EP0576799A1

EP0576799A1 - Fence

Info

Publication number: EP0576799A1
Application number: EP93107096A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kiyoshi Nakayama
Original assignee: Asahi Steel Industry Co Ltd
Current assignee: Asahi Steel Industry Co Ltd
Priority date: 1992-06-02
Filing date: 1993-04-30
Publication date: 1994-01-05
Also published as: JP2582717B2; JPH0693763A

Abstract

A fence, comprising a plurality of cross wires (1) each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the cross wires (1) being substantially in parallel to one another, two arrays of elongate vertical members (2), the arrays of elongate vertical members (2) extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members (2) joining and being fastened to the cross wires (1) and a beam means (3) placed in the spacing between the arrays of elongate vertical members. The fence has a simple structure and a thickness appropriate to a use of it. The fence has a high spatial efficiency for transport and storage while being lightweight and strong.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fence.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, fences are made of various materials, e.g., wire or plate. Materials of fences comprise steel, aluminum, wood or synthetic resin, etc. Fences have abundant variations.
However, the thickness of any conventional fence is generally equal to that of a material and insufficient. This is because an increase in the thickness of a fence increases the weight of the fence, which is adverse to the strength of the fence and also makes it difficult to transport and apply the fence. In addition, increasing the thickness of the fence increases the bulk thereof, which remarkably reduces the spatial efficiency for transport and storage of the fence.
However, there are various needs for fences. For example, a fence with a large thickness bulky in the direction of the thickness thereof is in strong demand. Therefore, a fence with a large thickness capable of overcoming the above-described drawbacks is strong demand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-described demands, the present invention was made. An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight thick fence having a high spatial efficiency for transport and storage and a high applicability. In order to achieve this object, a fence comprises a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another, two arrays of elongate vertical members, the arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires, beam means placed in the spacing between said arrays of elongate vertical members, and a post joined to the beam means.
The cross wires provide a thickness to the fence. Removing the beam means from the fence enables the fence body to be compactly stacked, so that a stack of fence bodies requires a relatively small space. Since the corrugated cross wires of the fence provide the thickness to the fence, the weight of a fence having even a large thickness is small.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.2 is an enlarged view of part of the fence of FIG.1;
FIG.3 is a plan view of part of the fence of FIG.1;
FIG.4 is a perspective view of a hold-down 15;
FIG.5A is a side elevation of part of the fence of FIG.1, illustrating a beam means prior to placement;
FIG.5B is a side elevation of the part of FIG.5A, illustrating the beam means after placement;
FIG.6 is a side elevation of part of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.7 is a front elevation of part of the fence of FIG.6;
FIG.8 is a side elevation of part of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.9 is a side elevation of part of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.10 is a front elevation of the fence of FIG.1;
FIG.11 is a fragmentary front elevation of the fence illustrative of a state of mounting a fence body to a post in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.12 is a fragmentary front elevation of the fence illustrative of a state of mounting the fence body to the post in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.13 is a plan view of a joint 6;
FIG.14 is a side elevation of a joint 6 of FIG.13;
FIG.15 is a side elevation of an end cap 7;
FIG.16 is a plan view of the end cap 7 of FIG.15;
FIG.17 is a fragmentary front elevation of the fence illustrative of a state of mounting the fence body to the post in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.18 is a fragmentary front elevation of the fence illustrative of a state of mounting the fence body to the post in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.19 is a fragmentary front elevation of the fence illustrative of a state of mounting the fence body to the post in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.21 is a plan view of the part of the fence of FIG.20;
FIG.22 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.23 is a plan view of the part of the fence of FIG.22;
FIG.24 is a plan view of a state of mounting the fence body of FIG.22 to the post;
FIG.25 is a plan view of a curved fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.26 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.27 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.28 is a front elevation of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.29 is a fragmentary plan view of the fence of FIG.28;
FIG.30 is a fragmentary plan view of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention, similar to the fence of FIG.29;
FIG.31 is a side elevation of part of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.32 is a front elevation of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.33 is a enlarged front view of part of the fence of FIG.32;
FIG.34 is a front view of part of a fence according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.35 is a bottom view of the part of FIG.34;
FIG.36 is an illustration of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.37 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.38 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.39 is a plan view of the fence of FIG.38;
FIG.40A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.40B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.40C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.40D is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.40E is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.40F is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.41A is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.41B is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.41C is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.41D is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the insert 31 of FIG.38;
FIG.42A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spacer 4 of FIG.38;
FIG.42B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the spacer 4 of FIG.38;
FIG.42C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the spacer 4 of FIG.38;
FIG.42D is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the spacer 4 of FIG.38;
FIG.43 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.44 is a plan view of the fence of FIG.43;
FIG.45 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.46 is a plan view of the fence of FIG.43;
FIG.47 is a plan view of an arrangement of joining a fence body X to a post Y of the fence of FIG.45;
FIG.48 is a front elevation of the arrangement of joining the fence body X to the post Y of the fence of FIG.45;
FIG.49 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.50 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.51A is a plan view of a first embodiment of a joint of a corrugated beam 39 and vertical wires 2 of the fence of FIG.50;
FIG.51B is a plan view of a second embodiment of the joint of the corrugated beam 39 and the vertical wires 2 of the fence of FIG.50; and
FIG.52 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings hereinafter.
FIG.1 is a perspective view of the body X of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.10, the fence comprises the fence body X, posts or supports Y and joints 6 joining the fence body X to the posts Y.
As seen in FIG.1, the fence body X comprises cross wires 1 made of a metal and vertical members or wires 2 made of a metal and joined to the cross wires 1. In the front view of the fence of FIG.10, the fence body X has the structure of a grid comprising the cross wires 1 and the vertical wires 2. Alternatively, the vertical members may be in the form of pipe or rod. This form of the vertical members can strengthen the fence body X and reduce the number of cross wires 1.
As best shown in FIG.3, each cross wire 1 is corrugated or periodically zigzagged so as to have the form of a triangular wave. The exterior surface of each front angle 10 of each cross wire 1 has a single vertical wire 2 jointed thereto. The interior surface of each rear angle 10 of each cross wire 1 has a single vertical wire 2. Thus, a front array of vertical wires 2 and a rear array of vertical wires 2 are parallel with a predetermined spacing.
Each vertical wire 2 is fastened, e.g., by welding to the cross wires 1 to join all of the cross wires 1 in parallel to one another.
As shown in FIG.2, the top edge of each vertical wire 2 reaches the top surface of the top cross wires 1 and terminates in a chamfer 20 of an angle α from the level of the top surface of the top cross wire 1. The presence of the chamfer 20 enhances the safety in handling the fence and prevents a slippage of a paint applied to the chamfer 20.
The fence further comprises top and bottom beams 3 in the form of a rectangular pipe extending in the direction of the length of the fence body X between the front and rear arrays of vertical wires 2. The outer width of each beam 3 is equal to a spacing between the front and rear arrays of vertical wires 2. In this embodiment, the upper beam 3 is in contact with and held down on the top cross wire 1a by means of a hold-down 15. The lower beam 3 is in contact with and held down on the bottom cross wire 1d by means of the hold-down 15. As shown in FIG.4, the hold-down 15 has a groove 16 extending in the direction of the cross wire 1 and receiving it. A U-bolt or the like may be employed instead of or in combination of the hold-down 15. Alternatively, each beam 3 may pass through the fence body X between the arrays of vertical wires 2 without any joining to the arrays of vertical wires 2 and the cross wires 1a and 1d. Alternatively, beams 3 may be fixed to the arrays of vertical wires 2 instead of to the cross wires 1a and 1d. Alternatively, the beams 3 may be fixed to the arrays of vertical wires 2 and to the cross wires 1a and 1d.
In case the beams 3, as described above, pass through the fence body X without any joining to the arrays of vertical wires 2 and the cross wires 1a and 1d, the fence body X is extendable and retractable in service lengthwise thereof to provide a cushioning effect to the fence since the beams 3 do not block a movement of the fence body X in the direction of the length of the fence body X.
Alternatively, the beam 3 may be placed intermediate the height of the fence body X instead of at the top and bottom of the fence body X. Alternatively, the fence may comprise any number (e.g., more than two) of beams 3 if necessary.
In this embodiment, the beam 3 has the form of rectangular pipe. Alternatively, a C- or lip-channel steel of C-shaped section the bottom side of which has slot 30 extending lengthwise of the C-channel steel may constitute the beam 3 as shown in FIG.5B. As shown in FIGS.5A and 5B, when the beam 3' of C-channel steel is mounted to the fence body X, the beam 3' is first placed in the fence body X in such a manner that the slot 30 is opposed to the rear array of vertical wires 2, and subsequently turned through 90° so that the slot 30 is positioned in the bottom of the beam 3'. The slot 30 of the C-channel steel causes the beam 3' to be easily flexed, so that the flexibility of the beam 3' facilitates the rotation of the beam 3' from the position of FIG.5A to the position of FIG.5B. In addition, the beam 3' of C-channel steel allows the hold-down 15 to be secured to the beam 3 with bolts and nuts in the interior of the beam 3'.
Alternatively, the beams 3 may be made of round pipe rod or a bar. Alternatively, the beams 3 may be made of wire as described later.
In the embodiment shown in FIG.3, the hold-down 15 joins the beam 3 to the cross wire 1. As shown in FIGS.6 and 7, the beam 3 may alternatively be fastened to the cross wire 1 using a spacer 5. Both the hold-down 15 and the spacer 5 may alternatively be employed in order to fasten the beam 3 to the cross wire 1. The spacer 5 has the form of a rectangular pipe cut with the length equal to the thickness of the fence body X. The spacer 5 fitted between the beam 3 and the adjacent cross wire 1 to fix the beam 3 between the adjacent cross wires 1, 1. Corresponding spacers 5 are placed in the fence body X lengthwise of the fence body X with predetermined spacings.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.8, the beam 3 is in tight contact with the cross wire 1 adjacent the top cross wire 1 and the spacers 5 are fitted between the top surface of the beam 3 and the top cross wire 1.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.9, a cross wire 1b is added to the fence body 1 immediately below the top beam 3 and supports the top beam 3 from below. In this embodiment, both the hold-down 15 and the cross wire 1b may be employed in order to hold down the top beam 3.
As described above, FIG.10 shows an arrangement of joining the fence body X to posts Y, Y by means of joints 6.
FIG.11 is an enlarged view of an arrangement in which opposite sides of an intermediate post Y have fence bodies X joined to the intermediate post Y.
In this arrangement, a pair of joints 6, 6 are fastened to the right and left sides of the intermediate post Y by means of bolt and nut assemblies 66 and two beams 3, 3 are fastened to the joints 6, 6 by means of bolt and nut assemblies 65.
As shown in FIGS.13 and 14, the joint 6 comprises a post-contacting portion 60 and a projection 61. The post-contacting portion 60 and the projection 61 have the right angle therebetween and are integrally formed. The opposite sides of the post-contacting portion 60 are bent at the right angle to provide legs 64, 64. The legs 64 enable the post-contacting portion 60 to fit the cylindrical surfaces of the posts Y with different diameters. A central portion of the post-contacting portion 60 has two vertically aligned upper and lower holes 63 through which bolts pass. The bolt and nut assemblies 66 pass through the holes 63 in post-contacting portion 60 of the opposite joints 6 and fasten the joints 6 to the post Y. The post-contacting portion 60, as described above, has the two holes 63 so that in case two adjacent fence bodies X are mounted on the opposite sides of the cylindrical surface of the post Y at an angle other than 180° either of the two bolt and nut assemblies 66 can pass through the post Y and so that the joints 6 can be fastened to the post Y even when the joints 6 are vertically dislocated.
As shown in FIG.13, the projection 61 has the form of an elliptic plate and has a slot 62 on the axis thereof extending lengthwise of the fence body X. The slot 62 allows the position of mounting the beam 3 to be adjusted, so that a spacing between the end of the beam 3 and the post Y is adjustable.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.12, the ends of the beams 3 have end caps 7 so that the ends caps 7 protect persons from an injury to be caused by edges of the beams 3 and prevents a slippage of a paint from the ends of the beams 3.
As shown in FIGS.15 and 16, the end cap 7 comprises an edge cover 70 and projection 71 extending from an upper portion of the edge cover 70 lengthwise of the fence body X. The edge cover 70 covers the edge of the beam 3. The projection 71 extends along the top surface of the beam 3. As shown in FIG.12, the bolt and nut assembly 65 fastens the projection 71 of the end cap 70 and the beam 3 to the joint 6. The projection 71 has a slot 72 extending lengthwise of the fence body X. The slot 70 allows the position of the end cap 7 to be adjusted lengthwise of the beam 3.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.17, a nut of the bolt and nut assembly 65 is placed in the interior of the beam 3. This arrangement has an advantage in that less part of the bolt and nut assembly 65 appears outside the beam 3. In case the C-channel steel having the slot 30 is employed as the beam 3, the slot 30 enables the bolt and nut assembly 65 to be placed at an optional position lengthwise of the beam 3.
FIG.18 shows an arrangement in which the beam 3 is mounted on the underside of the projection 61 of the joint 6.
FIG.19 shows an arrangement in which the joint 6 which is turned upside down is attached to the post Y so that the projection 61 extends from the bottom end of the turned joint 6.
In all of the embodiments described above, the cross wire 1 has the form of triangular wave. However, the form of the cross wire 1 is not restricted to the form of triangular wave but may be otherwise variously corrugated.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.20 and 21, a cross wire 1' has the form of a wave having a predetermined curvature. As best shown in FIG.21, the waveshape of the cross wire 1' comprises semicircular portions 11 and straight portions 12 so that the top and bottom of each semicircular portion 11 has a single vertical wire 2. In other words, this waveshape generally has the form in which a U-shape and an inverted U-shape continuous with the U-shape alternate.
The arrays of the vertical wires 2 are not restricted to that in the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS.20 and 21. Any arrays of vertical wires 2 may be employed if the arrays leave a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence body X.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.22 and 23, each cross wire 1 has the form of triangular wave and the vertical wires 2 are mounted on the sides 13 of the triangular waves of the cross wire 1 instead of on the angles 10. Thus, the plan view of the cross wire 1 may have various forms and the positions of mounting the vertical wires 2 to the cross wires 1 may be various.
FIG.24 shows an arrangement in which other hold-downs Z fasten the fence bodies 1 to the post Y. At a horizontal end of each hold-down Z made of an S-shaped plate, the beam 3 is joined to the post Y by a bolt and nut assembly.
FIG.25 show an embodiment of the present invention employing a curved beam 3''. Since the fence body X comprising the cross wires 1 and the vertical wires 2 can be freely curved, the present invention can easily provide the fence body X' as shown in FIG.25. The fence body X' having this arrangement is suitable for a curved pavement.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.26, a beam structure 3''' is a framework of wire. In detail, a plurality of rectangular U-shaped wires 35 and four cross wires 36 joining the four corners of each U-shaped wires 35 to those of other U-shaped wires 35 constitute the beam structure 3''' in the form of a slender body. The fence shown in FIG.26 comprises the beam structure 3''' placed between the front and rear arrays of vertical wires 2.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.27, a fence comprises a fence body X, a beam 3 passing through the top of the fence body X, and a crown 4 of rectangular U-shaped section fitting the top of the fence body X.
FIGS.28-31 show the so-called carvel-built fence according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the fence bodies X are mounted on the same sides of the cylindrical surfaces of the posts Y. In this embodiment, adjacent fence bodies X, as shown in FIG.29, are joined so that adjacent ends of the adjacent fence bodies X are overlapped and adjacent beams 3, 3 are butted. A connection 37 is mounted within the butted portions of the beams 3, 3 to rigidly join the beams 3, 3. The adjacent fences bodies X, as shown in FIG.30, may alternatively be joined so as to be butted.
As shown in FIG.31, a J-shaped bolt 8 joins each beam 3 to the post Y. Thus the horizontal position of the joint R of the fence bodies X, X, as shown in FIG.29, preferably is shifted from the horizontal position of the post Y.
An embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.32 has an arrangement in which posts Y' support the underside of the fence body X. As shown in FIG.32, the posts Y' support the undersides of the both sides (i.e., right and left sides) of the fence body X. As shown in FIG.33, each post Y' supports the undersides of the bottom cross wire 1 and the beam 3 and bolt and nut assemblies 80 rigidly join the post Y', the bottom cross wire 1 and the beam 3. In the fence according to this embodiment, the beam 3 preferably has thickened walls in view of the strength of the fence. A provision of the top beam 3 may be eliminated.
FIG.34 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing posts Y'' made of wire. As shown in FIG.35, each post Y'' comprises circular cross wires 91 and four vertical wires 92 welded to the cross wires 91. Adjacent beams 3 are placed on one of the cross wires 91. A joint 81 in the form of a flat plate contacts the underside of that cross wire 91. A pair of bolt and nut assemblies 82 rigidly joins the adjacent beams 3 to the joint 81.
As described above, the corrugated cross wires 1 and the vertical wires 2 increase the thickness of the fence body X, which enhances beauty of the appearance of the fence and the panel strength of the fence body X. The thickness of the fence body X selectable for the cushioning function of the fence body X.
Since the beam 3 can be placed in the fence body X at a construction site, the fence bodies X can be stacked for transport and storage, so that the spatial efficiency of them for transport and storage is very high. The beam 3 placed in the fence body X increases the vertical and horizontal strengths of the fence. The fence body X has an advantage in that it can be joined to the post X by means of the beam 3.
FIG.36 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a fence comprises five beams 3 arranged in the direction of the height of the fence. Thus, the number of beam 3 may be increased according to the height of the fence body X.
FIG.37 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing vertical pipes 25 as vertical members of the fence body X. Since the strength of the vertical pipes 25 is higher than that of the vertical wires, the number of cross wires 1 required for the fence body X can be reduced. In this embodiment, only the top and bottom cross wires 1 are employed.
FIG.38 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing crossbar-shaped insert 31 as the beams. A top assembly of two inserts 31 and an elongate spacer 41 extends through the fence body X lengthwise of the fence body X between the front and rear arrays of vertical wires 2.
The spacer 41 is sandwiched between the beams 31 and presses the beams 31 on the arrays of vertical wires 2.
The bottom end of the fence has the same arrangement of the top end of the fence. A pair of beams 31 and the spacer 41 are mounted on the bottom cross wire 1. The beams 31, 31 of the bottom beam presses the vertical wires 2 from within the fence body X.
As shown in FIGS.39 and 40, the insert 31 is U-shaped channel into which a flat plate is bent to have a rectangular U-shaped section. The slot-defining edges of the upper and lower walls of the insert 31 have rectangular notches 310 having the same horizontal positions and pitch as the vertical wires 2. The notches 310, as shown in FIG.40A, may be formed by bending cut pieces at right angle to the upper or lower wall. Alternatively, the notches 310, as shown in FIG.40B, may be formed by cutting rectangular pieces off the upper or lower wall. Alternatively, the notches 310, as shown in FIGS.40C and 40D, may be formed in the sidewall. In this case, the notches 310, as shown in FIG.40C, may be recesses in the sidewall or, as shown in FIG.40D, may be cutouts 310'.
The section of each of the notches 310, as shown in FIG.40E, may be semicircular or, as shown in FIG.40F, may be rectangular.
The beams 31 may have other various forms. For example, an insert 31' made of wire or pipe with a large diameter, as shown in FIG.41A, may be bent to have recesses 310. Alternatively, an insert 31' made of a rectangular wire loop, as shown in FIG.41B, may be bent to have recesses 310 at opposite positions in the upper and lower runs of the wire loop. As shown in FIG.41C, the insert 31' may further comprise an oblique rib 311 zigzagging between the upper and lower runs of the wire loop. As shown in FIG.41D, the insert 31 may alternatively have the form of a bar having vertical grooves 310.
In case the beams 31' having the shapes described above are employed, spacers 41, such as a thickened spacer 41, adapted to the shapes of the structures of the beams 31' are employed.
As shown in FIG.42A, the spacer 41 is made of a rectangular elastic pipe or the like. The spacer 41 is inserted into a spacing between the opposite beams 31 lengthwise of the fence body X and presses the beams 31 on the vertical wires 2.
In an embodiment of the beam assembly shown in FIG.42B, the rear surface of the sidewall of each of the opposite beams 31 has a groove 315 extending lengthwise of that insert 31. The spacer 41 is fitted within the opposite grooves 315. This arrangement of the beam assembly prevents a slippage of the spacer 41 from the inserts 31.
As shown in FIG.42C, a spacer 41' comprising opposite enlarged ends 410, 410 preventing a slippage of the spacer 41' from the inserts 31 may alternatively be employed.
In an embodiment of the beam assembly shown in FIG.42D, a plurality of spacers 41' made of a leaf spring are spaced lengthwise of the fence and fitted within a spacing between the opposite insets 31.
The spacer 41 may have other various forms.
A pair of crossbar-shaped holders 32 having the same shape as the crossbar-shaped insert 31 may be employed instead of the insert 31. The holders or clamps 32 are mounted on the exterior portion of the fence body X to hold the vertical wires 2. FIG.43 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing the clamps 32.
As shown in FIG.43, a pair of clamps 32 are mounted on the vertical wires 2 between the top cross wire 1a and the adjacent cross wire 1b substantially in parallel to the adjacent cross wire 1b. As best shown in FIG.44, the pair of clamps 32 are mounted on the front and rear sides of the fence body X and joined by means of bolt and nut assemblies 42 to rigidly sandwich the arrays of vertical wires 2. The bottom of the fence has the same structure as the top of the fence. That is, a pair of clamps 32 are mounted on the front and rear sides of the fence body X between the bottom cross wire 1d and the adjacent cross wire 1c. Thus, the fence comprises four cross clamps 32.
As described above, the clamps 32 have the same shapes as the inserts 31 shown in FIG.40 and have notches 320 at positions corresponding to the horizontal positions of the vertical wires 2. The vertical wires 2 fit the notches 320 in the inserts 31.
The clamps 32 are made of the same U-channel steel as the inserts 31. The clamps 32 may have other various structures and be made of other various materials For example, the clamps 32 may have the same wire structures as the inserts 31 shown in FIG.41. The clamps 32 may be made of a flat plate.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.45 and 46, straight wires are employed as the beam assembly. A wire beam assembly 33 is mounted on the arrays of vertical wires 2 between the top cross wire 1a and the adjacent cross wire 1b substantially in parallel to the cross wires 1. Each straight wire of the wire beam assembly 33 is joined to alternate vertical wires 2. Two spright wires of each of the front and rear sides of the wire beam assembly 33 are joined by welding or the like to corresponding array of vertical wires 2 at the top end of the fence. The bottom end of the fence has the same structure as the top end of the fence. That is, front and rear pairs of a wire beam assembly 33 comprising four straight wires are joined to the front and rear arrays of vertical wires 2 between the bottom cross wire 1d and the adjacent cross wire 1c. In the embodiment of the present invention of FIG.45, the ends of each of the wire beam assembly 33, extend from the axial ends of the fence body lengthwise of the fence body X in order to increase the connectibility with a joint 50 as shown in FIG.47. However, the ends of the wire beam assembly 33, as shown in FIG.46, may alternatively terminate at the axial ends of the fence body X without extending from the axial ends of the fence body X. The wires of the wire beam assembly 33 preferably have a larger diameter than the cross wires 1 and the vertical wires 2. Instead of the wire beam assembly 33, a beam made of a plate or pipe may be joined to the arrays of the vertical wires 2. Instead of the straight wire beam assembly, a beam of a vertically corrugated shape may be employed.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.46 A, the wire beam assemblies 33 are joined to the exterior surfaces of the arrays of vertical wires 2 in the direction of the thickness of the fence. In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.46B, the wire beam assemblies 33 are joined to the interior surfaces of the arrays of vertical wires 2 in the direction of the thickness of the fence. Employing which embodiments of FIGS.46A and 46B is optional.
The wire beam assemblies 33, the corrugated cross wires 1 and the arrays of vertical wires 2 constitute a truss including reinforced portions of a great strength and the top and bottom ends A of the fence body X.
An arrangement of joining the fence body X to the post X using the joint 50 will be described hereinafter.
As shown in FIGS.47 and 48, the joint 50 generally has the form of a yoke. The ends of two covering branches 333 of the joint 50 constitute connections 330 to the post Y. The connections 330 are convex in accordance with the curvature of the cylindrical surface of the post Y and in contact with the cylindrical surface of the post Y. A central part of each of the connections 330 has a hole through which a bolt 331 passes. The joints 50 is joined to the post Y by the bolts 331 passing through the holes in the connections 330 and nuts 332. The top and bottom edges of a right end of each connection 330 are bent progressively inward towards the covering branch 333 and that connection 330 is continuous with the covering branch 333. Each covering branch 333 generally has the form of a channel of a rectangular U-shaped section. Inserting the ends of the wire beam assemblies 33 into the channel-shaped covering branches 333 joins the fence body X and the post Y.
The right ends of the covering branches 333 of each joint 50 have a fastening portion extending in the direction of the width of that joint 50 so that the fastening portions of the upper ad lower joints 50 are opposite each other. The fastening portions have slots 334, 334 extending in the direction of the width of the joints 50. Overlapping the opposite upper and lower fastening portions and the slots 334 and passing bolts 335 through the respective slots 334, join the wire beam assembly 33 to the joints 50 using the bolts 335 and nuts 336.
Since with the joint 50 of the structure described above the covering branches 333 cover the ends of the wire beam assembly 33 in three directions, the structure of the joint 50 prevents the cut section from injuring human body and clothes even if an intermediate of each end of the wire beam assembly 33 inserted into the covering branch 333 is cut to have a sharp edge. In addition, the structure of the joint 50 is aesthetically preferred. Sliding the wire beam assemblies 33 along the covering branches 333 can easily handle a change in the span between the posts Y. In other words, a joint 50 of a single size can handle the change in the span between the posts Y. This reduces a cost of the fence and simplifies the application of the fence. The joint 50 has a great advantage in that it is applicable to a fence having a gradient. Since each joint 50 vertically clamps the wire beam assembly 33, that joint 50 produces great clamping force. Since a single bolt and not assembly simultaneously clamps the front and rear pairs of wires of the wire beam assembly 33, it is possible to simplify an assembly of the fence and reduce the number of components of the fence.
A joint for an intermediate post Y opposite sides of which two fence bodies X are mounted to has a structure in which the joints 50 are symmetrically arranged.
The arrangement of the fence having the joints 50 has the following advantages: The corrugated cross wires 1, the vertical wires 2 and the wire beam assemblies 33 constitute the top and bottom ends A of a great strength. Since the joints 50 can join the top and bottom ends A to the posts Y, the fence has a good appearance and a high applicability while the fence has a very simple structure. A combination of the joints 50 and the wire beam assemblies 33 facilitates an adjustment of spacings between the fence body X and the posts Y.
FIG.49 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing corrugated wire beams 34 attached to the wire beam assemblies 33.
A corrugated wire beam 34 is sandwiched between a pair straight wires 33 of each of the front and rear wire beam assemblies. In this embodiment, each corrugated wire beam 34 has the form of a triangular wave and is joined to the front or rear arrays of vertical wires 2 and there also to either of the straight wires 33, 33. The corrugated wire beams 34 reinforces the vertical strength of the fence body X.
Alternatively, the straight wire beams 33 and the corrugated wire beams 34 need not be joined to the same points of the vertical wires 2 and may be joined to different points of the vertical wires 2. The straight wire beam 33 and the corrugated wire beam 34 may alternatively be joined to each other independently of a joining to the vertical wires 2. With this arrangement, the wave pitch of the corrugated wire beam 34 is optional.
FIG.50 shows an embodiment of the present invention employing corrugated beams 39 having a greater strength than the cross wires 1. In this embodiment, the top and bottom ends of each of the vertical wires 2, as shown in FIG.51, are in contact with the corrugated beams 39 and joined by welding or the like to the underside and top surface of the corrugated beams 39.
Each corrugated beam 39 is made of round rod thicker than the cross wire 1 and bent at the same angle and the same pitch as the cross wire 1 to form generally form a triangular wave. Each corrugated beam 39 has a diameter substantially twice as large as the diameter of the cross wire 1. The corrugated beams 39 instead of the top and bottom end structures A of the fence strengthen the fence. The corrugated beams 39 may alternatively be made of pipe and have a diameter twice as large as to ten times the diameter of the cross wires 1 if necessary.
The shape and the pitch of each corrugated beam 39 need not always be identical to those of the corrugated cross wire 1 but may be different from those of the corrugated cross wires 1. The shape and the pitch of each corrugated beam 39 preferably are such that the end surfaces of all of the vertical wires 2 can be joined to the corrugated beams 39.
As shown in FIG.51, the angles of each beam 39 preferably are placed on extensions of the axes S of the vertical wires 2. The vertical wires 2 and each beam 39 preferably are welded so that the vertical axes C of the angles of the corrugated beam 39 are aligned with the axes S of the vertical wires 2. This arrangement can provide a great strength to the fence against a vertical load on the fence.
FIG.51B shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the vertical wires 2 are joined to a side surface of the corrugated beams 39.
In an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.52, each corrugated beam comprises a pair of wire beams 39' which sandwiches and is joined to the vertical wires 2. Each wire beam 39' may have the same diameter as the cross wire 1. Alternatively it may have a smaller or larger diameter than the cross wire 1 if necessary. An employment of the pair of wire beams 39' can strengthen the fence. The top and bottom ends and intermediate or intermediates of the fence may comprise corresponding pairs of corrugated wire beams 39' if necessary.
In the arrangement as described above, since the pairs of corrugated wire beams 39' serve as the top and bottom ends of the fence, joining the pairs of corrugated wire beams 39' to the posts Y enables the fence to be assembled. Thus, the structure of the fence is very simple and the applicability thereof is increased.
In case the top edge surfaces of the vertical wires 2 are in contact with and welded to the underside of the corrugated beam 39, no top edge surfaces of the vertical wires 2 are rusted and the strength and the appearance of the fence do not degrade.
The arrangements of fence described above have the following advantages: The combinations of the corrugated cross wires 1 and the vertical wires 2 provide three-dimensional fence bodies X having a large thickness and increase the strength of the fence bodies X. In addition, the arrangements of the fence enhances the aesthetic value of the appearance of the fence. The beams 3 increases the strength of the fence body X. The joints 6 join the fence body X to the post Y by means of the beams 3. The fence has a good appearance and a high applicability while the fence of the present invention have a very simple structure. The combination of the joints 6 and the beams 3 facilitates the spacing between the fence body X and the post Y to be adjusted.

Claims

A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires;
beam means placed in said spacing between said arrays of elongate vertical members; and
a post joined to said beam means.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires;
an elongate insert extending substantially in parallel to said cross wire between said arrays of elongate vertical members, said elongate insert pressing at least part of the elongate vertical members from within the fence, said elongate insert being removable from the fence.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires; and
an elongate clamp extending substantially in parallel to said cross wires and clamping said arrays of elongate vertical members in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said clamp clamping at least part of the elongate vertical members from outside the fence, said clamp being removable from the fence.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires; and
a second cross wire extending substantially in parallel to said cross wires, said second cross wire being mounted to at least one of the front and rear sides of the fence and joining the elongate vertical members.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires; and
a second cross wire being straight and extending substantially in parallel to said cross wires, said second cross wire being mounted to at least one of the front and rear sides of the fence and joining the elongate vertical members; and
a third cross wire being nonlinear and extending substantially in parallel to said cross wires, said third cross wire being mounted to at least one of the front and rear sides of the fence and joining the elongate vertical members.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence and said cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another;
two arrays of elongate vertical members, said arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to said cross wires; and
beam means extending substantially in parallel to said cross wires and having the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, said beam means being mounted to the elongate vertical members and having a strength greater than said cross wires.
A fence, comprising:
a plurality of fence bodies successively joining, each of said fence body including
a plurality of cross wires each of which extends lengthwise of the fence and has the form of a wave having the amplitude in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the cross wires being substantially in parallel to one another, and
two arrays of elongate vertical members, the arrays of elongate vertical members extending substantially in parallel to each other lengthwise of the fence with a predetermined spacing in the direction of the thickness of the fence, the elongate vertical members joining and being fastened to the cross wires;
beam means placed in the predetermined spacing between the elongate vertical members of each of said fence bodies;
a connection joining adjacent ones of said beam means; and
a post joining said beam means.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an end of each of the elongate vertical members is chamfered at a predetermined angle.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each elongate vertical member is a wire or a pipe.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of said cross wires has the form of a triangular wave or of a wave alternately having U-shaped portions and inverted U-shaped portions or of a wave alternately having curves of a predetermined curvature and inverted curves of said predetermined curvature.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the slender vertical members are fastened to the tops and bottoms of the waveshape of each of said cross wires or to part of each of said cross wires other than the tops and bottoms of the waveshape of each of said cross wires.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said beam means is mounted to one of said cross wires at a predetermined position.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said beam means and one of said cross wires sandwich a spacer.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a pair of adjacent cross wires have a spacing corresponding to a thickness of said beam means and the pair of adjacent cross wires holds said beam means.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said beam means is a pipe, preferably having a slot extending lengthwise of the pipe.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said beam means comprises a plurality of cross wires extending substantially in parallel to one another, and a connection joining the cross wires of said beam means.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said beam means is nonlinear in a plan view thereof.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a crown of a U-shaped section mounted on the top cross wire.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said beam means is placed in the bottom of the fence, said beam means being placed on and joined to said post.
The fence as recited in one of claims 1 to 19, wherein said post comprises a plurality of annular cross wires substantially in parallel to one another and a vertical member joining and being fastened to the annular cross wires of said post.
A joint, comprising:
a substantially rectangular post-contacting plate, opposite side edges of which are bent so as to opposed to each other and form legs capable of contacting a post, said post-contacting plate having two holes through which a bolt passes through, the holes being vertically aligned with each other;
a projection projecting from said post-contacting plate at substantially right angle and being capable of joining said beam means, said projection having a slot extending lengthwise of the fence, the slot allowing the position of mounting said beam means to be adjusted.
An end cap for a beam means of a fence, preferably as recited in one of claims 1 to 20, comprising:
a cover portion covering an end of the beam means;
a projection extending from said cover portion along and covering the top surface of the beam means, said projection having a slot extending lengthwise of the beam means, the slot allowing the position of the beam means to be adjusted relative to the end cap.