GB2245611A

GB2245611A - Fence

Info

Publication number: GB2245611A
Application number: GB9014291A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Thomas Collier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-06-27
Filing date: 1990-06-27
Publication date: 1992-01-08
Also published as: GB9014291D0

Abstract

A fence comprises a pair of posts (11) and a screen formed from plank elements (12) pivotably mounted to the posts (11), and overlapping in an alternating manner so that one group (13) of elements (12) swing in one direction while the other group swing in the opposite direction. This ensures that strong winds cannot damage the fence since at least some of the elements (13) will pivot to create gaps to allow the passage of the wind through the screen. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN FENCING UNITS The present invention relates in general to fencing.

Much damage can be caused to fencing, particularly domestic fencing, when strong winds prevail. A general object of the invention is to provide a fencing unit better able to withstand such strong winds.

In accordance with the invention, a fencing unit is composed of a support structure for mounting and erection and a plurality of elements pivotably attached to the support structure to provide a screen.

The elements may take the form of elongate planks or slats. In a preferred configuration the elements overlap one another in an alternating manner so that one group of elements pivot only in one direction and another group of elements pivot only in the opposite direction. In this way the pressure caused by strong wind will cause at least some of the elements to pivot to provide gaps through which the wind can pass.

A fencing unit constructed in accordance with the invention may have at least one pair of support posts and a number of tapered plank elements pivotably connected between the posts with the plank elements overlapping in alternating manner to provide two groups which pivot in different directions outwardly of the posts.

Stop means can be provided to limit the pivotal movement of the elements or planks.

A fencing unit constructed in accordance with the invention may comprise a support structure for mounting and erection and a screen composed of elongate slats or planks fitted to the support structure wherein at least some of the slats or planks are pivotably mounted to swing open and provide gaps to allow wind to pass through the screen.

The invention may be understood more readily, and various other aspects and features of the invention may become apparent from consideration of the following description.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic front elevation of part of a fencing unit constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the fencing unit shown in Figure 1 the view being taken in the direction of arrow II-II in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 and showing the influence of a gust of wind.

As shown in the drawing a fencing unit 10 is composed of a pair of upstanding side posts 11 and a plurality of elements 12, in the form of slats or planks, which extend between the posts 11. The elements 12 overlap but in alternating manner to form two groups designated 13 and 14. Each element 12 is connected to the posts 11 with the aid of pivot joints 15 at their upper regions. Because of the overlapping configuration the group 13 of elements 12 can swing in one direction while the group 14 of elements 12 can swing in the opposite direction. Thus as shown in Figure 3 when the wind blows from the right of the Figure (arrow W) the group 13 of elements 12 swing out to provide gaps 16 through which the wind can pass. Conversely, when the wind blows in the opposite direction the group 14 elements 12 swing out.

The posts 11 can be joined by upper and lower rails to form a rectangular frame containing the pivotal elements 12.

Although the posts 11 are shown as upright the unit can be used with the elements 12 extending vertically instead of horizontally as shown.

The elements 12 can be configured to taper as shown as conventional feather-edged planks.

The pivot joints 15 can be in the form of spring loaded pins provided at the end of the elements 12 and engaging in bores or bushes in the posts 11. This is advantageous since any element 12 can be easily removed for replacement by urging the element towards one of the posts 11 to release the pin at the opposite post.

Normally the posts 11 or support frame would be made from wood and the elements 12 made from wood or plastics material.

It is possible to put additional strips or blocks on the posts 10 to act as stops in limiting the pivotal movement of the elements 12.

Claims

1. A fencing unit composed of a support structure for mounting and erection and a plurality of elements pivotably attached to the support structure to provide a screen.

2. A fencing unit comprising a support structure for mounting and erection and a screen composed of elements in the form of elongate slots or planks fitted to the support structure wherein at least some of the elements are pivotably mounted to swing open and allow wind to pass through the screen.

3. A 'fencing unit according to Claim 1 wherein the elements are elongate slots or planks.

4. A fencing unit according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the elements overlap one another in alternating manner so that one group of elements pivot only in one direction and another group of elements pivot only in another direction so that pressure on the screen caused by strong wind will cause some of the elements to pivot to provide gaps through which the wind can pass.

5. A fencing unit comprising at least one pair of support posts and a number of tapered plank elements overlapping in alternating manner to provide two groups which pivot in different directions outwardly of the posts.

6. A fencing unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein stop means is provided to limit the pivotal movement of the elements.

7. A fencing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising pivot joints for connecting the elements to the support structure or posts, said pivot joints each taking the form of springloaded pins engaging in bores or bushes.

8. A fencing unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support structure or posts are made of wood and the elements from plastics material.

9. A fencing unit substantially as described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawing.