GB2264514A - Fittings for preventing storm damage to fencing - Google Patents

Abstract

A fencing panel 1 is secured between posts 6 by upper, deformable fillings 2 and lower, pivotable fillings 3. The upper fillings 2 have basally weakened flanges which, when the force of the wind against the panel 1 exceeds a certain value, will bend outwardly, allowing the panel 1 to pivot downwardly, undamaged, about the axis of the lower fillings 3. After a storm the panel 1 can be raised and secured between a replacement pair of upper fillings 2. <IMAGE>

Description

The following should be read in conjunction with the attached specifications and diagrams.

BACKGROUND The hurricanes of recent years left literally millions of pounds worth of fencing broken and twisted beyond repair. As the storms raged, debris from shattered panels caused still more damage.

Many products are marketed to protect the wood itself from the elements but nothing currently exists to safeguard the fence as a whole.

THE CONCEPT Uni-Clip is a low cost fencing panel fixing system designed to prevent storm damage to individual panels and posts.

DESCRIPTION The system consists of two different fittings - an upper and a lower Both clips are made of non-rusting metal and are of an ópen-ended box construction. The bottom clip features asimpie swivel mechanism whilst the unique top clip is deliberately weåkened at the box corners.

INSTALLATION To install a panel, a set of clips are nailed or screwed to each fence post in turn. The panel is then slotted into position between the clips. The bottom clip only is nailed or screwed to the panel.

Under normal conditions a panel installed in this way remains sturdy and firm.

OPERATION In the event of a storm, as the wind speeds increase to a level at which structural damage will occur, the upper clip (weakened at the corners) will bend outwards away from the wind direction.

As the upper clip is forced open, the panel swivels on the lower clip and is blown to the ground.

Still secured to its posts, the panel survives intact and damage from flying debris is prevented.

To restore a fence to its original condition, all that is needed are the appropriate number of replacement upper Uni-Clip fixings.

FEATURES O Low cost Easy to install No maintenance BENEFITS Prevents storm damage to individual fence panels and posts Makes post-storm fence restoration cheap and simple SPECIFICATION Fig.l.

Shows the fence panel (I) being held in place by Uni-Clip (2) holding the top half of the fence. Swivel Clip (3) holding the bottom of the fence. These can move backward or forward depending on which is required.

Fig.2.

Uni-Clip (2) full drawing. Releasing strain (4) marked on both sides.

Clip fixed to post through (5) Nails of screws galvanised.

Fig.3.

Uni-Ciip (2) fixed to fence post (6) Fig.4.

Shows panel (I) laying down held at bottom by swivel clip (3) shows damaged Uni-Clip (2). Remove fence (1). Remove old clips (2).

Replace two new Uni-Clips (2). Slide panel back into position.

Figs.4. inside shows side view of fence laying down, inside shows right hand side of Uni-clip (2) after releasing panel.

Claims (11)

1. (I) UNI-CLIP - A fencing clip with built-in releasing strain claims when a fence and it's posts are subjected to adverse storm conditions and high winds of such strength, damage would be caused.

   The releasing strain would.release and the panel would lay down saving the fence and it's posts from possible destruction.

   (2) UNI-CLIP claims in claim I that any proceeding claims wherein a clip is produced with any type of releasing strain.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A fitting for use in securing a fencing panel to a fencing post, the fitting being generally of channel section with a base portion for attachment to the post and a pair of flanges extending therefrom which, in use, embrace an adjacent edge portion of the panel, the fitting being deformable such that when a lateral force on the panel exceeds a predetermined value the panel is allowed to move away from the post without damage to itself or to the post.
2. 2. A fitting as claimed in claim 1, in which the flanges are basally weakened.
3. 3. A fitting as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
4. 4. A deformable fencing panel fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. 5. A set of fittings for securing a fencing panel to a fencing post and comprising an upper fitting as claimed in any preceding claim and a lower fitting for attaching the panel to the post for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis.
6. 6. A set of fittings as claimed in claim 5, in Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows which the lower fitting is generally of channel section with a base portion which is apertured to allow the fitting to be pivotally mounted on the post and a pair of flanges which, in use, embrace a lateral edge portion of the panel.
7. 7. A set of fittings as claimed in claim 6, in which the flanges are apertured to facilitate securing the fitting to the panel.
8. 8. A set of fittings as claimed in claim 5 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
9. 9. A set of fencing panel fittings substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
10. 10. Fencing comprising two fencing posts and a fencing panel secured therebetween by a set of fittings as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9.
11. 11. The features herein described, or their equivalents in any patentable, novel selection.