AU2006202366A1 - Two-Part Fence Base - Google Patents

Description

2-Jun. 2006 20:14 Wal ington-Dummer Sydney N o- 55 7 P 3 PI00D009 Regulation 3.10

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A DIVISIONAL STANDARD PATENT APPLICATION Invention Title: TWO-PART FENCE BASE The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 052050 COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:14 Wallington-Dummer Sydney N o ,5 557 4 -2- NO TWO-PART FENCE BASE (N The present invention relates to temporary fences such ;as typically found at building sites and, more particularly to the base or anchor blocks with apertures into which the uprights of panels of such fences may be inserted and so

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BACKGROUND

The use of temporary fences made up of panels ci comprising pairs of uprights and stringers with infills of woven wire mesh, supported in concrete blocks, has become a common feature of building sites and other areas requiring temporary enclosure. In this arrangement, the anchor blocks are provided with one or more apertures into which the adjacent uprights or stiles of a pair of adjoining panels can be inserted.

To be effective in supporting the substantial weight of the fence panels and resisting the forces such as wind loading, which may be applied to them, the anchor blocks themselves must be of substantial size and weight, preferably at least 35Kg. This places them outside the permitted maximum weight, which in some jurisdictions at least, may be lifted by a male person due to health and safety issues.

Two-part anchor blocks are known. Thus for example, a Dutch patent NL940155 discloses as one embodiment two COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2606 20:14 Wal ngton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. o interlocking anchor blocks arranged end to end; each block (N comprising a shell filled with concrete. A disadvantage of ;Z this arrangement is that each of the stiles of two adjacent cI' fence panels is supported within one only of the pair of anchor blocks (when inserted into the central pair of

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IND apertures) so that with free sliding movement between the interlocking parts, there is likely to be r educed stability IND of the fence when subjected to lateral loading.

o Another known two-part anchor block is disclosed in Aus5tralian patent application AU 2004208695. These blocks (also comprising plastic shells filled with concrete) are arranged side by side, with each block provided with a metal hoop; the two hoops located one above the other when the blocks are assembled, to form a rectangular aperture into which the adjoining stiles are inserted. It is only when a pair of adjoining uprights are inserted through the common aperture provided by these hoops that separation of the two parts of the block is prevented.

Apart from the complexity of manufacture, a particular disadvantage -in use of this arrangement is that the panels at the ends of a temporary fence will be very poorly supported, since a single upright inserted through the aperture of the hoops, which are adapted to hold two uprights, will not be secured- .A further disadvantage of both the above disclosures of the prior art, lies in the fact that, particularly in COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:14 Wallinston-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 6 4 \o o the case of AU2004208695, the anchor blocks are unsuitable C for acting as hinges or bearings when it is desired to Z operate one or a pair of panels of the temporary fence as San access gate.

Nor is there any provision in either of the pairs of

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I0 anchor blocks of these prior art disclosures, for Sadditional securing means; both relying purely on the mass ci OD of the blocks to maintain the fence in an upright position.

0 0q It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

NOTE

The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an anchor assembly for a temporary fence; said assembly comprising a base portion and a superposed insert portion; each said base portion and said superposed insert portion comprising a composite of a shell open at the underside, and a settable material filling said shell; and wherein respective pairs of formers integral to each said shell of said base portion and said superposed portion, define substantially COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2066 20:14 WallIinglon-Dummer Sydney No-5557 P. 7 overtical pairs of passages through said base portion and (N said superposed insert portion; said passages arranged so ;Z that when said base portion and said superposed insert o portion are assembled together, respective pairs of said passages are in vertical alignment; said passages adapted VaO VaO for receiving therethrough respective ends of uprights of adjacent panels of said temporary fence; said ends VaO passing through both said superposed insert portion and o said base portion.

Preferably, said shell of said base portion includes a generally rectangular prism having an open rectangular base with side and end portions extending upwardly to an upper surface parallel to said rectangular base; said shell further including corner projections thrusting upwardly from said upper surface.

Preferably, said upper surface is provided with a pair of apertu,3res disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; each of said pair of apertures communicating with a respective integral former extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point approximately level with said open rectangular base.

Preferably, each said former is provided with an integral closure at said point level with said open COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:15 Wallinston-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 8 6 o rectangular base; said closure provided with a drainage CN hole.

Preferably, each of said pair of apertures and ci Srespective said formers are adapted for insertion therein as a close sliding fit, of a tubular steel upright of

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temporary fence panel.

ci O Preferably, each end portion of said open rectangular 0 o base is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an underside level with said open rectangular base; said recess extending upwardly to a level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said recess adapted for insertion of the fingers of a user for lifting of said base portion.

Preferably, apertures are provided in each said end portion; said apertures located centrally in said end portion and between said level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that axes of said formers are aligned; each said former coextensive in length with each said recess.

Preferably, each said aperture and each said former is adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 29:15 WallIinglon-Dummer Sydney No-5557 P. 9 7- No rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said (N end portion.

Preferably, each one of at least one pair of 0 diametrically opposed said corner projections is provided INO 5 with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner VaO en projections; said aperture communicating with an integral o former extending downwardly from said upper surface to a o point level with said open rectangular base; said aperture and said former adapted to receive therethrough securing pegs.

Preferably, each of said securing pegs comprises a welded shaped assembly of lengths of steel rod; the length of a leg portion of said shaped assembly sufficient to extend from said upper surface of said corner projections to a preferred depth be low a ground surface supporting said anchor assembly; the length of a cross bar portioni of said shaped assembly sufficient for one side of said cross bar to overlap a portion of said superposed insert portion when said securing peg is driven to said preferred depth.

Preferably, said superposed insert portion comprises a central body portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end portions; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:15 Wa i ng on-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. o upper surface parallel to an underside of said central ^C body portion; said superposed insert portion adapted for nested engagement as a close sliding fit between said oq corner projections of said base portion so as to rest on S said upper surface of said base portion; said base

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V\ portion and said superposed insert portion when assembled "c forming a generally rectangular block.

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Preferably, depth of said central body portion is cq approximately equal to height of said corner projections; and wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced relative to said central body portion so as to allow space for insertion of the fingers of a user when lifting said superposed insert portion for assembly or disassembly with said base portion.

Preferably, said upper surface of said superposed insert portion is provided with a pair of apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral formers extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said underside of said central body portion; respective ones of said apertures and said formers axially aligned with respective ones of said apertures and said formers of said base portion when said base portion and said superposed insert portion are assembled together, such COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun, 2006 20:15 WalJington-Dummer Sydney N o.5 5 57 I I 9 o that said apertures and said formers define a single pair (Nq of passages passing through both said superposed insert ;Z portion and said base portion.

ci 0Preferably, each of said outer end portions is SIN provided with an aperture; each said aperture

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en communicating with an integral former extending inwardly ci 0from each said outer end portion such that said formers ci oare axially aligned; each said former coextensive in 0 length with respective said outer end portions.

Preferably, each said aperture and said former of said outer end portions is adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end portion to an opposite said outer end portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

Preferably, said base portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 18 to 24 kilograms.

Preferably, said superposed insert portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 14 to 20 kilograms.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing an anchor assembly for a temporary fence comprising a base portion and a COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:15 Wal l ngton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 12 10 \0 0 superposed insert portion; said method including the 0 ^C steps of: a. Injection moulding or otherwise forming a plastic shell open at an underside, for each of said base \O 5 portion and said superposed insert portion,

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C b. inverting each shell of said base portion and \O said superposed insert portion, C c. inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said base portion and said superposed insert portion, d. pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells level with respective said open undersides, e. allowing said settable material to harden, f. inverting each of said base portion and superposed insert portion and placing said superposed insert portion onto said first base portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

Preferably, said method further includes the steps of: a. providing shaped securing pegs, COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:16 Wali nglon-Dummer Sydney No-5557 P. 13 11 No b. inserting legs of said 'IT" shaped securing pegs (N through apertures and formers provided in at ;Z least one pair of opposing corner projections of said base portion, c. driving said pegs tlirough said apertures and said VaO en formers to a pref erred depth so as to lock said 0 superposed insert portion in a nested position on o said base portion by an overlapping of ends of cross bars of said shaped securing with said superposed insert portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FiguLre I is a perspective view of a base portion of a fence base according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig-ure 2 is a perspective view of a superposed insert portion of the preferred embodiment of a fence base, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base portion and superposed insert portion of Figs. 1 and 2 when assembled for use, Figuare 4 is a side elevation view of the base portion of Fig. 1 COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2005-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:16 Wall ington-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 14 12 o Figure 5 is a plan view of the base portion of Fig. 1, 0 (N Figure 6 is a view from -underneath the base portion of ;Fig. 1 cFigre 7 is an end elevation view of the base portion of Pig. 1,

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IND Figure 8 is a sectioned view of a portion of the base portion of Fig.. 1 taken along the line A-A, IN Figure 9 is a sectioned view of a portion of the base oportion of Fig. 1 taken along the line B-B, ci Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the superposed insert portion of Fig. 2, Figure 11 is a view of the underneath of the superposed insert portion of Fig. 2, Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the superposed insert portion of Fig. 2, Figure 13 is a sectioned view of a portion of the superposed insert portion of Fig. 2 taken along the line A-

A.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the base portion of Figure 1, Figure 15 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the superposed insert portion of Figure 2, Figure 16 is a perspective view of the base portion of Figure 14 and superposed insert portion of Figure assembled together in use.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:16 Wai ington-Dummer Sydney No-5557 P. 13a o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (N With reference to Fig. 1, a base portion 10 of a fence ;Z base is comprised of a shell 12 moultded in some suitable plastic. Shell 12 is formed as a generally rectangular prism having a rectangular base 14 open at its underside 16 VaO VaO as may be seen from the view from below of Fig. 6.

Shell 12 has an upper surface 18 parallel with INO rectangular base 14. The sides of shell 12 preferably taper o inwardly to some extent as can best be seen in the side elevation and end elevation views of Figs. 4 and 7.

Projecting upwardly at each corner area of upper surface 18, are projections 20 to 23. Upper surface 18 is provided with apertures 24 and 26 arranged side by side and disposed along the transverse centre line 27 of -upper surface 18.

Apertures 24 and 26 communicate with formers 28 and respectively, integrally moulded with shell 12 and extending downwardly from the underside of 'upper surface 18 to the level of rectangular base 1-4 as best seen in the hidden detail of Fig. 4. Farmers 28 and 30 are preferably closed at their lower ends 32 and 34 except for small drainage holes 36 and 38. The separation between the axes of formers 28 and 30 is arranged to equal that of the axes of adjoining uprights of adjacent temporary fence panels when these are linked towards their upper end by a connecting bracket (not shown).

COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:16 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 16 -14 VaO o Preferably, though not essentially, formers 28 and are cylindrical and have bores such as to accept ;Z therethrough the tubular steel uprights typically employed o in temporary fence panels. It will however be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes of formers 28 VaO V.0 and 30 can be envisaged, such as square or hexagonal for o example, sized so that sides of the square or hexagonal VaO tubes of the formers tangentially contact the cylindrical 0 surfaces of the tubular uprights.

With reference again to Fig. 1, at least one pair of diametrically opposed- projections, such as 20 and 22, may further be provided with apertures 40 and 42 respectively, each of which communicates with formers 41 and 43 respectively, also integrally moulded with shell 12 and extending downwardly from the undersides of the upper surfaces 44 and 46 to the level of rectangular base 14 as can be seen in Fig. 9. Formers 41 and 43 are open at their lower ends and are sized so as to accept pegs 13 which may be inserted into the apertures and driven into the ground to assist in stabilising the base portion 10 once in situ.

Formers 41 and 43 also- are preferably though not necessarily cylindrical in form, and may also be of square or hexagonal section for example. Formers 41 and 43 are preferably moulded so as to have outer walls of the formers contiguous with, and thus supported by internal surfaces of corner projections 20 and 22 respectively.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2-Jun. 2066 26:17 Wall inglon-Dummer Sydney No-5b57 P. 17 o The pegs 13 shown in Fig-ure 3, pref erred f or use with the anchor assembly of the invention, are preferably formed ;Z as a shaped assembly of two steel rods, with one length o of rod forming the leg and another the cross bar., This arrangement allows one or two such pegs to be inserted VaO VaO through the formers 41 and 43 and driven into the ground so o that, when fully driven "home", one end of a peg's. cross V.0 bar projects over the superposed insert portion 100 0 described below, and leg of the shaped assembly extends below the ground surface to a preferred depth. As well as adding stability to the anchor assemblies, particularly where a fence is erected on sandy, soft or sloping ground, this has the advantage of assisting in locking the two parts of the anchor assembly together.

With reference to Figs. 1, 6. 7 and 8, it will be seen that recesses 48 and 50 are provided at each end of the base portion 10. These extend inwardly sufficient to provide handgrips for a user to lift the base portion off, or place it onto, a surface. Recesses 48 and 50 are open at their underside and extend upwardly to a level intermediate between base 14 and upper surface 18. Positioned centrally, in the portions of the ends of shell 12 between recesses 48 and 50 and upper surface 18, are apertures 52 and 54 communicating with cylindrical formers Si and 53 respectively, arranged so that formers 51 and 53 are axially aligned.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 I.Jun. 2006 20:17 2Ju~W 260 201 i n g to n- Dum mecr S Yd n e YNo55 P 1 N o 5 5 5 7 P 18 o As may be seen in Fig. 6, strengthening webs 55 may be provided to maintain correct alignment of formers 28 and ;Z prior to the filling of shell 12 with a settable material.

o Formers 51 and 53 are adapted for insertion therethrough of a length of reinforcing rod (not shown) prior to filling Va with a settable material in order to assist in retaining o the material securely within shell 12.

IND Turning now to Figs.. 2 and 10 to 13, a superposed 0 insert portion 100 of the anchor assembly of the present invention, is comprised of a central body portion 118 and outwardly extending portions 104 and 106 forming a shell 112. Central body portion 118 is open at its underside 108 and its depth may be approximately equal to, or less than the height of projections 20 to 23 of base portion 10. The depth of extending portions 104 and 106 however, is sufficiently less than that of central body portion 118 to allow a user (not shown) to insert his or her fingers under portions 104 and 106 for lifting superposed insert portion 1-00 onto or off base portion 10, or placing it onto a surface.

The shape of outwardly extending portions 104 and la6 and of shoulder portions 108 is such as to allow a close nesting of superposed insert portion 100 between projections 20 to 231 of base portion 10, as may be seen in Pig. 3. Superposed insert portion 100 is also provided with a pair of apertures 124 and 126 disposed along the COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:17 WallIinglon-Dummer Sydnev No-5557 P. 19 17 110 otransverse centre line 127 of central body portion 118.

Apertures 124 and 126 communicated with formers 128 and 130 ;Z respectively, which extend downwardly from the underside of o the upper surface of central body portion 12-8 to a point level with th~e underside 108. Again, these formers 128 and VaO VaO 130 are preferably cylindrical but may be formed as any o regular polygon, four sided or six sided for example.

VaO However unlike the tormers 28 and 30 of base portion o formers 128 and 130 are open at their lower ends.

Pairs of apertures 124 anid 126 and their respective formers 128 and 130 are positioned so as to be aligned vertically with respective apertures 24 and 26 and their corresponding formers 28 and 30 when superposed insert portion 100 is assembled on base portion 10. The apertures and formers are also adapted to accept the insertion of tubular steal upright members 23 and 25 (shown in dashed outline in Fig. of adjoining fence panels. Thus, when superposed insert portion 100 is assembled with base portion 10 in use, the ends of upright members 23 and 25 of adjoining fence panels, pass through both superposed insert portion 100 and base portion Again with reference to Figs. 3, 10 and 11, each of outwardly extending portions 104 and 106, is provided with centrally positioned apertures 152 and 154, each of which communicates with respective cylindrical formers 1-51 and 153 extending approximately the length of portions 104 and COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: lime (I-tm) 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun* 2006 20:17 WallIinston-Dummer Sydney No-55b7 P. o 106. Apertures 152 and 154 and formers 151 and 153 are axially aligned and of a diameter so as to allow insertion ;Z of a length of reinforcing rod extending from one outer end o portion 104 to the other 106.

in a further preferred embodiment as shown in Figures VaO VaO 14, 15 and 16, the shells of base portion 10 and superposed o insert portion 100 are configured as previously described.

Va In this embodiment however, both base portion 10 and 0 suiperposed insert portion 100 are provided with apertures 60, 62 and 160, 162 respectively and associated formers, 61, 63 and 161, 163. For both base portion 10 and superposed insert portion 100, apertures are formed in the upper surfaces 18 and 118 respectively with their respective formers depending from the underside of each upper surface.

The positioning of the apertures and formuers is such that those of superposed insert portion 100 are in alignment with respective ones of base portion 10 when the two portions are assembled together, as can be seen in Figure 16-. Thus in this embodiment, securing pegs 13 can be inserted to pass through both the superposed insert portion 100 and base portion 10 and driven into a supporting ground surface. Furthermore, the positioning of the passages so formed by the aligned apertures and associated formers is adjacent projections 20 to 22 such that cross bars 15 of pegs 13, overlap projections 20 and 22 as shown in Figure COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:17 Wal ington-Duvmer Sydney No.5557 P. 21 o 16, thereby in effect securing superposed insert portion Clq 100 to base portion I0.

c oIn manufacture, having injection moulded or otherwise formed the shells 12 and 112, these are inverted and each

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VO may optionally be provided with a length of reinforcing rod en c opassing from apertures 52 to 54 and from 152 to 154 ci VO respectively. Concrete or some other suitable settable 0material is then poured into the respective shells until ci completely filled. After setting of the settable material the portions may be inverted and are ready for use.

At a site where a temporary fence is to be erected, base portions and superposed insert portions may be lifted and positioned individually, thus ensuring that construction personnel are not required to either break health and safety regulations, or run the risk of back injury. Preferred dimensions of the base portion and superposed insert portion herein described when filled with concrete, will result in weights of 20-22 Kg for the base portion and 16-18 Kg for the superposed insert portion.

For a temporary fence anchor made in two parts to be effective, it must when assembled, act as a unitary block when subjected to the typical forces to which a temporary fence is exposed. These forces originate primarily from wind loading, especially when panels are provided with any form of sheeting, as well as impacts from personnel and COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jljn. 2006 20:18 2.Jun 2006 0:18 Wall ngton-Dummer Sydney o55 .2 No.5557 P. 22 VaO o equipment. Thus any arrangement, which allows lateral movement between the two parts of the assembly, will reduce ;Z the stability of the anchor. Such movement is the more l'n o likely in arrangements where each of the adjoining uprights of adjacent fence panels only passes through one of the Va parts making up the anchor.

o It will be readily understood that in the anchor assembly 200 of the present invention, the close nesting of 0superposed insert portion i0o between the upward projections 20 to 23 of base portion 10, lateral movement of the insert portion 100 relative to base portion 10 is completely precluded. Each of the adjoining uprights of adjacent fence panels passes through aligned passages in both superposed insert portion 100 and base portion 10, so that in effect the anchor assembly acts as a single block.

It will also be appreciated that the anchor assembly 200 may be used for supporting the outermost -upright of panels at the ends of a line of feancing panels, since an upright is individually secured in its own aligned passage thfrough the superposed insert portion 100 and base portion and does not rely for its stability in the anchor on an adjacent upright. Furthermore, the aligned passages and the fact that the formers 24 and 26 of base portion 10 are closed at their lower ends (save for the drainage hole) as described above, provide a secure lower bearing for a fence panel acting as a gate.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time (I-tm) 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:18 Wal I ngton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 23 21 o Yet a further advantage of the present invention resides in the smaller apertures 40 and 42 and their ;Z associated formers 41 and 43 of base portion 10, providing ci o passages through which the previously described securing pegs 13 may be driven. By these means the anchor assembly

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ID 200 of the present invention is virtually prevented from ci Slateral movement over the ground surface on which it is ci ND supported, and greatly aids in making the assembly 0i significantly more resistant to tilting under lateral loads applied to the supported fence panels or when positioned on sloping ground. This facility is particularly useful for an anchor assembly positioned at a fence panel acting as a gate.

Although by providing the fence base as an anchor assembly in two superposed parts the strain and risk of injury in manipulation when erecting a temporary fence is minimised, it will be appreciated that the individual shells of the two component parts may be produced by some central moulding facility. This allows the relatively light-weight shells to be economically transported to any one of a number of regional filling facilities closer to the site at which the temporary fence is required.

It will also be appreciated that the plastic shells act to minimise damage and crumbling of the settable material, such as is commonly experienced with fence bases comprising just a concrete block. The plastic shells COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:18 Wal inston-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 24 22 Va o further provide a convenient means of supplying the anchor 1 assembly in a variety of colours. These could include fluorescent colours as an aid to increasing visibility at o night, thus minimising the risk of injury to passers by when a fence is erected adjoining a pedestrian walkway.

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\O The above describes only some embodiments of the o present invention and modifications, obvious to those ci \O skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing o from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

ci COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02

Claims (3)

1. 2.Jun. 2006 20:18 Wall in ton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 23 CLAIMS S1. An anchor assembly for a temporary fence; said assembly comprising a base portion and a superposed ci 0 insert portion; each said base portion and said kI 5 superposed insert portion comprising a composite of a \O ¢C shell open at the underside, and a settable material ci Sfilling said shell; and wherein respective pairs of c\ Sformers integral to each said shell of said base Sportion and said superposed insert portion, define substantially vertical pairs of passages through said base portion and said superposed insert portion; said passages arranged so that when said base portion and said superposed insert portion are assembled together, respective pairs of said passages are in vertical alignment; said passages adapted for receiving therethrough respective ends of uprights of adjacent panels of said temporary fence; said ends passing through both said superposed insert portion and said base portion. 2. The anchor assembly of claim 2 wherein said shell of said base portion includes a generally rectangular prism having an open rectangular base with side and end portions extending upwardly to an upper surface parallel to said rectangular base; said shell further COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun, 2006 20:19 Wall ngton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 26
2. 24- VaO o including corner projections thrusting upwardly from CA said upper surface. 3. The anchor assembly of claim 3 wherein said upper 0 surface is provided with a pair of apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surf ace; VaO each of said pair of apertures communicating with a 0 respective integral former extending downwardly f rom o an underside of said upper surface to a point approximately level with said open rectangular 'base. 4. The anchor assembly of claim 4 wherein each said former is provided with an integral closure at said point level with said open rectangular base; said closure provided with a drainage hole. The anchor assembly of claim 3 or 4 wherein each of is said pair of apertures and respective said formers are adapted for insertion therein as a close sliding fit, of a tubular steel upright of temporary fence panel. S. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 3 to C wherein each end portion of said open rectangular base is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an underside level with said open rectangular base; said recess extending upwardly to a level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said recess adapted for insertion of COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:19 Walt ington-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 27 25 o the fingers of a user for lifting of said base 0 portion. 7. The anchor assembly of claim 7 wherein apertures are ci 0provided in each said end portion; said apertures located centrally in said end portion and between said O nlevel intermediate said open rectangular base and said ci 0q upper surface; said apertures communicating with INO integral formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that axes of said formers are aligned; each said former coextensive in length with each said recess. 8. The anchor assembly of claim 8 wherein each said aperture and each said former is adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said end portion. 9. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein each one of at least one pair of diametrically opposed said corner projections is provided with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner projections; said aperture communicating with an integral former extending downwardly from said upper surface to a point level with said open rectangular base; said aperture and said former adapted to receive therethrough securing pegs. COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:19 2.Jun 200620:19 Wallinston-Dummer SydneyNo55 P.2 No-5557 P, 28 26 VaO The anchor assembly of claim .9 wherein each of said securing pegs comprises a welded "C"f shaped ;Z assembly of lengths of steel rod; the length of a leg o portion of said shaped assembly sufficient to extend from said upper surface of said corner VaO V.0 projections to a preferred depth be low a ground o surface supporting said anchor assembly; the length of V.0 a cross bar portion of said shaped assembly 0 sufficient for one side of said cross bar to overlap a portion of said superposed insert por:tion when said securing peg is driven to said preferred depth. 11. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 3 to wherein said superposed insert portion comprises a central body portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end portions; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous upper surface parallel to an underside of said central body portion; said superposed insert portion adapted for nested engagement as a close sliding fit between said corner projections of said base portion so as to rest on said upper surface of said base portion; said base portion and said superposed insert portion when assembled forming a generally rectangular block. 12. The anchor assembly of claim 11 wherein depth of said central body portion is approximately equal to COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2066 20:19 WallI ngton-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 29 27 V.0 height of said corner projections above said upper surface of said base portion- 13. The anchor assembly of claim 211 or 12 wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced V.0 5 relative to said central body portion so as to allow V.0 space for insertion of the fingers of a user when ci lifting said superposed insert portion for assembly or o disassembly with said base portion. 14. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein said upper surface of said superposed insert portion is provided with a pair of apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral formers extending downwardly from an underside of said. upper surface to a point level with said underside of said central body portion. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 11 to 14 respective ones of said apertures and said formiers axially aligned with respective ones of said apertures and said formers of said base portion when said base portion and said superposed insert portion are assembled together, such that said apertures and said formers define a single pair of passages passing COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2606 20:19 WallFington-Dummer Sydney No.555] P. -28- O through both said superposed insert portion and said base portion. 16. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 11 to 0 wherein each of said outer end portions is provided VaO 5 with an aperture; each said aperture communicating VaO with an integral former extending inwardly from each 0 said outer end portion such that said formers are axially aligned; each said former coextensive in length with respective said outer end portions. 17. The anchor assembly of claim 16 wherein each said aperture and said former of said outer end portions is adapted to receive therethrougb a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end portion to an opposite said outer end portion. 18. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said settable material is concrete. 19. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 2 to 18 wherein said base portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 18 to 24 kilograms. The anchor assembly of any one of claims 2 to 18 wherein said superposed insert portion has a weight COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP3 Australia: lime (i-tm) 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:20 Wall ington-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 31 29 o when filled with said settable material in a range of 14 to 20 kilograms. 21. A method for providing an anchor assembly for a temporary fence comprising a base portion and a superposed insert portion; said method including the O steps of: ci 0 ci V.0 a. Injection moulding or otherwise forming a plastic oshell open at an underside, for each of said base ci portion and said superposed insert portion, b. inverting each shell of said base portion and said superposed insert portion, c. inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said base portion and said superposed insert portion, d. pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells level with respective said open undersides, e. allowing said settable material to harden, f. inverting each of said base portion and superposed insert portion and placing said superposed insert portion onto said first base portion. COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun. 2006 20:20 Wal inston-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 32 30 0 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said settable material is concrete. ci 23. The method of claim 21 or 22 wherein said method NO O 5 further includes the steps of: ci 0 a. providing shaped securing pegs, NO o b. inserting legs of said shaped securing pegs through apertures and formers provided in at least one pair of opposing corner projections of said base portion, c. driving said pegs through said apertures and said formers to a preferred depth so as to lock said superposed insert portion in a nested position on said base portion by an overlapping of ends of cross bars of said shaped securing with said superposed insert portion. 24. An anchor assembly for a temporary fence as substantially herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02 2.Jun, 2606 20:20 Wallinglon-Dummer Sydney No.5557 P. 33
3. 31- DATED: 2 June 2006 ci KELVINDALK PRODUCTS PTY LTD) by their Patent Attorneys: c~KI WALLINGTON-DUMbSR 0N VaO VaO COMS ID No: SBMI-03780332 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:23 Date 2006-06-02