Improvements in fence supporting ground screws

Abstract

A fence-supporting ground screw assembly (100) comprising: a ground screw (101) comprising a ground engaging portion (102) having a threaded shaft defining a main axis, and a support portion (116) def

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is concerned with a fence supporting ground screw. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a ground screw having an arrangement for attaching one or more fence panels thereto, and thus for forming a fence. Background Art

[0002] Temporary fencing is used in many different circumstances. Ultimately the aim is to restrict access to an area due to safety or security concerns. Temporary fencing may be used to e.g., surround a building site or other dangerous construction area. It may also be used at events such as music festivals to prevent unauthorised access to an area.

[0003] Outdoor fencing needs to withstand the elements. This may include significant wind load or loading by crowds of people. Attachment of signage and sheet material to the fencing increases the wind loading effect.

[0004] Traditionally, such fencing has been anchored in place with heavy blocks. These blocks are often constructed from concrete or another dense material and have apertured therein to receive the downwardly projecting legs of the fencing panels. Although somewhat effective, these blocks have several drawbacks. One is that they are difficult to transport and place due to their mass. Another is that they tend to protrude some distance from the fence panels, thus causing a trip hazard.

[0005] Ground screws are well known in the art. Applicant's prior patent GB2571771B shows a fence bracket for mounting to a ground screw. The bracket engages with a ground screw and also provides engagement with a downwardly depending part of at least one Heras (TM) fencing panel. Ground screws are advantageous for the anchoring of fence panels as they are relatively light and do not present a trip hazard. They also tend to be more resistance to wind and crowd loading.

[0006] Applicant's unpublished application GB2211054.8 discloses a grounds screw with a ground engaging portion having a threaded shaft defining a main axis and a support portion. The support portion has a base, a first fence mounting portion and a second fence mounting portion wherein each of the first and second fence mounting portions are mounted to the base so as to be independently moveable in a direction normal to the main axis.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved ground screw for supporting fencing panels. Summary of Invention According to the present invention there is provided a fence-supporting ground screw assembly comprising: a ground screw comprising a ground engaging portion having a threaded shaft defining a main axis, and a support portion defining an engagement formation forapplying a torque to the ground screw: a fence mounting member comprising a base, a first fence mounting portion, and a second fence mounting portion spaced apart from the first; wherein the fence mounting member is removably mounted to the support portion so as to cover the engagement formation when assembled therewith. Advantageously, providing a fence mounting member that covers the engagement portion provides a more secure fixation of the ground screw, ensuring that once installed it cannot easily be unscrewed. Further, better use is made of the available space above the support portion, so the fence mounting portions can be made closertogether, or a locking member can be provided (as will be described below). Preferably the fence mounting member is slidably engageable with the ground screw. Preferably the fence mounting member is mounted to the base so as to be moveable in a single linear degree of freedom. Preferably the fence mounting member is captured in a receiving formation to form a sliding joint. Preferably the receiving formation is defined between two parallel and offset track members. Preferably each track member defines a channel between it and the base, and wherein a respective part of the fence mounting member is received in each channel. Preferably the fence mounting member comprises a plate, two opposed edges of which are received in respective channels. Preferably the fence mounting member comprises a two cylindrical shaft portions extending normal to the respective plate. Preferably the fence mounting member comprises an aperture for securing a further component. Preferably the aperture is defined on a locking member extending from the base. Preferably the locking member extends from the base between the first and second fence supporting members. Preferably the locking member extends further than the first and second fence supporting members. Preferably the locking member is flat, and co-planar with respective axes of the fence supporting members. The invention also provides a fence assembly comprising: a fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to the first aspect; a first fence panel engaged with the first fence mounting portion; and, a second fence panel engaged with the second fence mounting portion. According to the invention there is provided a method of installing a fence comprising the steps of: providing a fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to the first aspect; installing the ground screw in the ground by engaging a tool with the engagement formation and rotating the ground screw; removing the tool; engaging the fence mounting member with the ground screw; mounting a first fence panel to the first fence mounting portion; and, mounting a second fence panel to the first fence mounting portion. Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURES 1 &2 are perspective views of a fence supporting ground screw in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a top view of a the ground screw of Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a side view of the ground screw of Figure 1; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a first part of the fence supporting ground screw of Figure 1; and, FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a second part the fence supporting ground screw of Figure 1. Description of the first embodiment

[0009] A fence supporting ground screw assembly 1 00 is shown in Figures 1 to 5. Configuration

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 &2, the fence supporting ground screw assembly 100 comprises a ground screw 1 01 and a fence support member 132. The ground screw 101 has a ground engaging-portion 102 and a support portion 104. The ground screw 101 has a primary axis X.

[0011] The ground engaging portion 102 comprises a smooth shaft portion 106 which is generally cylindrical having a diameter D1 (Figure 4). Atapered portion 1 08 is adjacent the smooth portion, reducing in diameter to a threaded portion 110 having diameter D2 (Figure 4). The threaded portion 11 0 is also tapered having a helical thread 112 projecting therefrom along its length.

[0012] The threaded portion 110 terminates in a conical pointed tip 114.

[0013] The support portion 104 comprises a circular base 116 normal to the axis X. The base 11 6 has an outer perimeter 11 8. The base 116 defines first and second track members 120, 122. The track members are elongate and prismatic. When mounted to the base 116 in a parallel and offset fashion, either side of the axis X, the track members 120, 122 face each other such that two opposing channels 124, 126 are formed with a gap 128 therebetween- per Figure 5. Between the track members 120, 122 there is provided a recessed tool formation 123 in the base 116. The formation 123 is square in this embodiment, but may be any shape capable of receiving a tool for the receipt of torque. The formation 123 is positioned on the axis X (i.e., on the geometric centre of the base 116).

[0014] A fence support member 132 is provided. The member 132 comprises a base 136 in the form of a quadrilateral plate having a first shaft 134 and a second shaft 1 38 projecting therefrom. Between the shafts a locking strap 140 projects in the same direction, the locking strap 140 being an elongate flat plate having lateral edges facing each of the shafts 134, 138. The locking plate 140 extends past the shafts 134, 138 to a free end with an opening 141. The shafts 134, 138 are of a diameter D, whereas the base has a width across flats of W, where W>D such that two opposed flanges are formed either side of the shafts 134, 138. The shafts 134, 138 are hollow and open ended distal to the base. Assembly

[0015] The ground-engaging portion 102 and the support portion 104 are welded together. The fence support member 132 is slid into the support portion to cover the formation 123. In doing so, the sides of the base 136 are received within the channels 124, 126 of the track members 120, 122. This allows the support members 132, 134 to slide in a direction D, normal to the axis X (i.e., laterally in use). Use

[0016] The ground screw 100 is installed by engaging the tip 114 with a ground surface 8 and rotating the screw via the formation 123 and a suitable tool. The helical thread 112 bites into the ground surface and advances the screw 100 into the ground along the axis X. Once in position, the member 132 is assembled with the support portion and fencing panels 10, 12 can be dropped into the shafts 138, per Figure 4. [001 7] The provision of the locking strap 140 allows a further component such as a fence clamp or other fastening member to be attached via the opening 141. This secures the fence panels 10, 12 in position and inhibits unauthorised removal. Variations

[0018] In one embodiment, there may be an abutment at one end of the channel to prevent the member from exiting in one direction. A further removeable abutment such as a grub screw may be provided at the other end.

Claims

1. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly comprising:a ground screw comprising a ground engaging portion having a threaded shaft defining a main axis, and a support portion defining an engagement formation forapplying a torque to the ground screw:a fence mounting member comprising a base, a first fence mounting portion, and a second fence mounting portion spaced apart from the first;wherein the fence mounting member is removably mounted to the support portion so as to cover the engagement formation when assembled therewith.

2. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fence mounting member is slidably engageable with the ground screw.

3. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fence mounting member is mounted to the base so as to be moveable in a single linear degree of freedom.

4. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence mounting member is captured in a receiving formation to form a sliding joint.

5. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 4, wherein the receiving formation is defined between two parallel and offset track members.

6. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 5, wherein each track member defines a channel between it and the base, and wherein a respective part of the fence mounting member is received in each channel.

7. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fence mounting member comprises a plate, two opposed edges of which are received in respective channels.

8. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 7, wherein the fence mounting member comprises a two cylindrical shaft portions extending normal to the respective plate.

9. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence mounting member comprises an aperture for securing a further component.

10. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 9, wherein the aperture is defined on a locking member extending from the base.

11. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 10, wherein the locking member extends from the base between the first and second fence supporting members.

12. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to claim 11, wherein the locking member extends further than the first and second fence supporting members.

13. A fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the locking member is flat, and co-planar with respective axes of the fence supporting members.

14. A fence assembly comprising:a fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to any preceding claim;a first fence panel engaged with the first fence mounting portion; and,a second fence panel engaged with the second fence mounting portion.

15. A method of installing a fence comprising the steps of:providing a fence-supporting ground screw assembly according to any of claims 1 to 13;installing the ground screw in the ground by engaging a tool with the engagement formation and rotating the ground screw;removing the tool;engaging the fence mounting member with the ground screw;mounting a first fence panel to the first fence mounting portion; and,mounting a second fence panel to the first fence mounting portion.

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