AU2015101835A4 - Sliding retractable means for the conversion of standard temporary fence panels into sliding gates that slide parallel to the fence line, rather that intrude into the protected property or site, or swing dangerously and illegally out into the public domain. - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract This invention concerns the improvement of the use of gates in a temporary fence, where traditionally the gates are hinged, but with invention can be converted to sliding gates. A set of wheels that either bolt, sleeve or clamp to the underside of a temporary fence panel to allow the sliding motion. A base plate with a number of vertical members or spigots to fit the tunnel post, plurality of counterweights and connection to the adjoining temporary fence panels. A tunnel post consisting of 2 elongated members, joined at the top with a horizontal connecting member, and with tubular elongated members being able to either sleeve into or over the vertical spigots on the base plate. 31- ~

Description

1 Innovation Patent Specification SLIDING RETRACTABLE MEANS FOR CONVERSION OF STANDARD FENCE PANELS. This invention concerns the improvement of the use of gates in a temporary fence, where traditionally the gates are hinged, but with invention can be converted to sliding gates. Temporary fencing and hoarding is typically made up of panels clad in mesh or a solid medium and is erected using counterweights, around the perimeter of building sites, events, shopping centres and safety or exclusion zones. It is erected to provide security from intruders and to prevent unauthorized entry. Most temporary fences required a set of access gates, which are traditionally a number of hinged panels, whereby the swinging panels create a single or double width access point. It is a common problem where gates either open illegally outwards over a street or public area, or inwards on a confined site where space for storage or work zone is at a premium. This system was devised to not only solve the problem at a sliding gate for temporary fencing structures, but to convert any temporary fence panel into a gate. Therefore, removing the need to have a special panel on board during the installation, or kept in stock. The aim of this invention is to be able to convert any temporary fence panel, with the addition of the wheel unit, tunnel post and counterweighted base plate to a retractable, or pair of retractable gates that roll over a paved or unpaved area without the need for tracks or special guides. Summary of Invention. The key aspects of the invention are as follows: * A set of wheels that either bolt, sleeve or clamp to the underside of a temporary fence panel to allow the sliding motion. * A base plate with a number of vertical members or spigots to fit the tunnel post, plurality of counterweights and connection to the adjoining temporary fence panels. * A tunnel post consisting of 2 elongated members, joined at the top with a horizontal connecting member, and with tubular elongated members being able to either sleeve into or over the vertical spigots on the base plate. Preferably the vertical members on spigot are welded firmly to base plate to create rigidity and strength to hold the temporary fence and sliding gate panel in the vertical position with the varying number of counterweights being adjustable to suit the relevant engineering requirements due to wind loads and terrain.

2 Description of embodiments Figure 1/ is the wheel attachment that converts the panel to a sliding gate Figure 2/ is the spigotted base plate that connects the tunnel posts and counterweights Figure 3/ is the elongated tunnel post members, joined at the top that slide over the spigots on the base plate Figure 4/ is the spigot on the wheel attachment that is one means of attaching and aligning the wheel to the gate panel Figure 5/ is the connecting section between the 2 vertical members of the tunnel post Figure 6/ is the vertical members to align and stabilize the plurality counterweights Figure 7/ is the spigots that hold the tunnel post in position and allow the temporary fence panels to connect or attach to the whole assembly Figure 8/ typical temporary fence panel that is converted to a sliding gate Figure 9/ is a typical section of temporary fence with a set of 2 opposed sliding gates