AU2007233557B2

AU2007233557B2 - Security fences and improved components therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2007233557B2
Application number: AU2007233557A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ian James Ferguson
Original assignee: Bohica Dev Pty Ltd
Current assignee: BOHICA DEVELOPMENTS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-30
Filing date: 2007-03-30
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-30
Also published as: WO2007112483A1; AU2007233557A1

Abstract

A security fence (1) comprising two or more posts (2) and a plurality of rails (3) and a barrier (14) attached to said rails (3), wherein the post (2) comprises a metal section of generally Z-shaped cross-sectional form, formed from a single sheet of metal having a main web (4) and two integral, substantially parallel but diametrically opposed flanges (5) and two diametrically opposed wings (6), each of which wings (6) extends from its corresponding flange (5) towards its opposing wing (5), wherein the web (4) has at least one aperture (8) through which an adjacent pair of rails (3) can be interconnected to permit the uninterrupted passage through the post (2) of utilities including cables, tubes and hoses carried within said adjacent pair of rails (3); and wherein said rails (3) have a longitudinal cavity (17) adapted to receive utilities including cables, tubes and hoses; said rail (3) having at least a surface portion (9) thereof for attachment of pales (14) or a barrier and a plurality of holes (11) in said same surface (9) through which security dyes or chemical irritants may be sprayed.

Description

Received 4 March 2008 SECURITY FENCES AND IMPROVED COMPONENTS THEREFORE Technical Field of Invention The present invention relates to security fencing systems and to componens used in the fabrication of such security fencing systems. s Background of the Invention Security fencing systems are well known in the art, particularly the type known as palisade fencing. A palisade fence consists of two posts between which there is at least one, but more typically two, generally horizontal rail and either pales, she eting mesh or other barrier materials are affixed to the rails parallel to the posts and to that face of the io rails remote from the space being fenced (the attack side). Traditionally, for security applications the pales are made of metal and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The end post can be made of concrete or of metal but where the posts are fabricated from metal it is typically very thick and made of hot-rolled steel sections (for example, I shaped). Such posts, whether fabricated from concrete or hot rolled metal, are normally 15 heavy and require either mechanical lifting assistance or a large number cf installers in order to construct a fence using such posts. US Patent Application 2005/0116216 discloses a post for a security fence which comprises a thin sheet of steel which has been cold-formed to be of generally I section and which is then galvanised. While this type of post overcomes the weight problem of 20 tradition posts, it requires considerable time and effort to be exerted in a number of fabrication steps in order to create the I shape sections. It is an object of this invention to make an alternative security fence which, at least in preferred embodiments, is relatively easily and quickly formed and nestable or stackable. 25 US Patent Application 2005/0116216 teaches that posts for a security fence can be made of cold-rolled metal sections but it makes it clear that the side walls of such sections need to be hollow and this requires many steps in the forming process. Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 16 June 2008 2 A fence post with an angled profile described as a lazy Z or S cross section is described and claimed in GB2289073. However, such. a post is not suitable to be use-d with rails for security fences where it is necessary for adjacent rails to communicate through the post so as to permit the passage of utilities such as cables, tubes and hoses It is a further object of this invention to provide a post for a security fence which is also able to peinit communication between adjoining rails attached to the post tor the passage of utilities such as cables, tubes and hoses. Summary of the .Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a security fence ic comprising: a plurality of spaced-apart posts; at least one hollow rail extending across, and being supported by, the posts, the at least one rail defining an inner passage extending along the rail for accommodating elongate utilities being at least one of cables, tubes and hoses, to enable said utilities te. s extend along the fence, the hollow rail having an elongate side opening rur-ning at least part of the length of the hollow rail and a detachable cover section for substantially covering the opening; and at least one barrier between each pair of adjacent posts, each barrier being fixedly secured in relation to said posts and said at least one hollow rail. 20 In a preferred embodiment, said at least one rail is constituted by a first plurality of hollow rail segments that have inner passages which are substantially aligned with one another. Preferably, each post has an aperture which opens therethrough, said aligned passages being substantially aligned with said apertures. 23 In a preferred embodiment, each hollow rail segment extends between, and has its ends connected to. a respective pair of adjacent posts. Ir. a preferred embodiment, the security fence includes a plurality of connectors. each 3' being adapted to extend through the aperture of a respective post, for connecting a rail segment on one side of the post to a rail segment on the opposite side of the post. Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 16 June 2008 Preferably, each connector includes a hollow tube portion which has a profile. when viewed in cross-section, which is substantially complementary to the shape of the aperture in the post through which the connector extends, the tube portion defining an 3 inner passageway that is aligned with the passages of the rail segments on opposite sides of that post and that are connected to each other by the connector. Preferably, each aperture has a substantially rectangular shape. 10 Preferably, each connector includes a pair of tabs extending from the opposite ends of the hollow tube portion, for connection to the rail segments on opposite sides of the respective post through which tle connector extends. Preferably, each of the tabs has a hole therein, and each of the rail segments on opposite : s sides of the respective post has a hole aligned with the hole in a respective tab for receiving a fastener to connect the rail segment to the connector. In a preferred embodiment, each rail segment includes an open-sided conduit section running the length of the rail segment, said open side constituting said side opening, and 20 a said detachable cover section for substantially covering the open side of t he conduit section. In. a preferred embodiment, at least one of said rail segments is of adjustable length. In this case, preferably, each adjustable length rail segment includes at least two 25 components adapted to move telescopically relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit section of at least one of said rail segments includes at least two components adapted to move telescopically relative tc one another for facilitating adjustment of the length of the at least one rail segment. 30 In a preferred embodiment, at least one rail segment is curved and the fence follows a curved path corresponding to the at least one rail segment. Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 4 In a preferred embodiment, the rail includes a plurality of spray holes through which fence protective fluid may be sprayed. Preferably, said fence protective fluid is at least one of security dye and chemical 5 irritant. Preferably, the security fence includes a delivery system for delivering said fence protective fluid to said spray holes. Preferably, said delivery system includes a plurality of nozzles, one at each spray hole 10 for spraying the fence protective fluid. Preferably, the delivery system includes at least one reservoir for containing fence protective fluid, and is configured for delivering said fence protective fluid to said nozzles. Preferably, the delivery system is at least partially disposed within said rail. is Preferably, the security device includes at least one sensor for triggering sIi.d delivery system to cause said fence protective fluid to be sprayed from said nozzles. Preferably, said at least one sensor includes at least one of a proximity sensor and a fence impact sensor.

20 In a preferred embodiment, each post is formed from a single sheet of metal having a main web extending substantially the length of the post and two integral flanges extending from opposite side-edges of the main web, the flanges extending in opposite directions, but substantially parallel, to each other, whereby the main web and flanges together form a z-shape when the post is viewed in cross-section along its length, each 25 post further having a pair of integral wing portions each extending from a side edge of a respective flange opposite the edge where the flange is joined to the main web, the wings being substantially parallel to each other. 4 Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 In a preferred embodiment, each said barrier is at least partly attached to, and supported by, the rail. In a preferred embodiment, the security fence includes a plurality of said rails. -5 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fence scAffold for use with a fence according to any one of the preceding claims, the scaffold including engagement means for engagement with a pair of adjacent posts of the fence, the engagement means being configured to retain the scaffold in a fixed vertical position 10 relative to the fence; a platform adapted to extend laterally relative to the fence when the engagement means are engaged with those posts; and support means for supporting the platform. [n one preferred embodiment, said engagement means are configured to retain the 15 scaffold in a fixed vertical position relative to the fence by frictional engagement of the engagement means with the posts. In another preferred embodiment, said engagement means are configured -- o retain the scaffold in a fixed vertical position relative to the fence by means of locking elements 20 extending through holes in the engagement means and the posts. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a fence scaffold for use with a fence, the scaffold including engagement means for engagement with a pair of adjacent posts of the fence, the engagement means being configured to retain the 25 scaffold in a fixed vertical position relative to the fence; a platform adapted to extend laterally relative to the fence when the engagement means are engaged wish those posts; and support means for supporting the platform. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a detachable roller assembly for use in the construction of a security fence having at least one hollow rail 30 with a passage extending along the rail for accommodating elongate utilities including at least one of cables, tubes and hoses, the roller assembly being releasably engageable 5 Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 6 with the fence and having at least one vertical roller and at least one horizontal roller for guiding said elongate utilities into the passage as they are drawn there along. Preferably, said at least one vertical roller is constituted by at least one first vertical roller, and at least one second vertical roller opposed to, and spaced-apart from,.the at s least one first vertical roller, whereby said elongate utilities can be drawn between said first and second vertical. rollers. preferably said at least one second vertical roller consists of two vertical rollers. Brief Description of the Drawings 1o Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a front (attack side) elevation of one security fence of the invention; Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the same security fence as Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view from above of the post; is Figure 4 is a perspective end view of a portion of the rail; Figure 5 is a schematic view of the assembly of the rails and post of the security fence of the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic plan of a section of security fence incorporating corner rails; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a telescopic rail assembly; 20 Figure 8 is a side view of a detachable roller assembly for use in the construction of a security fence; Figure 9 is a side view of a scaffolding unit attached to a security fence un der construction in a low position; Figure 10 is a front view of the scaffolding unit of Figure 9; 6 Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 7 Figure I I is a side view of a scaffolding unit attached to a security fence under construction in a high position: and Figure 12 is a front view of a scaffolding unit of Figure 11. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention 5 It would be useful to make a simpler profiled metal section (for example, cold-rolled) which provides sufficient mechanical strength to be able to support the weight of the rails and a barrier, such as pales which can withstand applied loads such as an impact force or a load due to winds. This mechanical strength can be achieved by a simpler and faster forming method that yields a post which is generally a Z-shaped section. 10 The rail or rails may be connected to the posts in any known way. It is a preferred feature of those rails that they be a two part assembly comprising a generally U shaped channel and a cover plate which is attached to the channel section on the face remote to the attack side of the security fence. The cover plate should be capable of easy removal to facilitate inspection of the interior of the rails at any point along the length of the is rails. Additionally, it is preferable that a connector permit rails on either side of a post to communicate with each other through the posts. In this way., fitting of utilities and services and easy access for maintenance and repair can be permitted at any time along the length of the security fence. The types of utilities or services which may be communicated through the rails include power, video and data cabling, as well as 20 impact resistant steel cabling to address ram raid situations. The interior of the rails may contain spraying nozzles connected to reservoirs of sprayable chemical irritants so as to repel would be intruders, or permanent security dye solutions to more easily allow identification of would be intruders. However, the reservoirs of such chemical irritants and security dyes may be stored remotely from the 25 security fence with delivery means provided to the interior of the rails. Means are provided on or adjacent the attack side of the rail for the spraying of such chemicals and/or dyes after being triggered either by impact against the security fence, or operator command or the like. It is also possible that the triggering.can be caused by proximity sensors and the triggering can be selectively isolated to portions only of the security 7 Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 8 fence. It is also preferable that an alarm system be contained within the ril for the detection of any impact against or attack upon the security fence. Also, means may be provided on or adjacent the attack side of the rail for monitoring activity on the attack side of the rail. These means may be in the form of CCD devices 5 such as used in digital cameras or small infra-red cameras or sensors. Such devices can be placed at different points along the length of each rail to increase the levels of surveillance beyond the use of traditional pole mounted cameras placed above or .adjacent to the security fence. Such device will also assist in the selective triggering process of the chemical irritants or security dyes. 10 It is also recognised that when the direction of the line of security fencing changes" the corners formed by the meeting of two sections of security fencing are always a security weak spot. To date various adhoc methods of increasing the security at these weak points have been utilised. However, the basic problem remains that it is relatively simple to pass a supporting member through each of the ad joining fence sections at the 15 corner point so as to permit easy access to the top of the security fence. Therefore, it would be useful to create a new type of assembly for the corners of a security fence. This is achieved by the use of curved corner rail components having a curved channel section with ideally matching curved cover plate. The curvature of such corner rail can be either outwardly towards the attack side or inwardly away from the attack side 20 depending upon direction of change in the line of security fence- In either case, the degree of curvature is sufficient to permit each end of the curved corner rail to be connected to the adjoining straight rail. However, this is done without creating the usual approximately right angled corner intersection of lines of security fencing which leads to security weakness. 25 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a security fence I comprising two upright posts 2 the lower ends of which are normally embedded in concrete foundations (not shown). Three horizontal rails 3 extend between and through the posts 2, and are joined together by connector plates, not shown. Pales 14 are connected by bolts or rivets, not shown, to the horizontal rails 3. The posts 2 are made of galvanised steel section and, in 30 the main, have the cross sectional Z shape shown in the Figure 3. Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 9 As seen in Figure 3, the section is of a generally Z-shape and integrally formed by a main web 4, two substantially parallel but diametrically opposed flanges :3 and two diametrically opposed side wings 6, each of which extends from its corresponding flange 5. The flanges 5 have holes 7 to permit the fastening of anti-climbing devices 5 (not shown) such as electric fence barbed wire toppings to the top of the security fence 1: A rectangular aperture 8 allows for the connection of two adjoining rails 3 through the post 2 so as to permit continuous intercommunication between the interiors of each of the rails 3 along the length of the security fence 1. Figure 4 shows the rail 3 is comprised of a substantially U shaped channel section 9 and io removable cover plate 10. Apertures I 1 are placed along the length of the rail on the attack side of the rail 3. Pales 14 (not shown) can be affixed to the rail 3 by fastenings (not shown).secured from the interior of the channel 9 (with the cover plate 10 removed) or it can be used for nozzles (not shown) which can release dyes and/or chemical irritants which project from the interior of the surface portion 9 outwards 15 towards the attack side of the security fence 1. As can be seen in Figure 5, two adjoining rails 3 are joined together by a connector 12. the connector 12 has a dehtral hollow tube portion 12. 1 which passes through the aperture 8 in the post 2. In addition, the connector 12 includes a pair of tabs 12.2, which extend from the hollow tube portion 12.1. The tabs 12.2 have openings 13b and 15b. 20 With the cover plates 10 removed from the rails 3, the ends of each of the rails 3 are fastened by bolts or rivets (not shown) to the connector 12, the bolts or rivets passing through the openings 15a and 15b in the tabs 12.2 and aligned openings 13a and 15a, respectively, in the rails 3. Once the adjoining rails 3 are connected, then the interior of the rails 3 are in communication with each other via the passageway 16 in the connector 25 12. With the cover plate 10 removed it is a possible to lay any form of cable or tubing (not shown) inside the rails 3 and to pass such cable or tubing through the post 2 from one rail 3 into an adjoining rail 3. Once this has been completed then the cover plate 10 can be reaffixed to the rail 3 so as to provide effective protection for the contents of the 30 interior of the rail 3. 9 Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 10 As can be seen in Figure 6, the security fence I is assembled from the posts 2, rails 3 and connectors 12 in the- usual fashion. However, at the points where it is intended that the security fence I change its line of direction, curved rails 17 and 18 are used. As can been seen, curved rail 17 is shown in this embodiment as outwardly curved and curved 5 rail 18 is inwardly curved. This permits changes in the direction of the line of the security fence 1 without the creation of corners but still permits continuous communication between the interiors of the rails 3. 17 and 18. This cornerless configuration reduces the ability of would be intruders being able to utilis. corners or shape angle changes in the direction of the line of the security fence 1 to gain access to 1o the interior of the fenced space defined by the security fence 1. Figure 7 shows a telescopic rail assembly 30 consisting of two slidably engaged rail members 31 and 32 which can be adjusted relative to each other so as to alter the length of the telescopic rail 30. This is a particularly desirable feature when the barrier material used for the construction of a security fence (not shown) is a rigid material is such as metal or board sheeting. In almost all metal security fences there is the need to insert a cut down panel of the barrier material at the end of each fence line run. By using the telescopic rail assembly 30, it is possible to eliminate the need for cutting of barrier materials and so the protective coatings used on such barrier materials, such as galvanising and paint, are not compromised. As can be seen, rail member 3 1 is over 20 sized to allow rail member 32 which is normally sized to easily slide or telescope within rail member 31. The rail members 31 and 32, once adjusted to the required length. can be riveted or fixed to form the rail assembly 30. When vertical pales are used with the rail assembly 30, elongated holes (not shown) along the face of the rail assembly 30 allow vertical pales (not shown) to be suitably adjusted along the length of the rail 25 assembly 30 in order to secure them at equal centres along that length. Figure 8 shows a detachable roller assembly 80 for use in the construction of a security fence. The assembly 80 is releasably engaged with the rail (not shown) by attachment means 85 on the side remote to the attack side of the security fence (not shown) and adjacent the cavity 17. When utilities such as cables (not shown) are being drawn 30 through the cavity 17 of the rail 3, the assembly 80 assists by reducing friction and damage to the utilities during their installation. Opposed vertical rollers 8 1 prevent t0 Amended Sheet

PEA/AU

Received 4 March 2008 |1 horizontal movement of the utilities and horizontal roller 82 bears the weight of the utilities and limits sagging while the utilities are being drawn through the cavity 17 along the length of the rail 3. Vertical roller 81 adjacent attachment means 85 is mounted on vertical shaft 84. Bent shaft 83 carries both the other vertical roller 81 and s horizontal roller 82. Clearly, there are many configurations of rollers which would enhance the function of the assembly 80. Figures 9 and 10 show a scaffolding assembly 9 I that is releasably engaged with a set of adjacent posts 2 which is used in assembling a security fence according tc the present invention. In this low position configuration a vertical hanger support 20 is releasably 10 engaged with flanges 5 and wings 6 of each post 2. The frictional resistance between the support 20.and the post 2 maintains the assembly 91 in a desired position. However, securing pins can be passed through holes 7 in both the support 20 and post 5 for additional safety. Flooring panels 21 can be provided to create a surface for workers to stand upon during the construction of the security fence 1. Preferably, a safety panel 22 15 can be attached to the support 20 to further enhance worker safety during fence construction. Figures I1 and 12 show a scaffolding assembly 91 substantially identical to that shown in Figures 9 and 10 save that the support 20 has been inverted to put the assembly 91 in a high position configuration. This alternative configuration permits workers to engage 20 in construction at a much greater height in appropriate circumstances. The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". Amended Sheet

IPEA/AU

Claims

1. A security fence comprising: a plurality of spaced-apart posts; 5 at least one hollow rail extending between each pair of posts, the at least one rail defining an inner passage extending along the rail for accommodating elongate utilities being at least one of cables, tubes and hoses, to enable said utilities to extend along the fence, the hollow rail having an elongate side opening running at least part of io the length of the hollow rail and a detachable cover section for substantially covering the opening; at least one barrier between each pair of adjacent posts, each barrier being fixedly secured in relation to said posts and said at least one hollow rail; is wherein each post has at least one aperture which opens therethrough; wherein at least one rail is constituted by a first plurality of hollow rail segments that have inner passages which are substantially aligned with one another and said inner passages being substantially aligned with said apertures; and including a plurality of connectors, each being adapted to extend through the 20 aperture of the post, connecting a rail segment on one side of the post to a rail segment on the opposite side of the post.

2. A security fence according to claim 1, wherein each connector includes a hollow tube portion which has a profile, when viewed in cross-section, which is substantially 25 complementary to the shape of the aperture in the post through which the connector extends, the tube portion defining an inner passageway that is aligned with the passages of the rail segments on opposite sides of that post and that are connected to each other by the connector. 13

3. A security fence according to claim 1, wherein each aperture has a substantially rectangular shape.

4. A security fence according to claim 1 or claim 3 wherein each connector s includes a pair of tabs extending from the opposite ends of the hollow tube portion, for connection to the rail segments on opposite sides of the respective post through which the connector extends.

5. A security fence according to claim 4 wherein each of the tabs has a hole 10 therein, and each of the rail segments on opposite sides of the respective post has a hole aligned with the hole in a respective tab for receiving a fastener to connect the rail segment to the connector.

6. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each rail 15 segment includes an open-sided conduit section running the length of the rail segment, said open side constituting said side opening, and a said detachable cover section for substantially covering the open side of the conduit section.

7. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least 20 one of said rail segments is of adjustable length.

8. A security fence according to claim 7 wherein each adjustable length rail segment includes at least two components adapted to move telescopically relative to one another. 25

9. A security fence according to claim I wherein the conduit section of at least one of said rail segments includes at least two components adapted to move telescopically relative to one another for facilitating adjustment of the length of the at least one rail segment. 30 14

10. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one rail segment is curved and the fence follows a curved path corresponding to the at least one rail segment. 3

11. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rail includes a plurality of spray holes, each hole being associated with a nozzle through which fence protective fluid is sprayed.

12. A security fence according to claim 11 wherein said fence protective fluid is at 10 least one of security dye and chemical irritant.

13. A security fence according to claim 11 or claim 12 including a delivery system for delivering said fence protective fluid to said spray holes.

14. A security fence according to claim 13 wherein the delivery system includes at is least one reservoir for containing fence protective fluid, and is configured for delivering said fence protective fluid to said nozzles.

15. A security fence according to claim 14 wherein the delivery system is at least partially disposed within said rail.

16. A security device according to any one of claims 15 to 16 including at least one 20 sensor for triggering said delivery system to cause said fence protective fluid to be sprayed from said nozzles.

17. A security fence according to claim 16 wherein said at least one sensor includes at least one of a proximity sensor and a fence impact sensor. 25

18. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each post is fonned from a single sheet of metal having a main web extending substantially the length of the post and two integral flanges extending from opposite side-edges of the main web, the flanges extending in opposite directions, but substantially parallel, to each other, whereby the main web and flanges together form a z-shape when the post is 30 viewed in cross-section along its length, each post further having a pair of integral wing 15 portions each extending from a side edge-of a respective flange opposite the edge where the flange is joined to the main web, the wings being substantially parallel to each other.

19. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each said 5 barrier is at least partly attached to, and supported by, the rail.

20. A security fence according to any one of the preceding claims including a plurality of said rails. 10