Fence structure

Abstract

The present invention refers to a fence structure (1) which comprises a plurality of transverse elements (2) arranged on one or more superimposed horizontal rows, supported by vertical uprights (3). The particular nature of such structure consists of the fact that the uprights (3) are constituted by tubular metallic sections with substantially rectilinear axis.

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to a fence structure adapted for obtaining any type of fence or fencing, usable for outdoor and indoor settings, civil and public.

[0002] As is known, even if most fencing is made of iron, in mountainous areas and in many other contexts fences continue to survive as one of the most widely used fencing.

[0003] Indeed, given that they are normally made of wood, a natural material, fences are rather well suited not only for mountainous landscapes, but also those environments where the contact with nature is particularly intense.

[0004] For example, in recent years, fences have been quite widespread due to the increasing expansion of cycling paths.

[0005] Indeed these paths require protection, such as fences, in order to prevent the accidental fall of people along escarpments, embankments, beds, footbridges, slopes, and so forth.

[0006] Nevertheless, even if fences are universally appreciated for their limited environmental and landscape impact and for their perfect integration with the environment, they do not lack drawbacks.

[0007] Indeed, it should be noted that fences require periodic maintenance, since with exposure to rain, sun and weathering agents the wood inevitably tends to be ruined and rot.

[0008] While in less serious deterioration situations, it may be sufficient to use specific substances that allow remediating the damage sustained by the wood, if there are problems that compromise the overall stability and safety of the fence it is necessary to intervene in a more significant manner, operating a partial or total substitution of the damaged elements.

[0009] In addition to a maintenance problem, however, there is another problem tied to the fact that the impregnating products - which the wood normally requires both in preliminary phase and during maintenance - in any case have a non-negligible impact on the environment.

[0010] The task of the present invention is therefore that of attaining a fence structure which is capable of combining the advantages of strength over time with the aesthetic characteristics.

[0011] In the scope of the abovementioned task, one particular object of the invention is to provide a fence structure that is very resistant to weathering agents, which allows preventing any typical problem of rot and maintenance of wood products, and which has a limited environmental and landscape impact.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to obtain a fence structure which always has ordered positioning and uniform type, contrary to those made of wood which are often disordered due to sagging or deterioration.

[0013] Further object of the invention is to obtain a fence structure which allows intervening on the territory with minimal polluting impact due to the absence of impregnating products, which the wood normally requires both in preliminary phase and during maintenance.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to obtain a fence structure which is capable of solving the problem of poor night visibility, even if it is installed along paths that wind through areas with little illumination.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to obtain a fence structure which, due to its particular structural characteristics, is capable of ensuring the widest guarantees of reliability and safety during use.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a fence structure such to comply with the requirements established by the current safety laws, such as for example MD 14 / 01 / 2008.

[0017] Not least object of the invention is to obtain a fence structure which is simple and quick to install, also being advantageous from a merely economical standpoint.

[0018] The abovementioned task, as well as the abovementioned objects and others that will be more evident hereinbelow, are achieved by a fence structure according to appended claim 1. US2003222257A1 and US4149701A disclose fence structures according to the state of the art.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages will be clearer from the detailed description of a fence structure according to the invention, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the enclosed drawings, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a fence structure not according to the invention; figure 2 is a side view of the fence structure not according to the invention; figure 3 is a front view of the fence structure not according to the invention; figure 3a is an enlarged-scale illustration of the profile of an upright not according to the present invention, at the height of the respective housing holes; figure 4 is a perspective view of a further aspect of the fence structure not according to the invention; figure 5 is a partially sectional view of an example of installation of the fence structure not according to the invention; figure 6 is a partially sectional view of another example of installation of the fence structure not according to the invention; figure 7 is a partially sectional view of a further example of installation of the fence structure not according to the invention; figures 8 and 9 are, respectively, a side view and a top view with covers removed of another fence according to the present invention; figure 10 is a side view of a detail of an upright for the fence of fig. 8 before a respective tab or ear has been bent; figure 11 is an enlarged-scale illustration of the profile of the upright of fig. 10 at the height of the respective housing holes; figure 12 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of the fence of fig. 8; figures 13 and 14 are respectively a side view and a top view with covers removed of another fence according to the present invention; figure 15 is a side view of another fence according to the present invention; figure 16 is an enlarged-scale view of an upright for the fence of fig. 15.

[0020] With reference to the abovementioned figures, reference number 1 overall indicates a fence structure.

[0021] The fence structure 1 is essentially composed of a plurality of transverse elements 2 supported by uprights 3 intended to be vertically fixed in the ground, or fixed to another support.

[0022] According to the present invention, in the fence structure 1, the uprights 3 are constituted by first tubular metallic sections with substantially rectilinear axis, if desired closed on the upper part by removable covers 4 which preferably have substantially conical form.

[0023] Alternatively, the covers 4 can have different form, or they can be substituted by a saddle-like working (see, for example, figures 15 and 16) if the fence structure 1 also provides for an upper level of transverse elements 2, in which case the upright or uprights 3 delimit a substantially U-shaped seat facing upward for the abutment of an end 2a or of a section of one or more transverse elements 2.

[0024] In the present case, the uprights 3 are made of COR-TEN steel.

[0025] It is important to underline that the selection of the use of the COR-TEN steel allows intervening on the territory with minimal environmental or landscape impact, without however sacrificing the strength characteristics and ease of assembly.

[0026] In the present case, the transverse elements 2 are instead composed of wood beams which are constrained to the uprights 3 by arranging them on one or more superimposed horizontal rows, possibly associating vertical rods 7 therewith (see fig. 13) that are regularly spaced from each other.

[0027] It will nevertheless be clear to the man skilled in the art that, in accordance with the different needs, the transverse elements 2 could also assume other configurations, which still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] For example, the transverse elements 2 could be constituted by second tubular metallic sections with axis that is substantially rectilinear and, during use, horizontal, or by further tubular bodies made of COR-TEN steel, or another material with analogous characteristics.

[0029] COR-TEN steel, as is known, is a low-alloy steel, for example with 0.2-0.55% by weight of copper, 0.3-1.5% by weight of chromium and 0.1-0.2% by weight of phosphorus. Such steel tends to be self-protected from electrochemical corrosion by means of the formation of a passivating compact surface patina, constituted by oxides of its alloy elements, such to prevent the progressive extension of the corrosion; such film has a varied tonality with the passage of time and usually has brown color.

[0030] Advantageously, the uprights and / or the transverse elements are made of COR-TEN steel, type A, which has a chemical composition as indicated hereinbelow: C <= 0.12; Mn 0.20 ÷ 0.50; P 0.07 ÷ 0.15; S <= 0.035; Si 0.25 ÷ 0.75; Cu 0.25 ÷ 0.55; Cr 0.30 ÷ 1.25; Ni <= 0.65 in which the % are by weight.

[0031] In other situations, not according to the invention, the transverse elements 2 could instead consist of metallic ropes, or other containment bodies such as nets, grates, windbreak panels and still other items.

[0032] In the case of transverse elements 2 constituted by wood beams, or by second metallic sections, these can be constrained to the uprights 3 through a suitable series of housing holes 5, or grooves, made on the first metallic sections in a manner such to receive the end or a section of the same transverse elements 2 for a pre-established length.

[0033] More particularly, according to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in figure, the uprights 3 delimit a first hole 5a or a row of housing holes 5 that are vertically offset on a first side 3a, each employed for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of a first section of a first transverse element or for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of an end 2a of a first transverse element, and at least one second hole 5b on a second side or opposite side 3b for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of a second section of the first transverse element or for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of an end 2a of a second transverse element 2 situated on the opposite side with respect to a first transverse element with respect to the upright 3.

[0034] Advantageously, each first housing hole 5a on a first side 3a of an upright will substantially be aligned with a second housing hole 5b on a second side 3b of such upright 2, such that each first transverse element 2 will be substantially aligned with a second transverse element 2 and, more particularly, the free end 2a of a first transverse element fitted in a first hole 5a will be facing and directed towards the free end 2a of a second transverse element fitted in a second hole 5b aligned with the first hole 5a (see in particular figures 9 and 13).

[0035] Alternatively, each transverse element could be fitted so as to project from both sides 3a, 3b of an upright, i.e. a transverse element 2 would be engaged within an upright 3 starting from a first housing hole 5a so as to pass through the axial opening 5c of the upright 2, traversing a second housing hole 5b on a second side 3b of the upright 3 and projecting therefrom.

[0036] In substance, the uprights 3 comprise a tubular body internally defining an axial opening 3c, into which both the first housing holes 5a and the second housing holes 5b open; the uprights 3 can be used for supporting different transverse elements 2 aligned two-by-two at the respective sides 3a, 3b, or a transverse element or a row of transverse elements that are vertically offset with respect to each other, which traverse the entire axial opening 3c, projecting from both sides 3a, 3b of the upright 3.

[0037] For such purpose, it is considered that the section of the first metallic sections, i.e. of the uprights 3, could in this case be greater than or equal to the section of the transverse elements 2.

[0038] The fixing of the transverse elements 2 to the uprights 3 is completed by means of suitable removable locking means, i.e. screws, bolts or rivets, in particular self-perforating screws, capable of perforating and creating the respective threaded seat, even in steel.

[0039] The uprights 3 can be obtained starting from a sheet of COR-TEN steel which is bent so as to bring opposite borders into flanking, adjacent position, and then the two borders are welded together. Subsequently, two or more housing holes 5 are formed, e.g. circular, square or polygonal, each set for allowing the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of an end of a transverse element 2.

[0040] The uprights 3 preferably have circular section, but clearly they can also have different section.

[0041] Advantageously, the fence structure 1 can be made with components of different length, in a manner such that they can be better adapted to any need.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a fence structure 1 in which at least one part of the uprights 3 is equipped with illumination means 6, integrated or housed therein.

[0043] In the present case, the illumination means 6 can be constituted by a series of lamps or LEDs housed within first metallic sections equipped with at least one slit or groove, which constitutes a portion adapted to allow the outflow of the light or to house the illumination means 6.

[0044] In accordance with requirements, the illumination means 6 can be positioned in the lower part of the uprights 3, in this case acting like step-lights, as illustrated in figure 4, or they can be situated substantially at the upper end of the uprights 3 in a manner such to illuminate wider areas. Alternatively, the illumination means 6 could be installed in the transverse elements 2, in particular if the latter are made of steel.

[0045] In the second case, the height of the uprights 3 which mount the illumination means 6 can be suitably modified.

[0046] The use and installation of the fence structure according to the present invention is simple and easy.

[0047] The structure is initially disassembled and its assembly starts with the installation of the uprights 3, which represent the essential elements for supporting the entire structure and which, due to their particular characteristics, can be laid in various ways.

[0048] More in detail, a first mode of installation of the uprights 3 provides for the obtainment of suitable foundations attained by making holes on the ground, e.g. with mechanical drills, within which the same uprights 3 are positioned which will subsequently be embedded in the concrete, as illustrated in figure 5.

[0049] A further laying mode instead provides for the fixing of the uprights 3 on concrete curbs or directly on rocky beds, as illustrated in figure 6, possibly by employing diamond cutters, e.g. of cup cutter type.

[0050] Alternatively, it is possible to fix the uprights 3 directly on the ground, as illustrated in figure 7, for example by employing suitable pile-driver machines, which are also advantageously equipped with laser alignment devices.

[0051] Once the uprights 3 are laid, it is possible to complete the structure by also mounting the transverse elements 2.

[0052] If the transverse elements 2 are constituted by wood beams, or by second metallic sections, these are partially inserted in the holes 5 and subsequently fixed by means of the abovementioned locking means.

[0053] The installation is completed by wiring the illumination means 6, if present.

[0054] With detailed reference now to figures 8 to 14, a fence structure 1 according to the present invention is illustrated, with one or more uprights 3 which, at a respective housing hole 5 of an end 2a or of a section of a transverse element 2 and / or at a saddle-like end or upper head for the abutment of an end 2a or of a section of a transverse element 2, has at least one ear or tab or tongue 3d, made integrally with the upright. Such tab 3d delimits at least one third through hole 3e.

[0055] The ear or tab 3d, during use or better yet after having inserted a section or an end 2a of a transverse element 2 in a hole 5 or having abutted such end or section on a saddle-like end or upper head 3g, substantially encloses or flanks the end 2a or the engaged or abutted section of such transverse element 2. If desired, the tab is aligned with or lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of such end 2a or section of the transverse element 2 or in any case parallel to the direction of extension of the transverse element between the upright comprising the tab itself and an adjacent upright.

[0056] The locking means comprise at least one screw or bolt or rivet 3f engaged in the third through hole 3e and in the transverse element 2, and such screw or bolt or rivet 3f is inserted in a direction, during use, preferably substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the transverse element 2 or of the end 2a or of the engaged or abutted section thereof. The screw or bolt or rivet 3f is, during use, also substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the tab 3d. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the screw or bolt or rivet 3f is, during use, horizontal or vertical (see also figure 15).

[0057] Advantageously, the third through hole 3e has central symmetry axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the transverse element 2 or of the end 2a or of the section thereof engaged in the respective housing hole 5 or abutted against a saddle-like end or upper head 3g, and hence, in substance, orthogonal to the longitudinal central symmetry axis of the respective housing hole 5.

[0058] More particularly, one or each ear or tab 3d is projectingly extended starting from a portion of the delimitation edge of a respective housing hole 5 or delimitation edge of a saddle-like end or upper head 3g.

[0059] In such case, one or more uprights 3 can have at least one bendable ear or tab 3d, advantageously movable or bendable, e.g. by means of a tool such as a gripper, between a first position in which the tab 3d is substantially aligned with the edge of the upright (see fig. 10) delimiting the housing hole 5 or the saddle-like end or upper head 3g, and a second constraining position (see fig. 8), in which the tab 3d is arranged in tilted position with respect to the first position and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the upright 3 as well as parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the transverse element 2 or to the direction of extension of the transverse element between the upright comprising the tab itself and an adjacent upright.

[0060] With regard instead to figures 15 and 16, in detail, these relate to a fence similar to those described above, but provided with uprights 3 also with a saddle-like end or upper head 3g for the abutment of an end 2a or of a section of a transverse element 2. In such case, at least one upright 3 is provided with tabs or ears or tongues 3d as indicated above at the saddle-like end or upper head 3g and / or at one or more housing holes 5.

[0061] Moreover, in such case, the fence 1 could also be provided with belt or "tie" elements 8, each intended to be constrained, if desired by means of snap insertion or by means of screws or the like 9, at its respective ends to opposite sections of a saddle-like end or upper head 3g of an upright 3, so as to fasten and firmly constrain to such upright, a section or an end of one or more transverse elements 2 abutted against the saddle-like end or upper head 3g.

[0062] In order to obtain an upright 3 according to the present invention, one can bend a flat plate until a tubular component is obtained with free edges side-by-side, and then weld together the free edges of the flat plate; subsequently, one removes material from the upright, e.g. via laser, so as to form the housing hole(s) 5 or the saddle-like end or upper head as well as the ear(s) or tab(s) 3d.

[0063] In order to assemble a fence according to the present invention after having arranged a plurality of transverse elements 2 and a plurality of uprights 3, an end 2a of a transverse element 2 is inserted in a housing hole 5 of an upright or an end 2a of a transverse element is arranged in abutment against a saddle-like end or upper head of an upright or a section of transverse element 2 is engaged in two aligned housing holes 5a, 5b and then the locking means are inserted.

[0064] Then one bends the ear(s) 3d so as to arrange them so that each substantially encloses or flanks a respective end 2a or lateral section of a transverse element 2 and is aligned with or lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the transverse element 2 or to the direction of extension of the transverse element between the upright comprising the tab itself and an adjacent upright. Subsequently, the screw(s) or bolt(s) or rivet(s) 3f is / are engaged in the third through hole 3e and in a respective transverse element 2 so as to constrain the latter to the upright 3. Such solution ensures an easy insertion as well as a correct positioning of the locking means, since the presence of the tab allows arranging the screw, the bolt or the rivet substantially with axis orthogonal to the transverse element 2 and to the tab 3d (see in particular fig. 12), while without the tabs, the screw would have to be engaged starting from a curved section of an upright and hence would be engaged substantially tilted in a transverse element, i.e. with extension axis of a respective stem tilted for an acute angle with respect to the transverse element.

[0065] It has in practice been established that the fence structure according to the invention fully accomplishes the pre-established task, since it comes to substitute normal wood fences that over time require considerable maintenance and in any case must be replaced in the long term; simultaneously, such fence structure shows particular aesthetic quality.

[0066] In particular, the fence structure according to the invention has proven to be quite resistant to weathering agents, practically maintenance-free, always ordered with regard to positioning as well as quite simple and quick to install.

[0067] In addition thereto, the fence structure according to the invention has proven to have little impact both on the landscape and on the environment.

[0068] Another advantage of the fence structure according to the invention consists of the fact that if installed along paths that wind through poorly-illuminated areas, it allows solving the problems of poor visibility.

[0069] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent sizes and shapes, can be of any type in accordance with the requirements and the state of the art.

Claims

1. Fence structure, comprising a plurality of transverse elements (2) arranged on one or more superimposed horizontal rows and supported by vertical uprights (3), whereby said uprights (3) are constituted by first tubular metallic sections with substantially rectilinear axis, characterized in that said first metallic sections (3) are made of COR-TEN steel, and in that said first metallic sections (3) comprise one or a series of housing holes (5) within which the end (2a) of one of said transverse elements (2) is insertable, wherein it comprises locking means (3f) for locking said transverse elements (2) to said first metallic sections (3), wherein at least one upright (3), at a respective housing hole (5) of an end (2a) or of a section of a transverse element (2) and / or at a saddle-like end or upper head (3g) for the abutment of an end (2a) or of a section of a transverse element (2), has at least one ear or tab or tongue (3d) delimiting at least one third through hole (3e), wherein said locking means comprise at least one screw or bolt or rivet (3f) engaged in said third through hole (3e) and in said at least one transverse element (2), and wherein said at least one ear or tab or tongue (3d) substantially encloses or flanks the end (2a) or the fitted or abutted section of said transverse element (2), wherein said at least one ear or tab or tongue (3d) is projectingly extended starting from a portion of the delimitation edge of said at least one housing hole (5) or delimitation edge of said saddle-like end or upper head (3g), wherein said at least one ear or tab or tongue (3d) extends towards the outside of the respective upright (3).

2. Fence structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises illumination means (6) and in that said illumination means are integrated or housed in at least one part of said uprights (3) or of said transverse elements (2) and in that at least one portion of said first metallic sections (3) or of said transverse elements (2) has a slit or groove adapted to allow the outflow of the light produced by said illumination means (6) or to house said illumination means (6).

3. Fence structure, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said transverse elements (2) are constituted by second tubular metallic sections with substantially rectilinear axis.

4. Fence structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one upright (3) delimits at least one first hole (5a) or a row of first housing holes (5a) vertically offset on a first side (3a), each first hole (5a) being provided for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of a first section of a first transverse element (2) or for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of an end (2a) of a first transverse element (2) and at least one second hole (5b), or a row of second housing holes (5b) vertically offset on a second side or opposite side (3b), each second hole (5b) being provided for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of a second section of said first transverse element or for the insertion and anchorage or the constraining of an end (2a) of a second transverse element (2) situated on the opposite side with respect to the first transverse element (2) with respect to said at least one upright (3).

5. Fence structure according to any previous claim, wherein said at least one screw or bolt or rivet (3f) is inserted in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of said transverse element (2) or of the end (2a) or of the section of said transverse element (2) fitted in the housing hole (5, 5a, 5b) or abutted against said saddle-like end or upper head (3g).

6. Fence according to any previous claim, characterized in that said third through hole (3e), during use, has central symmetry axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of said transverse element (2) or of the end (2a) or of the section of said transverse element (2) fitted in the respective housing hole (5, 5a, 5b) or abutted against said saddle-like end or upper head (3g).

7. Fence according to any previous claim, characterized in that said at least one tab or ear (3d) is aligned with or lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of said end (2a) or section of said transverse element (2) fitted in the respective housing hole (5, 5a, 5b) or abutted against said saddle-like end or upper head (3g).

8. Fence according to any previous claim, characterized in that said at least one screw or bolt or rivet (3f) is, during use, horizontal.

9. Fence according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first metallic sections (3) are made of COR-TEN steel with the following composition: - 0.2-0.55% by weight of copper, 0.3-1.5% by weight of chromium and 0.1-0.2% by weight of phosphorus, or - C <= 0.12, Mn 0.20 ÷ 0.50, P 0.07 ÷ 0.15, S <= 0.035, Si 0.25 ÷ 0.75, Cu 0.25 ÷ 0.55, Cr 0.30 ÷ 1.25 and Ni <= 0.65, in which the percentages are by weight.

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