Fence, connecting members used in fences, and method of constructing fences

Abstract

To provide a fence, connecting members used in the fence, and a method for constructing the fence that is easy to install and has enhanced aesthetic appeal. [Solution] The fence 1 comprises a support post 2, a coping 3 formed by connecting a plurality of coping members 4 that are supported by the support post 2 and have hollow sections 411, 421, 431, and connecting members 61, 71 that connect the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 4. The connecting members 61, 71 have a main body portion 62, 72 that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 4 and exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members 4, and a pair of extension portions 63, 64, 73, 74 that extend longitudinally from the main body portion 62, 72 and are inserted into the hollow sections 411, 421, 431.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fence, a connecting member used for the fence, and a method for constructing the fence.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fence including a ridge member formed by connecting a plurality of ridge members is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The fence described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which joints between adjacent ridge members are connected by a connecting member, and the connection portion between the ridge members is covered from above with a covering material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fence described in Patent Document 1, the covering material that covers the connection portion between the ridge members may come off, and there is a possibility of insufficient strength of the connection portion. In addition, the fence is required to enhance the design property and is preferably easy to construct. Therefore, there is a need for a fence that is easy to construct and can enhance the design property.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fence, a connecting member used for the fence, and a method for constructing the fence that are easy to construct and can enhance the design property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure relates to a fence comprising: a support post; a coping supported by the support post and composed of a plurality of coping members having hollow sections connected to each other; and a connecting member connecting the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members, wherein the connecting member has a main body portion that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members and exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members; and a pair of extension portions that extend from the main body portion in the longitudinal direction and are inserted into the hollow sections. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the fence according to the embodiment, seen from an oblique upward angle. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of the top rail connection structure on the straight section of the fence, seen from an oblique upward angle. [Figure 3B] This is a perspective view of the coping connection structure of the straight section of the fence, seen from a diagonally downward angle. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the coping connection structure of the straight section of the fence, seen from the diagonally upward side of the other extended portion of the connecting member. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view of the coping connection structure of the straight section of the fence, seen from diagonally above one of the protruding parts of the connecting member. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the coping connection structure of the straight section of the fence, seen from a diagonally downward angle. [Figure 6] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 7] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view along the CC line. [Figure 8] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view along the DD line. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing how adjacent coping members are connected by a connecting member in the coping connection structure of a straight section of a fence. [Figure 10A] This is a perspective view from a diagonal downward angle, showing the top rail connection structure of a straight section of a fence with the top rail removed from the support post. [Figure 10B]In the coping connection structure of the straight part of the fence, it is a perspective view seen from the obliquely upper side with the coping removed from the support column. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing the state of constructing the coping connection structure of the straight part of the fence. [Figure 12A] It is a perspective view seen from the obliquely upper side of the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence. [Figure 12B] It is a perspective view seen from the obliquely lower side of the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence. [Figure 13A] It is a perspective view seen from the obliquely upper side on the side of one extension part of the connecting member of the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence. [Figure 13B] It is a perspective view seen from the obliquely upper side on the side of the other extension part of the connecting member of the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view seen from the obliquely lower side of the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of Fig. 12A. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of Fig. 12A. [Figure 17] In the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence, it is a perspective view showing how adjacent coping members are connected by a connecting member. [Figure 18A] In the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence, it is a perspective view seen from the obliquely lower side with the coping removed from the support column. [Figure 18B] In the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence, it is a perspective view seen from the obliquely upper side with the coping removed from the support column. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the state of constructing the coping connection structure of the corner part of the fence.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the fence 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example of the fence 1 of this embodiment, the fence 1 installed on the deck 10 will be described. Although the fence 1 installed on the deck 10 has been described as an example of the fence, it is not limited thereto. For example, the fence may be applied to a fence installed on the ground, a handrail, a balcony partition, or the like.

[0009] In this embodiment, the lintel members 4 of the lintel 3 arranged on the long straight portion 1a and the short straight portion 1b of the fence 1 have different extending directions, but the direction in which the lintel member 4 extends is also referred to as the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the fence 1 of this embodiment is installed on the deck 10. The fence 1 is configured in a substantially L shape in plan view. The fence 1 has a long straight portion 1a extending in a predetermined direction, a short straight portion 1b extending in a direction orthogonal to the long straight portion 1a from one end of the long straight portion 1a, and a corner portion 1c formed by the corner of the long straight portion 1a and the short straight portion 1b. The fence 1 is provided as a fence for partitioning the inner and outer regions of the deck 10 on the deck 10, so that it functions as a fence for preventing falls from the deck 10 and has a function of decorating the deck 10.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the fence 1 has a plurality of columns 2 erected from the upper surface of the deck 10, a lintel 3 arranged at the upper end portion, and a plurality of horizontal rails 5. The lintel 3 has a plurality of lintel members 4. The plurality of horizontal rails 5 are formed to extend in the lateral direction and are arranged side by side in the vertical direction between the upper surface of the deck 10 and the lintel 3. The plurality of horizontal rails 5 are spanned between adjacent columns 2. The plurality of horizontal rails 5 constitute the facing material of the fence 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of columns 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion 21 and is formed to extend in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of columns 2 have two end columns 2A arranged at both ends of the substantially L-shaped fence 1, two intermediate columns 2B arranged in the middle of the long straight portion 1a of the fence 1, and a corner column 2C arranged at the corner portion 1c of the fence 1.

[0013] The end posts 2A support the top rail 4 and multiple horizontal rails 5 at each end of the roughly L-shaped fence 1. The intermediate posts 2B support the top rail 4 and multiple horizontal rails 5 in the middle of the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1. The corner posts 2C support the top rail 4 and multiple horizontal rails 5 at the corner section 1c of the fence 1. Unless otherwise specified, the end posts 2A, intermediate posts 2B, and corner posts 2C are simply referred to as "post 2".

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the cross-sectional shape of the support column 2 when cut horizontally is formed to be approximately rectangular. The outer surface of each side of the approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape of the support column 2 (end support column 2A, intermediate support column 2B, corner support column 2C) is formed in a rounded (R) shape, with the central part of each side bulging outwards. On each side of the approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape of the support column 2 (end support column 2A, intermediate support column 2B, corner support column 2C), a recess 22 is formed where the longitudinal end of the horizontal bar 5 is placed. Because the outer surface of each side of the approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape of the support column 2 (end support column 2A, intermediate support column 2B, corner support column 2C) is formed in a rounded (R) shape, the support column 2 (end support column 2A, intermediate support column 2B, corner support column 2C) is easy to hold and has good design aesthetics.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the coping 3 is constructed by connecting multiple coping members 4 via connecting members 61 and 71. The coping 3 forms the upper surface of the fence 1 and constitutes the handrail portion of the fence 1. The multiple coping members 4 are arranged in a straight line in the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1, from the end opposite the corner section 1c toward the end on the corner section 1c side, with coping members 41, 42, and 43 being arranged in order. At the corner section 1c, coping member 44 is positioned at a 90° angle to coping member 43.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple coping members 41, 42, and 43 arranged on the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1 are positioned in a straight line, and adjacent coping members 41, 42, and 43 are connected to each other by a straight section coping connection structure 60. The two coping members 43 and 44 arranged on the corner section 1c of the fence 1 are positioned in an L-shape at a 90° angle, and adjacent coping members 43 and 44 are connected to each other by a corner coping connection structure 70.

[0017] An end cap 31 is attached to the longitudinal end of the coping member 4 of the coping 3 on the side that is not on the corner portion 1c side of the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1. An end cap 32 is attached to the longitudinal end of the coping member 4 of the coping 3 on the side that is not on the corner portion 1c side of the short, straight section 1b.

[0018] The straight section coping connection structure 60 will now be described. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, adjacent coping members 4 are connected by the straight section coping connection structure 60 at two locations along the longitudinal direction of the long straight section 1a of the fence 1. Both straight section coping connection structures 60 have the same configuration. One straight section coping connection structure 60 is a connection structure for adjacent coping members 41 and 42, and the other straight section coping connection structure 60 is a connection structure for adjacent coping members 42 and 43. In this embodiment, the connection structure for adjacent coping members 41 and 42 will be described as the straight section coping connection structure 60, but the connection structure for adjacent coping members 42 and 43 is similar.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the straight section coping connection structure 60 comprises an intermediate support column 2B (support column), a coping 3 formed by connecting two coping members 41 and 42 supported by the intermediate support column 2B, and a connecting member 61 that connects the longitudinal ends of adjacent coping members 41 and 42. The adjacent coping members 41 and 42 are arranged in a straight line. The end faces of the longitudinal ends of adjacent coping members 41 and 42 are both formed extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coping members 41 and 42, and the two end faces are connected via the connecting member 61.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the connecting member 61 is positioned at the upper end of the intermediate support 2B. The connecting member 61 is used in the fence 1. The connecting member 61 is attached to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B via a mounting plate 65. The connecting member 61 has a portion positioned on the side of the coping member 41 and a portion positioned on the side of the coping member 42 in the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1, and is formed in a shape that follows the straightness of the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1.

[0021] The mounting plate 65 is formed from a plate having thickness in the vertical direction and, in a plan view, is formed in a straight line extending along the longitudinal direction of the long, straight portion 1a of the fence 1 (see Figure 10B). The mounting plate 65 is positioned horizontally at the upper end of the intermediate support 2B. The mounting plate 65 is fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B by screws 605. The mounting plate 65 is a component for attaching the coping 3 to the intermediate support 2B. Coping members 41 and 42, connected by connecting members 61, are attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 65.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the mounting plate 65 has a notch 651. The notch 651 is formed in a position to avoid the head of the screw 601 that secures the connecting member 61 and the coping member 41 when the coping member 41, which is fixed to the connecting member 61 by the screw 601 (described later), is positioned on the upper part of the mounting plate 65.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4A to 8, the connecting member 61 has a main body 62 that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of a plurality of coping members 41 and 42 and is exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members 41 and 42, and a pair of extensions 63 and 64 that extend longitudinally from the main body 62 and are inserted into the hollow portions 411 and 421 of the coping members 41 and 42. As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 11, the coping members 41 and 42 have hollow portions 411 and 421. The connecting member 61 is made of, for example, resin.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, when the coping member 41 is cut vertically, the cross-sectional shape is formed such that the outer surfaces of the top surface, the pair of side surfaces, and both ends of the bottom surface in the width direction are slightly curved outwards (R-shape). Because the coping member 41 is formed such that the outer surfaces of the top surface, the pair of side surfaces, and both ends of the bottom surface in the width direction are slightly curved outwards (R-shape) when cut vertically, it is easy to hold and has a good design.

[0025] A recessed area 412 is formed on the lower surface of the coping member 41, which is recessed upward. The recessed area 412 is formed with a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coping member 41, and when the coping member 41 is placed on the upper end of the support column 2, the recessed area 412 positions the position of the coping member 41 in the width direction relative to the width of the upper end of the support column 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the coping members 42, 43, and 44, other than coping member 41, when cut vertically are the same as the cross-sectional shapes of coping member 41 when cut vertically. The outer surfaces of the top surface, the pair of side surfaces, and both ends of the bottom surface in the width direction are formed in a slightly outward-curving (R) shape, and recesses 422, 432, and 442 that are recessed upward are formed on the bottom surfaces of coping members 42, 43, and 44. The cross-sectional shapes of the coping members 42, 43, and 44 when cut vertically are the same as the cross-sectional shapes of coping member 41 when cut vertically, so further explanation is omitted.

[0027] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the main body 62 has a projection 621 that protrudes outward, and a pair of cover portions 622 that protrude from the outer end of the projection 621 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 41 and 42.

[0028] The projection 621 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the main body 62 and is positioned between the end pieces formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 41 and 42. The surface of the projection 621 on the coping member 41 side is positioned opposite the end piece formed at the longitudinal end of the coping member 41. The surface of the projection 621 on the coping member 42 side is positioned opposite the end piece formed at the longitudinal end of the coping member 42.

[0029] The projection 621 is formed at an intermediate position along the longitudinal direction of the long, straight portion 1a of the fence 1 on the connecting member 61, and extends circumferentially across the upper surface, a pair of side surfaces, and both ends in the width direction of the lower surface of the connecting member 61, projecting outward from the outer circumference of the main body 62. The projection 621 extends beyond the outer surface of the coping members 41, 42.

[0030] The pair of cover portions 622 each protrude from the outer end of the projection 621 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 41 and 42, thereby covering the ends formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 41 and 42 when they are installed. The pair of cover portions 622 are formed continuously on the same plane, protruding from the outer end of the projection 621 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 41 and 42.

[0031] The pair of cover portions 622 are formed in a plate shape that protrudes from the end of the protruding portion 621 along the outer surfaces of the upper surface, the pair of side surfaces, and the lower surface in the width direction at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 41 and 42, respectively, with a predetermined width toward the coping members 41 and 42. The pair of cover portions 622 are integrally provided with the main body portion 62. The outer surfaces of the pair of cover portions 622 are exposed to the outside.

[0032] The longitudinal ends of the coping members 41 and 42 are positioned in the groove 622a formed in the lower part of the cover portion 622, so that the pair of cover portions 622 cover the ends formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 41 and 42.

[0033] In this embodiment, the pair of cover parts 622 are integrally provided on the main body part 62, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The pair of cover parts 622 may be constructed separately from the main body part 62, or the pair of cover parts 622 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body part 62. Furthermore, the main body part 62 does not need to be provided with a pair of cover parts 622.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 9, the pair of extensions 63 and 64 are composed of one extension 63 and the other extension 64. The shape of one extension 63 and the other extension 64 of the pair of extensions 63 and 64 are different. The one extension 63 and the other extension 64 are positioned 180° apart. One extension 63 is positioned on the coping member 41 side, and the other extension 64 is positioned on the coping member 42 side.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, one extension 63 is inserted into and fixed to the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41. The extension 63 is cylindrical. The extension 63 has a partition wall 632 that extends in the longitudinal direction and divides the hollow portion 630 to form two hollow portions 631. The two hollow portions 631 are open on the coping member 41 side and are formed in a hollow shape when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coping member 41. The strength of the extension 63 can be improved by having a configuration in which the partition wall 632 forms two hollow portions 631.

[0036] In this embodiment, the extension 63 is configured with two hollow sections 631, but it is not limited to this; it may be configured with one hollow section, or with three or more hollow sections. One of the extension sections 63 can have improved strength by having at least one hollow section.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, one extension 63 has a plurality of ribs 633 formed on its outer circumferential surface that extend in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 41 and engage with the inner wall of the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41. Also, as shown in Figure 9, one extension 63 has a pair of ribs 634 that project downward from the lower surface of one extension 63. The pair of ribs 634 are positioned apart on both ends of the coping member 41 in the width direction on one extension 63, and project from the lower surface of one extension 63 at positions near both ends of the coping member 41 in the width direction, while also extending in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 41. The pair of ribs 634 engage with the lower inner wall of the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, an inclined notch 634a is formed at the end of each pair of ribs 634 on the coping member 41 side. The inclined notch 634a is formed by cutting out the end of the rib 634 on the coping member 41 side and slopes upward as it approaches the coping member 41 side. Since each of the pair of ribs 634 has an inclined notch 634a, the end of the pair of ribs 634 on the coping member 41 side is cut out, and the shape of the inclined notch 634a is formed as an acute-angled triangle on the coping member 41 side, making it easy to insert one extension 63 of the connecting member 61 into the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41.

[0039] In this example, an inclined notch 634a is provided at the end of each rib 634 on the coping member 41 side. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a notch may also be provided at the end of each rib 634 on the coping member 41 side by cutting along a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of one of the extensions 63. In this case, since the end of each rib 634 on the coping member 41 side is notched, it is easier to insert one of the extensions 63 of the connecting member 61 into the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41. When a notch is provided at the end of each rib 634 by cutting along a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of one of the extensions 63, the workability when providing the notch is good because the cut is made along a vertically extending line.

[0040] One of the extensions 63 is fixed to the coping member 41 by fastening to its lower part with a screw 601 that moves from below the coping member 41 and penetrates the lower surface of the coping member 41, as shown in Figure 9, while it is inserted into the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, one extension 63 is inserted into the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41 and fixed to the coping member 41 by a screw 601. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the coping member 41 with one extension 63 (see Figure 9) inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41 is positioned on the portion of the upper surface of the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B that is on the coping member 41 side. The coping member 41 with one extension 63 inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 411 of the coping member 41 is then fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B by a screw 602 that moves from below the mounting plate 65.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the other extension 64 is inserted into and fixed in the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42. The other extension 64 has a rising wall 641 that rises toward the coping member 42 and is inserted into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42, and a pair of notches 642 formed on both sides and extending in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 42. Because the other extension 64 has a pair of notches 642, it becomes more elastically deformable and easier to insert into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42, thereby improving workability.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the other extension 64 has a pair of ribs 644 that protrude downward from the lower surface of the other extension 64. The pair of ribs 644 are positioned apart on both ends of the coping member 42 in the width direction on the other extension 64, and protrude from the lower surface of the other extension 64 at positions near both ends of the coping member 42 in the width direction on the other extension 64, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 42. The pair of ribs 644 engage with the lower inner wall of the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, an inclined notch 644a is formed at the end of each pair of ribs 644 on the coping member 42 side. The inclined notch 644a is formed by cutting out the end of the rib 644 on the coping member 42 side and slopes upward as it approaches the coping member 42 side. Because each of the pair of ribs 644 has an inclined notch 644a, the end of the pair of ribs 644 on the coping member 42 side is cut out, and the shape of the inclined notch 644a is formed as an acute-angled triangle on the coping member 42 side, making it easy to insert the other extension 64 of the connecting member 61 into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42.

[0045] In this example, an inclined notch 644a is provided at the end of each rib 644 on the coping member 42 side. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a notch may also be provided at the end of each rib 644 on the coping member 42 side by cutting along a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the other extension 64. In this case, since the end of each rib 644 on the coping member 42 side is notched, it is easier to insert the other extension 64 of the connecting member 61 into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42. When a notch is provided at the end of each rib 644 by cutting along a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the other extension 64, the workability when providing the notch is good because the cut is made along a vertically extending line.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9, the other extension 64 is inserted into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42 and engaged with and fixed to the coping member 42. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the coping member 42 with the other extension 64 (see Figure 9) inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42 is positioned on the portion of the upper surface of the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B that is on the coping member 42 side. The coping member 42 with the other extension 64 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 421 of the coping member 42 is then fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B by a screw 603 that moves from below the mounting plate 65.

[0047] When installing the coping 3 in the middle of the long, straight section 1a of the fence 1, as shown in Figure 11, one extension 63 of the connecting member 61 is inserted into the hollow section 411 of one coping member 41 and fixed with a screw 601. By inserting and fixing one extension 63 into the hollow section 411 of one coping member 41, one extension 63 is provided with two hollow sections 631 separated by a partition wall 632, allowing for a firm fixation. In addition, since multiple ribs 633 are formed on the outer surface of one extension 63, the resistance when inserting one extension 63 can be reduced, allowing for smooth insertion into the hollow section 411 of the coping member 41. In this state, the coping member 41 and the connecting member 61 are fixed with a screw 601.

[0048] Then, with one extension 63 of the connecting member 61 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 411 of one coping member 41, the coping member 41 is placed on the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support column 2B, and the other extension 64 of the connecting member 61 is inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 421 of the other coping member 42.

[0049] Next, with one extension 63 of the connecting member 61 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 411 of one coping member 41, the coping member 41 is placed on the mounting plate 65 fixed to the upper end of the intermediate support 2B. Then, by moving the screw 602 from below the mounting plate 65, the mounting plate 65 and the coping member 41 are fixed together by the screw 602, as shown in Figure 3B. Furthermore, with the other extension 64 of the connecting member 61 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 421 of the other coping member 42, the mounting plate 65 and the coping member 42 are fixed together by moving the screw 603 from below the mounting plate 65, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0050] When the mounting plate 65 and the coping members 41 and 42 are fixed together, the screw 601 (see Figure 5) that fixes the connecting member 61 to the coping member 41 is not visible from the outside. Thus, the coping member 41 and the coping member 42 can be connected to the upper end of the intermediate support column 2B using the connecting member 61, with the screw 601 that fixes the connecting member 61 to the coping member 41 not visible from the outside.

[0051] Next, the corner coping connection structure 70 will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, adjacent coping members 4 arranged in an L-shape at the corner portion 1c of the fence 1 are connected by the corner coping connection structure 70.

[0052] As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the corner coping connection structure 70 comprises a corner support 2C (support), a coping 3 formed by connecting two coping members 43 and 44 supported by the corner support 2C, and a connecting member 71 that connects the longitudinal ends of adjacent coping members 43 and 44. The adjacent coping members 43 and 44 are arranged in an L-shape at a 90° angle. The longitudinal end faces of the adjacent coping members 43 and 44 are all inclined at a 45° angle, and the inclined end faces of the adjacent coping members 43 and 44 are connected via the connecting member 71.

[0053] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the connecting member 71 is positioned at the upper end of the corner post 2C. The connecting member 71 is used in the fence 1. The connecting member 71 is attached to the upper end of the corner post 2C via a mounting plate 75. The connecting member 71 has a portion positioned on the side of the coping member 44 and a portion positioned on the side of the coping member 43 in the corner portion 1c of the fence 1, and is formed in a shape that follows the L-shape of the corner portion 1c of the fence 1.

[0054] The mounting plate 75 is formed from a plate having thickness in the vertical direction and is formed in an L-shape to follow the L-shape of the corner portion 1c of the fence 1 (see Figure 18B). The mounting plate 75 is positioned horizontally on the upper end of the corner support post 2C. The mounting plate 75 is fixed to the upper end of the corner support post 2C by screws 705. The mounting plate 75 is a component for attaching the coping 3 to the corner support post 2C. Coping members 43 and 44, connected by connecting members 71, are attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 75.

[0055] As shown in Figure 14, the mounting plate 75 has a notch 751. The notch 751 is formed in a position to avoid the head of the screw 701 that secures the connecting member 71 and the coping member 44 when the coping member 44, which is fixed to the connecting member 71 by the screw 701 (described later), is positioned on the upper part of the mounting plate 75.

[0056] As shown in Figures 13A to 16, the connecting member 71 has a main body portion 72 that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of a plurality of coping members 43 and 44 and is exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members 43 and 44, and a pair of extension portions 74 and 73 that extend longitudinally from the main body portion 72 and are inserted into the hollow portions 431 and 441 of the coping members 43 and 44. As shown in Figures 17 and 19, the coping members 43 and 44 have hollow portions 431 and 441. The connecting member 71 is made of, for example, resin.

[0057] As shown in Figure 16, the main body 72 has a projection 721 that protrudes outward, and a pair of cover portions 722 that protrude from the outer end of the projection 721 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 43 and 44.

[0058] The projection 721 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the main body 72 and is positioned between the end pieces formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 44 and 43. The surface of the projection 721 on the coping member 44 side is positioned opposite the end piece formed at the longitudinal end of the coping member 44. The surface of the projection 721 on the coping member 43 side is positioned opposite the end piece formed at the longitudinal end of the coping member 43.

[0059] The protruding portion 721 is formed at an intermediate position along the L-shape of the corner portion 1c of the fence 1 in the connecting member 71, and extends across the upper surface, a pair of side surfaces, and both ends in the width direction of the lower surface of the connecting member 71 in the circumferential direction of the protruding portion 721, projecting outward from the outer circumference of the main body portion 72. The protruding portion 721 extends beyond the outer surface of the coping members 44, 43.

[0060] The pair of cover portions 722 each protrude from the outer end of the projection 721 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 44 and 43, thereby covering the ends formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 44 and 43 when they are installed. The pair of cover portions 722 are formed in a continuous L-shape in cross-section, protruding from the outer end of the projection 621 to both sides of the adjacent coping members 41 and 42.

[0061] The pair of cover portions 722 are formed in a plate shape that protrudes from the end of the protruding portion 721 toward the coping members 44 and 43 by a predetermined width along the outer surfaces of the upper surface, the pair of side surfaces, and the lower surface at both ends in the width direction at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 44 and 43. The pair of cover portions 722 are integrally provided with the main body portion 72. The outer surfaces of the pair of cover portions 722 are exposed to the outside.

[0062] The longitudinal ends of the coping members 44 and 43 are positioned in the groove 722a formed in the lower part of the cover portion 722, so that the pair of cover portions 722 cover the ends formed at the longitudinal ends of the coping members 44 and 43.

[0063] In this embodiment, the pair of cover portions 722 are integrally provided with the main body portion 72, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The pair of cover portions 722 may be constructed separately from the main body portion 72, or the pair of cover portions 722 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body portion 72. Furthermore, the main body portion 72 does not need to be provided with a pair of cover portions 722.

[0064] As shown in Figures 13A, 13B, and 17, the pair of extensions 73 and 74 are composed of one extension 73 and the other extension 74. The shape of one extension 73 and the other extension 74 of the pair of extensions 74 and 73 are different. The one extension 73 and the other extension 74 are positioned at a 90° offset from each other. One extension 73 is positioned on the coping member 44 side, and the other extension 74 is positioned on the coping member 43 side.

[0065] As shown in Figure 17, one extension 73 is inserted into and fixed to the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44. The extension 73 is cylindrical. The extension 73 has one hollow portion 730. The hollow portion 730 is formed in a hollow shape when it is cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coping member 44, with the coping member 44 side being open. The extension 73 can be made stronger by having the hollow portion 730.

[0066] In this embodiment, the extension 63 is configured with one hollow section 730, but it is not limited to this and may be configured with two hollow sections. Having at least one hollow section in one of the extension sections 73 can improve its strength.

[0067] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, one extension 73 has a plurality of ribs 733 formed on its outer circumferential surface that extend in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 44 and engage with the inner wall of the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44. Also, as shown in Figures 13A and 17, one extension 73 has a pair of ribs 734 that project downward from the lower surface of one extension 73. The pair of ribs 734 are positioned apart on both ends of the coping member 44 in the width direction on one extension 73, and project from the lower surface of one extension 73 at positions near both ends of the coping member 44 in the width direction on one extension 73, while also extending in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 44. The pair of ribs 734 engage with the lower inner wall of the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44.

[0068] As shown in Figures 13A and 17, a vertical notch 734a is formed at the end of each pair of ribs 734 on the coping member 44 side. The vertical notch 734a is formed by cutting out the end of the rib 734 on the coping member 44 side, and is formed in the shape of a notch cut by a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of one of the extensions 73 at the end of the pair of ribs 734 on the coping member 44 side. Because each of the pair of ribs 734 has a vertical notch 734a, the end of the pair of ribs 734 on the coping member 44 side is notched, making it easy to insert one of the extensions 73 of the connecting member 71 into the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44.

[0069] Furthermore, since the vertical notches 734a of each pair of ribs 734 are cut by a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of one of the extensions 73, the workability is good. However, the work is not limited to this, and notches that slope upward toward the coping member 44 may be provided at the end of each pair of ribs 734 on the coping member 44 side. In this case, the end of each pair of ribs 734 on the coping member 44 side is notched, and the shape of the inclined notched portion at the end of the rib 734 is formed as an acute-angled triangle on the coping member 44 side, making it easy to insert one of the extensions 73 of the connecting member 71 into the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44.

[0070] One of the extensions 73 is fixed to the coping member 44 by fastening to its lower part with a screw 701 that moves from below the coping member 44 and penetrates the lower surface of the coping member 44, as shown in Figure 17, while it is inserted into the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44.

[0071] As shown in Figure 17, one extension 73 is inserted into the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44 and fixed to the coping member 44 by a screw 701. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the coping member 44 with one extension 73 (see Figure 17) inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44 is positioned on the portion of the upper surface of the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C that is on the coping member 44 side. The coping member 44 with one extension 73 inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44 is then fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C by screws 702a and 702b that are moved from below the mounting plate 75.

[0072] As shown in Figure 17, the other extension 74 is inserted into and fixed in the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43. The other extension 74 has a rising wall 741 that rises toward the coping member 43 and is inserted into the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43, and a pair of notches 742 formed on both sides and extending in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 43. Because the other extension 74 has a pair of notches 742, it becomes more elastically deformable and easier to insert into the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43, thereby improving workability.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13B and 17, the other extension 74 has a pair of ribs 744 that protrude downward from the lower surface of the other extension 74. The pair of ribs 744 are positioned apart on both ends of the coping member 43 in the width direction on the other extension 74, and protrude from the lower surface of the other extension 74 at positions near both ends of the coping member 43 in the width direction, while also extending in the longitudinal direction of the coping member 43. The pair of ribs 744 engage with the lower inner wall of the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43.

[0074] As shown in Figures 13B and 17, a vertical notch 744a is formed at the end of each pair of ribs 744 on the coping member 43 side. The vertical notch 744a is formed by cutting out the end of the rib 744 on the coping member 43 side, and is formed in the shape of a notch cut by a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the other extension 74 at the end of the pair of ribs 744 on the coping member 43 side. Because each of the pair of ribs 744 has a vertical notch 744a, the end of the pair of ribs 744 on the coping member 43 side is notched, making it easy to insert the other extension 74 of the connecting member 71 into the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43.

[0075] Furthermore, since the vertical notches 744a of each pair of ribs 744 are cut by a line extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the other extension 74, the workability is good. However, the workability is not limited to this, and notches that slope upward toward the coping member 43 may be provided at the end of each pair of ribs 744 on the coping member 43 side. In this case, the end of each pair of ribs 744 on the coping member 43 side is notched, and the shape of the notched portion at the end of the rib 744 is formed as an acute-angled triangle on the coping member 43 side, making it easy to insert the other extension 74 of the connecting member 71 into the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43.

[0076] As shown in Figure 17, the other extension 74 is inserted into the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43 and engaged with and fixed to the coping member 43. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the coping member 43 with the other extension 74 (see Figure 17) inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43 is positioned on the portion of the upper surface of the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C that is on the coping member 43 side. The coping member 43 with the other extension 74 inserted and fixed to the hollow portion 431 of the coping member 43 is then fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C by screws 703a and 703b that are moved from below the mounting plate 75.

[0077] When installing the coping 3 at the corner portion 1c of the fence 1, as shown in Figure 19, one extension 73 of the connecting member 71 is inserted into the hollow portion 441 of one coping member 44 and fixed with a screw 701. By inserting and fixing one extension 73 into the hollow portion 441 of one coping member 44, the one extension 73 can be firmly fixed because it has a hollow portion 730. In addition, since multiple ribs 733 are formed on the outer surface of one extension 73, the resistance when inserting one extension 73 can be reduced, allowing it to be smoothly inserted into the hollow portion 441 of the coping member 44. In this state, the coping member 44 and the connecting member 71 are fixed with a screw 701.

[0078] Then, with one extension 73 of the connecting member 71 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 441 of one coping member 44, the coping member 44 is placed on the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C, and the other extension 74 of the connecting member 71 is inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 441 of the other coping member 4.

[0079] Next, with the coping member 44, in which one extension 73 of the connecting member 71 is inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 441 of one coping member 44, positioned on the mounting plate 75 fixed to the upper end of the corner support 2C, screws 702a and 702b are moved from below the mounting plate 75. As shown in Figures 18B and 19, the mounting plate 75, coping member 44, and connecting member 71 are fastened together by screw 702a at a position near the L-shaped corner of the L-shaped connecting member 71, and the mounting plate 75 and coping member 44 are fastened together by screw 702b at a position away from the L-shaped corner of the L-shaped connecting member 71. Furthermore, with the other extension 74 of the connecting member 71 inserted and fixed into the hollow portion 431 of the other coping member 43, the screws 703a and 703b are moved from below the mounting plate 75. As shown in Figures 18B and 19, the mounting plate 75, coping member 44, and connecting member 71 are fastened together with screw 703a at a position near the L-shaped corner of the L-shaped connecting member 71, and the mounting plate 75 and coping member 43 are fastened together with screw 703b at a position away from the L-shaped corner of the L-shaped connecting member 71.

[0080] When the mounting plate 75 and the coping members 44 and 43 are fixed together, the screw 701 (see Figure 14) that fixes the connecting member 71 to the coping member 44 is not visible from the outside. Thus, the coping members 43 and 44 can be connected to the upper end of the corner support column 2C using the connecting member 71, with the screw 701 that fixes the connecting member 71 to the coping member 44 not visible from the outside.

[0081] The embodiment described above provides the following effects. The fence 1 of this embodiment comprises an intermediate support 2B and a coping 3 formed by connecting a plurality of coping members 41 and 42 that are supported by the intermediate support 2B and have hollow sections 411 and 421, in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the long straight portion 1a of the fence 1, and a connecting member 61 that connects the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 41 and 42. The connecting member 61 has a main body 62 that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 4 and is exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members 4, and a pair of extensions 63 and 64 that extend longitudinally from the main body 62 and are inserted into the hollow sections 411 and 421. Furthermore, the fence 1 of this embodiment comprises, at the corner portion 1c of the fence 1, a corner post 2C, a coping 3 formed by connecting a plurality of coping members 42, 43 supported by the corner post 2C and having hollow portions 421, 431, and a connecting member 71 that connects the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 42, 43. The connecting member 71 has a main body portion 72 that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members 4 and exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members 4, and a pair of extension portions 73, 74 that extend longitudinally from the main body portion 72 and are inserted into the hollow portions 421, 431. As a result, in a structure in which the coping members 41, 42, 43, 44 are connected via connecting members 61, 71, the extent to which the connecting members 61, 71 are visible from the outside is small, thus improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body portions 62 and 72 have cover portions 622 and 722 that cover the ends of the coping members 41, 42, 43, and 44 when the coping members 41, 42, 43, and 44 are attached. By covering the ends of the coping members 41, 42, 43, and 44 formed at their longitudinal ends with the cover portions 622 and 722, any cutting errors in the coping members 41, 42, 43, and 44, or construction errors such as gaps during installation, can be hidden at the connection portion of the coping members 41, 42, 43, and 44, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the pair of extensions 63, 64 and 73, 74, is cylindrical. By making one of the extensions 63, 73 cylindrical, the strength can be improved.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one extension 63, 73 and the other extension 64, 74 have different shapes. One extension 63, 73 can be firmly fixed to the coping members 41, 44, while the other extension 64, 74 can absorb cutting errors in the coping members 42, 43. By making the one extension 63, 73 and the other extension 64, 74 have different shapes, the ease of installation can be improved.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the other extension 64, 74 of the pair of extensions 63, 64 and 73, 74 has a pair of notches 642, 742 formed on both sides and extending in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the other extension 64, 74 has a pair of notches 642, 742, making it easier to elastically deform and easier to insert into the hollow portions 421, 431 of the coping members 42, 43, thereby improving workability.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting members 61 and 71 are positioned at the upper ends of the support columns 2 (intermediate support column 2B and corner support column 2C). As a result, the connecting member 61 that connects the coping members 41 and 42 is positioned at the upper end of the intermediate support column 2B, and the connecting member 71 that connects the coping members 43 and 44 is positioned at the upper end of the corner support column 2C, thereby suppressing looseness in the connections of the coping members 41 and 42 and the coping members 43 and 44.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, mounting plates 65 and 75 are provided to be fixed to the upper ends of the support columns 2 (intermediate support columns 2B and corner support columns 2C) and to attach the coping 3 to the support columns 2 (intermediate support columns 2B and corner support columns 2C), and the connecting members 61 and 71 are attached to the upper ends of the support columns 2 (intermediate support columns 2B and corner support columns 2C) via the mounting plates 65 and 75. As a result, the connecting members 61 and 71 can be attached to the upper ends of the support columns 2 (intermediate support columns 2B and corner support columns 2C) via the mounting plates 65 and 75, and the connecting members 61 and 71 can be stably attached to the upper ends of the support columns 2 (intermediate support columns 2B and corner support columns 2C).

[0088] Furthermore, the method for constructing the fence according to this embodiment includes the steps of: inserting and fixing one of the extensions 63, 64, 73, 74 of the connecting members 61, 71 into the hollow part of the coping member; and, with the coping member in which one of the extensions 63, 64, 73, 74 of the connecting members 61, 71 has been inserted and fixed into the hollow part, onto mounting plates 65, 75 fixed to the upper ends of the support posts 2 (intermediate support posts 2B, corner support posts 2C), inserting and fixing the other extension 64, 74 of the extensions 63, 64, 73, 74 of the connecting members 61, 71 into the hollow part of the other coping member. As a result, in a structure in which coping members 41, 42, 43, 44 are connected via connecting members 61, 71, the extent to which the connecting members 61, 71 are visible from the outside during construction is small, thus improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0089] Although a preferred embodiment of the fence of this disclosure has been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Fence, 2 Post, 2B Intermediate Post (Post), 2C Corner Post (Post), 3 Top Rail, 4, 41, 42, 43, 44 Top Rail Member, 61, 71 Connecting Member, 411, 421, 431, 441 Hollow Section, 62, 72 Main Body Section, 63, 64 Extension Section, 73, 74 Extension Section, 622, 722 Cover Section, 642, 742 Notch, 65, 75 Mounting Plate

Claims

1. Support posts and A coping is formed by connecting multiple coping members, each having a hollow section, which are supported by the aforementioned support column. The system includes a connecting member that connects the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members, The aforementioned connecting member is A main body portion is positioned between the longitudinal ends of the plurality of coping members, is exposed to the outside, and has a larger external dimension than the coping members, A fence comprising a pair of extensions that extend from the main body in the longitudinal direction and are inserted into the hollow portion.

2. The fence according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion has a cover portion that covers the end of the coping member when the coping member is attached.

3. The fence according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of extensions is cylindrical.

4. The fence according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the pair of extensions has a different shape from the other.

5. The fence according to claim 4, wherein the other of the pair of extensions has a pair of notches formed on both sides and extending in the longitudinal direction.

6. The fence according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is positioned at the upper end of the support column.

7. The mounting plate is further fixed to the upper end of the support column and is used to attach the coping to the support column. The fence according to claim 6, wherein the connecting member is attached to the upper end of the support column via the mounting plate.

8. A connecting member used in a fence according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A method for constructing a fence according to claim 1 or 2, The steps include inserting one of the extensions of the connecting member into the hollow portion of the coping member and fixing it in place, A method for constructing a fence, comprising the steps of: placing a coping member, in which one of the extensions of the connecting member is inserted and fixed into a hollow part, on a mounting plate fixed to the upper end of the support column, and then inserting and fixing the other extension of the connecting member into the hollow part of another coping member.

Images