures against the force binders (140). One
skilled in the arts would appreciate that vice clamping is utilized
because the vice clamps are a mainstay of a typical welding kit.
However, other mechanisms can be utilized to secure the bracket to
the post such as, but not limited to, chaining, screws, spring
clamps and levered closers.
[0028] From the top edge of the body (110), a rail support (150)
extends such that it will be substantially perpendicular to the
position of the post. The end of the rail support (150) distal to
the body (110) curves upward and ends in a butt support (160),
which optionally includes extended butt supports (160A).
[0029] FIG. 4 shows an alternative positioning bracket in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The
bracket comprises a body (110) and a door (130) connected by a
hinge (120), which allows the bracket to encompass the post (10,
not shown) by use of a clamping mechanism (90, not shown), which
secures against the force binders (140). In this embodiment, the
body (110) and the door (130) are substantially similar in
construction, but are differentiated by the rail support (150)
which extends from the top edge of the body (110). In this
embodiment, the force binders (140) are significantly larger making
it easier to apply multiple clamps for additional holding
power.
[0030] As in the previous design, a rail support (150) extends from
the top edge of the body (110), such that it will be substantially
perpendicular to the position of the post. In the preferred
embodiment, this rail support (150) is angled slightly upward to
cause the rail to naturally roll back toward the post. The end of
the rail support (150) distal to the body (110) curves upward and
ends in a butt support (160), here shown without the optional
extended butt supports (160A).
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the positioning bracket installed to position a
butted rail for securing in accordance with the teachings herein.
The positioning bracket (100, not labeled) is secured to the post
(10) with a butted rail (20B), supported by the extended butt
support (160 & 160A).
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the positioning bracket installed to position a
spanning rail for securing in accordance with the teachings herein.
The positioning bracket (100, not labeled) is secured to the post
(10) with a spanning rail (20C), supported by the rail support
(150). A slight upward angle to the rail support (150) causes the
rail (20) to naturally rest against the post (10) to facilitate
joining.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the positioning
bracket in accordance with the teachings herein. In the alternative
embodiment, there are two bodies (110) and no door (130). The
bodies (110) are NOT joined by the hinge (120). Instead, they are
pivotally mounted on the "jaws" of the clamping mechanism (90).
This alternative arrangement allows for single handed application
of the clamp to the post (10, not shown). The rail support (150) on
each body, with the curved upward butt support (160) distal to the
body (110) still functions in the same way as previously defined.
In an alternative embodiment, one of the bodies (110), which face
each other on opposite sides of the post, may be circumrotated 180
degrees such that one rail support (150) points up, and the other
points down. This ensures that anytime the clamp is installed on
the post, the rail supports (150) are positioned correctly due to
the mirrored orientation.
[0034] FIG. 7A shows the attachment of the body to the clamp in
place of force binders in the .degree. alternative embodiment of
FIG. 7. The jaws of the clamp (90) are pivotally attached to the
body (110) via brackets (210). In the preferred embodiment, there
are two parallel brackets (210) extending perpendicular from the
rear of the body (110) and spaced to allow the jaws of the clamp
(90) to be positioned there between. A fastener (220) is positioned
through the brackets (210) and the clamp (90) to allow rotation. In
one embodiment, the rotation may be limited to ensure the faces of
the bodies (110) always remain oriented toward center.
[0035] The diagrams, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of
the present invention, are provided as examples and should not be
construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the
invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not
be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to
the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements
illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a
plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could
actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one
form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical
data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories,
etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as
illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific
information is not provided to limit the invention.
[0036] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the
principles and various embodiments of the present invention.
Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.
It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace
all such variations and modifications.
* * * * *