Security member, fencing panel and fencing assembly
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUARDIAR SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure ZA2026050004_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SECURITY MEMBER, FENCING PANEL AND FENCING ASSEMBLY FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a security member, a fencing panel including a security member, and a fencing assembly.
[0003] BACKGROUND
[0004] Barriers are erected to demarcate areas and restrict access to the site within. Where a high security barrier is required, typical barriers such as walls, fences, and gates are often enhanced with additional members. Such a member may include elements or tubes filled with wear resistant or blade clogging material which purports to prevent a tool such as an angle grinder or a saw from cutting through the member and therefore prevent intrusion of the barrier. However, powerful tools or tools with special cutting blades or discs may still be able to sever these members notwithstanding the wear resistant material therein.
[0005] There is therefore a need for improved solutions for security members to be used in barriers that prevent or restrain a tool such as an angle grinder or saw from being able to cut through the security members.
[0006] The preceding discussion of the background is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the art as at the priority date of the application.
[0007] SUMMARY
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a security member for restraining a cutting tool, the security member comprising:
[0009] an outer tube structure having a first end and a second end;
[0010] an elongate insert within the outer tube structure extending between the first end and the second end; and
[0011] one or more biasing members which exert a compressive force on the elongate insert so that, when severed by the cutting tool, at least one severed end of the insert is biased towards a side surface of a cutting disc or blade of the cutting tool so as to provide frictional resistance to movement of the cutting disc or blade.The side surface may be a non-cutting surface of the disc or blade.
[0012] The insert may be provided by an inner tube filled with an abrasive material that provides the frictional resistance in response to the insert making contact with the side surface of the cutting disc or blade.
[0013] Alternatively, the insert may be a solid bar. The solid bar may, in one example, be a steel reinforcing bar commonly referred to as “rebar”.
[0014] The insert may be disposed within the outer tube structure such that the insert is capable of at least some movement within the outer tube structure in a direction along a length of the outer tube structure, so as to permit one or both severed ends of the insert to displace towards the side surface of the cutting disc or blade when the insert is severed.
[0015] The insert may be positioned within the outer tube structure such that it is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer tube structure. The insert may be located closer to one side of the outer tube structure than an opposite side of the outer tube structure, such that the security member may be positioned in a manner that the insert is closer to a side of the security member expected to be accessed by the cutting tool of an intruder attempting to sever, break, or otherwise damage the security member. Such a side may be deemed an attack side.
[0016] The security member may include an abutment member configured to provide a surface against which the one or more biasing members contract in order to exert the compressive force on the insert. The abutment member may be a bolt extending through the outer tube structure, which may be secured at the first and / or second end of the outer tube structure, or may be a pin or an end cap or other fixture provided at either or both of the first and second ends of the outer tube structure.
[0017] The one or more biasing members may be in contact between the abutment member and the insert, and may include a first biasing member and a second biasing member at either end of the elongate insert, wherein the first biasing member is configured to exert a first compressive force on the insert and the second biasing member is configured to exert a second opposing compressive force on the insert. Alternatively, the insert may be in contact between the abutment member and one biasing member.The first and second compressive forces may be substantially equal in magnitude such that when the insert is severed by the cutting tool, each severed end of the insert is biased towards one of two opposing side surfaces of the cutting disc or blade.
[0018] The one or more biasing members may be coil springs. Alternatively, the one or biasing members may be provided by another suitable type of spring such as a compression spring, or another device or system which can exert the compressive force on the insert (including by mechanical, hydraulic, electric, magnetic or other means).
[0019] The security member may include a filler material provided inside the outer tube structure, that at least partially surrounds the insert. The filler material may have a bore for the insert therethrough. The filler material may be a curable material. The purpose of the filler material is to increase the strength of the security member so that, even once the insert is severed by the cutting tool, the remaining portion of the security member provides sufficient strength to withstand intrusion by other means.
[0020] The security member may include a spacer provided inside the outer tube structure. The spacer may be an elongate structure that runs parallel to the elongate insert. The spacer may be made from steel, PVC, aluminum, or other similar materials. The spacer may extend substantially the length of the outer tube structure. The spacer may extend at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 95% of the outer tube structure. It has been found that, when a spacer is present, the security member does not significantly shift position following a breach and / or cutting of the outer tube structure, as the outer casing is less likely to buckle, thereby increasing the resistance of the security member to attack.
[0021] The security member may include a sleeve provided within the outer tube structure, wherein the sleeve defines a cavity configured to contain the filler material between the sleeve and the outer tube structure, and wherein the sleeve has an inner surface defining the bore for the insert. The sleeve may improve a process for manufacturing the security member by enabling the filler material to set with the sleeve providing the bore for later insertion of the insert.
[0022] The outer tube structure may accommodate a plurality of elongate inserts in a parallel arrangement. This may provide additional security to the security member and enable it to withstand attacks from multiple sides.
[0023] The disclosure extends to a fencing panel comprising at least one panel of wire strands and a security member as described above extending across the panel. There may be a plurality ofsecurity members extending across the fencing panel. For example, there may be at least two security members, at least three security members, or at least four security members extending across the fencing panel.
[0024] The one or more security members may extend across the fencing panel in a vertical or a horizontal direction. The term “horizontal” in this context is to be understood as being oriented substantially parallel to the surface on which the fencing panel is positioned. The term “vertical” in this context is to be understood as being oriented substantially perpendicular (i.e., 90°) to the surface on which the fencing panel is positioned, with its longitudinal axis substantially upright.
[0025] The fencing panel may include two panels of wire strands with the security member sandwiched between the two panels. A first panel of the two panels may be a flat panel and a second panel of the two panels may include at least one raised ridge defined along a height or a width of the second panel.
[0026] It has advantageously been found that sandwiching the security member between two fencing panels provides a cheap way in which to secure the security member to the fencing panel, whilst still providing excellent structural security by inhibiting the movement of a cutting tool like an angle grinder or a saw. This has particularly been found to be the case when the security member extends across the panel in a horizontal configuration.
[0027] In embodiments where the security member is sandwiched between two panels, the inventors have found that the security member will not significantly shift position after a breach and / or cut has occurred. This maximizes security and stability, making it more difficult for someone to breach the panel.
[0028] A security member may be sandwiched within a gap provided between the first panel and the at least one raised ridge of the second panel. The security member may be connected to one or both of the panels. The security member may be connected to the second panel at a point on the raised ridge, optionally the apex of the raised ridge.
[0029] The security member may be attached to a supporting plate, for example, by welding. The height of the supporting plate may substantially correspond to the height of the base of the raised ridge of the second panel. When the fence is assembled, the supporting plate may abut the first panel but may not be connected thereto. A supporting plate may be located at each end of the security member. This configuration has been found to maximise the security and stability of the securitymember, such that the security member does not significantly move in its installed position and / or when a breach occurs.
[0030] The first panel may define an external side of the fencing panel, and the second panel may define a protected side of the fencing panel.
[0031] The second panel may not extend the entire height of the first panel, or the entire height of the fencing panel, such that the security members are only positioned on a lower portion of the fencing panel. The distance between the wire strands in at least one direction in the second panel may be smaller than the corresponding distance between wire strands in the first panel. Both of these features, separately or in combination, provide improved security while reducing the cost and weight of the fencing panel.
[0032] In any embodiment disclosed herein, the security member may be fixed to the wire strands of the fencing panel, for example, by welding or a fixing means such as a bolt or screw. This has been found to provide a secure arrangement in which the security member is rigidly fixed to the panel, thereby resisting detachment during a breach attempt. This direct connection of a security member to a first panel can be used to create a fencing panel without requiring a second panel.
[0033] The fencing panel may include at least one rail. The at least one rail may be welded to the panel of wire strands, or may be connected using a connection means such as a bolt or screw. The at least one rail may extend perpendicularly to the at least one security member. A security member may extend through an aperture in the rail. The rail may not contain apertures and may abut the one or more security members. The one or more security members may be welded to the rail. In this manner, the security members can be connected to a panel of wire strands without requiring a second panel of wire strands.
[0034] Thus, the one or more security members may be welded to both one or more rails and the panel of wire strands.
[0035] The fencing panel may comprise a rail extending along an edge thereof. The fencing panel may further comprise a second rail, extending along the opposite edge thereof. Said rail(s) may not comprise apertures and the at least one security member may abut and be welded to said rail(s). Additionally or alternatively, the fencing panel may comprise at least one rail extending along a central portion thereof. The one or more security members may extend through an aperture in a rail extending along a central portion of the fencing panel. The rails on the fencing panel may all be parallel to one another.The one or more rails may be in a horizontal configuration and the one or more security members may extend vertically across a fencing panel. The fencing panel may comprise a rail extending along the top edge of the fencing panel and a rail extending along the bottom edge thereof, which are welded to the one or more security members. The one or more security members may abut, but not extend through, these rails.
[0036] Additionally or alternatively, one or more rails may extend along a central portion of the fencing panel and may comprise a plurality of apertures, with a security member extending through each aperture. This configuration has been found to enhance panel security and minimise the risk of unauthorized breach. In this embodiment, the one or more security members may not be welded to the wire strands of the fencing panel.
[0037] The elongate insert within the outer tube structure may have a diameter of between about 5 and 30 mm, or between about 5 and 25 mm, between about 8 and 20 mm, or between about 9 and 18 mm. In some embodiments, the elongate insert within the outer tube structure may have a diameter of between about 5 and 15 mm, between about 5 and 12 mm, or between about 7 and 12 mm. In some embodiments, the elongate insert within the outer tube structure may have a diameter of between about 10 and 20 mm, between about 10 and 18 mm, or between about 12 and 18 mm.
[0038] The inventors have found that the diameter of the elongate insert can be easily selected to meet the desired requirements of the security member. As the diameter of the elongate insert increases, the diameter of the outer tube structure and / or one or more biasing members may correspondingly increase. It has been found that an increased diameter may prolong the time required for penetration of the security member by an angle grinder, although excessively large diameters may reduce the cost-effectiveness of the arrangement.
[0039] The fencing panel may comprise a top and a bottom panel of wire strands that have been connected together with the top panel above the bottom panel. This arrangement has been found to enhance the versatility of the assembled fence, allowing it to be readily configured or adapted according to its intended use and / or installation location.
[0040] The top panel and bottom panel of wire strands may overlap and at least part of the overlap may be covered by a plate. The top panel and the bottom panel may be attached to the plate using any suitable means in the art.The top panel may have a rail extending along the bottom edge thereof, which may be connected to one or more security members. The bottom panel may have a rail extending along the top edge thereof, which may be connected to one or more security members. Said rail on the top panel may be fastened to said rail on the bottom panel by any known fastening means, such as bolts.
[0041] The top panel and the bottom panel may be the same.
[0042] The top panel and the bottom panel may be different. The distances between the wire strands in at least one direction in the bottom panel may be smaller than the corresponding distances between the wires in the top panel, thereby improving security while reducing cost and weight of the panel overall.
[0043] When the at least one security member extends vertically across the fencing panel, it may extend over both the top panel and the bottom panel. When the at least one security member extends horizontally across the fencing panel, at least one security member may be located on the top panel and at least one security member may be located on the bottom panel.
[0044] The at least one security member may be located on the bottom panel only. This has been found to provide sufficient security, such that an intruder is unable to penetrate the fence.
[0045] The fencing panel may also comprise one or more additional barrier elements that extend across the panel. These may be attached to the panel of wire strands and / or the one or more security members. If present, the one or more barrier elements may also be attached to one or more rails. Suitable barrier elements include bars or tubes, which may be made of metal. These can extend parallel to the security members, or at an angle thereto. For example, one or more additional barrier element may extend diagonally across the fencing panel. This provides extra security to the fencing panel, increasing the strength thereof.
[0046] The insert of the security member may be positioned within the outer tube structure such that it is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer tube structure, and the security member may be coupled to the fencing panel such that the insert is positioned closer to the external side of the fencing panel relative to a remaining portion of the security member such that when the insert is severed by the cutting tool, the remaining portion of the security member provides structural integrity to reinforce the fencing panel.The second panel may include a series of raised ridges each including a security member. A spacing between the series of raised ridges may be sufficiently close to prevent a person from being able to intrude the fence in a gap between adjacent security members.
[0047] The disclosure further extends to a fencing assembly, comprising at least two fence posts, and a fencing panel as described above secured between the fence posts.
[0048] Embodiments of the technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0049] Any feature discussed in reference to one of the aspects of the present invention applies equally to all of the other aspects discussed herein.
[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] In the drawings:
[0052] Figure 1 is an exploded view showing components of a first example embodiment of a security member according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0053] Figure 2 is an end view of an assembled security member of Figure 1 ;
[0054] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the security member of Figure 1 ;
[0055] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 and shows the insert being severed by a cutting tool; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second example embodiment of a security member which includes an additional sleeve therein;
[0056] Figure 6 is an end view of a third example embodiment of a security member having a plurality of inserts;
[0057] Figure 7 is a side view of a fencing panel according to aspects of the present disclosure with the security member of Figure 1 extending across the panel;
[0058] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional view of the fencing panel of Figure 7;
[0059] Figure 9 is a front view of a first example embodiment of a fencing panel according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the security members are in a vertical configuration;
[0060] Figure 10 is a back view of the fencing panel of Figure 9;
[0061] Figure 11 is a front view of a second example embodiment of a fencing panel according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the security members are in a horizontal configuration; andFigure 12 is a back view of the fencing panel of Figure 11.
[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
[0063] Embodiments of a security member for restraining a cutting tool are disclosed. The security member is configured to disable or inhibit the movement of a cutting tool like an angle grinder or a saw attempting to cut through the security member by applying a force to the cutting tool blade such that a braking effect is achieved. Inhibiting the movement of the cutting blade impedes intrusion through a barrier on which the security member may be mounted in use. The barrier may be a gate, fence, wall or the like. An exemplary fencing panel and an exemplary fence assembly including a security member according to the present disclosure are also disclosed.
[0064] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a security member (10) for restraining a cutting tool (11) is shown. The security member (10) includes an outer tube structure (12) which may be made from steel or other suitable rigid material and may have a length selected for the particular application desired, which may for example be from 50cm to several meters in length. The outer tube structure (12) has a first end (18) and a second end (20). The outer tube structure (12) is a rectangular prism in the present embodiment but may be a cylindrical or a square prism or another practical elongate shape in other embodiments, including an open channel profile.
[0065] The outer tube structure (12) includes an elongate insert (14) extending within and substantially along the length of the outer tube structure (12). In the present embodiment, the elongate insert (14) is a cylinder that fits inside the outer tube structure (12) and extends between the first end (18) and the second end (20) of the outer tube structure (12). The elongate insert (14) may be another elongate shape in other embodiments.
[0066] In the example embodiment, the insert (14) is provided by an inner tube (28), which may be any rigid material such as metal or plastic, filled with an abrasive material (30). The abrasive material (30) can be a cementitious material (including grout, concrete, silica, calcined clay, etc.) or a polymer, for example, which has a generally high coefficient of friction. In other embodiments the insert could also be provided by means of a solid bar. In one such embodiment, the insert is simply a steel bar such as a reinforcing bar (“rebar”) commonly used in building operations. The insert can thus take various forms, and what is required is that the insert provide sufficient frictional resistance to movement of the cutting disc or blade when in contact with a side surface thereof, where the side surface may be a non-cutting surface.
[0067] In the present embodiment, the insert (14) is positioned offset relative to a longitudinal axis of theouter tube structure, such that the insert (14) is located closer to one side (31) of the outer tube structure (14) than the opposite side of the outer tube structure (14). The security member can therefore be positioned on a barrier with that side (31) positioned closer to an external, outwardfacing side of the barrier relative to the rest of the security member. As such, only the portion of the security member in which the insert is contained is severed by the cutting tool, the movement of which is then disabled by friction applied by the insert. A substantial portion of the security member is left uncut by the cutting tool, thereby providing some reinforcement to the barrier even though part of the security member was severed. Of course, in other embodiments, the insert (14) may be positioned in the middle of the outer tube structure (12).
[0068] The outer tube structure further includes one or more biasing members (16) which exert a compressive force on the elongate insert (14). The compressive force refers to an inward, pushing force. The one or more biasing members in the present embodiment are provided by coil springs but may be any other type of spring, member, device or system which can exert the compressive force on the insert by virtue of its shape, configuration, material, or the like. For example, compression springs or other systems (including mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or magnetic systems) could be used to create the compressive force.
[0069] The exemplary security member (10) includes two biasing members (16), in particular, a first biasing member (32) and a second biasing member (34) disposed at either end of the elongate insert (14). Alternative security members may only include one biasing member at one end thereof.
[0070] In the present example, the outer tube structure (12) contains a filler material (40) and includes a bore (42) in which the insert (14) fits. The bore (42) is provided by a hole through the filler material (40) spanning the length of the outer tube structure (12). The filler material (40) can be made of particulate matter such as dry sand or clay, or can be a curable material such as grout or concrete. The filler material may provide structural rigidity to the security member to protect against damage by a tool such as a hammering tool or levering tool. The filler material (40) may be the same material as the abrasive material (30) provided in the insert (14) or may be a different material. The purpose of the filler material is to increase the strength of the security member so that, even once the insert is severed by the cutting tool, the remaining portion of the security member provides sufficient strength to withstand intrusion by other means, such as an attempt to physically break the security member with a crowbar or the like.
[0071] The security member (10) includes an abutment member (54) which provides a surface against which each of the one or more biasing members (16) contracts in use. In the present embodiment,two abutment members are provided by bolts (54) extending through the outer tube structure at each of the first end (18) and second end (20) of the outer tube structure (12). Each bolt in the present embodiment is held in place by a nut (56) and a pair of washers (58). In other embodiments, the abutment member (54) may be a flange, a shoulder, an end cap of the outer tube structure, or other formation against which the one or more biasing members can push against to exert the compressive force on the insert. For example, the abutment member could be a pin such as a Sellok pin. The one or more biasing members (16) in the present embodiment are flanked by and are in contact with the abutment member (54) on one end and the insert (14) on the other end. The abutment member (54) in the present embodiment includes a third washer (60) positioned co-axially with each coil spring biasing member (16) such that the biasing member can make sufficient contact with and contract against the shaft of the bolt (54).
[0072] In other embodiments, the insert may be flanked by and in contact with the abutment member disposed at one end of the outer tube structure and a biasing member disposed at the other end of the outer tube structure. As such, one end of the insert pushes against the abutment member and the other end of the insert pushes against the biasing member which exerts the compressive force on the insert. Therefore, the biasing member indirectly contracts against the surface of the abutment member by way of the insert disposed therebetween.
[0073] Referring to Figure 4, the movement of the severed pieces of the insert in response to being cut by the cutting tool (11) is demonstrated. The cutting tool (11) may be a manual or electric angle grinder, saw, or any similar tool with a cutting disc or blade (22) that can cut through various dense materials such as metal and concrete. The cutting disc or blade (22) may have a generally planar body of any shape such as circular or elongate and rectangular, with a cutting edge on the periphery of the body. The body of the cutting disc or blade (22) includes a side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade, conceivably at least two side surfaces (24) which include two opposing side surfaces (24). The side surfaces (24) are generally non-cutting surfaces.
[0074] As soon as the cutting disc (22) has cut through the insert (14), the insert is divided into two pieces which are free to move along the length of the outer tube structure. By virtue of the two biasing members (32, 34), a first force (36) is exerted by one of the severed pieces of the insert on one side surface (24) of the cutting disc (22), and an equal, second force (38) is exerted on the other side surface of the cutting disc (22).
[0075] After being severed, a severed end (26) of the insert moves towards the cutting disc or blade (22). The biasing action of the at least one severed end (26) in the direction of the cutting disc or blade (22) is due to the biasing member (16) applying the compressive force to the insert (14) in thatdirection. The insert (14) is provided or disposed within the outer tube structure (12) such that, when severed, it is able to move within the outer tube structure in a longitudinal direction following the length of the outer tube structure. As such, the at least one severed end of the insert (26) displaces towards the side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade (22) in the direction of the compressive force to contact the side surface (24) of the disc or blade (22). The first biasing member (32) pushes against one abutment member (40) to produce the first compressive force (36) such that the one severed end (26) of the insert is biased towards one side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade. The second biasing member (34) pushes against the second abutment member (40) to produce the second compressive force (38) which biases the second severed end (26) of the insert towards the second side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade. Friction is therefore applied with a clamping action on both sides of the cutting disc or blade (22) to restrain continued movement of the cutting disc or blade (22), similarly to how a vehicle brake calliper applies friction to a brake rotor to slow it down. The friction applied to the side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade is a function of the material from which the insert is formed as well as the magnitude of the compressive force which pushes the severed ends (26) of the insert (14) against the cutting disc or blade. The resultant braking force is chosen to be sufficient to slow down and then preferably stop the rotation of the cutting disc or blade such that the cutting disc or blade is unable to cut through the rest of the security member (10).
[0076] In other embodiments, the security member may include only one biasing member (16) disposed at the first end (18) or the second end (20) of the outer tube structure. In such an embodiment, the insert (14) is cut into two pieces by the cutting disc or blade (22) and only one severed end (24) of the insert (14) is biased towards and contacts one side surface (24) of the cutting disc or blade (22) to provide friction and reduce or inhibit continued movement of the cutting disc or blade. The bias of the one severed end (24) of the insert may press the cutting disc or blade (22) against the second severed end of the insert.
[0077] Referring to Figure 5, a second embodiment of a security member (100) is shown which further includes an additional sleeve (144) disposed in the outer tube structure (112). The sleeve (144) may streamline the manufacture of the security member (100), particularly where the security member includes the filler material (140). The sleeve (144) has an outer surface (146) and an inner surface (148). Between the outer surface (146) of the sleeve (144) and the inner surface (150) of the outer tube structure (112), a cavity (152) is formed which contains the filler material (140). The inner surface (148) of the sleeve (144) defines the bore (142) which receives the insert (114). The security member may be manufactured by first covering one end of the outer tube structure (112), inserting the sleeve (144) into the outer tube structure (112), pouring the fillermaterial (140) into the resulting cavity (152) defined between the outer tube structure (112) and the sleeve (144), and inserting the insert (114) into the sleeve (144).
[0078] Referring to Figure 6, another embodiment of a security member (200) is shown in which more than one elongate insert (214) is provided therein. The illustrated security member (200) includes three inserts (214) in a parallel arrangement, but other embodiments may include two inserts for medium security needs, for example, or more than three inserts to cater for very high security needs, for example. The security member (200) includes two abutment members (254) provided at each end of the outer tube structure (212), in the form of bolts secured and extending through the respective ends of the outer tube structure. The inserts (214) in the present embodiment are positioned such that two of the three inserts (214) cooperate with one abutment member (254) and the other insert cooperates with the second abutment member (254). In other embodiments, all the inserts may cooperate with one and the same abutment member. Alternatively, each insert may cooperate with a different abutment member. Preferably, where multiple inserts are provided in one outer tube structure, each insert cooperates with a different, independent biasing member / s. If multiple inserts are biased by the same biasing member, biasing of the severed end of one insert may be hindered by the other, unsevered insert / s which will effectively hold the biasing member in a position in which it is unable to urge the severed end of the one insert toward the cutting blade. For example, where the biasing member is a coil spring biasing multiple inserts, severing one insert may not result in the severed end being urged towards the side surface of the cutting disc or blade as the other inserts may be so rigid as to inhibit decompression of the coil spring which is needed to urge the severed end towards the cutting disc or blade. The severed insert may therefore simply be cut, and may not apply pressure on the cutting disc or blade since the compressive force will no longer be acting on it. An arrangement with multiple inserts (214) may enable the security member (200) to withstand an attack from multiple different directions.
[0079] In some embodiments, the filler material may be absent. For example, where the security member includes more than one elongate insert, the inserts may be shaped and sized so that together they occupy more than 50%, preferably more than 85%, more preferably more than 90% of the space defined within the outer tube structure. In such embodiments, there may also be no sleeve member. Where there is only a single insert, the insert is preferably shaped and sized so that it occupies no more than 50% of the space defined within the outer tube structure. This is to ensure that there is sufficient strength in the remaining portions of the security member once the insert has been severed.Referring to Figures 7 and 8, an example embodiment of a fencing panel (300) is shown. The fencing panel includes at least one panel of wire strands (302) and a security member (10) extending across the panel (302). Each panel of wire strands (302) is made of thin, elongate wire strands. The wire strands are composed of many horizontal wires (303) welded to several vertical wires (305). The exemplary fencing panel (300) includes two panels of wire strands (302) with the security member (10) disposed, or sandwiched, between the two panels. The two fencing panels (302) include a first panel (304) and a second panel (306). The first panel (304) has a flat, planar surface. The second panel (306) has at least one raised ridge (308) defined along its height or its width. The raised ridge (308) may be formed by bending a flat panel such that it forms a hump or a V- or C-shaped bend across the height or the width of the panel. The illustrated embodiment shows only one raised ridge (308) defined across the width in the second panel (306). Other embodiments not shown may include a series of raised ridges (308) defined in the second panel (306). Each ridge in the series of raised ridges may be vertically or horizontally spaced apart from one another such that the second panel includes flat portions (310) of wire strands punctuated by raised ridges (308). The vertical or horizontal spacing of the raised ridges (308) should be sufficiently small such that an intruder cannot breach the fencing panel (300) by simply cutting through the flat portion (310) between two raised ridges (308) and entering through the resulting hole, and avoiding the need to break through at least one security member (10). For example, the raised ridges could be spaced about 200mm±50mm apart, measured center to center. The raised ridges may be spaced between about 150mm to 250mm apart, about 160mm to 240mm apart, about 170 to 230mm apart, about 180mm to 220mm apart, or about 190mm to 210mm apart measured center to center. The raised ridges may be spaced 200mm apart, measured center to center.
[0080] The first panel (304) and the second panel (306) are positioned together such that the flat portions (310) of the second panel (306) are flush with the flat surface of the first panel (304) and as such the at least one raised ridge (308) of the second panel (306) extends outwardly in a direction away from the surface of the first panel (304). This results in a gap (312) defined between the flat, planar surface of the first panel (304) and each raised ridge (308) of the second panel (306). Each gap (312) extends along the width of each raised ridge (308). A security member (10) is sandwiched within the gap (312) to assemble the fencing panel (300). The security member can slide into the gap (312) during assembly of the fencing panel (300). The security member (10) may additionally be secured to one or both of the two panels of wire strands to secure it in place in the gap (312), and / or be mounted at its elongate ends to edges of the panels and / or be secured to one or both fence posts adjacent to the panel. Alternatively, in other embodiments of fencing assemblies in which one of the panels do not have a raised ridge, the security member may be fixed to the at least one panel by different means such as by welding, securing with a bolt, bracketor the like. In other embodiments in which the second panel includes a series of raised ridges, each raised ridge may include a security member. Where the fencing panel comprises only one panel, the security member may be coupled to an internal, protected side of the fencing panel.
[0081] The first and second panels may be secured together or may be held together by virtue of being attached to the fence post. The first and second panels may be held together by virtue of being held by flanges of a fence post, or through other means such as an elongate member which extends across the panels and includes projecting lips or hooks which extend through gaps between horizontal and vertical wires of the panels to thereby hold the panels together. The first and second panels may be secured together through welding (such as spot welding), for example to provide a double skin.
[0082] The first panel (304) may define an external side of the fencing panel, being the side faced by an intruder, and the second panel (306) may define a protected, internal side of the fencing panel. As such, the one or more raised ridges (308) of the second panel (306) extend on the protected side of the fencing panel and therefore cannot be used as steps for an intruder to climb and therefore breach the fencing panel. As the elongate insert (14) of the security member (10) in the present embodiment is provided offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube structure (12), the security member (10) is coupled to the fencing panel such that the insert is positioned closer to the external side provided by the first panel (304) relative to a remaining portion of the security member. In other words, the security member is oriented such that the offset insert within is positioned towards a side of the outer tube structure expected to be accessed by a cutting tool of an intruder. Accordingly, when the insert is severed by the cutting tool and the cutting tool is subsequently inhibited from continuing to cut through the security member, a substantial portion of the security member remains intact and still has sufficient structural integrity to reinforce the fencing panel.
[0083] A fencing assembly can be made using the illustrated fencing panels (300). In a fencing assembly, at least two fence posts (not shown) are provided with a fencing panel (300) as described above secured between two of the at least two fence posts. The fencing panels (300) may each be secured to a fence post at each end of the fencing panel. The fencing assembly may be constructed by securing a first fence post in the ground, attaching the one vertical edge of a fencing panel including the security member therein to the first fence post, securing a second fence post in the ground and attaching it to the second vertical edge of the fencing panel to secure the fencing panel in place. Alternatively, and particularly where angle iron posts are used, the fencing assembly may be constructed by securing the first and second fence posts in the ground and fitting the fencing panel therebetween. A plurality of such fencing assembly units can bejoined end-to-end to construct a barrier of the desired length to demarcate an area. In addition or as an alternative to being secured to the panels of wire strands, the security member may be attached to at least one fence post to enhance the stability of the security member.
[0084] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a first example embodiment of a fencing panel (400) is shown. The fencing panel includes one panel of wire strands (402) and a plurality of security members (10). The panel of wire strands (402) is made of thin elongate horizontal wire strands (403) welded to several vertical wire strands (405). The security members (10) extend across the panel in a vertical configuration and are attached to the panel of wire strands (402) by welding. The fencing panel (400) further includes a rail (413) extending along the top edge of the panel of wire strands (402), which is welded to the top of each of the security members (10).
[0085] The fencing panel (400) further comprises barrier elements (414), as shown in Figure 10. These barrier elements (414) comprise metal bars that are welded to the rail (413) and the security members (10) and extend diagonally across the fencing panel (400).
[0086] The front side of the fencing panel (Figure 9) defines an external side of the fencing panel, being the side faced by an intruder, and the back side of the fencing panel (Figure 10) defines a protected, internal side of the fencing panel.
[0087] In this arrangement, the fencing panel (400), may include an additional top fencing panel of wire strands located above the existing fencing panel of wire strands (402) (embodiment not shown). The top fencing panel (when present) may be connected to the existing fencing panel (402) by the rail (413), using a fastening means such as bolts.
[0088] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a second example embodiment of a fencing panel (500) according to the present invention. The fencing panel includes at a first panel of wire strands (504) and a second panel of wire strands (506). Each panel of wire strands is composed of many horizontal wires (503) welded to several vertical wires (505). Compared to Figure 8, this arrangement has an increased number of vertical wires. The fencing panel (500) includes security members (10) disposed, or sandwiched, between the two panels of wire strands (504, 506). In this embodiment, the security members (10) are in a horizontal configuration.
[0089] The first panel (504) has a flat, planar surface. The second panel (506) has raised ridges (508) along its width, separated by flat portions (510). The raised ridges (508) are formed by bending a flat panel such that it forms a V- or C-shaped bend across the width of the panel.The first panel (504) and the second panel (506) are positioned together such that the flat portions (510) of the second panel (506) are flush with the flat surface of the first panel (504). Thus, the raised ridges (508) of the second panel (506) extend outwardly in a direction away from the surface of the first panel (504). This results in a gap (512) defined between the flat, planar surface of the first panel (504) and each raised ridge (508) of the second panel (506). A security member (10) is sandwiched within the gap (512). The security member (10) is attached to the second panel (506) by a screw and washer fixating means (515) at the apex of the raised ridge (508). The first and second panels are secured together through welding, to provide a double skin. The first panel (504) defines an external side of the fencing panel, being the side faced by an intruder, and the second panel (506) defines a protected, internal side of the fencing panel.
[0090] The security member (10) is attached to a supporting plate (516) via welding. The height of the supporting plate (516) substantially corresponds to the height of the base of the raised ridge (508) of the second panel. The supporting plate (516) abuts the flat surface of the first panel (504) but is not connected thereto. A supporting plate (516) is located on each end of the security member (10), and extends only a portion of the width of the fencing panel (500).
[0091] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure.
[0092] The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of any accompanying claims.
[0093] Finally, throughout the specification and any accompanying claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’ or variations such as ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. A security member for restraining a cutting tool, the security member comprising:an outer tube structure having a first end and a second end;an elongate insert within the outer tube structure extending between the first end and the second end; andone or more biasing members which exert a compressive force on the elongate insert so that, when severed by the cutting tool, at least one severed end of the insert is biased towards a side surface of a cutting disc or blade of the cutting tool so as to provide frictional resistance to movement of the cutting disc or blade.
2. The security member of claim 1 , wherein the insert is provided by an inner tube filled with an abrasive material that provides the frictional resistance in response to the insert making contact with the side surface of the cutting disc or blade.
3. The security member of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the insert is disposed within the outer tube structure such that the insert is capable of at least some movement within the outer tube structure in a direction along a length of the outer tube structure, so as to permit one or both severed ends of the insert to displace towards the side surface of the cutting disc or blade when the insert is severed.
4. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert is positioned within the outer tube structure such that it is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer tube structure.
5. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 4, including an abutment member configured to provide a surface against which the one or more biasing members contract in order to exert the compressive force on the insert.
6. The security member of claim 5, wherein the abutment member is a bolt extending through the outer tube structure secured at the first and / or second end of the outer tube structure.
7. The security member of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the one or more biasing members are in contact between the abutment member and the insert.
8. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 7, including a first biasing member and a second biasing member at either end of the elongate insert, wherein the first biasing member is configured to exert a first compressive force on the insert and the second biasing member is configured to exert a second opposing compressive force on the insert.
9. The security member of claim 8, wherein the first and second compressive forces are substantially equal in magnitude such that when the insert is severed by the cutting tool, each severed end of the insert is biased towards one of two opposing side surfaces of the cutting disc or blade.
10. The security member of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein one the elongate insert is in contact with an abutment member at one end and is in contact with a biasing member at its opposite end.
11. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more biasing members are coil springs.
12. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 11 , including a filler material provided inside the outer tube structure at least partially surrounding the insert and including a bore for the insert therethrough.
13. The security member of claim 12, wherein the filler material is a curable material.
14. The security member of claim 12 or claim 13, including a sleeve provided within the outer tube structure, wherein the sleeve defines a cavity configured to contain the filler material between the sleeve and the outer tube structure, and wherein the sleeve has an inner surface defining the bore for the insert.
15. The security member of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outer tube structure accommodates a plurality of elongate inserts in a parallel arrangement.
16. A fencing panel comprising at least one panel of wire strands and a security member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 extending across the panel.
17. The fencing panel of claim 16, wherein the security member is connected directly to a panel of wire strands.
18. The fencing panel of claim 16 or claim 17, including two panels of wire strands with the security member sandwiched between the two panels.
19. The fencing panel of claim 18, wherein a first panel of the two panels is a flat panel and a second panel of the two panels includes at least one raised ridge defined along a height or a width of the second panel.
20. The fencing panel of claim 19, wherein a security member is sandwiched within a gap provided between the first panel and the at least one raised ridge of the second panel.
21. The fencing panel of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first panel defines an external side of the fencing panel and the second panel defines a protected side of the fencing panel.
22. The fencing panel of claim 21 , wherein the insert of the security member is positioned within the outer tube such that it is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer tube, and wherein the security member is coupled to or oriented relative to the fencing panel such that the insert is positioned closer to the external side of the fencing panel relative to a remaining portion of the security member such that when the insert is severed by the cutting tool, the remaining portion of the security member provides structural integrity to reinforce the fencing panel.
23. The fencing panel of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second panel includes a series of raised ridges each including a security member.
24. The fencing panel of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the fencing panel further comprises a rail.
25. The fencing panel according to claim 24, wherein the rail comprises an aperture and the security member extends through the aperture.
26. The fencing panel according to claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the security member is welded to the rail.
27. A fencing assembly, comprising:at least two fence posts; anda fencing panel as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 26 secured between the fence posts.