AU769379B2 - Temporary hoarding and fencing system - Google Patents

Description

Ft~ S F Ref: 462486

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

a.

S Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL [31) Application No(s) PP3352 Active Platforms Pty Limited 174 Adderley Street Silverwater New South Wales 2144

AUSTRALIA

Brian Eugene Whelan, Manfred Gunter Hammer Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Temporary Hoarding and Fencing System APPLICATION DETAILS [33] Country

AU

[32] Application Date 5 May 1998 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5815 11 TEMPORARY HOARDING AND FENCING SYSTEM Field of the Invention The following invention relates to a hoarding system. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a hoarding system including a number of post frames between which rail assemblies or panel assemblies can extend, the system being adapted to receive hoarding panels, meshing or other sheet material.

The invention also relates to a rail-to-post connection and a panel-to-post connection.

Known modular hoarding systems include a number of spaced uprights, the lower ends of which usually extend into concrete footings. Some such concrete footings include a pair of vertical apertures into each of which one of a pair of upright posts is received. Between the upright posts, a number of rails are affixed. To the posts and rails, hoarding boards can be affixed. A problem with such known hoarding systems is that the hoarding boards cannot extend the whole way to the ground as the o 15 concrete footings present an obstacle thereto. Also, projecting parts of the overall S. assembly make it impossible to mount the hoarding boards flush with the rails and posts. Another problem is that there remains a space between adjacent hoarding boards S' at the vicinity of each post due to obstructions extending laterally beyond the overall assembly in this region.

Another known problem with known hoarding assemblies is that of stabilisation of each post frame. It is known to find an extended footing at the base of each post, at the remote distal end of which there extends an angled support member reaching to an upper portion of the post member. That is, the angled member, together with the extended footing and the post defines a right angled triangle. This 25 structure is only useful in certain situations where pedestrian flow control around a building site, for example, is not critical.

Where it is desired to erect hoarding between a narrow footpath and a deep excavation, for example, such known post frame assemblies are not suitable as the elongate footing cannot be supported over the excavation. In this situation it might be desirable to reverse each post/footing assembly such that the footing extends across the footpath instead of in the other direction. This would present a problem in pedestrian flow control as the angled support member would present an obstacle to pedestrians.

Another problem with known post frame assemblies is associated with anchoring of the posts against the action of wind, for example. It is known in this regard to place sand bags over the elongate footings in an attempt to hold them down.

A problem with such an arrangement is that the sand bags are not firmly secured as an integral part to the structure.

IN:\LIBLL]01581:KEH p 2 Another problem with known hoarding systems is their lack of suitability where the ground surface is undulating. That is, the known means of interconnecting the horizontal rails with each post are rigid mountings. Such mountings are generally limited to right angular interconnection and therefore where a ground surface is undulating, known hoarding systems are unsuitable.

Generally speaking, known temporary modular fencing systems comprise prefabricated chain wire panels and concrete footings and connectors. Limitations of these known systems are numerous. For example, the chain wire panels do not extend to the ground. There is a gap between the adjoining panels. The concrete footing extends beyond the line of the fence creating a tripping hazard. The concrete footing, being located directly underneath the line of the fence, offers little resistance to over turning.

Another problem in known systems is that the footings and connections are designed for even surfaces only.

"Known temporary modular hoarding systems include posts, rails and plywood panels. Limitations of these systems are that the posts must be erected with the diagonal strut and foot plate behind the plywood (away from the public). The posts S"cannot be reversed as the diagonal strut would present an obstacle to pedestrians.

Furthermore, the posts do not incorporate a secure means of retaining a counter weight that is, known systems can simply include a counter weight resting on the end of the 20 foot plate. Furthermore, known systems are designed principally for level, even surfaces. Where a surface is sloping, the posts and panels cannot be maintained in a vertical orientation, but must be orientated themselves to the slope.

Another problem with known systems is that the post and rail is not structurally complete in itself, but relies on the plywood panels for rigidity.

25 Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide an improved hoarding system.

Disclosure of the Invention There is disclosed herein a post frame for a hoarding system, including: a post to which hoarding panels or support rails and sheets can be affixed, an elongate footing extending substantially normally from one end of the post, a first support member extending substantially normally from said elongate footing, a second support member situated between said first support member and said post and extending substantially normally from said elongate footing, [N:\LIBLL]O1581:KEH a cross-brace connected to or formed integrally with said first support member and having a portion spanning between said second support member and said post, wherein said post, said second support member and cross-brace portion define a walkthrough opening over said elongate footing through which pedestrians can pass.

Preferably, said second support member is removable from the post frame.

Preferably, the footing includes apertures therethrough and by which the post frame can be secured to the ground.

Preferably, associated with the post frame are a number of counter weights slidably associated with said second support member.

Preferably, each counter weight has an aperture therethrough and through which said second support member passes.

Preferably, associated with the counter weights and said second support post is a tie-down lug upon the second support member adapted to lock the counter weights in place upon the footing.

Alternatively, the post frame can be weighed down by means of sand bags or other heavy objects situated upon the footing between the first and second support S•members, wherein a lockable bar is slidingly associated with the first and second support members and spans therebetween, being adapted to be pressed down onto the sand bags and locked into position thereon.

Preferably, the elongate footings extend in only one direction from the post such that the hoarding panel affixed to the other side of the post can extend the whole way to the ground.

There is further disclosed herein a post frame for a hoarding system, including: a post to which hoarding panels or support rails and sheets can be affixed, the post including at least one locating lug extending transversely therefrom and having an aperture therethrough, which aperture is adapted to receive a locating finger pivotally associated with the end of a support rail, the arrangement of the locating lug being such that upon engagement of the locating finger within the locating lug, the post and support rail define a structure to which hoarding sheets can be affixed, which structure does not include parts which might otherwise interfere with a sheet supported against the post and rail.

Preferably, each post includes a pair of said locating lugs situated opposite one another at either side of said post.

Preferably, four or six locating lugs are provided on each post with the four or six lugs being separated into two or three said pairs, each pair situated at a different longitudinal position of the post.

(N:\LIBLL]01581 :KEH Where a corner post is needed, the locating lugs of a pair of said locating lugs would not be situated opposite one another, but at right angles thereto, or at any other angle depending on the angle of a corner desired.

There is further disclosed herein a rail for use with a post frame for a hoarding s system, the rail including a pivotally mounted finger at each end thereof, each pivotally mounted finger being adapted to be received within a locating lug of one of said posts and wherein the finger includes a tapered surface against which a wedge element can bear, which wedge element passes through the locating lug to tightly secure the locating finger against the post.

o There is further disclosed herein a bracket for use in securing a hoarding sheet to a rail of a hoarding system, the bracket including a pair of opposed bases against which an edge portion of respective sheets can be engaged, and into a lug extending essentially normally to the base portions and including a recess *into which said rail is receivable, the bracket being adapted to sandwich the edge of said sheets between the respective base portions and the rail upon interengagement of the rail with the recess.

S"Preferably, the recess includes guiding surfaces against which the rail bears in order to press the rail against the sheets.

Preferably, the hoarding sheet is situated against the post such that the post resides between the panel and the second support member. However, in the alternative, and where it is desired to erect hoarding alongside a deep excavation, for example, where the available footpath width is limited, the hoarding panel can be affixed to the post and rails so as to be situated between the post and rails and said second support member. In this alternative arrangement, pedestrians can walk through the space between the hoarding panel and the second support member.

There is further disclosed herein a pre-fabricated panel when used with the above disclosed hoarding system, the pre-fabricated panel including a frame including sides, a top and a bottom, between which mesh or other sheet material spans.

There is further disclosed herein a panel-to-post assembly for attaching one or more of the above pre-fabricated panels to the above disclosed hoarding system, the panel-to-post bracket assembly including front and back brackets attachable by means of a bolt or the like to a post, the back bracket including a pair of cupped recesses into which parts of the pre-fabricated panel can be received, the front bracket including a pair of curved extensions, each adapted, upon turning of a nut upon said bolt, to press said parts into said cupped recesses.

IN:\LIBLL]O1 581:KEH Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figs. 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of a hoarding system, Fig. 2 is a schematic end elevational view of a post frame having three rails and a hoarding panel affixed thereto, Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a footing, Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of a post, Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic plan views of other posts, Fig. 6 is a schematic end elevational view of another post frame, Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a footing, Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a post, Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of another post, Fig. 10 is a schematic end elevational view of another post frame, Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of a footing, Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a post, S"Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of another post, S"Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a rail affixed to a post, Fig. 15 is a schematic elevational view of the post and rail of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a schematic elevational view of a hanging bracket, Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view of the bracket of Fig. 16, Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view of a hoarding system, Fig. 19 is a schematic elevational view of the hoarding system of Fig. 18, Fig. 20 is a schematic detailed view of part of the system of Fig. 18, Fig. 21 is a schematic detailed elevational view of the components of Fig. Fig. 22 is a schematic end elevational view of another post frame, Fig. 23 is a schematic plan view of the post frame of Fig. 22, Fig. 24 is a schematic plan view of a gate post, Fig. 25 is a schematic plan view of an opposing gate post, Fig. 26 is a schematic elevational view of a gate, Fig. 27 is a schematic elevational view of another gate, Fig. 28 is a schematic perspective parts exploded view of the connection of Fig. 14 and Fig. 29 is a schematic elevational view of another post which includes a brace, Fig. 30 is a schematic enlarged elevational view of the post and brace of Fig.

29, Fig. 31 is a schematic perspective view of a bracket, Fig. 32 is a schematic plan view of the bracket of Fig. 31, and [N:\LIBLL01 581 :KEH Fig. 33 is a schematic perspective view of another hoarding system.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments In Figs. 1A and 1B of the accompanying drawings there is depicted similar hoarding systems 10 including a number of post frames 13 each having vertical posts 11 extending from horizontal footings 15. Between each of the posts 11 three rails 12 extend. To each set of three rails there are affixed hoarding sheets 14, typically of plywood. In Figs. 1A and 1B, the plywood hoarding sheets 14 are connected to the rails 12 at an outside position, ie. at the side opposite from the side of the posts 11 to which the footings 15 extend. In particular reference to Fig. 1B, rails 12 are preferably in the form of a 3 metre cross brace to allow more economical sheet fixing. The length of the starter brace is such that the position of the plywood panel joints preferably never coincide with the position of the support frames. This allows easy fitment of panel retaining clips onto the horizontal braces.

As shown in Fig. 2, each post frame 13 includes a first support member 16 15 extending normally from the footing 15, the first support member 16 being bent to provide a portion defining a cross-brace 18 which is welded at its end or otherwise secured to the post 11. Extending between the footing 15 and the cross-brace 18 is a S:second support member 17. Preferably, the second support member 17 is detachably mounted between the footing 15 and cross-brace 18. A number of apertures can be provided in the footing 15 and through which bolts 20 can pass to secure the post frame 13 to the ground. The ground might be a concrete or asphalt pavement for example.

Fig. 4 shows a partial plan view of the post frame 13 in an embodiment where the post frame is intended to be positioned between essentially co-linear rails 12. For example, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is suitable for use in the position indicated by the letter A in Fig. 1A. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the locating lugs 21 project from diametrically opposed sides of the post 11. Each lug includes a hollow passage extending vertically therethrough and into which wedge 26 and locating finger 27 pivotally attached to the end of a rail 12 can be inserted. Two or more pairs of locating lugs 21 are provided at vertically spaced locations along post 11. In the embodiment depicted, three pairs of lugs 21 are provided.

Figs. 5A and 5B depict alternate mounting positions for each of the locating lugs 21. The embodiment of Fig. 5A would be suitable for use at a corner position using a standard corner frame such as shown by the letter B in Fig. 1A. Similarly, the embodiment of Fig. 5B would be suitable for use at a corner position using a reverse corner frame. Locating lugs 21 typically extend at right angles from one another in the horizontal plane.

[N:\LIBLLIO1 581:KEH 7 In Fig. 2 a hoarding sheet 14 is shown mounted to the back of each rail 12 and post 11. This arrangement is particularly suitable for situations where pedestrian access must be maintained, such as, for example, along a footpath alongside a deep excavation.

The hoarding sheet 14 is affixed against the rails by means of brackets 19 shown in Fig. 16 and 17. Each bracket 19 includes a pair of base portions 30 having extending therefrom a lug 40. The lug 40 includes a recess 41 having a pair of opposed, tapered guide surfaces 42. These guide surfaces guide the lug 40 over a rail so as to draw the rail toward the bases 30 the edge of a pair of adjacent plywood sheets is to be positioned against the respective base portions and pressed there against by means of the rail as the rail enters the recess 41 and interacts with the guide surfaces 42. That is, the brackets 19 serve to suspend the hoarding sheets without the need for screws, bolts or the like.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, sand bags or other weights can be placed upon 15 the footing 15 between the first and second support members 16 and 17.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the second support member 17 is spaced further S"away from the first support member 16 than is the case in the embodiment of Fig. 2. A sliding bar 22 is connected between the first and second support members 16 and 17 and is adapted to slide down upon sand bags or other weights placed upon the footing 15 between the first and second support members. At each end of the sliding bar 22 there might be provided sliding tubular elements or other brackets which can be tightened onto the support members 16 or 17. To this end, a nut 29 might be provided at one or both of the ends for tightening down onto the outer surface of one or both of the support members 16 and 17.

The features of Figs. 8 and 9 are the same as those of Figs. 4 and 5 as described earlier. In Fig. 5, the locating lugs 21 are shown in an embodiment corresponding with that depicted in Fig. 8.

In Figs. 10 and 11 there is depicted yet another alternative post frame 13, this time with the second support member 17 located more closely to the first support member 16. A number of dumb bell weights or other heavy objects having an aperture therethrough are shown sitting on footing 15 with the second support member 17 passing through the respective apertures. A lockable clip 24 is slidably mounted upon the second support member 17 and serves to tie down the weights 23. The clip 24 would typically be an annular member which might have a grub screw, for example, passing therethrough for tightening against the outer surface of the second support member 17. Additional weights 23 can be added or removed by detachment of the second support member 17 from the cross-brace 18 and footing 15. The upper end of second support member 17 might be detachable from the cross-brace 18 by nuts and [N:\LIBLL]01581 :KEH bolts, whereas a small boss might extend upwardly from the footing 15 and into the lower end of the second support member 17 which would typically be hollow.

Another advantage of the present invention is in the horizontal orientation of the cross-brace 18. This enables roofing boards for example to be positioned thereon.

Alternatively, temporary tarpaulin material can be placed upon the cross-braces and over the first support member to provide temporary shelter from the elements to pedestrians passing through the structure.

The features of Figs. 12 and 13 are the same as those described above with reference to Figs. 4 and In Figs. 14, 15 and 28 there is schematically depicted the detail by which each rail 12 is secured to the posts 11. Each post 11 has one or more locating lugs 21 welded or otherwise secured thereto as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Each end of each rail 12 has a locating finger 27 pivotally secured thereto at 28 by means of a nut and bolt. The end of each rail 12 is typically swaged at the pivot mounting position 28.

15 Each finger 27 is formed from a piece of flat metal which is deformed into a U-shape as depicted in Figs. 14 and 28. That is, each leg of the U-shaped finger 27 resides at respective opposed sides of the swaged portion of rail 12 and it is through these portions that the bolt passes at pivot mounting location 28. The locating finger has a downwardly extending part which fits into the hollow passage 25 of the locating lug 21.

To firmly secure the downwardly projecting part of finger 27 against the post 11, a wedge 26 can be hammered or otherwise belted into the hollow passage 25 so as to tightly wedge the respective components in place. The wedge 26 fits within the space defined by the U-shape of the finger 27. By means of the pivotal association of the locating finger with respect to each rail 12, a hoarding system can be erected over undulating ground surfaces. Where it is desired for example to erect a hoarding or fence which negotiates a curved or otherwise non-linear parameter for example, it might be desirable to lock the adjoining panels at an obtuse angle with respect to one another. To this end, the interaction of the wedge with the hollow passage enables pivotal movement of the respective rails about a vertical axis. The wedge 26, when hammered or otherwise belted into the hollow passage 25 can retain the rails at an angularly offset position with respect to one another.

In Figs. 16 and 17 there is depicted one of the hanging brackets 19. Each hanging bracket is formed from one or more pieces of flat steel folded upon itself into the configuration depicted in Fig. 17 so as to provide a pair of opposed legs 30 having apertures therethrough. The opposed legs 30 may be aluminium extrusions.

In Figs. 19 to 21 there is schematically depicted a means by which prefabricated panels 31 can be affixed to post frames 13. Each prefabricated panel 31 [N:\LIBLL101581:KEH can comprise a frame of tubular members 32 between which mesh or other hoarding material extends.

As shown in Figs. 20 and 21, a bolt 34 passing through post 11 secures a front bracket 33 and a back bracket 35 to two tubular members 32. Each tubular member 32 is associated with a different one of the prefabricated hoarding panels. A spacer 36 is positioned around the bolt 34 between the front and back brackets 33 and 35. A nut 37 is tightened upon the bolt 34 as shown. The back bracket 35 includes a pair of cupped recesses into which each tubular member 32 is received. The front bracket 33 includes a pair of curved extensions adapted to press the tubular members 32 into the cupped recesses of the back bracket Shown in Fig. 22 is a further embodiment of the post frame. The embodiment is similar to that of Fig. 2, although includes a fixed post 17 and a removable post In order to weigh down the post frame, a number of weights having central apertures and a transverse slot extending therefrom can be fitted over the fixed post 17. These 15 weights would be somewhat like a circular dumb bell weight, i.e. a disk having a slot extending from its periphery to its centre. The disks could be applied laterally to the fixed post 17. The removable post 60 can receive ordinary weights having a central aperture therethrough as described earlier. The removable post 60 can be removed so "as to provide a walk-through passage between posts 11 and 17. Also, the posts 16, 17 S° 20 and 60 can be spaced apart a distance equivalent to that of the width of a standard sand bag in order to enable sand bags to be placed upon the footing 15 between the respective posts.

Also shown in Fig. 22 is a levelling jack 61 which is threadably engaged through footing 15 to the bottom end of post 11. The levelling jack 61 is typically a screw jack of the type used at the base of a domestic refrigerator to level the same.

The levelling jack 61 can be used to accommodate irregular ground surfaces and can be adjusted by use of a spanner or leaver or turned by hand.

In Figs. 24 and 25 there is shown the post 11 used in a hoarding alongside a position at either side of a gate. Each post 11 includes only a single lug 21 as shown leaving the side of post 11 facing a space into which a gate can be received. A first gate is shown in Fig. 26 being relatively wide and comprising a frame between which a mesh 70 spans. Another gate is shown in Fig. 27 being similar to that of Fig. 26.

Each gate can include conventional means of hingedly attaching the same to one of posts 11.

It should be appreciated that inherent in the design of the post frames 13, no parts project laterally beyond the posts 11 and rails 12. Accordingly, hoarding panels 14 can be mounted flush against the posts and rails. Another advantage resulting from IN:\LIBLL01 581 :KEH the positioning of the counter weights away from the bottom of posts 11 is that the hoarding panels 14 can extend the whole way to the ground.

Important to the present invention is the ability of pedestrians to walk through the opening defined by footing 15, post 11, cross-brace 18 and the second support member 17 as shown, for example, in Fig. 2.

In Figs. 29 to 33 there is depicted a system for providing internal partitioning such as temporary floor to ceiling partitions within an enclosure. The system includes a number of post frames 13 each having vertical posts 11 extending from horizontal footings 15. Between each of the posts 11, rails 12 extend. To each set of rails there 1o are affixed hoarding sheets 14, by use of bracket 70. In Fig. 33, the hoarding sheets are connected to the rails 12 at an opposite position, ie. at the side opposite from the side of the posts 11 to which the footings 15 extend.

an As best shown in Figs. 29 and 30 vertical cross braces 69 can be attached along posts 11 to further support the hoarding system. These braces 69 are conveniently mounted into locating lugs 21 depicted in Figs. 14, 15 and 28.

It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations obvious to those S•skilled in the art are not to be considered as beyond the scope of the present invention.

For example, the means of pivotally securing the end of each rail to the post 11 can be replaced with non-pivotal means or pivotal means of alternative structure.

An advantage of the above disclosed system is it multi-purpose nature, accommodating a wide variety of applications. Also, it should be noted that key features of the above disclosed system are its modular nature and multi-purpose useability. For example, not only can the system be used with a-class solid plywood hoarding, but can be used for construction of chain wire fences, partitions and with prefabricated panel covers such as using canvass and shade cloth. Key features are the modular nature of the system, its multi-purpose useability and its continuous nature providing no gaps between adjacent panels and flush floor-to-ceiling finish.

[N:\LIBLLIO1 581 :KEH

Claims (12)

1. A post frame for a hoarding system, including: a post to be generally vertically oriented and to which hoarding panels, support rails or sheets can be affixed, said post having an upper and lower end, an elongate footing extending substantially normally from said lower end, a first support member extending upwardly from said elongate footing at a position spaced from said post, a second support member located between said first support member and said post and extending upwardly from said elongate footing, a cross-brace attached to said first support member, said second support member and said post, wherein said post, said second support member and cross-brace define an opening over said elongate footing.

2. The post frame according to claim 1, wherein said second support member is removable.

3. The post frame according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the footing includes apertures therethrough by which the post frame can be secured to the ground. ui"te 4. The post frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a counter weight is slidably associated with said second support member.

5. The post frame according to claim 4, wherein said counter weight has an 20 aperture through which said second support member passes.

6. The post frame according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein associated with the counter weight is a tie-down lug adapted to lock the counter weight in place upon the footing.

7. The post frame according to any one of claims 4 to 6, including a 25 plurality of said counter weights. 6o .oo Si 8. The post frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the post ":oio frame can be weighed down by means of sand bags or other heavy objects situated upon o the footing between the first and second support members.

9. The post frame according to claim 8, wherein a lockable bar is slidingly associated with the first and second support members and spans therebetween, said bar being adapted to be pressed down onto the sand bags or other heavy objects and locked into position thereon. [R:\LIBLL] 14809speci.doc:keh The post frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate footing extends in only one direction from the post.

11. The post frame according to any one of the preceding claims, said post has at least one locating lug extending transversely therefrom, said lug including an aperture adapted to receive a locating finger pivotally associated with an end of a support rail.

12. The post frame according to claim 11, whereby upon engagement of the locating finger within the locating lug, the post can support said support rail to define a structure to which hoarding panels or sheets can be affixed.

13. The post frame according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said post includes a pair of said locating lugs situated opposite one another at either side of said post.

14. The post frame according to claim 13, wherein four or six locating lugs are provided on said post and being separated into two or three said pairs, each pair situated at a different vertical position along said post. In combination, a support rail and post frame according to claim 1, the support rail including a pivotally mounted finger at each end thereof and adapted to be received within a corresponding locating lug extending transversely from said post. The combination of claim 15 wherein said finger includes a tapered o••o S 20 surface against which a wedge element can bear, said wedge element passing through the •locating lug to tightly secure the locating finger against the post.

17. A post frame for a hoarding system, substantially as herein described S"with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. Dated 17 November 2003 Active Platforms Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON •coo oO°°O° [R:\LIBLL] 148O9speci.doc:keh