Improved fencing system

Abstract

A fencing system 1 comprising fencing posts 2 and fencing panels 3. Each fence post comprises a first flange 6, a second flange 7, and a web 8 connecting the first and second flanges. The first flange is detachable from the web. The channels defined by the first flanges, the second flanges and the webs are each configured to secure, in use, the lateral edge of a fencing panel 3. Seals 9 may be placed between each panel and the first and second flanges. A spring 13 may be disposed on the interior face of the first flange to press against the end of a panel to push against the seal. A later embodiment relates to an acoustic fencing system.

Description

Field of the invention

[001] The invention relates to a fencing system. In particular the invention relates to a fencing system comprising fencing posts and fencing panels, wherein a fencing panel secured to a fencing post within a channel defined by a web, a detachable flange, a fixed flange, and an interconnecting web, of the fencing post. The invention also relates to an acoustic fencing system. Background of the invention

[002] The present invention relates generally to fencing systems, and more particularly to an acoustic barrier fencing system designed to mitigate noise pollution in residential and commercial areas. Noise pollution has become a significant concern in urban and suburban environments, affecting the quality of life and welhbeing of individuals. Traditional fencing systems have been primarily aimed at providing privacy and security; however, they lack effective noise attenuation capabilities. There has been a growing demand for fencing solutions that not only provide a physical barrier but also substantially reduce the transmission of undesirable noise from external sources. Acoustic barrier fencing systems have emerged as a viable solution to address this issue, offering an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and effective means to mitigate noise pollution while maintaining the essential characteristics of traditional fencing systems. The acoustic barrier fencing system of the present invention seeks to provide enhanced noise attenuation through a unique design incorporating posts and slats, which work synergistically to absorb, deflect, and dampen noise, thereby creating a quieter and more serene environment for occupants.

[003] The height of an acoustic barrier fence is an important determining characteristic for its effectiveness, since sound waves do not travel in straight lines, and can therefore propagate over the top of a fence and cause unwanted noise pollution if the fence is not sufficiently high.

[004] An effective acoustic barrier fence must also be solid, in the sense of being impermeable to the passage of air. Sound waves propagate easily through air, and so if air can pass through a fence, so can sound.

[005] The materials and structure chosen for an acoustic barrier is another very important determining factor for its effectiveness, since sound waves can also propagate through solid materials. There are many factors to consider, including density and thickness (denser and thicker materials absorb more of a sound wave’s energy), decoupling (decoupled layers cause reflection and can make it difficult for sound waves to find a path through the layers) and surface texture (an uneven surface can cause the scattering of sound waves).

[006] Each of these important characteristics increases the challenge of installing an effective acoustic barrier. It is easy to imagine the difficulties of erecting a high, solid structure of dense, thick material in an outdoor environment, with uneven terrain, ensuring that there are no air gaps.

[007] One of the most common and effective fencing structures involves a plurality of fence posts, vertically installed at intervals along the fence’s path, and a plurality of panels secured between adjacent pairs of fence posts. A typical fence post comprises a pair of opposing flanges connected by a web, which define a pair of opposing vertical channels, into which the side edges of fencing panels can be slotted from above.

[008] Lifting a solid fencing panel above an adjacent pair of fence posts to slot it into place is difficult, especially if the fencing panel has been designed with the characteristics discussed above in mind to provide an effective acoustic barrier. It would be easier if instead of a solid panel, a plurality of horizontal slats were slotted between the posts one at a time, but this poses difficulties in achieving a solid, airtight structure. For a fence which is higher than two metres, and effective acoustic barriers should preferably be higher than two metres, it is still challenging for a labourer of average height to lift a slat sufficiently high to slot it into place, especially if the posts are several metres apart and therefore the slat is several metres long.

[009] The interface between the ends of the panels or slats and the posts poses another challenge to effecting an airtight structure, since too tight an engagement between the post and the panel will prevent the sliding engagement needed to slot the panel into place.

[010] The present invention seeks to overcome or mitigate some or all of these difficulties. Summary of the invention [Oil] A first aspect of the invention provides a fencing system comprising fencing posts and fencing panels, each fencing post comprising a first flange, a second flange, and a web connecting the first and second flanges, wherein the first flange is detachable from the web, and wherein the channel defined by the first flange, the second flange and the web is configured to secure, in use, the lateral edge of a fencing panel.

[012] Making the first flange detachable remove the need to lift the fencing panels up and over the fence posts to slot them into the channels, making installation considerably easier.

[013] In preferred embodiments, the fencing panels comprise a plurality of fencing slats, and the first flange of each fencing post is formed of a plurality of separately detachable sections, the length of each section of the first flange substantially corresponding to the length of the short edges of the fencing slats, such that for each fencing post, the channels defined by the second flange, the web, and each section of the first flange, are configured to secure, in use, an end of a respective fencing slat.

[014] By providing multiple horizontal slats in place of a single panel, installation is further facilitated. In order to keep a first slat in place so that a second slat can be installed, however, it is necessary to secure each slat individually. For this reason, providing the first flange in a plurality of separately detachable sections is particularly advantageous, as it allows for each section of fence to be built up one slat at a time, with each slat being secured individually as it is placed.

[015] In some such embodiments, for each fencing post, the internal face of the second flange comprises a sealing member configured to form an airtight seal in use with the ends of fencing slats secured in the channels defined by the second flange, the web, and the sections of the first flange.

[016] It is challenging to provide an airtight seal at the interface between a fence panel or slat and a fence post. Because the panel / slat does not have to slide through the channel during assembly, a sealing member can be provided along the internal face of the second flange to prevent the passage of air between the fence post and the panel or slat.

[017] In some such embodiments, for each fencing post, each section of first flange comprises a resilient biasing member configured to apply a force, in use, on the end of a fencing slat secured in the channel defined by the section of first flange, the web, and the second flange, in the direction of the second flange.

[018] The vagaries of the real world pose challenges to the installation of an effective acoustic barrier fence. It can never be guaranteed that all panels and slats will be uniform in their construction, and so providing a force which varies with the thickness of the panel or slat through a resilient biasing member, effectively pushing the panel or slat against the sealing member of the second flange, improves the sealing engagement between the panel / slat and the second flange across a variety of panel / slat parameters. This feature also makes the system more versatile, allowing a fence post of any given set of dimensions to effectively cooperate with a variety of panels or slats with a variety of dimensions.

[019] Some such embodiments further comprise intenslat sealing members of substantially the same length as the long edges of the fencing slats, configured in use to be placed between adjacent fencing slats so as to form an airtight seal between them.

[020] After each slat has been put into place, a sealing member can be placed along its upper edge, and then the next slat can be placed on top of the sealing member. This is a very easy way to ensure that the slats form an effectively solid, airtight panel, with improved tolerance for slight inconsistencies in installation caused by human error or necessitated by uneven terrain.

[021] A second aspect of the invention provides an acoustic fencing system comprising a fencing system according to the first aspect, wherein the fencing panels are configured as acoustic barriers.

[022] It will be clear to the skilled reader from the foregoing discussion that this invention lends itself particularly well to acoustic barrier fencing, and fencing panels configured as acoustic barriers can more easily be installed using the present invention, in spite of the difficulties posed in the prior art due to the necessary characteristics particular to effective acoustic barrier panels. Brief description of the drawings

[023] These are and other aspects will now be described in relation to the Figures in which:

[024] Figure 1 depicts a section of fencing according to an embodiment of the invention.

[025] Figure 2 depicts a fencing slat according to an embodiment of the invention.

[026] Figure 3 depicts the interface between a fencing post and a fencing slat of the invention.

[027] Figure 4 depicts a section of a first flange in relation to a fencing post and fencing slat according to an embodiment of the invention.

[028] Figure 5 depicts a sealing member in relation to an adjacent pair of fencing slats according to an embodiment of the invention.

[029] Figure 6 depicts a section of fencing assembled with the finishing covers in place. Detailed description

[030] Figure 1 depicts a section of a fencing system 1, formed of a plurality of fencing posts 2 and fencing panels which, in the depicted embodiment, are formed of pluralities of fencing slats 3.

[031] The lower sections of the fencing posts 2, in use, are inserted into the ground or the foundation structure, so as to be supported in an upright position as depicted. The fencing slats 3 are supported between adjacent pairs of fencing posts 2, in a substantially horizontal arrangement, one above the other.

[032] A typical fence according to the invention has a fence height of 4000 mm above the ground. In particular instances of the invention, the height above ground should be selected according to the specific requirements, following the principle that the acoustic blocking effects increase with height. The fence posts 2 should be longer than the desired height above the ground, such that they can be inserted to an adequate depth in the ground or the foundation structure to provide the necessary support. The fencing posts 2 are typically made of metal, such as aluminium, but the skilled person will appreciate that many materials are suitable.

[033] Figure 2 depicts a fencing slat 3 in more detail. A typical fencing slat 3 according to the invention is 3000 mm wide and 300 mm high. Wider fencing slats 3 require fewer fence posts 2 per length of fence 1, but wider fencing slats 3 will be more difficult to lift and manipulate during installation. When determining the parameters of the fencing slats 3 for a particular purpose, an appropriate balance should be struck taking effectiveness and cost into account.

[034] The fencing slats 3 depicted in Figure 2 are covered on their faces with a sound absorbing and deflecting cover 4. In some embodiments, this may be a covering of cork, with a pattern of cut-outs or recesses. The inner core 5 of the slats is preferably formed of a more solid material, such as wood, or a composite material. The damping effect of the cork, the deflecting effects of the pattern of recesses, and the reflective effect of the interface between the cover 4 and the core 5, co-operate to provide a highly effective acoustic barrier. The skilled person will appreciate, however, that there are many possible configurations for effective sound barriers which would be compatible with the present invention.

[035] Another incidental advantage of the configuration described above is the ease with which climbing plants such as ivy can climb a fence with a cork facade, having, making such embodiments particularly suitable for gardens and other places where a wall of foliage may be desirable.

[036] Figure 3 depicts a top corner of a fence 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular showing the detail of the interface between a fencing post 2 and a fencing slat 3.

[037] The fencing post 2 is formed of a first flange 6, a second flange 7, and a web 8 between the flanges 6, 7. On each side of the fencing post, a slot or channel is defined by the flanges 6, 7 and the web 8. When assembled, the ends of the fencing panels 3 are inserted and secured into these slots or channels, in order to form the fence 1.

[038] A sealing member 9 lines the internal surface of each second flange 7. Once assembled, this sealing member 9 compresses against the ends of the fencing slats 3 so as to form an airtight seal between the fencing slats 3 and the second flange 7. As depicted, the sealing member may take the form of a hollow tube formed of EPDM, with a convex face for engaging the fencing slats 3, secured within a channel formed in or by the internal face of the second flange 7. The skilled person will appreciate that other configurations for the sealing member are possible.

[039] Figure 4 depicts the same corner of a fence 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, but with a portion of the first flange 6 detached from the web 8. As can be most clearly seen in Figure 4, the first flange 6 is detachable, and in embodiments with pluralities of fencing slats 3 in place of fencing panels, it is convenient for the first flange to be formed of distinct and separately detachable sections 6. This makes assembly much easier, because the fencing slats 3 can be placed one at a time from bottom to top between each adjacent pair of fencing posts 2, and each fencing slat 3 can be secured in place by its respective sections of first flange 6 at each end, before the next fencing slat 3 is installed above it.

[040] Flange-receiving slots 11 are disposed along the length of the web, and cooperating web-engaging tabs 12 protrude from the detachable first flange sections 6. Once a given fencing slat 3 is in place, a first flange section 6 can be attached to the web 8, by engaging the web-engaging tabs 12 of the given flange section 6 with the appropriate flange-receiving slots 11, to secure the fencing slat 3 in place against the second flange 7 and its sealing member 9.

[041] Advantageously, a resilient biasing member 13, such as a compressible spring, is disposed on the interior face of each section of the first flange 6. Thus, once a section of first flange 6 is secured in place, the resilient biasing member 13 is compressed against the end of a fencing slat 3, and so applies a force on the fencing slat 3 pushing it against the sealing member 9 on the second flange 7, improving the seal.

[042] Figure 5 depicts an inter-slat sealing member 14. During assembly, an interslat sealing member 14 is placed on top of each slat 3, and then the next slat 3 is placed on top of the inter-slat sealing member 14. Each inter-slat sealing member 14 is formed of a suitable material, such as EDPM, and comprises a web 15 connecting two flanges 16. In some embodiments, the width of the web 15 corresponds to the thickness of the fencing slats 3. Alternatively, such as in the embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the web 15 is as wide as the internal core 5 of the fencing slats, and the coverings 4 of the fencing slats have upper and lower slots to receive the flanges 16 of the inter-slat sealing members, for an improved seal. In such embodiments, the web 15 may extend slightly beyond the flanges 16 so that the inter-slat sealing member 14 is flush with the outer faces of the coverings 4 of the fencing slats 3. The purpose of the inter-slat sealing member 14 is to provide an airtight seal between the fencing slats 3, improving the effectiveness of the acoustic barrier formed by the fence 1.

[043] When a section of fencing 1 is completed, each fencing post 2 can be covered on its front and rear faces with covers 17, and at its top with a cap 18. Similarly, the top edge of the uppermost fencing slat 3 is covered by a cover 19. As well as protecting the internal structure of the fencing posts 2, these covers allow for aesthetic considerations to be made. For example, the front and rear covers 17 of the fencing posts 2 can be patterned similarly to the coverings 4 of the fencing slats 3, for a more consistent and visually appealing effect.

[044] Although the invention has been described above with reference to a particular preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The skilled person will appreciate that many variations are possible from the described embodiment within the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fencing system comprising fencing posts and fencing panels, each fencing post comprising a first flange, a second flange, and a web connecting the first and second flanges, wherein the first flange is detachable from the web, and wherein the channel defined by the first flange, the second flange and the web is configured to secure, in use, the lateral edge of a fencing panel.

2. A fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the fencing panels comprise a plurality of fencing slats, and the first flange of each fencing post is formed of a plurality of separately detachable sections, the length of each section of the first flange substantially corresponding to the length of the short edges of the fencing slats, such that for each fencing post, the channels defined by the second flange, the web, and each section of the first flange, are configured to secure, in use, an end of a respective fencing slat.

3. A fencing system according to claim 2, wherein for each fencing post, the internal face of the second flange comprises a sealing member configured to form an airtight seal in use with the ends of fencing slats secured in the channels defined by the second flange, the web, and the sections of the first flange.

4. A fencing system according to claim 3, wherein for each fencing post, each section of first flange comprises a resilient biasing member configured to apply a force, in use, on the end of a fencing slat secured in the channel defined by the section of first flange, the web, and the second flange, in the direction of the second flange.

5. A fencing system according to claim 4, further comprising inter-slat sealing members of substantially the same length as the long edges of the fencing slats, configured in use to be placed between adjacent fencing slats so as to form an airtight seal between them.

6. An acoustic fencing system comprising a fencing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fencing panels are configured as acoustic barriers.12

Images