Further improvements in and relating to fencing

Abstract

This invention relates to fence, or preassembled fence section, comprising a plurality of upright elements spanning at least two rails, the arrangement being such that the upright elements are positioned within apertures in said rails, and there being inserts interacting between a said rail and an upright member to maintain the relative disposition of same.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention is directed to the construction of fences. Preferred embodiments comprise fences of metal construction or the type having an upright element spanning two or more rails. BACKGROUND ART [0002] While in the past many fences have been constructed of masonry or wood, the use of metal for fence construction is becoming more widespread. Typically, such construction comprises lengths of metal tubing which are arranged in an upright fashion between horizontal rails. The method of construction may vary and in some cases the horizontal rails may merely be end capping pieces for the upright elements. In other instances, each rail may pass entirely through the rail and be welded into place. In other arrangements, the upright elements may be fixed to the outside of the rail. [0003] A problem with the prior art is that such methods of construction can sometimes be time consuming, especially where spot welding systems are relied upon to maintain the upri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0035] A potentially realisable advantage of the present invention is that the fence may be assembled on site. In contrast, most prior art systems rely on factory assembled sections which are merely fastened to a post or other anchor point. There is little flexibility in this system and care must be taken to ensure that the fence posts are positioned accurately. However this does not preclude this method of installation from the scope of the present invention—this is primarily a matter of choice for the installer.

[0036] Further, there are often limitations in the size of fence sections so that a user must conform with what is predetermined at the factory. On level ground, this may not represent a problem, though on sloping ground, shorter sections may be required. It may therefore be necessary for a user to request fence sections of customised size, which can increase the cost to the user. With the present invention, it is envisaged that customisable pre-assembled sections may potentially be easier and quicker to construct.

[0037] In contrast, the present invention is readily adapted to be assembled on site. The ability to angle the upright elements in many embodiments from being truly perpendicular to the rails, alleviates some of the problems of irregular section lengths encountered with sloping ground. Where customised section lengths (between posts) are required, the provided rails may merely be trimmed on site to the required size. Depending upon how the rails are fastened to the posts or anchor points, this impromptu trimming will not cause a problem in many instances.

[0038] At least part of the advantages which can be realised through use of the present invention stem from the manner by which the upright elements and rails connect. In prior art systems, which require welding or press fitting of the different element, it is not normally practical nor possible to construct the fence sections on site.

[0039] In most embodiments of the present invention there is provided an insert which is intermediary between the rails and upright elements. In most cases, an interlocking connection is formed between the combination or insert, rail and upright elements so that the upright element is not readily withdrawable in at least one of its longitudinal directions.

[0040] More specifically, in many embodiments there is an interaction between the insert and the rail, and the upright member and the insert. In some instances, they may be more than one type of insert used between upright members and different rails, and the interaction may vary.

Problems solved by technology

A problem with the prior art is that such methods of construction can sometimes be time consuming, especially where spot welding systems are relied upon to maintain the upright elements in place.

Another problem with the prior art is that it is often difficult to use the known methods of construction on uneven ground.

When constructing such a fence, the rails must always be truly horizontal, otherwise the upright elements will be non-vertical, and particularly displeasing to the eye.

The stepped arrangement causes further problems as the lower rail may be almost touching the ground at the end of one section, and have a considerable gap underneath at the other end of that section.

For greater slopes, very short stepped sections may be required, which also increases the number of posts which must be secured into the ground.

These factors can greatly add to the time and expense of constructing a fence.

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