Lattice wire mat fence

Abstract

A wire mesh fence (1), comprising at least fence posts (2) and fence panels (3) arranged between two fence posts and attached to the fence posts, wherein the fence panels consist of bars (4 or 5) arranged vertically and horizontally to the ground and connected at intersection points, and are attached or attachable to the fence post (2) by means of holders, wherein within the area defined by the horizontal and vertical bars (4 or 5)5) formed fields (6) a protective element (7) is arranged, and the protective element (7) is formed by a flexible molded part whose length and width are only slightly smaller than the length and width of the fields (6), wherein each protective element (7) has means for clamping onto the parallel double bars, wherein connecting means are further formed on each short end face of the protective element (7) by means of which two longitudinally successive protective elements (7) can be connected or joined together.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wire mesh fence, comprising at least fence posts and fence panels arranged between two fence posts and attached to the fence posts, wherein the fence panels consist of bars arranged vertically and horizontally to the ground and connected at intersection points, and are attached or can be attached to the fence post by means of holders, wherein the horizontally running bars of the fence panel each form a double bar from two parallel bars arranged next to each other, opposite each other on a vertically arranged bar, wherein a protective element is arranged within the fields formed by the horizontal and vertical bars.

[0002] Such fences are widely used in the art and are employed to demarcate both private and commercial properties. To prevent unwanted views into properties enclosed by such mesh panel fences, these fences often feature protective elements arranged in the panels formed by the vertical and horizontal bars.

[0003] In a prior art solution, textile strips, approximately the width of a corresponding panel, are attached between the horizontal bars, alternating between the front and back of the adjacent vertical bars, in a threading-like fashion. This solution is susceptible to high wind forces and offers very limited design options. This means that such a solution can only be customized in terms of color. Furthermore, the lifespan of such a privacy screen is very limited.

[0004] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to create a wire mesh fence with a protective element, wherein the protective element is particularly quick and easy to assemble and can be installed quickly and easily by laypersons without the aid of special tools, wherein the resistance of the protective element to wind is significantly increased compared to existing solutions, and its surface can be designed as desired, which can also be subsequently disassembled and replaced as a single part, thus enabling a long service life with cost-effective and simple manufacturing.

[0005] To solve this problem, the invention proposes that the protective element is formed by a flexible molded part whose length and width are only slightly smaller than the length and width of the fields, wherein each protective element has means for clamping onto the parallel double bars, and wherein connecting means are further formed on each short end face of the protective element by means of which two longitudinally successive protective elements can be connected or joined together.

[0006] The arrangement of such a flexible molded part according to the invention as a protective element enables quick and easy installation in each section formed by the horizontal and vertical bars of the wire mesh fence. For installation, the flexible molded part simply needs to be slightly bent by hand when inserted into the corresponding section. It then returns to its original shape due to the self-releasing effect of the previous bend, almost completely filling the section and resting against the edges formed by the horizontal and vertical bars, thus providing adequate privacy. According to the invention, the protective elements, arranged longitudinally, can be connected to each other to increase stability and secure hold within the section.It is possible to remove individual protective elements at any time, even at a later date, and to replace them with similar elements if they are damaged. It is also possible to combine protective elements with different designs to achieve the desired visual appearance.

[0007] These flexible molded parts are not only particularly quick and easy to install, even by laypersons, but also boast a particularly long lifespan while being cost-effective to manufacture. In addition to protecting against unwanted views, these protective elements also offer protection from wind, rain, noise, and sunlight.

[0008] In particular, it may be especially preferred that the connection of two longitudinally successive protective elements takes place in a space formed between the parallel bars of a double bar.

[0009] The connecting elements arranged on the short end faces of the protective element are, in the intended mounting position—that is, the position in which a protective element is arranged within a field—located in the space formed between the parallel bars of a double bar and are therefore no longer visible to an observer from the outside. Thus, the connecting elements according to the invention significantly increase the stability of the interconnected protective elements and, at the same time, do not create any connecting elements that are visible to the observer and could potentially be distracting.

[0010] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the connecting means are formed by locking means projecting longitudinally from the end face of the protective elements, wherein the locking means of the first end face are designed corresponding to the locking means of the second end face of the protective element.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means are formed by snap-fit ​​elements projecting from the end faces. Snap-fit ​​elements are formed on a first end face, corresponding to the snap-fit ​​elements of the second end face, and are connected or connectable to them. This means, for example, that the first snap-fit ​​element is a hook-like projection that engages in a corresponding recess formed by the second snap-fit ​​element and engages, for example, an undercut there, so that the protective elements connected in this way exhibit high stability and can withstand, in particular, wind forces or the like. Such a connection also makes damage to the connected protective elements, for example by vandalism, at least more difficult.

[0012] It may be particularly preferred that the locking means projecting at the front are designed to be tapered in diameter towards their free end.

[0013] Such a tapering design enables, on the one hand, insertion into the space between a double bar and, on the other hand, a secure hold on the respective bar to which the locking device rests.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the protective elements are enlarged in diameter in an area close to their longitudinal end faces, wherein the enlarged diameter is larger than the distance between the bars of a double bar.

[0015] Such an enlarged diameter area provides a stop for the two rods of the double bar and also prevents the protective element from shifting unintentionally into the space between the rods. This ensures that only the connecting elements, such as those formed by locking mechanisms, are located within this space and can be connected there. This secures the protective elements within their respective sections and increases the overall stability of the privacy screen formed from multiple protective elements. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous for the protective elements to be made of plastic.

[0016] The use of plastic for protective elements is, on the one hand, a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture solution and, on the other hand, is particularly resistant to weather-related wear, so that the service life of such plastic protective elements is particularly long.

[0017] It may also be particularly preferred that the protective elements have any surface structure, such as a wood structure, and any color.

[0018] By designing any desired surface structure, it is possible to meet the consumer's wishes, for example, to produce extremely durable and robust protective elements that, although made of plastic, give the viewer the impression of being made of wood or stone or similar materials other than plastic.

[0019] This also allows for the design to be in any color.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the protective elements have recesses or openings evenly distributed across their surface.

[0021] The inclusion of appropriate cutouts or openings allows the use of these protective elements even in areas with frequent strong winds. The size and number of these cutouts or openings can be varied, adapting the design to the expected wind conditions. This means that in areas with higher wind speeds, the protective elements can have more and larger cutouts or openings than, for example, in areas with low wind speeds.

[0022] Finally, it may be particularly preferred that an end cap is arranged on or at each free longitudinal end face of the protective elements and is attached or attachable there.

[0023] Such an end cap provides an optical finish to the respective free end faces, i.e., on the top and, if applicable, the bottom of the correspondingly arranged visible elements, and also enables a secure hold of the adjacent protective element on the double bar in this area.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and described as follows.

[0025] It shows: Figure 1 shows a section of a wire mesh fence according to the invention, including fence posts, fence panels, and protective elements; Figures 2 to 5 show a protective element according to the invention in various views; Figure 6 shows a close-up of the section E. Figure 1 Figure 7, the enlarged section G of the Figure 1 Figure 8, the enlarged section A of the Figure 1 Figure 9, the enlarged section B of the Figure 1 Figure 10, the enlarged section C of the Figure 1 .

[0026] The figures show essential parts of a welded wire mesh fence 1. The welded wire mesh fence 1 consists of fence posts 2 and fence panels 3 arranged between two fence posts 2 and attached to the fence posts 2. The fence panels 3 consist of vertically oriented bars 4 and horizontally oriented bars 5. The vertical and horizontal bars 4 and 5 are connected to each other at their intersections. The horizontally oriented bars 5 form a double bar by means of two bars 5 arranged parallel to each other horizontally. The individual bars 5 of the double bar are spaced apart by the diameter of the vertically oriented bar 4. The fence panels 3 are attached, or can be attached, to the fence posts 2 by means of brackets in a manner known per se. A protective element 7 can be, or is, arranged in the respective fields 6 formed by the horizontal and vertical bars 5 and 4, respectively.According to the invention, each protective element 7 is formed by a flexible molded part whose length and width are only slightly smaller than the length and width of the respective field 6. Each protective element 7 has means for clamping it to the parallel rods 5, which form a double rod. Furthermore, connecting means are provided on each short end face of the protective element 7, by means of which two longitudinally successive protective elements 7 can be connected to one another.

[0027] The connection of two longitudinally successive protective elements 7 takes place in a space formed between the parallel bars 5 of the double bar, so that the connection itself and the connecting means in the intended mounting position are concealed by the horizontally running bars 5 and are therefore not visible to the observer from the outside.

[0028] This enhances the overall aesthetic impression of a wire mesh fence 1 according to the invention.

[0029] According to the invention, in the exemplary embodiment, the connecting means are formed by locking elements 8a, 8b projecting longitudinally from the end faces of the protective elements 7. First locking elements 8a are formed on the first end face of each protective element 7, corresponding to second locking elements 8b formed on the second end face of the protective element 7. This means that the locking elements 8a, 8b are formed, for example, by projections with hooks that engage in corresponding recesses or hooks of the respective corresponding locking element 8a, 8b, or engage behind it, in order to fasten the two parts, in this case two longitudinally abutting protective elements 7, together.

[0030] Protective elements 7 connected in this way can withstand high wind forces and, to a certain extent, damage from vandalism. Furthermore, such connectors can be joined together by laypersons without the aid of special tools within a very short time, so that the protective elements 7 can be attached to any point, or in any section 6 of a wire mesh fence 1, and can also be removed later. Replacing a damaged protective element 7, for example, is also quick and easy in this way.

[0031] To facilitate assembly, the end-projecting locking elements 8a and 8b are tapered in diameter towards their free ends (at 9). This further simplifies assembly and, in particular, insertion into the space between the double bars. This is further supported by the insertion chamfers formed at the free ends of the locking elements 8a and 8b. To ensure a particularly secure hold of the protective elements 7 within the field 6, the diameter of the protective elements 7 is increased in the area near their longitudinal end faces (at 10). The increased diameter (at 10) is larger than the distance between two parallel bars 5 that form a double bar. Thus, unintentional slippage through the gap between the bars 5 of a double bar is effectively prevented when the protective elements 7 are attached vertically between two horizontal bars.The protective elements 7 each engage only with their connecting means or locking means 8a,8b in the space between two parallel bars 5 of a double bar and are connected in this area to the respective adjacent connecting means or locking means 8a,8b of another protective element 7 in order to couple the two protective elements 7 to each other.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the protective elements 7 are made of plastic. WPC has proven to be a particularly preferred plastic for this purpose in practice. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment not shown, the protective elements 7 can be designed in two parts. This means that, for example, another material is used in combination with plastic between two horizontal bars 5 of a field 6. For this, a rigid material such as wood, stone, marble, metal, or the like can be used, in which the ends, which have the connecting elements or locking elements 8a, 8b, are made of plastic to allow the necessary flexibility for connecting two consecutive protective elements 7.

[0033] Furthermore, the protective elements 7 can have any surface structure, such as a wood texture, and any color. Using protective elements 7 designed in this way, any motifs can be displayed on a wire mesh fence 1 according to the invention. Such motifs can be, for example, names or company names, or even company logos consisting of different colors.

[0034] To enable the use of the protective elements 7 according to the invention even in areas with high wind speeds, the protective elements 7 can have recesses or openings of various sizes evenly distributed across their surface. The size and number of the recesses or openings depend on the area of ​​application and the prevailing wind loads in that area.

[0035] Furthermore, an end cap can be placed and attached to all free end faces, i.e., to the uppermost and lowermost protective elements 7 in the area where no subsequent protective element 7 is located. This increases the stability at this connection point, i.e., at this double bar, and provides a visually striking finish while ensuring a secure hold.

[0036] In the area of ​​the first field 6 at the fence post 2, the mesh panel fences 1 according to the invention often have a field width that is, for example, only half of a normal width.

[0037] Protective elements 7 according to the invention can also be used for this purpose, wherein their width is reduced accordingly and the number of corresponding locking means 8a and 8b is adjusted accordingly.

[0038] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is variable in many ways within the scope of the disclosure.

[0039] All new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawing are considered essential to the invention. Reference symbol list:

[0040] 1) Welded wire mesh fence 2) Fence post 3) Fence panels 4) Vertical bars 5) Horizontal bars 6) Panel 7) Protective element 8a) Locking device on first end face of 7 8b) Locking device on second end face of 7 8) Tapering at 8 9) Increased diameter 10) End cap

Claims

1. A wire mesh fence (1), comprising at least fence posts (2) and fence panels (3) arranged between two fence posts (2) and attached to the fence posts (2), wherein the fence panels (3) consist of bars (4 or 5) arranged vertically and horizontally to the ground and connected at their intersections, and are attached or attachable to the fence posts (2) by means of brackets, wherein the horizontally extending bars (5) of the fence panel (3) each form a double bar from two bars (5) arranged parallel to each other, opposite each other on a vertically arranged bar (4), wherein a protective element (7) is arranged within the fields (6) formed by the horizontal and vertical bars (4 or 5), characterized by the fact thatthe protective element (7) is formed by a flexible molded part whose length and width are only slightly smaller than the length and width of the fields (6), wherein each protective element (7) has means for clamping onto the parallel double bars, wherein connecting means are further formed on each short end face of the protective element (7) by means of which two longitudinally successive protective elements (7) can be connected or joined together.

2. Wire mesh fence (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connection of two longitudinally successive protective elements (7) takes place in a space formed between the parallel bars (5) of a double bar.

3. Wire mesh fence (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe connecting means are formed by locking means (8a, 8b) projecting longitudinally from the end faces of the protective elements (7), wherein the locking means (8a) of the first end face correspond to the locking means (8b) of the second end face of the protective element (7).

4. Wire mesh fence (1), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the locking means (8a, 8b) projecting at the front (at 9) are tapered in diameter towards their free end (at 9).

5. Wire mesh fence (1), according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the protective elements (7) are enlarged in diameter in an area close to their longitudinal end faces (at 10), wherein the enlarged diameter (at 10) is larger than the distance between the parallel bars (5) of a double bar.

6. Wire mesh fence (1), according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the protective elements (7) are made of plastic.

7. Wire mesh fence (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the protective elements (7) may have any surface structure such as a wood structure and any color.

8. Wire mesh fence (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the protective elements (7) have recesses or openings evenly distributed across their surface.

9. Wire mesh fence (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that An end cap (11) is arranged on or at each free longitudinal end face of the protective elements (7) and is attached or attachable there.

Images