One-piece connecting piece for fencing, method for manufacturing such a connecting piece, and fencing comprising at least one such connecting piece

Abstract

ONE-PIECE CONNECTION PIECE FOR FENCE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH A CONNECTION PIECE, AND FENCE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH A CONNECTION PIECE. The invention relates in particular to a one-piece connection piece (1, 1') for a fence, comprising a first tubular portion (10, 10') with a closed cross-section, extending along a longitudinal axis (X), having a first end (101, 101') adapted to cooperate with a fitting (E) for fixing to a vertical post of said fence, and a second end (102, 102') extended by a second tubular portion (11, 11') with an open cross-section, adapted to cooperate with a peripheral portion of the frame of a panel arranged between two posts of said fence. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: ONE-PIECE CONNECTING PIECE FOR FENCE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A CONNECTING PIECE AND FENCE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH CONNECTING PIECE 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of fences.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the connection of panels to vertical posts of a fence.

[0003] The invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a part for connecting panels to vertical posts of a fence.

[0004] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a method of manufacturing such connecting parts.

[0005] The invention further relates, according to a third aspect, to a fence comprising at least one such manufacturing part for connecting a panel to the vertical post. 2. Prior art

[0006] Fences are commonly used to demarcate the edges of plots of land and / or to secure access to them.

[0007] A fence is generally made up of a succession of posts, the lower end of which is secured to the ground generally in such a way that they extend essentially vertically, and at least one separation element secured between two successive posts.

[0008] There is a wide variety of separation elements among which are known in particular:

[0009] - rigid meshes, made up of a lattice of vertical and horizontal wires;

[0010] - barred grids, consisting of a partial frame (upper and lower tubes) connected by bars;

[0011] - decorative panels, consisting of a frame containing a solid or lo plate carefully hollowed out so as to define one or more decorative motifs;

[0012] - photovoltaic panels, consisting of at least one photovoltaic cell carried by a frame;

[0013] - etc.

[0014] It is known to use crosspieces (support and retaining) each end of which is connected, directly or by means of fixing ends, to a vertical post of the fence.

[0015] However, this technique is not fully satisfactory. There is therefore a need to provide a technique for connecting panels to vertical posts that is simple to use, inexpensive and can be implemented on different types of posts. 3. Summary of the invention

[0016] The proposed technique relates to a single-piece connecting piece for a fence, comprising a first tubular portion of closed cross-section, extending along a longitudinal axis, having a first end, capable of cooperating with a fixing end piece on a vertical post of the fence, and a second end extended by a second tubular portion of open cross-section, capable of cooperating with a peripheral portion of the frame of a panel arranged between two posts of the fence.

[0017] A “panel” means any separation element having at least upper and lower tubes connected to each other.

[0018] The proposed technique therefore makes it possible to exploit the structural rigidity of the panel, and more particularly of its frame, to ensure the connection of this panel to the vertical posts of the fence. The implementation of such single-piece connecting pieces therefore makes it possible to avoid the implementation of crosspieces, each end of which is connected, by means of a fixing end piece where appropriate, to a vertical post of the fence.

[0019] This results in particular in a reduction in the quantity of resources used for the manufacture of fences, and therefore in a reduction in their mass.

[0020] Such a connecting piece also makes it possible to simplify the assembly and maintenance of the fence equipped with it. 4. List of Figures

[0021] The proposed technique, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be more easily understood, in the light of the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and of the appended drawings among which:

[0022] - [Fig.l] and [Fig.2]: Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, in perspective views, a single-piece connecting part conforming to a first embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0023] - [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B] and [Fig.4]: Figures 3A, B and 4 illustrate, according to front views and in perspective respectively, a fence whose panels are connected to the vertical posts by means of parts conforming to the first embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0024] - [Fig.5] and [Fig.6]: Figures 5 and 6 are partial views of Figure 3 focused on connecting parts conforming to the first embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0025] - [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] is a partial view of [Fig.4] focused on one end of a connecting part conforming to the first embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0026] - [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] is a partial view of [Fig.4] focused on a part of fixing a grid;

[0027] - [Fig.9A] and [Fig.9B]: Figures 9A and 9B illustrate, according to schematic views in perspective and in cross-section respectively, a single-piece connecting piece according to a second embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0028] - [Fig.lOA] and [Fig.lOB]: Figures 10A and 10B illustrate, according to schematic views matics in perspective and in cross-section respectively, according to a schematic perspective view, a single-piece connecting part according to a third embodiment of the proposed technique; and

[0029] - [Fig. 11 A] and [Fig. 11B]: Figures 11A and 11B illustrate, according to schematic views matics in perspective and in cross-section respectively, according to a schematic perspective view, a single-piece connecting part according to a fourth embodiment of the proposed technique. 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] For the sake of clarity, the same elements are designated by the same references in the different figures. In addition, the terms orientation and positioning are used hereinafter to refer arbitrarily to an installed position of the fence, when the latter is fixed, directly or indirectly, to the ground and extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the ground, so as to be arranged substantially vertically.

[0031] 5.1 Description of an illustrative embodiment

[0032] A first embodiment of the proposed technique is illustrated below, treated as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, with the support of figures 1 to 8.

[0033] In the example illustrated, in figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 in particular, the connecting piece 1 comprises a first tubular portion 10 of square cross-section.

[0034] The second tubular portion 11' of the connecting piece 1 corresponds to the extension of two adjacent sides of the first tubular portion 10. The second tubular portion 11 thus has an open cross-section having a substantially “L” shape.

[0035] In this example, the second tubular portion 11 has a plurality of orifices 112 for the passage of fixing means intended to be inserted into the frame 21 of the panel 2.

[0036] The second tubular portion 11 has a length Lu of between 40 and 70 cm, preferably between 50 and 60 cm, for example 58 cm in the example illustrated.

[0037] Obviously, the length Lnde second tubular portion 11 is determined as a function of the length L2 of the fence panel 2. In order to ensure an efficient connection of the panel 2 to a connection piece 1, it is recommended that the length Lnde second tubular portion corresponds to a value between 20 and 30% of the length L2 of the fence panel 2, as illustrated in Figure 3 in particular.

[0038] The proposed technique also relates, according to another aspect, to a method of manufacturing two identical single-piece connecting parts 1 in accordance with this first embodiment.

[0039] Such a manufacturing method comprises in particular the following main steps: - providing a tube having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end;

[0040] - at a predetermined distance from the first end of the tube, at least one first transverse cut of said tube, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, so as to delimit the first tubular portion 10 of a first connecting piece 1;

[0041] - at a predetermined distance from the second end of the tube, at least one second transverse cut of the tube, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, so as to delimit the first tubular portion 10 of a second connecting piece 1, said at least one second transverse cut is opposite said at least one first transverse cut so as to ensure a head-to-tail arrangement;

[0042] - from each end of said at least first transverse cutout, or said at least one second transverse cut, a longitudinal cut of the tube, along the longitudinal axis X, up to one end of said at least one second transverse cut, or of said at least first transverse cut respectively, so as to delimit the second tubular portions 11 of the first and second connecting pieces 1.

[0043] Obviously, the cutting steps can be carried out via a continuous cutting operation, i.e. by alternating transverse and longitudinal cuts, or discontinuous, i.e. by first carrying out the transverse cuts and then the longitudinal cuts, or vice versa.

[0044] The manufacturing method further comprises a step of drilling orifices 112 for the passage of fixing means on the second tubular portions 11 of the first and second connecting parts 1.

[0045] Such a drilling step is preferably carried out upstream of the cutouts, on the tube therefore, but can also be carried out downstream, on each of the two connection parts 1 in this case.

[0046] It appears that such a method makes it possible to ensure, from a single tube of suitable cross-section, the manufacture of two identical one-piece connecting pieces 1 arranged head to tail.

[0047] Such a manufacturing method therefore makes it possible to ensure rapid manufacturing of single-piece connecting parts in accordance with the proposed technique.

[0048] 5.2 Other illustrated embodiments

[0049] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate, in schematic perspective and cross-sectional views respectively, in a schematic perspective view, a single-piece connecting part according to a second embodiment of the proposed technique.

[0050] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the pattern of the opening of the open cross-section. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, only the differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0051] In this second embodiment, the second tubular portion 11' of the connecting piece 1' corresponds to the extension of two opposite sides of the first tubular portion 10' of square cross-section.

[0052] The second tubular portion 11' thus has a cross-section formed of two straight lines parallel to each other, that is to say substantially in the shape of an "11".

[0053] Again, the particular shape of the tubular portion 11' is such that it is possible, from a single tube of square section, to shape two connecting pieces 1', arranged head to tail, via a manufacturing method similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0054] The shape of the second tubular portion 11', which has two facing portions, makes it possible in particular to ensure engagement of the connecting piece 1' on each side of the panel frame. This can be used in particular to ensure effective fixing of the panel on the connecting piece 1', in particular by the use of fixing screws passing through the two opposite portions of the second tubular portion 11'.

[0055] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate, in schematic perspective and cross-sectional views respectively, a single-piece connecting part according to a third embodiment of the proposed technique.

[0056] In this third embodiment, the connecting piece differs from that of the first embodiment by the shape of its cross-sections. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, only the differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0057] In this third embodiment, the first tubular portion 10" of the connecting piece 1" has an annular cross section.

[0058] The second tubular portion 11" has a semicircular cross-section, i.e. substantially in the shape of a "C".

[0059] The semi-circular shape of the second tubular portion 11" is such that it is possible, from a single tube of annular section, to shape two connecting pieces 1", arranged head to tail, via a manufacturing method similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0060] A connecting piece in accordance with this third embodiment, which has substantially the same advantages as that of the first embodiment, is particularly interesting for all fences equipped with panels whose frame is formed of annular tubular portions, at least on the connection zones.

[0061] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate, in schematic perspective and cross-sectional views respectively, in a schematic perspective view, a single-piece connecting part according to a fourth embodiment of the proposed technique.

[0062] This fourth embodiment is distinguished from the second embodiment by the shape of its cross sections, and by extension, by the pattern of the opening of the open cross section. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, only the divergences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0063] In this fourth embodiment, the first tubular portion 10"' of the connecting piece 1"' has an annular cross-section.

[0064] The second tubular portion 11"' of the connecting piece 1"' corresponds to the extension of two opposite quarter circles of the first tubular portion 10" of annular cross section.

[0065] Again, the particular shape of the tubular portion 11"' is such that it is possible, from a single tube of annular section, to shape two connecting pieces 1"', arranged head to tail, via a manufacturing method similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0066] A connecting piece in accordance with this fourth embodiment, which has substantially the same advantages as that of the third embodiment, is particularly interesting for all fences equipped with panels whose frame is formed of annular tubular portions, at least on the connection zones.

[0067] 5.3 Other embodiments not illustrated and variant embodiments

[0068] In the example illustrated in relation to the first embodiment, the fence comprises, in the lower part, a rigid mesh consisting of a lattice of vertical and horizontal wires. Obviously, depending on the needs and / or topography of the land, it is possible to do without such fencing or to replace it with another separation element. For example, it may be possible to consider implementing a base plate allowing a better finish to the fence and protecting it, particularly during mowing.

[0069] In the various embodiments illustrated, the second tubular portions of the connecting pieces are defined so as to allow, from a single tube, two identical connecting pieces arranged head to tail to be shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the solid and empty portions of the open cross-sections may not be symmetrical. In such cases, any other manufacturing method, less optimized because it does not allow the simultaneous manufacturing of two identical connecting pieces, may be implemented. This may for example be the case when the tube from which the connecting piece is shaped has a rectangular cross-section.

[0070] In an embodiment not illustrated, the first tubular portion of the connecting piece has an oval cross-section. Such a shape makes it possible in particular to combine the simplicity of manufacture of the third embodiment and the effectiveness of maintenance of the fourth embodiment.

[0071] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different embodiments described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

[0072] According to different aspects, the proposed technique therefore presents all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen: - limit the use of resources for the manufacture of fences;

[0073] - reduce the mass of a fence;

[0074] - offer a versatile solution, adaptable to several types of panels fence,

[0075] - allow limited space requirements;

[0076] - guarantee significant longevity;

[0077] - limit manufacturing costs;

[0078] - guarantee simplicity of manufacture;

[0079] - etc.

Claims

Claims

1. One-piece connecting piece (1, 1') for a fence (C), characterized in that it comprises a first tubular portion (10, 10') of closed cross-section, extending along a longitudinal axis (X), having a first end (101, 10 / ), capable of cooperating with a fixing end piece (E) on a vertical post (P) of said fence, and a second end extended by a second tubular portion (11, 11') of open cross-section, capable of cooperating with a peripheral frame portion (21) of a panel (2) arranged between two posts of said fence.

2. Fence having at least one panel (2) and at least one connecting piece (1) according to claim 1 for connecting a frame portion (21) of said panel (2) to a vertical post (P).

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