Fuse pivot link fence post

Abstract

This fence post (3) comprises a core (13) defining the length of said post (3), a support (33) intended to accommodate a lateral side of a fence panel (5), and at least one connecting element (41) fixed on the core (13), said connecting element (41) cooperating by clipping with the support (33) so as to form a pivot connection (43) between the connecting element (41) and the support (33), the pivot connection (43) being parallel to the core (13). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Fence post with fusible pivot connection Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fences for delimiting exterior spaces, for example residential, professional, or even public.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to fence posts, and in particular to a post design allowing easy installation and high resistance to bad weather.

[0003] Generally speaking, the invention applies to any type of fence comprising an alternation of posts and panels. Previous techniques

[0004] Fences generally comprise a set of rectangular panels separated from each other by posts.

[0005] Each post is fixed to the ground by sealing or is anchored to the ground by screwing and generally holds two panels on either side of said post.

[0006] At the end of a fence, a post may only be in contact with a single panel. Similarly, a specific design of land plots may lead a post to support three or even four panels extending in a star shape from said post.

[0007] A panel generally comprises a set of slats, for example intended to be stacked horizontally when said panel is positioned mounted vertically in a fence.

[0008] Existing fence designs generally result from a compromise between ease of installation and weather resistance. For example, to obtain a fence one meter high and two meters long that can withstand winds from a direction transverse to said fence and having speeds of 140 kilometers per hour, corresponding to class 4 weather according to standard NF EN 12424, it is necessary to seal the posts to the ground or to a low wall. The ease of installation is therefore reduced compared to anchoring by screwing.

[0009] In addition, there is often a gap between a post and a panel, each panel generally being slid into a post by a first lateral side, and held by the insertion of a second lateral side into a second post. The presence of the gap, and more generally the absence of a reliable fixing between the post and the panel creates noise pollution and increased fragility of the fence.

[0010] If the latter gives way, it is also necessary to completely replace the panel and / or the post that has broken, resulting in an increase in costs, financial and material, and work to be undertaken to repair the damaged fence. Statement of the invention

[0011] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a post, or more generally a fence, which is weather-resistant, easy to install, easily repairable, and as modular as possible.

[0012] The present invention relates to a fence post comprising a core defining the length of said post, and a support intended to accommodate a lateral side of a fence panel, the post comprising at least one connecting element fixed to the core, said connecting element cooperating by clipping with the support so as to form a pivot connection between the connecting element and the support, the pivot connection being parallel to the core.

[0013] Thus, the presence of a connecting element cooperating by clipping with the fence panel support not only increases the resistance of the fence, by reducing the play between the post and a panel, and also makes it possible to obtain a fusible connection in the event of excessively severe weather. Indeed, the support can then be unclipped from the connecting element without damage. In addition, the connecting element can also break and is easily replaceable at low cost. The pivot connection also makes it possible to orient the panel at a particular angle relative to the post or relative to another panel accommodated on the other side of the post, for example in order to install a fence according to an original plot shape.

[0014] Advantageously, one of the connecting element or the support comprises a first element that is at least partially tubular, the other comprising a second element comprising two arms intended to grip the first element so as to form the pivot connection, the first element and the second element being clippable onto each other by deformation of the first element and / or the second element.

[0015] Advantageously, the pivot connection between the connecting element and the support covers an angular range greater than or equal to 90°, preferably greater than or equal to 45°.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the connecting element comprises two reinforcing arms extending on either side of the pivot connection.

[0017] In one embodiment, the core comprises at least one protrusion forming a groove extending longitudinally and into which the connecting element is slid so as to extend orthogonally relative to the core, the post comprising a fixing means, preferably a screw, fixing the connecting element to the core.

[0018] Advantageously, the core and the support are made of a material comprising aluminum, the connecting element being a fusible connecting element made of a material comprising plastic, preferably a material comprising polyamide, even more preferably a material comprising polyamide 6 and 30% glass fiber.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the post comprises between 2 and 10 connecting elements, preferably between 4 and 8 connecting elements, even more preferably between 4 and 6 connecting elements, the connecting elements being identical and fixed longitudinally along the core.

[0020] Advantageously, the post further comprises a plate and means for fixing the plate to one end of the core, the plate being configured to be screwed onto a ground or a low wall.

[0021] Advantageously, the support comprises a shoulder forming a slide intended to accommodate by longitudinal sliding the lateral side of the fence panel, or preferably the ends of slats forming the fence panel.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a fence comprising a plurality of posts as defined above, as well as panels positioned between each post, each post comprising on either side of the core at least one connecting element and a support, so that a post accommodates lateral sides of two panels positioned on either side of said post. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a portion of fence comprising posts according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] is a partially exploded view of a post of the fence illustrated in [Fig.l]; and

[0026] [Fig.3] is a view along the longitudinal axis of the post of [Fig.2] receiving a fence panel blade.

[0027] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0028] [Fig. 1] schematically shows a portion of fence 1 according to the invention. The portion of fence 1 comprises two posts 3 and a fence panel 5 1, the two lateral sides 7 of which are connected respectively to one of the two posts 3.

[0029] The lateral sides 7 are the vertical sides of the panel 5 when said panel 5 is in the erected state along the posts 3, namely in the vertical position.

[0030] The panel 5 comprises a stack of slats 9, in other words boards, for example stacked so that the longitudinal direction of each slat is horizontal when the fence 1 is installed to delimit a plot, in other words when the posts 3 and the panel 5 are positioned vertically.

[0031] A space 11 may remain between each blade 9 in order to be able to observe through the panel 5, or so that the wind can blow through it.

[0032] [Fig. 2] shows a partially exploded view of a post 3 according to the invention, while [Fig. 3] is a view along the longitudinal axis of the post 3 of [Fig. 2] receiving a blade 9 of panel 5 of fence 1.

[0033] The post 3 comprises a core 13 which defines the length of said post 3, the length of the post 3 being substantially equal to the length of a lateral side 7 of a panel 5 of the fence 1.

[0034] The core 13 is made of a material combining lightness and robustness. For example, the core 13 is made of a material comprising aluminum. The material comprises, for example, only aluminum.

[0035] The core 13 is for example in the form of a rectangular blade with a length defining the length of the post 3 and a width of between 1 and 20 centimeters. Its thickness is between 1 millimeter and 1 centimeter, preferably between 2 and 3 millimeters to combine lightness and robustness.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the core 13 is extended laterally by two flanges 15 orthogonal to the core 13, terminology borrowed from the field of frames and beams.

[0037] The two soles 15 are positioned parallel to each other and are connected by their center by the core 13.

[0038] The core 13 and the two soles 15 are made of the same material, are preferably made from a single block by extrusion, and define a general “I” shape.

[0039] Advantageously, the post 3 comprises a plate 17 and means 19 for fixing the plate to one end of the core 13 intended to be placed as close as possible to the ground.

[0040] The plate 17 is a metal plate, for example made of aluminum, and constitutes the base of a post 3.

[0041] The means 19 for fixing the core 13 to the plate are for example screws, preferably made of metal.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the fixing means are 4 screws positioned through orifices 21 made at the ends of the soles 15. The core 13 and the plate 17 are thus connected by means of the soles 15 and the fixing means 19.

[0043] The plate 17 is configured to be screwed onto a ground or onto a low wall. For this purpose, the plate 17 may comprise perforations 23, for example 4 perforations, intended to accommodate means (not shown) for fixing the plate 17 to the ground or to the low wall. The fixing means are for example screws or piles, preferably made of metal.

[0044] A screwable plate 17 is simple to fix to the ground or to a low wall compared to a plate to be sealed in the material of the ground or the low wall.

[0045] Although generally considered to be a weak anchoring compared to sealing, the screwing of the plate 17 to the ground or to a low wall proves for the present invention to be perfectly resistant to severe weather conditions such as winds of 140 km / h, and for panels 5 1 meter high and 3 meters wide, or for panels 5 2 meters high and 2 meters wide.

[0046] The present invention can perfectly function using a plate sealed in the ground or a low wall, although this embodiment is more complex to implement because it requires a masonry operation and sealing material.

[0047] The post 3 optionally includes a finishing cover 25 positioned on one side of the post 3 in order to give an aesthetic appearance to the post 3 while minimizing wind resistance and water infiltration.

[0048] The finishing cover 25 can be made of aluminum.

[0049] The finishing cover 25 is for example fixed to the core 13 by means of clips or of slides 27.

[0050] In addition, the post 3 optionally comprises a cap 29 (shown in [Fig.l]) covering the end of the core 13 distal to the ground.

[0051] The cap 29 is for example made of aluminum. It can be connected to the core 13 or to the soles 15 by means of clips 31.

[0052] The post 3 further comprises a support 33 intended to accommodate a lateral side 7 of a panel 5 of fence 1.

[0053] In the case, as illustrated, where the post 3 is in contact with two panels 5 of fence 1, the post 3 obviously comprises two supports 33 positioned on either side of the core 13. An embodiment where a post 3 is connected to a larger number of panels 5 is also obviously conceivable.

[0054] As illustrated, the support 33 is of length substantially equal to the length of the core 13.

[0055] The support 33 accommodates ends 35 of blades 9 forming the panel 5 of the fence 1. The blades 9 are for example made of aluminum.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the ends 35 of the blades 9 are made of plastic, preferably a material comprising polyamide, even more preferably a material comprising polyamide 6 and 30% glass fiber. Thus, the insertion of the ends 35 of the blades 9 into the support 33 is facilitated.

[0057] Advantageously, the support 33 comprises one or more shoulders 37 forming a slide intended to accommodate by longitudinal sliding the lateral side 7 of the panel 5 of the fence 1, or preferably the ends 35 of the blades 9 forming the panel 5 of the fence 1.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, each end 35 of blade 9 comprises a protrusion 39 configured to engage in the slide formed by the shoulders 37.

[0059] Thus, the blades 9 are fixed transversely to the support 33 without any play and without the need to add screws. The longitudinal locking of the blades 9 can be carried out naturally by the weight of the stack of blades 9 and / or by the positioning of the cap 29 above the last blade 9.

[0060] The post 3 further comprises at least one connecting element 41 fixed to the core 13.

[0061] The connecting element 41 cooperates by clipping, in other words by fitting, with the support 33 so as to form a pivot connection 43 between the connecting element 41 and the support 33, the pivot connection 43 being parallel to the core 13. The clipping can for example be carried out manually.

[0062] The connecting element 41 is of small dimensions compared to the length of the core 13. Its dimension along the longitudinal axis of the post 3 is for example less than 5 cm.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the post 3 comprises between 2 and 10 connecting elements 41, preferably between 4 and 8 connecting elements 41, even more preferably between 4 and 6 connecting elements 41, the connecting elements 41 being identical and fixed longitudinally along the core 13. Preferably, the concentration of connecting elements 41 is greater near the ends of the core 13 so as to stabilize the assembly of the post 3 and the fence 1.

[0064] Depending on the wishes of the operator installing the fence 1, a different number of connecting elements 41 can be installed in order to achieve a compromise between ease of installation and strength of the pivot connection 43.

[0065] Obviously, and in the case, as illustrated, where the post 3 is in contact with two panels 5 of fence 1, the post 3 comprises one or more connecting elements 41 positioned on either side of the core 13. An embodiment where a post 3 is connected to a larger number of panels 5 is obviously conceivable.

[0066] The pivot connection 43 is obtained by clipping and not only allows the resistance of the fence 1 to be increased, because it reduces the play between the post 3 and a panel 5, but also to be able to obtain a fusible connection in the event of excessively severe weather. In fact, the support 33 can then be unclipped from the connecting element 41 without damage.

[0067] Without further clarification, bad weather means meteorological conditions involving at least the presence of strong winds, for example with a speed greater than 80 km / h.

[0068] Advantageously, one of the connecting element 41 or the support 33 comprises a first element 45 that is at least partially tubular, the other comprising a second element 47 comprising two arms 49 intended to grip the first element 45 so as to form the pivot connection 43, the first element 45 and the second element 47 being clippable onto each other by deformation of the first element 45 and / or the second element 47.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 33 comprises the first element 45 which is at least partially tubular, while the connecting element 41 comprises the second element 47 with two arms 49 intended to grip the first element 45 so as to form the pivot connection 43.

[0070] The two arms 49 can for example move away from each other by mechanical deformation and within the elastic limit of their material in contact with the first element 45 so as to effect clipping.

[0071] “Partially tubular” means a tubular shape whose section is not annular due to material shrinkage, said material shrinkage being able to allow easier deformation for clipping.

[0072] Without further clarification, deformation means a mechanical deformation of an element within the elastic limit of the material of said element.

[0073] Advantageously, the pivot connection 43 formed between the connecting element 41 and the support 33 covers an angular range A greater than or equal to 90°, preferably greater than or equal to 45°.

[0074] Thus, the pivot connection 43 makes it possible to orient the panel 5 at a particular angle relative to the post 3 or relative to another panel 5 accommodated on the other side of the post 3, for example in order to install a fence 1 according to an original plot shape. For example, if a post 3 is in contact with two panels 5 via two pivot connections 43 with an angular range A equal to 45° each, an angle of 90° can be achieved between the two panels 5.

[0075] Optionally, the support 33 comprises fins 51 extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the post 3, the fins limiting the angular range A of the pivot connection 43 by coming into abutment against the core 13 and / or a sole 15 and / or the cover 25.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the connecting element 41 comprises two reinforcing arms 53 extending on either side of the pivot connection 43.

[0077] These reinforcing arms 53 make it possible to support the pivot connection 43 in the event of severe weather. If a strong wind causes the materials of the pivot connection 43 to bend until said pivot connection 43 comes into contact with the reinforcing arms 53, the rigidity of the latter will be able to prevent mechanical deterioration of the pivot connection 43.

[0078] Advantageously, the connecting element 41 is made of a material comprising plastic, preferably a material comprising polyamide, even more preferably a material comprising polyamide 6, otherwise called polycaprolactam, and 30% glass fiber. The properties of this material are particularly suited to good resistance to the mechanical stresses which are applied to the connecting element 41.

[0079] Furthermore, a connecting element 41 is then fusible: it can break because it is smaller and more fragile than the other components of the post 3, in particular when the latter are made of aluminum, and is easily replaceable at low cost.

[0080] The connecting element 41 thus acts as a fuse so as not to damage the rest of the post 3 or the panel 5 of the fence 1 during very severe weather.

[0081] In a particular embodiment, the core 13 comprises two protrusions 55 forming a groove extending longitudinally and into which a base 57 of the connecting element 41 is slid so that the connecting element 41 extends orthogonally relative to the core 13.

[0082] If necessary, several connecting elements 41 can be slid longitudinally. Their movements are then blocked in the direction transverse to the post 3.

[0083] In addition, the post 3 comprises a fixing means 59 fixing the connecting element 41 on the core 13, in order to block the longitudinal movement of the connecting element 4L

[0084] The fixing means 59 is for example a screw, preferably a self-drilling screw, preferably made of metal.

[0085] In the case, as illustrated, where the post 3 is in contact with two panels 5 of fence 1, a single fixing means 59 can be used for two connecting elements 41 located longitudinally at the same location. In this embodiment, the fixing means 59 passes through a connecting element 41, then the core 13, then another connecting element 4L

[0086] The invention also relates to the method of installing a fence 1 as defined previously.

[0087] This installation method includes a step of screwing the post 3 to the ground via the plate 17.

[0088] A step of fixing the connecting element(s) 41 to the core 13 is then carried out, followed by a step of clipping the at least one connecting element 41 with the support 33.

[0089] Finally, a step of sliding the blades 9 of a panel 5 of fence 1 into the support 33 is carried out.

[0090] These steps are repeated for each post 3 to be positioned.

[0091] The fence 1 thus obtained resists winds of 140 km / h for a vertical height of panel 5 of 2 meters and a length of 2 meters, or for a vertical height of panel 5 of 1 meter and a length of 3 meters, while existing fences 1 must limit the length of panels 5 to 1.5 meters and 2 meters respectively for equivalent heights.

Claims

Claims

1. Post (3) of fence (1) comprising a core (13) defining the length of said post (3), and a support (33) intended to receive a lateral side (7) of a panel (5) of fence (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting element (41) fixed on the core (13), said connecting element (41) cooperating by clipping with the support (33) so as to form a pivot connection (43) between the connecting element (41) and the support (33), the pivot connection (43) being parallel to the core (13).

2. Post (3) according to claim 1, in which one of the connecting element (41) or the support (33) comprises a first element (45) at least partially tubular, the other comprising a second element (47) comprising two arms (49) intended to grip the first element (45) so as to form the pivot connection (43), the first element (45) and the second element (47) being clippable onto each other by deformation of the first element (45) and / or the second element (47).

3. Post (3) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the pivot connection (43) between the connecting element (41) and the support (33) covers an angular range (A) greater than or equal to 45°.

4. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the connecting element (41) comprises two reinforcing arms (53) extending on either side of the pivot connection (43).

5. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the core (13) comprises at least one protrusion (55) forming a groove extending longitudinally and in which the connecting element (41) is slid so as to extend orthogonally relative to the core (13), the post (3) comprising a fixing means (59), preferably a screw, fixing the connecting element (41) to the core (13).

6. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the core (13) and the support (33) are made of a material comprising aluminum, the connecting element (41) being a fusible connecting element (41) made of a material comprising plastic, preferably a material comprising polyamide, even more preferably a material comprising polyamide 6 and 30% fiberglass.

7. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising between 2 and 10 connecting elements (41), preferably between 4 and 8 connecting elements (41), even more preferably between 4 and 6 connecting elements (41), the connecting elements (41) being identical and fixed longitudinally along the core (13).

8. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a plate (17) and means (19) for fixing the plate (17) to one end of the core (13), the plate (17) being configured to be screwed onto a ground or a low wall.

9. Post (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the support (33) comprises a shoulder (37) forming a slide intended to accommodate by longitudinal sliding the lateral side (7) of the fence panel (5) (1), or preferably the ends (35) of slats (9) forming the fence panel (5) (1).

10. Fence (1) comprising a plurality of posts (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, as well as panels (5) positioned between each post (3), each post (3) comprising on either side of the core (13) at least one connecting element (41) and a support (33), so that a post (3) accommodates lateral sides (7) of two panels (5) positioned on either side of said post (3).

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