GB2116597A - Double-faced fencing or partition panels, looking the same from both sides - Google Patents

Abstract

Two sets of slats (1a, 1b; 5a, 5b) are sandwiched between plain transverse battens (3a, 3b; 8a, 8b), the slats of each set being spaced apart and registering with the gaps between the slats of the opposite set. Spacer laths (2) may be interposed between the sets of slats (1a, 1b), or spacer blocks (7a, 7b) may be arranged between each slat (5b, 5a), and the batten (8a, 8b) opposite, in the gap between slats of the opposed set. The slats may be horizontal or vertical. The spaces between slats reduce wind resistance. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to fencing panels This invention relates to panels, primarily for fencing although it is applicable to gates and general partitioning, both for indoor and outdoor use. For convenience, reference will only be made to fencing panels.

It is quite often desired to have a fencing panel which looks substantially the same from both sides. Although there have been proposals for this, they have mostly involved somewhat complex construction, or the use of more and/or heavier timber than is necessary for an asymmetrical panel. One answer, for example, is to clad both sides of a basic frame, thus doubling the number of slats or boards.

It is the aim of this invention to provide a double faced panel of simple and inexpensive construction, comparable to a single faced panel.

According to the present invention there is provided a panel comprising first and second sets of slats, those in each set being spaced, parallel and co-planar, and the sets being arranged faceto-face in staggered relationship so that the gaps between the slats are substantially closed in face view of the panel, and first and second opposed matching sets of plain battens outside and transverse to the slats, the battens and slats being mutually secured.

The slats of one set will generally be opposed to the gaps between the slats of the other set and be similar throughout.

Spacer laths may be disposed between the sets of slats, and preferably each lath will be parallel to and between an opposed pair of battens. These will ensure that there are slots in the panel, substantially lessening its wind resistance but not impairing its visual screening function.

Alternatively, spacer blocks may be interposed between each set of slats and the opposed set of battens, in the gaps between the slats of the opposed set.

The first set of slats and battens may be mutually fastened into a first half-assembly, and the second set likewise into a second half assembly. The two half-assemblies can then be brought together and mutually secured by fastener means which allow them to be separated later.

When there are intermediate laths, these may be placed between the half-assemblies and held by the fastener means which pass through them.

Alternatively, the first and second sets of slats may be secured to the spacer laths, and the battens will then be secured to the slat assembly by fastener means which allow them to be removed.

These arrangements enable easy replacement of individual slats without having to break the panel apart.

For a better understanding of the invention some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of a first version of a fencing panel, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the panel of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is an end view of another form of panel.

The figures show the various elements separated laterally, to distinguish them more clearly. When finally assembled they will be closed up as described below.

In Figures 1 and 2 a rectangular fencing panel has two sets of horizontally extending slats 1 a and 1 b. The slats in each set are spaced apart vertically, and those of one set come opposite the gaps between slats of the opposite set, although there is slight vertical overlap of the edge portions so that, when the panel is viewed face on, it presents a complete visual screen.

The sets of slats are spaced apart by vertical laths 2, one at each end and, in the version shown, by two intermediate ones. Outside the slats, and registering with the spacer laths, there are two sets of vertical battens 3a and 3b, all of uniform plain cross-section, usually rectangular. Along the top panel there is a cap 4, which overlies the upper ends of the battens 3a and 3b.

The number of intermediate laths 2 and battens 3a and 3b will depend on the length of the panel.

A standard length is six feet, in which case there will generally be three intermediates rather than the two shown in Figure 2, but where an even shorter infill panel is required, there may be one or even no intermediates.

There could be a more substantial framework, for example by providing bottom rails along each side, and even top rails below the capping 4, but generally this is not considered necessary.

Instead of having the slats run horizontally, they may be arranged vertically. The construction will still be basically the same, and may be envisaged by turning the panel.of Figure 2 through 90 and transferring the capping to cover the upper ends of the now vertical slats. In order to fix such a panel to fence posts, it may then be convenient to provide vertical rails joining the ends of the battens so that these rails can be nailed through into standing posts.

This panel may be put together in various ways, but it will be preferred to arrange for it to be quite easily taken apart for replacement of any slat.

These are of thin wood which can fairly easily be damaged or split.

In one method, one set of slats, say 1 a, is nailed or stapled to the spacer laths 2, the members being held in a jig. This assembly is then turned over, and the other set of slats 1 b are nailed or stapled to the opposite side of the laths. While still in the jig the battens 3b can be placed, and preferably they will be screwed or nailed through an overlap of slat and lath. There need not be a fastener through each overlap but at least there will be one at the top and bottom of each batten.

The assembly is then turned over again for attaching the battens 3a.

Alternatively, the battens may be placed simultaneously and fastened simultaneously. Nails driven through one batten can terminate in the opposed one and will allow the assembly to be prised apart. Screws or bolts could be used, but are more expensive and take longer to fit. The capping is then lightly nailed in place.

Should any slat be damaged and require replacement, the capping is fairly easily prised off without damage and then the battens can be removed from either side to expose the slat needing replacement. This can be prised off and a new one fitted without affecting the others.

An alternative method of construction involves setting one set of battens in a jig and securing the associated set of slats across them. It will be seen that one set of slats and battens is the same as the other, although inverted, there being a half-width slat at the bottom of the set 1 a, and a half-width slat at the top of the set 1 b. This means that the two halves of any panel are interchangeable and can be manufactured on the same jig, although it may be preferred to have two adjacent jigs with the halves being made simultaneously. When they are brought together, with the laths 2 in between, they may be nailed, bolted through or screwed, so that disassembly is easy.

It may not be desired to have the spacer laths 2, in which case the second type of assembly is followed, simply omitting the laths.

Another construction is shown in Figure 3. This has two opposed sets of slats 5a and 5b sandwiched between vertical sets of battens 6a and 6b with a capping 7, but without spacer laths.

Instead, between each slat and the batten opposite there is a short spacer block 8a or 8b. As shown, these are thicker than the slats so that the lath's edges will be kept apart to create air slots.

However, they may match the slat thickness so that the slats do contact each other. This is sometimes necessary with indifferent timber which tends to warp and twist; the mutual contact helps keep this at bay. In face view, the blocks will be concealed behind the battens.

At the top and bottom of the panel shown, which has thick spacer blocks 8a and 8b, where there are two half slats 5b (there might be one half slat 5a and one half slat Sb instead for a panel of different height) there are spacer strips or blocks 9 between those half slats and the opposite slats 5a.

The fastening means will pass through the battens at least at this area, and the strips 9 will provide more body to receive them.

As before, this version can be turned through 900 so that the slats extend vertically.

Claims (9)

1. A panel comprising first and second sets of slats, those in each set being spaced, parallel and co-planar, and the sets being arranged face-toface in staggered relationship so that the gaps between the slats are substantially closed in face view of the panel, and first and second opposed matching sets of plain battens outside and transverse to the slats, the battens and slats being mutually secured.

2. A panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slats of one set are opposed to the gaps between the slats of the other set.

3. A panel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein spacer laths are disposed between the sets of slats.

4. A panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein each spacer lath is parallel to and between an opposed pair of battens.

5. A panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein spacer blocks are interposed between each set of slats and the opposed set of battens, in the gaps between the slats of the opposed set.

6. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first set of slats and battens are mutually fastened into a first half-assembly, and second sets likewise into a second half-assembly, and the two half assemblies are brought together and mutually secured by fastener means which allow them to be separated.

7. A panel as claimed in claim 8, as appendant to claim 3 or 4, wherein the intermediate laths are placed between the half assemblies and held by the fastener means which pass through them.

8. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and second sets of slats are secured to the spacer laths, and the battens are secured to the slat-batten assembly by fastener means which allow them to be removed.

9. A panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawing.