GB2243851A

GB2243851A - Fencing connectors

Info

Publication number: GB2243851A
Application number: GB9020299A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Thomas Alder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-05-10
Filing date: 1990-09-17
Publication date: 1991-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2010-09-17
Also published as: GB9010468D0; GB9020299D0; GB2243851B

Abstract

A fencing connector suitable for use in fencing systems comprising concrete posts 1 having longitudinal slots in which preformed panels 3 are disposed, comprises an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion 4 which in use partially surrounds and frictionally engages a post, and at least one linear portion 7 which in use lies along and is secured to a panel through holes 12 or by tines. To provide or enhance the frictional engagement deformable projections 11 may be provided, and these may be dimples, ribs, corrugations, tangs or parallel-sided stand-offs 22. A multiple unit for use on sloping terrain has parts of the portions 7 on opposite sides cut or bent away. A modification for use with an end post has an inwardly extending portion on one side to engage within the slot of a post (Fig. 6 not shown). An arrangement for round posts is disclosed. The connector may be of metal strip, e.g. galvanised steel, or of plastics material. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fencing Connectors The invention relates to fencing connectors, and in particular to fencing connectors suitable for use in fencing systems comprising posts having longitudinal slots in which preformed panels are disposed.

It is common in such systems for the preformed panel to be formed from an assembly of thin wooden strips arranged vertically or horizontally, or woven, the sides of the assembly being sandwiched between a pair of vertical wooden battens, and the bottom and/orthe top being sandwiched between horizontal wooden battens. The posts are usually of concrete with a pair of slots on opposite sides.

In such a fencing system a row of posts, suitably spaced, is set up with the slots aligned, and the panels are slid down into the slots from above with the vertical battens in the slots to form the fence.

Such a fence, whilst easy to assemble has certain disadvantages. In particular trespassers can gain access simply by sliding the panels upwards. Moreover, the panels may be blown out from the slots by high winds. It is also known for annoyance to be caused by panels rattling in the slots.

It is an object of the invention to provide a fencing connector whereby the above disadvantages are overcome.

According to one aspect of the invention a fencing connector unit suitable for use in a fencing system of the kind having posts with longitudinal slots on opposite sides thereof for the reception of preformed panels comprises an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion such as in use to partially surround a post and a linear portion extending outwardly from an end thereof such as in use to lie along a preformed panel wherein the connector unit is such that with the linear portion secured to the panel a frictional engagement would exist between the U-shaped portion and the post.

According to a further aspect of the invention a fencing connector unit as in the preceding paragraph and suitable for use in a fencing system comprising rectangular posts having pl planar front and rear faces and longitudinally slotted side faces for the reception of preformed panels, comprises an integral strip-like member having a square-U-shaped portion such as in use to partially surround a post with the base of the U-shaped portion opposed to the the front face of the post and a linear portion extending outwardly from an end thereof such as in use to lie along a preformed panel wherein the connector unit is such that with the linear portion secured to the panel a frictional engagement would exist between the U-shaped portion and the post.

The invention also embraces a fencing connector unit as set out in the first aspect of the invention above and suitable for use in a fencing system comprising slotted posts of basically circular cross-section wherein the U-shaped portion is curved such as to conform with the curvature of the post.

The invention also embraces a fencing connector unit as in any of the three preceding paragraphs in which one or more integral deformable projections is/are provided on the U-shaped portion to provide or enhance the frictional engagement.

According to a further aspect of the invention a fencing system comprises a series of spaced posts each with longitudinal slots on opposite sides thereof, a series of preformed panels between the the posts the ends of each panel being received by the slots of adjacent posts, and one or more fencing connectors each associated with a post, each connector comprising an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion partially surrounding its post and a linear portion extending outwardly from an end thereof and lying along and being secured to an adjacent panel1 wherein the connector is such that a frictional engagement exists between the U-shaped portion and the post.

In fencing systems comprising slotted posts and preformed panels rectangular posts are commonly used and these may be manufactured in a number of different notionally standard sizes. Commonly produced sizes are 100mm. by 100mm. (4in. by 4in.); 100mm. by 113mum. (4in. by 4kin); and 150mm. by 150mm. (6in. by 6in.). Typically the slots are centrally situated in the side faces and are nominally 50mm.long and 25mm. deep. Thus for the three sizes of post above the distance of the near end-face of the slot from the front face of the post is respectively 25mm.; 32mm.; and 50mum.

In these circumstances it is clear that the connector must suit the notional standard size of the post with which it is associated in order to achieve the frictional engagement necessary. If, for example, in a connector designed to provide frictional engagement between the front face of a rectangular post and the base of the U-shaped portion of the connector the depth of the U-shaped portion (dimension B in Figure 5) were grossly oversize , then with the linear portion secured to the panel no frictional engagement would occur. On the other hand, if the depth were much too shallow then the linear portions would be too far from the panel, even allowing for slight movement from resilience, to permit proper securement.

If the preformed posts and panels are manufactured to a high degree of dimensional accuracy and are dimensionally stable then plain- faced connectors of accurate size in either the depth or width of the U-shaped portion will satisfactorily provide the frictional engagement, taking in account the natural resilience of the material.

However, commercially available posts and panels are seldom manufactured to a high degree of accuracy, and variations are wide. British Standard 1722, Fencing, Part 11, 1986, "Specification for woven wood and lap boarded panels", suggests, inter alia, a minimum sized post of 100mm. by 85mm. and tolerances as large as +Smm. to -4mm. on these dimensions. It also suggests a slot length of at least 50 mm. The same British Standard indicates considerable allowable tolerances for the panels in respect of sizes, warpage, moisture content and bending. It must also be said that not all commercially available posts and panels are manufactured to be within the limitations of this British Standard.

Accordingly the invention contemplates the provision of integral deformable projections on the U-shaped portions to enhance or provide the frictional engagement with the posts. Such projections allow for such factors as variations in the size of the posts, wrongly sized or offset longitudinal slots, warped or bent panels, and similar variations.

Such integral deformable projections may be dimples, tangs, ribs, corrugations or stand-outs pressed out from between slits, or have any other suitable form. The deformation may be resilient or non-resilient, or, most commonly, a combination of both of these.

In this specification any reference to a dimension of the connector being "commensurate with" a dimension of a post is not intended to indicate that there is exact equality between the two; rather it is intended to indicate that the dimension of the connector, allowing for any projections and resilience, must be appropriate for the notional post involved to provide the necessary frictional engagement.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the connector comprises a single integral member which can be readily secured to a panel so as to prevent it from being removed or rattling. The portions engaging the panel are linear portions which can readily abut and be secured to a panel; they do not involve a number of bends nor ends which need to be inserted between the battens and wooden strips of a panel.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of this embodiment; Figure 3 shows a side view through a projection Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention Figure 5 shows in plan the embodiment of Figure 1 (or Figure 4) in association with a single post and panels; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment suitable for use with an end-post; Figure 7 shows a plan view of this embodiment in association with a post Figure 8 shows a fragmental view in which dimples are provided instead of tangs; Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a further embodiment suitable for use with a circular slotted post.

Figures lOA, JOB and 10C show respectively perspective, front and sectional views of a further form of integral deformable projection.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment for use on sloping terrain to a reduced scale.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, a fencing connector comprises an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion 4 intended to embrace the front part of a slotted concrete post 1, and a linear portion 7 to abut a fence panel 3. As shown the panel comprises horizontal wooden battens 20 sandwiching thin wooden strips 21. Alternatively the panel could be a board. The U-shaped portion 4 comprises a base 5 to be disposed adjacent a front face of the post and sides 6 to be disposed adjacent opposite side faces of the post The depth (B) of the portion 4 is commensurate with the distance (A) of the slot from the front face of the post, so that when the linear portion 7 is abuttingly secured to the panel a frictional engagement exists between the front face of the post and the connector.

Alternatively, or in addition, the transverse dimension of the U-shaped portion (D) is commensurate with the width (C) of the post so that frictional engagement exists between the connector and the side faces of the post.

In order to ensure satisfactory frictional engagement when the sizes of posts and panels are subject to wide variation, e.g. when the permitted manufacturing tolerances are wide, the connector may be provided with integral deformable projections, which may be on the base 5 and/or the sides 6 as appropriate. As shown the projections are tangs 11 struck out from the connector. The tangs may point in any direction, for example, horizontally or obliquely, but upwardly directed tangs as shown add to the difficulty of upward displacement of the panels.

Typically for posts in the order of 100mm.by 100mm. or 100mm. by 113mm. the dimension (B) might be 25mm. or 32mm. but the exact size would be dependent on the presence and size of any deformable projections.

As shown in Figure 1 a pair of linear portions 7 are provided to abut panels on both sides of the post. The length of a portion 7 may be appropriate to the width of a vertical batten, or preferably somewhat longer as shown to suit horizontal battens 20.

As shown holes 12 may be provided in the linear portions 7 for the passage of screws, nails or bolts to secure the connector to the panels. The holes may be elongated as shown at 13 to permit adjustment on fixing. Any suitable pattern of holes may be provided.

As an alternative, or addition, to the holes 12, tines may be struck out of the portions 7 so that the connector may be hammered directly into the panels.

In an exemplary procedure for assembling a fencing system using the connectors of Figure 1 a series of slotted concrete posts are set up at appropriate spacings and preformed panels are slid down in the slots to fill the spaces between adjacent posts. A connector is applied to a post and secured to the panels on either side by screws passing through holes 12 and 13. The action of screwing tends to draw the panel towards the near end-face of the slot in the post as indicated in Figure 5, thereby deforming the deformable projections 11 and increasing the frictional engagement between the connector and the post.

Figure 4 discloses an embodiment which is essentially a single integral connector comprising two of the units shown in Figure 1. As shown cuts 14-14, 15-15, divide the linear portions into four sections F, G, H, I, This embodiment is suitable for a fence on sloping terrain where the heights of the panels on the two sides of the post differ. Diagonally opposite sections F and I or G and H may be cut or bent away allowing the remaining sections to be connected to horizontal battens at different heights.

Further embodiments include connectors in which one or other of the pairs of diagonally opposite sections F and I or G and H are cut away during manufacture.

The invention encompasses an embodiment suitable for an end post of a fence in which only one of the two linear portions 7 is provided, the dimensions of the U-shaped portion and if necessary the provision of suitably directed tangs or other projections ensuring a tight frictional fit on the post.

An alternative embodiment suitable for use with an end post of a fence.

is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this connector one of the outwardlydirected linear portions 7 is replaced by an inwardly-directed linear portion 16 which engages behind the near end-face of slot 18. Deformable projections may be provided on the portion 16. In assembly such a connector may be tapped down into position on the post before being secured to the panel.

Figures 8 shows a fragmental view in which deformable dimples 17 are used instead of tangs as the integral deformable projections for providing or enhancing the frictional engagement.

The integral deformable projections may also be stand-outs formed between slits in the U-shaped portion. Figures 10A, 10B and lOC show respectively, perspective, front and side views of such integral deformable projections.

As shown they are protruding fingers 22 formed by a crack and form process and pressed out between parallel slits 23 in the U-shaped portion and integrally connected at both ends. Alternatively connection may be at one end only. The stand-outs may be vertical as shown or at any other orientation.

Such stand-outs or other forms of integral deformable projections such as ribs, corrugations,tangs or dimples may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed.

Figure 11 shows to a reduced scale a further embodiment of a connector for use on sloping terrain wherein the integral deformable projections are fingers 22.

The embodiment shown in Figure 9 is appropriate to circular slotted posts.

the curvature of the U-shaped portion conforms with the curvature of the post and the depth of the U-shaped is commensurate with the distance of the centre of the front face of the post to the chord joining the near endfaces of the slots such that at least with the provision of deformable projections a frictional engagement between the connector and post.

Whilst a convenient method of producing the connectors of the invention is by bending, pressing, stamping and/or otherwise working metal strip, it is clear that similar members can be made by other methods, for example by moulding metal or plastics material. The term "strip-like member" is therefore to be understood to include not only members formed from metal strip but similar members of metal or plastics material. Among suitable metal materials are galvanised steel and brass.

Although the term "preformed panel" is frequently used in reference to woven or lap boarded wooded strips secured together by horizontal and/or vertical battens, in this -specification the term..is not intended to be limited to such elements but is intended to include any fence filling member suitable for use between slotted posts. for example boards such as gravel boards. It also embraces concrete members provided with apertures for the reception of bolts passing through the connectors.

Claims

1. ' A fencing connector unit suitable for use in a fencing system comprising posts with longitudinal slots on opposite sides thereof for the reception of preformed panels comprising an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion such as in use to partially surround a post and a linear portion extending outwardly from an end thereof such as in use to lie along a preformed panel wherein the connector unit is such that with the linear portion secured to the panel a frictional engagement would exist between the U-shaped portion and the post.

2. A fencing connector unit as claimed in Claim 1 suitable for use in a fencing system comprising rectangular posts having planar front and rear faces and longitudinally slotted side faces for the reception of preformed panels, comprising an integral strip-like member having a square-U-shaped portion such as in use to partially surround a post with the base of the U-shaped portion opposed to the front face of the post and a linear portion extending outwardly therefrom such as in use to lie along a preformed panel wherein the connector unit is such that with the linear portion secured to the panel a frictional engagement would exist between the U-shaped portion and the post.

3 A fencing connector unit as claimed in Claim 1 suitable for use in a fencing system comprising slotted posts of basically circular cross-section wherein the U-shaped portion is curved such as to conform with the curvature of the post.

4. h fencing connector unit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein one or more integral deformable projections is/are provided on the the U-shaped portion to provide or enhance the the frictional engagement,

5. A fencing connector unit as claimed in Claim 4 with Claim 2 wherein the deformable projectionfs) is/are disposed on the base of the U-shaped portion.

6. A fencing connector unit as claimed in Claim 4 with Claim 2 wherein the deformable projections are disposed on the sides of the U-shaped member.

7. A fencing connector unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein linear portions extend outwardly from both ends of the U-shaped portion to provide for connection to panels on both sides of the post.

8. A fencing connector comprising a single unit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. A fencing connector comprising a plurality of units as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7 formed as an integral structure with the U-shaped portions aligned.

10. A fencing connector as claimed in Claim 9 wherein cuts are provided between the linear portions of adjacent units on each side.

11. A fencing connector as claimed in Claim 9 when appendant to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein a single linear portion extends on one side from the uppermost unit of the plurality of units and a single linear portion extends on the other side from the lowermost unit.

12 A fencing connector comprising a single unit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 having,on the opposite side of said U-shaped portion from said outwardly extending linear portion, an inwardly-extending linear portion to engage behind the near end-face of the adjacent slot so as to provide an end post connector.'

13. A fencing connector as claimed in Claim 12 wherein integral deformable projections are provided on said inwardly-extending linear portion.

14. A fencing connector as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 13 wherein the outwardly extending linear portions is/are provided with fixing holes.

15. A fencing connector as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the holes are round or elongated.

16. A fencing connector as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 13 wherein integral fixing tines are struck out from the outwardly extending linear portion(s).

17. h fencing connector as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 16 wherein the integral deformable projection(s) is/are one or more stand-offs pressed out between parallel slits in the U-shaped portion.

18. A fencing connector as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 16 wherein the integral deformable projection(s) is/are one or more struck-out tangs.

19. A fencing connector as claimed in any of claims 8 to 16 wherein the integral deformable projection(s) is/are one or more ribs, corrugations or dimples.

20. A fencing connector as claimed in any of claims 8 to 19 of metal.

21 A fencing connector as claimed in Claim 20 of galvanised steel,

22 A fencing connecctor as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 19 of plastics material.

23. A fencing system comprising a series of spaced posts each with longitudinal slots on opposite sides thereof, a series of preformed panels between the posts the ends of each panel being received by the slots of adjacent posts, and one or more fencing connectors each associated with a post, each connector comprising an integral strip-like member having a U-shaped portion partially surrounding its post and a linear portion extending outwardly from an end thereof and lying along and being secured to an adjacent panel, wherein the connector is such that a frictional engagement exists between the U-shaped portion and the post.

24. A fencing system as claimed in Claim 23 wherein one or more integral deformable projections are provided on the U-shaped portion of one or more of the connectors to provide or enhance the frictional engagement.

25. A fencing system as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the deformable projections are any of tangs, dimples, ribs, corrugations or parallel-sided stand-offs.

26. h fencing system as claimed in any of Claim - to 25 wherein a linear portion extends outwardly from each side of the U-shaped portion to provide for connection to panels on each side of the post.

27. A fencing system as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26 wherein the connector(s) is/are of galvanised steel or plastics material.

28. A fencing system as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 27 wherein the panels are woven wood strip panels, lap boarded wooden panels, boards or concrete panels.

29. A fencing system as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28 wherein the posts are of concrete.

30. A fencing connector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.