Length-variable gabion system

Abstract

Gabion system, consisting of at least one gabion element, which is prefabricated in a selected standard length L and consists of two parallel longitudinal mesh walls and two transverse mesh walls connecting them, wherein the longitudinal mesh walls consist of horizontal mesh bars (1) and vertical mesh bars (2) which are welded together, and wherein transverse struts (3) serving as stiffeners and spacers may be arranged between the longitudinal mesh walls, characterized by at least one connecting element (4) which, after cutting out a selected length section (L2) from the gabion element, after the horizontal mesh bars (2) have been cut off along vertical mesh bars (2B, 2C) of the remaining gabion element parts (B, C), serves to connect these respective end vertical mesh bars (2B, 2C) which run side by side after the two remaining gabion element parts (B, C) have been butted together.wherein the connecting element (4) has a main part (4a) extending transversely through the gabion element and hook-like end parts (4b) at both ends of the main part, which can each be bent around the adjacent vertical grid bars (2B, 2C) to fix them together.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a length-variable gabion system, namely a gabion system with which gabions manufactured in a standard length can be shortened to a shorter individual dimension as required.

[0002] Gabions are frequently used as fences to enclose properties. Typically, prefabricated gabion elements in the form of wire mesh baskets, available in standard lengths of, for example, two meters, are used. These are installed in a row and filled with a material such as natural stone gravel.

[0003] A recurring problem is adapting the gabion row to the intended construction length, for example, a fence length that doesn't correspond to a multiple of the length of a gabion element. This requires either manufacturing at least one gabion element in the row as a custom piece with the required individual length, which can only be done by hand and is therefore complex and expensive, or filling the remaining gap, which can no longer be filled with a prefabricated gabion element, in another way, or adjusting the position and width of, for example, gate openings or driveways to the specifications of standard gabion dimensions, which can be undesirable and unsatisfactory.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to create a length-variable gabion system that can overcome this problem.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a length-variable gabion system as defined in claim 1.

[0006] The length-variable gabion system according to the invention thus provides a gabion element prefabricated in a predetermined standard length of, for example, 2 meters, namely with its longitudinal walls and end walls fully welded, combined with connecting elements that allow the gabion element to be shortened as required by cutting out a section corresponding to the excess length along its length and then mechanically reconnecting the two parts using the connecting elements, without the need for welding.

[0007] The gabion element consists of wire mesh side walls formed from horizontal and vertical mesh bars welded together, and optionally a bottom mesh wall. Shortening the prefabricated gabion element of the standard length is achieved by cutting out a section corresponding to the excess length. This is done by separating the horizontal mesh bars of the section to be removed along the vertical mesh bars of the remaining parts of the gabion element. The two remaining parts of the gabion element are then butted together at their open ends, so that the terminal vertical mesh bars of these remaining parts are abutting each other.

[0008] These butted sections are then connected with horizontal connecting elements that run transversely through the shortened gabion element. These connecting elements have a main part extending transversely through the gabion element, serving as a spacer and stiffener, and protruding, hook-like ends on both sides. These ends are designed to grip and fix the butted end vertical bars of the two butted sections of the shortened gabion element together.

[0009] These hook-like ends can, for example, be bent completely around the butted vertical bars using pliers. They can also be provided with screw holes at molded angled end sections and at corresponding points on the main part, which runs transversely through the shortened gabion element and also serves as a spacer. This allows the end bent around the butted bars to be screwed to the main part using a through-bolt. Alternatively, the end of each connecting element bent around the butted vertical bars can be spot-welded to the bars or to the main part of the connecting element.

[0010] Several connecting elements are installed along the height of the shortened gabion element, so that afterwards a gabion element shortened to the necessary individual length is produced.

[0011] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 in top view a prefabricated gabion element of a standard length, Fig. 2 in three consecutive top views a), b) and c) the process of shortening the gabion element according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in four detail illustrations a), b), c) and d) the process of connecting the two remaining gabion element parts to form the shortened gabion element, Fig. 4 in top view the shortened gabion element with the connection shown enlarged as a detail, and

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a standard-length L and a standard width B Prefabricated gabion element with pre-welded mesh sections. The wall mesh consists of horizontal bars. 1and vertical bars 2 Any existing base grid is not shown for the sake of simplicity. Cross braces are located between the longitudinal wall grids of the gabion element. 3 installed as spacers and stiffening elements.

[0013] To cut the prefabricated gabion element with the standard length L to a desired length L1 To shorten the gabion element, a section with a length of L2 = L-L1 is cut out from approximately the middle area. This is done by removing the remaining parts. B and C of the gabion element, the horizontal grid bars each along the section to be cut out A adjacent vertical bars 2B and 2C separated, which are attached to the remaining sections B and C remain and form their end. If the gabion element has a base wall grid, the separation takes place there in the appropriate manner.

[0014] Fig. Figure 2 shows the process of joining the remaining parts. B and C of the gabion element Fig. 1 to a shortened gabion element.

[0015] In Fig. 2 shows the image a) the two remaining parts B and C together with a connecting element drawn separately next to it 4 in the form of a bracket formed by a flat band with one of the widths B the main part corresponding to the gabion element 4a and the hook elements molded onto both sides of it 4b This connecting element 4 As indicated by the arrow, it is located in front of the last vertical bars of the grille. 2A and 2B into one of the two remaining parts B and C introduced, here into the part B in front of the terminal vertical bars 2B .

[0016] Then, as the arrows in image b) show, the Fig. Figure 2 shows the two parts B and C with the inserted connecting element. 4 pushed together, so that the arrangement is as shown in picture c) in Fig. 2 results.

[0017] The hook-like end parts 4b The connecting element is then shown in the four detail illustrations of the Fig. 3 show, using pliers to grip the now adjacent, respective end bars of the grid 2B and 2C the two parts pushed together B and C bent around until the angled end section of each hook part 4d on the main part 4a comes to lie down.

[0018] The connection is then secured by screwing it together. Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the shortened gabion element with the parts already connected. B and C, where the connection showing the screw fitting is highlighted as a detail. The main part of the screw fitting is... 4a and the hook-like end section that can be bent back onto it 4b provided with screw through holes through which a screw 5 can be led through it.

[0019] To connect the two remaining parts B and C Several connecting elements are found on the shortened gabion element. 4 Application. These are each roughly in the shape of a flat strip and, like the struts, serve a similar purpose. 3 , serving both as stiffeners and spacers. For example, one such connecting element can be installed every 40 centimeters along the height of the gabion element.

[0020] As an alternative to the screw connection shown, spot welding could also be used, which would also secure the hook-like bent end parts of the connecting elements. 4can connect to the enclosed vertical grid bars.

Claims

[1] Gabion system comprising at least one gabion element prefabricated in a selected standard length L and consisting of two parallel longitudinal mesh walls and two transverse mesh walls connecting them, and optionally a bottom mesh wall, wherein the longitudinal mesh walls consist of horizontal mesh bars (1) and vertical mesh bars (2) welded together, and wherein transverse struts (3) serving as stiffeners and spacers may be arranged between the longitudinal mesh walls, characterized byat least one connecting element (4) which, after cutting out a selected length section (L2) from the gabion element, after the horizontal grid bars (2) have been cut off along vertical grid bars (2B, 2C) of the remaining gabion element parts (B, C), serves to connect these respective terminal and adjacent vertical grid bars (2B, 2C) after the two remaining gabion element parts (B, C) have been butted together, wherein the connecting element (4) has a main part (4a) extending transversely through the gabion element and hook-like end parts (4b) at both ends of the main part, which can each be bent around the adjacent vertical grid bars (2B, 2C) to fix them together. [2] Gabion system according to claim 1, wherein several connecting elements (4) are provided along the height of the gabion element for connecting the adjacent terminal vertical grid bars (2B, 2C). [3] Gabion system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element or elements (4) is designed as a flat strip. [4] Gabion system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end parts (4B) bent around the adjacent vertical grid bars (2B, 2C) have an end section that lies on the main part (4A) and can be connected to the main part (4A) by screwing or welding.

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