AU2010100389A4

AU2010100389A4 - A Fencing Assembly Cover

Info

Publication number: AU2010100389A4
Application number: AU2010100389A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jason James Labrado
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-28
Filing date: 2010-04-28
Publication date: 2010-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-28
Also published as: AU2010100388A4; AU2010100387A4

Description

- 1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: A FENCING ASSEMBLY COVER Applicant: JASON JAMES LABRADO The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing known to me: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a fencing assembly cover. More particularly, the invention relates to a cover to provide earthing and/or weather protection to at least a portion of a support assembly of a fencing assembly. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [Mere reference to background art herein should not be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relation to the invention.] Fencing assemblies, particularly those for swimming pools, decks and the like are 10 required to comply with both safety and aesthetic requirements. A modem approach is to use toughened glass panels mounted consecutively to form an aesthetically pleasing barrier. It is important with such fencing assemblies that the fittings are substantially hidden and/or protected so as not to interfere with the 15 appearance and/or safety of the glass panels. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover which includes: a body shaped to cover at least a portion of a fencing assembly, wherein the cover 20 at least provides electrical insulation to the covered portion of the fencing assembly. The body is preferably shaped to cover at least exposed electrically conductive portions of a support or clamp assembly that retains a fence panel in use (e.g. metallic portions). In an embodiment, the body is shaped to cover exposed electrically conductive portions 25 of the support or clamp assembly entirely. The cover may be configured to be removable and/or replaceable. This preferably allows the cover to be removed for maintenance and/or replaced with another cover in the case of damage, changing styles/aesthetics, or the like. The cover may be shaped to 30 provide the appearance of a support or clamp assembly being a different shape. For example, the support or clamp assembly may be generally square, or have hard corners, and the external cross section of the cover may be rounded (e.g. to provide the appearance of the support or clamp assembly being rounded).

The cover may be made from Perspex. Preferably the cover is at least semi-transparent (and in an embodiment is completely transparent), but it will be appreciated that the cover may be opaque. The cover may be coloured, plated, and/or decorated to provide a particular appearance. 5 Preferably the cover provides weather protection and/or prevents, or at least minimises, corrosion to the portions of the fencing assembly being covered. The cover preferably prevents the need for metallic components of the fencing assembly (e.g. metallic support and/or clamp assemblies) to be earthed, as may be required under certain safety 10 standards. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fencing assembly which includes: a fence panel; 15 at least one support member for supporting the panel; at least one clamp assembly; and at least one cover; wherein the clamp assembly includes a pair of opposed clamp members, the support member being interposed between the clamp members, the clamp members and 20 the support member defining corresponding openings to receive fasteners so that the support member can be clamped between the clamp members when the fasteners are tightened, the clamp assembly being dimensioned so that the clamp assembly can be secured in a substrate to retain the fence panel in an operative position, and the body of the cover being shaped to cover at least the exposed portions of the clamp assembly 25 after the clamp assembly is secured in the substrate. There is also disclosed a mounting assembly for mounting a fencing assembly that includes a fence panel, the mounting assembly including a support member for supporting the panel; and 30 a clamp assembly including a pair of opposed clamp members, the support member and the clamp members defining corresponding openings to receive fasteners so that the support member can be clamped between the clamp members when the fasteners are tightened, the clamp member and the support members being dimensioned so that the clamp assembly can be secured in a substrate to retain the fence panel in an operative position. There is also disclosed a method of erecting a fencing assembly having a fence panel, at 5 least one support member for supporting the fence panel and at least one clamp assembly including a pair of opposed clamp members, the support member and the clamp members defining corresponding openings, the method including the steps of: fastening the support member between the clamp members with fasteners received through the corresponding openings in the clamp and support members; and 10 securing the clamp assembly in a substrate to retain the fence panel in an operative position. There is also disclosed a fence panel which includes: a body; and 15 at least one leg extending from the body, the leg being dimensioned so that the leg can be secured to retain the fence panel in an operative position. In an embodiment, the body and leg(s) are made from glass. In this embodiment, preferably the panel is made substantially of glass, and even more preferably, the body 20 and legs are integral (with each other) and the panel is made entirely from glass. Preferably the panel is made entirely of a single piece of glass. The body and/or leg(s) may have apertures that receive a portion of a clamp assembly therethrough in use. Preferably there are at least two apertures. In an embodiment there 25 are three apertures in, or disposed near, each leg. In another embodiment there are four apertures in, or disposed near, each leg. The apertures may receive fastening members of a clamp assembly therethrough. When the fastening members are tightened, preferably the clamp assembly is tightened to secure the leg therein. 30 There is also disclosed a clamp assembly for retaining a fence panel in use which includes: a pair of opposed clamp members that receive a support member that supports the fence panel therein, wherein the clamp members are made substantially of glass.

In an embodiment, the clamp members are made entirely of glass and/or each include (at least) two glass spigots. The clamp members, or each spigot, are preferably substantially planar. Each set of glass spigots may include a larger spigot and a smaller spigot. The larger spigot is preferably placed adjacent the support member and the 5 smaller spigot adjacent the other side of the larger spigot, in use. The different spigot sizes may allow the clamp members, with support member therein, to fit in a round hole in a substrate (for example, by having a smaller spigot on the outside, the diameter of the cross-section of the clamp members may be reduced). 10 The clamp members and the support member may define corresponding openings to receive fasteners so that the support member can be clamped between the clamp members when the fasteners are tightened. In various preferred embodiments there are two, three, or four openings. 15 A mounting assembly for mounting a fencing assembly that includes a fence panel may be provided, the mounting assembly including a cover for at least providing electrical insulation. Preferably the cover provides electrical insulation to exposed electrically conductive portions of the assembly. The cover may be configured to further provide protection against weathering. 20 It will readily be appreciated that a fencing assembly could have any number of fence panels. In the specification, the singular form is used for the sake of convenience and should not be regarded as limiting the number of panels of the fencing assembly. 25 The invention may provide a means whereby the number of visible fittings is minimised. Furthermore, the clamp members may be of substantially the same dimensions. As a result, fabrication costs of the clamping assembly are minimised. For example, if the support member and at least one of the clamp members were of a one piece structure, the costs of fabricating such components would be significantly higher 30 due to the required moulding and/or machining operations required. The panel is preferably of toughened glass. However, it is to be understood that the invention may extend to any other form of panel which might be selected for its structural, safety and/or aesthetic appeal.

The clamp and support members may be of metal or plastics. In one embodiment, the clamp and support members are of glass. In that embodiment the aesthetic appeal of the fencing assembly is enhanced. 5 The fence panel may define the, or each, support member in the form of a leg extending from a body of the panel. Each leg and/or the body preferably have openings so that the leg and/or part of the body are clamped between clamp members. 10 In an embodiment, the fence panel may be rectangular. In this embodiment, the support member is a discrete component that is clamped between the clamp members. The support member may be dimensioned so that, once it is secured between the clamp members, the panel can be brought into abutment with the support member such that alignment of the openings defined in the structural panel with the corresponding 15 openings in the clamp member is facilitated. In this embodiment, the fact that the clamp members and the panel have openings for fasteners, alleviates the extent of clamping force required to secure the panel in position. As a result, the clamp members can be of substantially the same thickness as the support 20 member, minimising the cost of fabrication, since the clamp members and support member can be fabricated from the same stock. The clamp assembly may include an earth and weather shield cover to insulate the clamp members from the substrate. The earth and weather shield cover may obviate the 25 need for electrically conductive components (e.g. metallic clamp members) to be electrically earthed (e.g. as may be required for relevant safety standards). The cover(s) may be made of any suitable material, but are preferably made of an electrically insulating weather proof material such as Perspex. Advantageously, the shape of the cover may be changed to provide different aesthetic effects, while the clamp assembly 30 contained therein is not changed. For example, square covers may be changed for round covers, altering the appearance without having to change the entire clamp assembly.

Where the clamp members are of glass and a discrete support member of glass is provided, an LED assembly may be mounted in the support member and connected to an appropriate power supply for decorative effect. 5 The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the following description is to describe, to a person skilled in the art, the best manner of performing the invention. As such, it is not intended to limit the scope of the preceding paragraphs or the appended claims. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a front view of a fencing assembly with different clamp assemblies. Figure 2 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly for the fencing assembly of Figure 1. 15 Figure 3 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly for the fencing assembly of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows exploded front and side views of the clamp assembly of Figure 3 with 20 one example of an earth and weather shield cover. Figure 5 shows exploded front and side views of the clamp assembly of Figure 3 with another example of an earth and weather shield cover. 25 Figure 6 shows exploded front and side views of the clamp assembly of Figure 3 with another example of an earth and weather shield cover. Figure 7 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly for a fencing assembly. 30 Figure 8 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly. Figure 9 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly.

Figure 10 shows exploded front and side views of a clamp assembly. Figure I I shows a side view of the clamp assembly of Figure 3 fast with a panel. 5 Figure 12 shows a side view of the clamp assembly of Figure 7 fast with a panel. Figure 13 shows a side sectioned view of the clamp assembly of Figure 9 fast with a panel. 10 Figures 14 to 17 show a number of clamp assemblies in use. Figures 18 and 19 show the association of a number of clamp assemblies with either a profiled glass panel or with a rectangular glass panel, respectively. 15 Figures 20 and 21 show clamp members in the form of spigots for use in a clamp assembly. Figure 22 shows a side view of the spigots in figures 20 and 21 fast with a panel. 20 Figures 23 to 25 show embodiments of a panel with two openings, three openings, and four openings, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a panel assembly. The panel 25 assembly 10 includes a panel 12 of toughened glass. It will be appreciated that the panel 12 can be of any other suitable material, selected for aesthetic and/or functional appeal. The drawing shows the panel 12 split with one embodiment of a clamp assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 14 on one part and another embodiment of a clamp assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 16, on another part, simply 30 for illustrative purposes. The panel 12 has a body 18 and a pair of legs 20 extending from the body 18. The panel 12 is thus cut from a single sheet of glass to form the body 18 and the legs 20. The legs 20 are dimensioned to be embedded in a substrate 22 (having a 'ground' level 22.1) with the body supported above the substrate 22. The clamp assembly 16 has a pair of clamp members or plates 25 of an alloy or of 5 stainless steel. Each plate 25 has three spaced apertures in the form of an upper aperture 29.1, a pair of intermediate apertures 29.2 and a lower aperture 29.3. These correspond with complementary apertures in the body 18 and legs 20 of the panel 12 so that the clamp assembly 16 can be fastened to the leg 20. 10 The clamp assembly 14 includes a pair of clamp members or plates 24 of glass, in the form of a first plate 24.1 and second plate 24.2 (Figures 3 & 11). The plates 24 are rectangular with an operatively upper end 26 tapered towards the panel 12 (Figure 11) for aesthetic reasons. Each plate 24 has three spaced apertures 28, in the form of an upper aperture 28.1, an intermediate aperture 28.2 and a lower aperture 28.3. 15 The body 18 of the panel defines a pair of upper apertures 30.1, while each leg 20 defines an intermediate aperture 30.2 and a lower aperture 30.3. The plates 24 are dimensioned so that the legs 20 and portions of the body 18 can be received between respective pairs of plates 24, with the apertures 28 in register with the apertures 30, as 20 shown in Figure 11. A threaded insert 32 is received in each of the apertures 28 of the plate 24.2. Threaded fasteners (not shown) are received through the apertures 28, 30, from the first plate 24.1 to the second plate 24.2 and screwed into engagement with the inserts 32. Thus, the legs 25 20 and said portions of the panel 12 are clamped between the plates 24. A resilient lining 34 is interposed between each plate 24 and the panel 12. The lining 34 can be of any suitable material such as rubber or an elastomer that serves to protect the panel and plates 24 while also enhancing the clamping effect of the plates 24. 30 In Figure 2 reference numeral 17 generally indicates a clamp assembly for the fencing assembly 10. With reference to Figure 3, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

- .LU The clamp assembly 17 has glass clamp plates, in the form of a first plate 36.1 and a second plate 36.2. In this embodiment, the clamp plates 36 each have an upper aperture 38.1, a pair of intermediate apertures 38.2 and a lower aperture 38.3. 5 Threaded fasteners (not shown) are received through the apertures 38, 30 from the first plate 36.1 to the second plate 36.2 and screwed into engagement with the insert 32. Thus, the legs 20 and said portions of the panel 12 are clamped between the plates 36. In Figure 4, reference numeral 50 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp 10 assembly for a fence assembly. With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 11, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The clamp assembly 50 includes an earth and weather shield cover 52 that is press moulded and sealed onto the clamp plates 24. Press on bolt covers 54 serve to close the 15 apertures 28 in the second clamp plates 24.2. The cover 52 provides the clamp assembly 50 with a protective layer which electrically insulates the clamp assembly. This may result in an earth strap no longer being required to connect the clamp assembly to a meter box so that any electrical charge which the fence assembly may have can be conducted to the meter box. Furthermore, the cover 50 protects the clamp 20 assembly, at least some extent, from possible corrosion and damage which may be caused to the clamp assembly as a result of the clamp assembly being embedded in the substrate 22. In Figure 5, reference numeral 60 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp 25 assembly for a fence assembly. With reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 11, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The clamp assembly 60 includes an earth and weather shield cover 62. The cover 62 includes first and second cover members, one of which is shown at 64, that are clipped 30 or screwed together with suitable fasteners shown schematically at 66. In Figure 6, reference numeral 70 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp assembly for a fence assembly. With reference to Figures 1 to 5 and 11, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

- 11 The clamp assembly 70 includes an earth and weather shield cover 72. The cover 72 includes first and second cover members, one of which is shown at 74, that are clipped or screwed onto the plates 24 themselves. For this purpose, the plates 24 have tapped 5 mounting holed 76 so that the cover members 74 can be screwed or clipped to the plates with fasteners received through openings 77 in the cover members 74. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 11, the clamp members 24, 25, 36 are first mounted on the panel 12 as shown in Figure 11. Once the fasteners have been 10 tightened to achieve a required clamping force on the panel 12, the assembled panel and clamp assemblies 14, 16, 17 are manipulated into positions in which the clamp assemblies are positioned in the substrate 22 at a depth in which the body 18 of the panel is spaced from the substrate. With conventional fencing using glass panels, it is generally necessary to secure a support arrangement to a substrate and then to secure the 15 glass panel to the support arrangement. As a result, it is not possible to assemble the fencing at least partly off site. Off site assembly reduces the time taken to install the fencing and thus saves costs for the end user. In Figure 7, reference numeral 80 generally indicates a clamp assembly suited for use 20 with a conventionally shaped, rectangular glass panel, a portion of which is indicated with reference numeral 86 in Figures 12 and 13. With reference to Figures 1 to 6 and 11, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The clamp assembly 80 includes the glass plates 24. However, it will readily be 25 appreciated that the clamp assembly 80 can also include the plates 36. A glass support member 82 is clamped between the plates 24. The support member 82 defines an upper aperture 84.1 and a lower aperture 84.2. The support member 82 is interposed between the plates 24, with the upper aperture 84.1 aligned with the intermediate apertures 28.2 in the plates 24 and the lower aperture 84.2 aligned with the lower apertures 28.3 in the 30 plates 24. Each portion 86 of the panel has an aperture 88. The support member 82 is configured so that when interposed between the plates 24 and supporting the portion 86, the aperture 88 is aligned with the upper apertures 28.1 in the plates 24.

- iL It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, when the fasteners are tightened, both the portion 86 and the support member 82 are clamped between the clamp plates 24. This is facilitated through the use of the resilient lining 44 interposed between both the 5 portion 86 and the support member 82 and the plates 24. In use, the support member 82 is initially clamped between the plates 24 with the lining 44 in position along a length of each plate 24. Before the fastener received through the apertures 28.1, 88 is tightened, the lining 44 serves to ensure that the portion 86 is secured to a significant degree. Thus, the fastener received through the apertures 28.1, 88 can be used to secure the portion 86 10 to a required degree. In Figure 8, reference numeral 90 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp assembly. With reference to Figure 7, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. 15 The clamp assembly 90 is similar to the clamp assembly 80. The clamp assembly 90 also has a pair of plates 92.1, 92.2 and a support member 95 that is clamped between the plates 92 together with the portion 86 of the panel. However, each plate 92 has an upper aperture 94.1, a pair of intermediate apertures 94.2 and a lower aperture 94.3. The 20 support member 95 has a pair of upper apertures 96.1 that correspond with the intermediate apertures 94.2 and a lower aperture 96.2 that corresponds with the lower aperture 94.3. In Figure 9, reference numeral 100 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp 25 assembly. With reference to Figure 7, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The clamp assembly 100 includes two clamp plates 102.1 and 102.2. The clamp plate 102.2 has a necked upper portion 104 that is similar in width to the clamp plate 102.1 30 and the support member 82. A remaining portion 106 is wider than the upper portion and is dimensioned so that the clamp plate 102.2 is longer than the clamp plate 102.1. This allows the clamp plate 102.2 to be fastened to the end of a structural member such as a timber joist while the remainder of the clamp assembly 100 extends above the - 1.3 structural member to support the panel in an operative position. This is further illustrated in Figure 13. In Figure 10, reference numeral 110 generally indicates another embodiment of a clamp 5 assembly. With reference to Figure 7, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The clamp assembly 110 is similar to the clamp assembly 80. The difference between the two embodiments lies in an LED module 112 that is mounted in the support member 10 82. Since the support member 82 and plates 24 are of glass, the LED module 112 can be used to provide a decorative effect to the panel assembly 10. Figures 14 and 15 respectively show the clamp assemblies 14, 80 in use. The clamp assembly 14 secured to the leg 20 of the panel 12 by aligning apertures 28, 30 with each 15 other before fastening the first and second plates 24.1 and 24.2 with fasteners, not shown, screwed into engagement with the inserts 32. The assembly 14 is thereafter embedded in the substrate 22 to a predetermined depth (below level 22.1) so that the glass panel 12 extends to a required predetermined height. 20 Similarly, the clamp assembly 80 is secured to the portion 86 of the conventionally shaped, rectangular glass panel. The glass support 82 is clamped between glass plates 24.1 and 24.2 so that the portion 86 abuts the support member 82. The clamp assembly 80, once assembled, is embedded in the substrate 22 to a predetermined depth so that the glass panel extends to a required predetermined height. 25 In Figures 16, reference numeral 116 generally indicates the clamp assembly 100 secured to a deck support beam 118. . In Figure 17, reference numeral 120 generally indicates a clamp assembly. With 30 reference to Figures 14 and 16, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment the glass plate 24.1 is replaced with the glass plate 102.2 so that the leg 20 extends in between the glass plate 24.2 and 102.2.

- .L't Figure 18 shows that the glass panel 12 is used with any selected clamp assembly 14, 16, 17, 50, 60 and 70. A variation 122 of the clamp assembly 100 shown in Figure 9 can be used with the glass panel 12. With reference to Figure 9, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. In this instance the support member 82 is 5 done away with so that so that the legs 20 can fit between the first and second plates 24.1 and 24.2. Additionally, the selected assembly may include the earth and weather shield cover 52. Figure 19 shows that the conventionally shaped, rectangular glass panel is used with any 10 selected clamp assembly 80, 90, 100 and 110. Similarly, the earth and weather shield cover 52 can be incorporated into the respective assembly being used. The fact that the fasteners are received through apertures in the glass provides a substantially greater structural integrity than if the glass was simply clamped. In fact, 15 Applicant has found that it is not feasible to have clamp plates of a similar thickness to the glass if the required structural integrity is to be achieved with simply clamping. In particular, Applicant has found that it is possible to provide the clamp plates 24 or 36 of substantially the same thickness as the panel and thus as each other. As a result, the components of the clamp assembly 80 can be fabricated from the same stock, resulting 20 in a significant time and cost saving. Figures 20 and 21 show clamp members 200 and 210 in the form of spigots for use in a clamp assembly. The spigot in figure 20 is a smaller spigot 200 and the spigot in figure 21 is a larger spigot 210. Figure 22 shows a side view of spigots 200 and 210 adjacent a 25 panel 12 (the panel preferably has leg(s) 20 as illustrated in figure 1, but these are not differentiated from the panel 12 in figure 22). On one side of the panel 12 is one larger spigot 210.1 and one smaller spigot 201.1, and on the other side of the panel 12 is also one larger spigot 210.2 and one smaller spigot 30 201.2. The larger spigots 210.1 and 210.2 are directly adjacent the panel 20, and the smaller spigots 200.1 and 200.2 are adjacent the outer surfaces of the larger spigots 210.1 and 210.2. The use of two spigots (e.g. one larger 210 and one smaller 200) increases the strength of the clamp assembly, while also providing aesthetic value.

- .L) The spigots 200 and 210 have corresponding openings 201/202 and 211/212, respectively. These openings align with corresponding openings in the panel 12, and are utilised as described previously. The spigots 200 and 210 are preferably made of glass, to provide an uninterrupted transparency/view when coupled with a glass panel 5 12. Each glass spigot is preferably less than 50mm in thickness and even more preferably less than 20mm in thickness. In some embodiments, the spigots are 12 to 15mm thick. Figures 23 to 25 show embodiments of a panel with two openings, three openings, and 10 four openings, respectively. Preferably the number of openings in the panel matches the number of openings in clamp members that hold the panel. For example, the panel with two openings in figure 23 would be suitable for use with the spigots 200 and 210 in figures 20 and 21, as the two openings correspond with each other. 15 It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. 20

Claims

1. A cover which includes: a body shaped to cover at least a portion of a fencing assembly, wherein the cover at least provides electrical insulation to the covered portion of the fencing assembly.

2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the body is shaped to cover at least exposed electrically conductive portions of a support or clamp assembly that retains a fence panel in use.

3. A cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover configured to be removable and/or replaceable.

4. A cover according any one of claims I to 3, wherein the cover is made from Perspex.

5. A fencing assembly which includes: a fence panel; at least one support member for supporting the panel; at least one clamp assembly; and at least one cover as claimed in any preceding claim; wherein the clamp assembly includes a pair of opposed clamp members, the support member being interposed between the clamp members, the clamp members and the support member defining corresponding openings to receive fasteners so that the support member can be clamped between the clamp members when the fasteners are tightened, the clamp assembly being dimensioned so that the clamp assembly can be secured in a substrate to retain the fence panel in an operative position, and the body of the cover being shaped to cover at least the exposed portions of the clamp assembly after the clamp assembly is secured in the substrate.