GB2365032A

GB2365032A - A reinforced sectional structure

Info

Publication number: GB2365032A
Application number: GB0017451A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Richard Marsh; Gordon Partridge
Original assignee: LH Woodhouse and Co Ltd
Current assignee: LH Woodhouse and Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-18
Filing date: 2000-07-18
Publication date: 2002-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-18
Also published as: GB0017451D0; IE20010617A1; GB2365032B

Abstract

A sectional structure (eg. for use as a barrier or enclosure) comprises a plurality of wall members. Said wall members comprise two channel sections 12a and 12b, forming ends to the wall and slats 14a-14i inserted into the channels to form the in-fill of the wall. The wall further comprises at least one reinforcing members 18a-18d. The slats comprise an inter-engaging profile along their elongate edges to engage with adjacent slats. Linking members are provided to releaseably link wall members together to form a structure. In an embodiment of the invention the reinforcing members comprise elongate inelastic rods, inserted through the slats and threaded at their ends (fig 2). Said rod ends are inserted through corresponding holes in the channel members and secured with nuts. In an embodiment of the invention the releaseable linking members may comprise inter-engaging hooks and rings (fig 10a). Further disclosed is a post for linking together two wall sections (fig 9). A still further embodiment comprises a door assembly combined with the wall sections (fig. 12) to define an opening in a barrier or enclosure.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> A Sectional Structure and Parts Thereof This invention relates to a sectional structure such as a barrier, stable, pen or enclosure (herein a "sectional structure") for use especially, but not exclusively, as a temporary structure for fencing or enclosing livestock such as horses, cattle, pigs and sheep.

Known sectional structures comprise a number of wooden panel sections that may be bolted together to provide an enclosure. Although the panel sections may be repeatedly assembled together and dismantled to allow transportation of the sectional structures from one location to another, known wooden panel sections result in an assembly that is both heavy to transport, and time consuming to construct and dismantle due to the large number of bolts that are required to link the sections together. The efficiency of constructing and dismantling such known structures is further reduced by the number of people required to prevent any unwanted movement of the wooden sections whilst bolts are inserted or removed. The use of known wooden sections has a further disadvantage that the repeated use of the wooden sections, often in damp and muddy conditions, causes their overall condition to deteriorate. Repeated maintenance and repair are required to ensure that they remain in a suitable condition for use.

In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a wall for a sectional structure that includes a plurality of walls, comprises: two elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each said channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the

open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of elongate panels, each received at either end in a said channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another, adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of said panels together, and said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members; and a plurality of reinforcing members acting on one or more of the panels to reinforce the wall, each said wall including one or more linking members provided on a said channel-section member for releaseably linking each of said walls to at least one other said wall to define a barrier or enclosure.

By using reinforcing members at intermittent positions, the rigidity of each wall is increased and, as a result, bowing of the wall is reduced without excessively increasing the overall weight of the wall.

A further advantage of the wall of the invention is derived from the manner in which the ends of the panels are accommodated within channel- section members. As the panels are permitted to move in the elongate direction of the channel-section members, the panels and the channel- section members may expand and contract in response to ambient temperature changes, without distorting the walls.

Further advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims hereof. More specifically:

The panels used in the walls are preferably substantially hollow, and in a preferred embodiment they are extruded from a plastics material.

The use of substantially hollow panels produces walls that are considerably lighter than known wooden sections, resulting in a sectional structure that is lighter to transport and handle than known sectional structures.

The use of panels extruded from a plastics material also contributes to producing walls that are light, as well as walls that are much more resistant to wear from repeated use, and more resistant to damage from adverse environmental conditions such as mud and rain, and from animals. For example, panels extruded from a plastics material win largely absorb shock when they are kicked by an animal, and are less likely to crack and shatter. Also, such panels will not expose nails if they are damaged by animals.

Preferably the panels are extruded from recycled plastics materials.

The use of such a material provides a relatively warmer enclosed area due to the reduction in draughts and increased insulation.

In other embodiments of the invention, the panels may be formed from other materials, such as timber. Although timber panels may not provide the same advantages as panels extruded from a plastics material, such as weight reduction and weather resistance, the use of timber panels is within the scope of the invention.

When substantially hollow panels are used in the walls of the sectional stable, inelastic rods may be used as reinforcing members. These rods are passed through the hollow interior region of each of a chosen number of panels, while being supported by the channel-section members of the wall. The inelastic rods may be threaded at each end. The inelastic rods may then be secured in position by extending the ends of the inelastic rods through holes provided in the channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding end.

In another embodiment, the inelastic rods may be contained within hollow metal pipes. The pipes may abut, at each end, the relevant channel-section member, and may be secured in position by passing a respective threaded rod section, provided at each end of each of the pipes, through holes provided in the relevant channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding rod section.

Regardless of the precise construction of the panels (e.g. timber or hollow, extruded plastics), straps or banding positioned around the outsides of the wall components may be used as reinforcing members.

The mutually engaging connector parts provided on adjacent pairs of panels preferably include a triangle-shaped protuberance extending along a first elongate edge of each of the panels, and a complementarily shaped recess to the protuberance extending along an opposite elongate edge of each of the panels.

This arrangement allows the panels to connect to each other, and so

prevents gaps occurring in the surfaces of the walls.

in a preferred embodiment, the protuberance is connected to the first elongate edge of each of the panels by a connector strip that is narrower in width than a corresponding edge of the protuberance. The recess along the opposite elongate edge is provided with an opening of complementary cross-section to the connector strip. The recess of each of the panels is then only slidably accessible by the protuberance of an adjacent panel, at recess openings on the ends of each of the panels.

This provides a further advantage in that the panels must be connected together before being positioned between the channel members, and hence . . . ses the chance of the panels becoming disconnected from each other, producing gaps, during repeated use of the walls of the sectional stable.

The linking members formed on the channel-section members of each of the walls may be hook members. Preferably, the channel-section members of each wall are each provided with two hook members.

In an embodiment of the invention, a connecting post includes a plurality of elongate side walls linked together to define a hollow, elongate post member of polygonal cross-section. Each of said side walls includes at least two, spaced apart, slots extending therethrough.

In other embodiments, the linking members formed on the channel-section members of each of the walls may be D-rings or hook members. Preferably, in such embodiments, the channel-section members of each

wall are each provided with two D-rings or two hook members, and a first wall having D-rings may be linked in a perpendicular arrangement with a second wall having hook members, by passing the hook members through the D-rings.

In a preferred embodiment, a door assembly includes a locating frame and a door frame hingeably mounted within the locating frame. The door frame is partially defined by a pair of elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other channel-section member. A plurality of panels is provided within the door frame so that the ends of the panels are received in the relevant channel-section members. Adjacent pairs of these panels are interconnected by mutually engaging connector parts. The channel-section members permit movement of each of the panels in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel- section members. Linking members that each define a slot are provided for releaseably linking the door assembly to at least one adjacent wall component to define an opening in a barrier or an enclosure.

The door frame may be removably hinged within the locating frame.

The panels may be substantially hollow, and are preferably extruded from a plastics material.

Although the structures of the invention are primarily for use at indoor and outdoor events such as agricultural shows and equestrian events, they may be used in any situation where temporary accommodation for horses or livestock is required, e.g. penning on farms, livery stables, race

courses, quarantine centres or stud farms. They may also be used as storage areas for feedstuffs or riding tack, and can be used as temporary accommodation for stockmen and grooms.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure I shows a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a method of securing an inelastic reinforcing rod to a channel-section member of the wall of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another method of securing an inelastic reinforcing rod to a channel-section member; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cap member; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of two adjacent panels before connection; Figure 7 shows two walls in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure I linked together in a parallel arrangement; Figure 8 shows a connecting post;

Figure 9 shows two walls in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 linked together mi a per pendicular arrangement; Figure 10 shows four walls linked to a connecting post; Figure 10a shows two walls according to an alternative embodiment of the invention linked together in a perpendicular arrangement; Figure 11 shows a door assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows a structure providing an enclosure, including a plurality of the walls and a door assembly; Figure 12a shows an enlarged view of a portion of the structure of Figure 12; Figure 12b shows an enlarged view of another portion of the structure shown in Figure 12; Figure 12c shows a structure providing four enclosures; Figure 12d shows two walls in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure I linked together in a parallel arrangement; Figure 13 shows the structure of Figure 12 including a roof structure; Figure 13a shows a post extension;

Figure 13b shows a cup member; Figure 13c shows a linking member connectmg a ridge bar to the cup member of Figure 13b; and Figure 14 shows two back-to-back enclosed areas including a roof structure.

A wall 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.

The wall 10 includes two parallel, elongate metal channel-section members 12a,12b that are substantially C-shaped in cross-section, and are positioned with the open side of one of the channel-section members 12a juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other channel-section member 12b.

A plurality of interconnected panels 14a-14i are transversely inserted between the two channel-section members 12a,12b so that their ends are received within the channel-section members 12a,12b. The channel- section members 12a, 12b are dimensioned to accommodate the ends of the panels 14a-14i securely, and to permit the panels 14a-14i to move in either direction along the length of the channel-section members 12a, 12b. The panels 14a-14i are interconnected by mutually engaging connector parts (described in detail below) along their elongate edges to produce a flat wall surface 16 that is free from gaps.

The elongate panels 14a-14i used in the wall of this embodiment are substantially hollow, and inelastic rods 18a-18d, as shown by the dotted lines, are inserted through the hollow regions of four of the panels 14a, 14d, 14f, 14i.

The inelastic rods may be formed, for example, from mild steel.

The channel-section members 12a,12b support the inelastic rods 18a-18d, the ends 20 of which, in the embodiment shown, are threaded. Each of the threaded ends 20 allows the inelastic rods 18a-18d to be attached to the channel members 12a,12b by virtue of the threaded end 20a of the inelastic rod 18a protruding through a hole 22 in the interconnecting wall 24 of the channel-section member 12a. A first nut 26 threaded onto threaded end 20a secures the inelastic rod 18a relative to the channel- section member 12a.

A second nut 25 may be threaded onto the threaded end 20a before the threaded end 20a is passed through the hole 22. This prevents overtightening of the first nut 26 because it can only be tightened until the second nut 25 engages against the opposite side of the interconnecting wall 24. The provision of second nuts 25 on each of the threaded ends 20 therefore prevents the wall 10 from becoming warped due to overtightening of the first nuts 26.

In a further embodiment, the inelastic rods 18a-18d are supported within hollow metal pipes 28a-28d, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 3. The hollow metal pipes 28a-28d abut, at each end, the relevant channel-section members 12a,12b.

The hollow metal pipes 28a-28d, in the embodiment shown, are secured at either end to the relevant channel-section members 12a, 12b in a similar manner to the inelastic rods 18a-18d shown in Figure 2. A plate 27, including a threaded rod section 29 protruding therefrom, is secured to each end of the hollow metal pipes 28a-28d, e.g. by welding. The threaded rod sections 29 pass through respective holes 22 in the interconnecting walls 24, and are secured in place using a respective first nut 26 threaded onto each of the protruding threaded rod sections 29.

It is not necessary to provide a second nut on each end of the threaded rod sections 29 to prevent overtightening of the first nut 26. This is because the plates 27 engage against the opposite side of the interconnecting walls 24 when the first nuts 26 are tightened, so preventing overtightening.

In each of the reinforcing arrangements, the clearance space on either side of the reinforcing members 18a-18d within the panels 14a,14d,14f,14i, denoted by B and B' in Figure 5, determines the distance that the panels 14a-14i can move in either direction along the length of the channel members 12a,12b. The clearance space B,B' is preferably minimal, and sufficient only to allow the reinforcing members 18a-18d to pass through the hollow interior regions of the panels 14a, 14d, 14f, 14i.

In further embodiments the panels 14a-14i need not be hollow, and the reinforcing members take the form of bands or strapping secured around the outside of the wall 10.

The panels 14a-14i are extruded from a plastics material, and, as can be seen from Figure 5, are each formed with a protuberance 36 of triangle-

shaped cross-section along a first elongate edge 38.

Each of the protuberances 36 is connected to the first elongate edge 38 of the panels 14a-14i by a connector strip 40. The connector strip 40 is narrower in width than a corresponding edge of the protuberance 36, and extends between the centre of the corresponding edge of the protuberance 36 and the centre of the first elongate edge 38 of each of the panels 14a- 14i.

Each of the panels 14a-14i is also formed with a recess 42 along an opposite elongate edge 44. The recess 42 corresponds in size and cross- section to the protuberance 36 formed along the first elongate edge 38 of each of the panels 14a-14i. The recess 42 in each of the panels 14a-14i is provided with a relatively narrow opening 46 that corresponds to the width of the connector strip 40 associated with each of the protuberances 36.

The recess 42 in each of the panels 14a-14i is open at either end, and is accessible via the end faces of each of the panels 14a-14i. As demonstrated in Figure 6, the protuberance 36a of a first panel 14a is engageable within the recess 42b of a second panel 14b, firstly by aligning the end of the protuberance 36a with the opening of the recess 42b on an end face of the panel 14b. The protuberance 36a is then slidable through and along the length of the recess 42b, connecting the two panels 14a,14b in a side-by-side arrangement.

The relative size and positioning of the connector strip 40a, and the opening 46b of the recess 42b, mean that once the protuberance 36a is

engaged within the recess 42b, the two panels 14a, l4b cannot be pulled apart in a direction perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the recess 20b.

When this arrangement of mutually engaging connector parts is used to interconnect each of the panels 14a-14i of the wall 10, the panels 14a-14i must be interconnected before inserting them between the channel-section members 12a,12b. In use the channel-section members 12a,12b prevent the panels 14a-14i from sliding out of engagement with each other. This prevents gaps forming between the panels 14a-14i in the wall surface 16 of the wall.

An elongate cap member 11 may be engaged with the protuberance 36 provided along the uppermost elongate edge 38 of the elongate panel 14 that is located at the edge of the wall surface 16. The cap member 11 includes, on its underside, a recess 13 (Figure 4) that is substantially the same as the panel recesses 42. The recess 13 therefore allows the cap member 11 to be slid into engagement with the protuberance 36, to provide a neat and safe termination to the upper edge of the wall.

The channel-section members 12a,12b of the wall 10 shown in Figure 1 are each provided with two hook members 48a,48b. Each of the hook members comprises two rod-like portions of metal 50a,50b. The first rod- like portion 50a is joined at one of its ends to an end of the second rod- like portion 50b to form a right-angle. The other end of the first rod-like portion 50a is secured to the back wall 24 of the relevant channel member 12a, 12b so that the first rod-like portion 50a extends perpendicular to the interconnecting wall 24 of the channel member 12a,12b. The second rod-

like portion 50b extends from an end of the first rod-like portion 50a, remote from the channel-section member 12a,12b, parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section member 12a, 12b.

The hook members 48a,48b provided on each of the channel-section members 12a,12b are spaced apart from each other, and are located towards either end of each of the channel-section members 12a, 12b.

The second rod-like portion 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b provided on one of the channel-section members 12a extends in a first direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members 12a,12b. The second rod-like portion 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b provided on the other channel-section member 12b extends in an opposite direction, parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members 12a, 12b.

The hook members 48a,48b assist in securing the wall to a further component, as described below.

As shown in Figure 7, a first wall 10a may be linked to an adjacent wan 10b by engaging the hook members 48a,48b of each of the walls 10a,10b in corresponding slots 52a,52b in an elongate connecting post 54.

The elongate connecting post 54 (Figure 8) is defined by four elongate side faces 56a-56d that are connected together to provide a hollow elongate post member having a square cross-section.

Each of th# side faces 56a-56d is provided with two elongate slots 52a,52b

that extend through the side faces 56a-56d. The elongate dimension of each of the slots 52a,52b is parallel to the elongate dimension of the corresponding side face 56a-56d, and the slots 52a,52b are located through the side faces 56a-56d of the connecting post 54 at positions that correspond to the positions of the hook members 48a,48b on the walls 1 Oa, 1 Ob.

The positioning of the slots 52a,52b in each of the side faces 56a-56d of the elongate connecting post 54 allows each of the walls 10a,10b to be linked to a side face 56 of the connecting post 54.

To link the two adjacent walls 10a,10b together in a parallel arrangement, as shown in Figure 7, the respective hook members 48a,48b on the relevant channel-section members 12a,12b are inserted through the corresponding slots 52a,52b on opposing side faces 56a,56c of the elongate connecting post 54.

The relative positions and dimensions of the hook members 48a,48b on the channel-section members 12a, 12b and the slots 52a,52b in the elongate connecting post are such that when the hooks members 48a,48b are engaged in the corresponding slots 52a,52b, the second rod-like portion 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b engages against the inner surface of the relevant side face 56a,56c. This engagement prevents the hook members 48a,48b from passing back through the relevant slots 52a,52b unless either the wall 10 or elongate connecting post 54 is moved parallel to the length of the connecting post 54, as required.

To link the two adjacent walls 10a,10b together in a perpendicular

arrangement, as shown in Figure 9, the respective hook members 48a,48b on the relevant channel members 12a,12b are inserted through the corresponding slots 52a,52b on adjacent side faces 56a,56b of the elongate connecting post 54.

The provision of elongate slots 52a,52b on each of the side faces 56a-56d of the elongate connecting post 54 allows two, three or four walls 10 to be linked together in an end to end arrangement, as shown in Figure 10.

In other embodiments of the invention, the connecting post 54 may be dispensed with. In such embodiments, as shown in Figure 10a, a first wall 10a provided with two hook members 48a,48b on each of its channel- section members 12a,12b may be linked, in a perpendicular arrangement, to a second wall 10b provided with two D-loops 49a,49b on each of its channel-section members 12a,12b. The D-loops 49a,49b may be located on the channel-section members 12a,12b at positions corresponding to those of the hook members 48a,48b.

In such embodiments, the first and second walls 10a,10b may be linked together by passing the hook members 48a,48b provided on the first wall 10a through the relevant D-loops 49a.49b provided on the second wall 10b. Engagement of the second rod-like portions 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b against the D-loops 49a,49b prevents unwanted disengagement of the hook members 48a,48b from the D-loops 49a,49b.

A door assembly 60 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 11.

The door assembly 60 includes a rectangular locating frame 62 defining three side-by-side sections 64a-64c. A door 66 is removably hinged within the central section 64b of the locating frame 62.

In other embodiments of the invention, the door 66 may be hinged such that it is not removable.

The two outer sections 64a,64c of the locating frame 62 are each defined by a pair of parallel elongate metal channel-section members 68a,68b that are substantially C-shaped in cross-section. Each pair of channel-section members 68a,68b is arranged so that the open side of one of the channel- section members 68a is juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other channel-section member 68b.

The channel-section members 68a,68b are similar to the elongate C- shaped channel-section members 12a, 12b used in the wall 10 of Figure 1. The locating frame 62 includes first and second parallel frame members 70,72. The first frame member 70 is connected across the ends of the channel-section members 68a,68b defining the two outer sections 64a,64c. The second frame member 72 is connected across the other ends of the channel-section members 68a,68b defming the two outer sections 64a,64c. Each of the frame members 70,72 is formed of an elongate channel- section that is substantially C-shaped in cross-section. Each of the frame members 70,72 is joined to the relevant metal channel-section member 68 at either of its ends by a right-angled connecting member 74 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 11.

A first limb of each of the connecting members 74 is bolted to a channel- section member 68, and the other limb extends into and is bolted to the corresponding end of a frame member 70,72. As well as providing a suitable connecting means, the connecting member 74 also ensures that the channel-section members 68 and frame members 70,72 maintain a rectangular structure.

A plurality of panels 76 are transversely inserted between each pair of channel-section members 68a,68b in the outer sections 64a,64c of the frame. The panels 76 are similar to the elongate panels 14 used in the wall 10 of Figure 1. The ends of the panels 76 are received and supported within the channel-section members 68a,68b, so that the panels 76 are permitted to move within the channel-section members 68a,68b.

As in the wall 10 of Figure 1, the panels 76 are interconnected by mutually engaging connector parts to prevent gaps forming between the panels 76. The connector parts of the panels 76 may essentially be the same as the connector parts of the panels 14a-14i of wall 10. Hence they are not described in detail.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, each of the outer sections 64a, 64c of the locating frame 62 includes a grille 78, comprising a plurality of parallel bars 77 extending between two parallel rods 79 that are preferably perpendicular to the bars 77. Each of the grilles 78 is secured between the first frame member 70, and a retainer member 80 fitted between the channel-section members 68a,68b. One of the rods 79 is secured to the first frame member 70 and the other of the rods 79 is secured to the retainer member 80.

The retainer member 80 comprises an elongate channel section that is secured between the channel-section members 68a,68b of each of the two outer sections 64a,64c. The retainer member 80 is secured at each of its ends to the respective channel-section member 68a,68b by a T-shaped connecting member 8 1, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 11.

The retainer member 80 retains the panels 76 in position between the channel-section members 68a,68b and provides a connection means for the grille 78 in each of the outer sections 64a,64c of the frame.

The open portion of each of the channel-section members 68a,68b of the two outer sections 64a,64c of the locating frame 62, that, in use, does not receive the ends of panels 76, may be closed by a push-fit cap member. Each portion of the two frame members 70,72 that, in use, is exposed, may also be closed by a push-fit cap member.

In other embodiments of the invention, the outer sections 64a,64c of the locating frame 62 may be completely panelled, or the grille 78 may be replaced by a mesh panel.

The door 66 includes two parallel elongate metal channel-section members 82,84 that are substantially C-shaped in cross-section. A plurality of elongate panels 86, similar to the panels 76 used in the outer sections 64a,64c of the locating frame 62, are inserted between the door channel- section members 82,84.

The panels 86 are interconnected by mutually engaging connector parts

along their elongate edges. The panels 86 are retained in position between the door channel-section members 82,84 by a first retainer member 88 and, optionally, a second retainer member 90 secured across the ends of the door channel-section members 82,84.

The first retainer member 88 that is positioned along the lower edge of the door 66 may comprise a length of elongate metal channel-section secured at either of its ends to the relevant door channel-section member 82,84. The second, optional, retainer member 90 that, when used, is positioned along the upper edge of the door 66 may comprise a length of wood or recycled plastics.

A cross-bar 92 may extend between opposing corners of the door 66 in order to confer a degree of rigidity on the door 66.

Alternatively, or in combination with the cross-bar 92, two elongate reinforcing members 67,69 may be provided through the hollow interior region of two of the panels 86. Each of the reinforcing members 67,69 may be secured at each end to the relevant channel-section member 82,84 in a similar manner to that described for the reinforcing members 18a-18d shown in Figures 2 and 3.

One of the door channel-section members 82 is provided with two hook members 94a,94b similar to the hook members 48a,48b provided on the wall 10 in Figure 1.

The hook members 94a,94b provided on the door channel section 82 are

engageable within loop members 96a,96b provided on the back wall 98 of the inner channel section 68 of one of the outer sections 64a of the frame 62. This allows the door 66 to be opened and closed, as required. It also allows the door 66 to be inserted into or removed from the central section 64b of the door assembly 60, as required.

The outermost channel-section members 68 of the locating frame 62 correspond in length to the channel-section members 12a,12b of the wall 10, and are each provided with two D-loops 100a,100b at positions corresponding to the positions of the hook members 48a,48b provided on the channel-section members 12a, 12b of the wall 10.

A temporary structure 102 including the wall 10 and the door assembly 60 is shown in Figure 12.

The structure 102 includes three walls lOa-10c linked together using two connecting posts 54a,54b, thereby defining three sides of an enclosure 110. The structure 102 also includes a door assembly 60 linked between two of the walls 10a,10c to provide a fourth side that completes the enclosure 110.

The hook members 48a,48b provided on one of the channel-section members 12 of each of the first and second walls 10a,10b are engaged in the corresponding slots 52a,52b of two adjacent side faces 56a,56b of the first connecting post 54a, as described earlier with reference to Figure 9. The hook members 48a,48b of the other channel-section member 12 of the second wall 10b are engaged in the corresponding slots 52a,52b of a

fourth side face 56d of the second connecting post 54b, so that the second wall extends between the first and second connecting posts 54a,54b.

The hook members 48a,48b of a channel-section member 12 of the third wall 10c are engaged in the corresponding slots 52a,52b of a first side face 56a of the second connecting post 54b that is adjacent to the fourth side face 56d of the second connecting post 54b.

The first and third walls 10a,10c thereby extend from the first and second connecting posts 54a,54b respectively, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the second wall 10b.

The first and third walls 10a,10c are each linked with the second wall 10b so that the hook members 48a,48b provided on the channel-section member 12 that is not linked with the second wall 10b, include second rod-like portions 50b that extend vertically upwards.

A door assembly 60 is linked between free ends of the first and third walls 10a,10c by passing the D-loops 100a,100b provided on the locating frame 62 of the door assembly 60 over the corresponding hook members 48a,48b of the free ends of the first and third walls 10a,10c.

The relative positions of the hook members 48a,48b and the D-loops 100a,100b mean that on assembly of the walls together, the second rod- like portions 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b engage against the D-loops 100a,100b, preventing the hook members 48a,48b from disengaging from the D-loops 100a,100b.

A retainer member 106 that is relatively larger than the clearance between each of the D-loops 1 00a, I 00b and the respective channel-section member 68 of the door assembly 60, may be passed over the free end of the second rod-like portion 50b of each of the hook members 48a,48b. This prevents unwanted disengagement of the door assembly 60 from the first and third walls 10a,10c because the retainer members 106 will not pass though the D-loops 100a,100b.

The length of each of the first and third walls 10a,10c may be relatively shorter than the length of the second wall 10b. The first and third walls 10a,10c may include a recessed slot 55. The slot 55 is positioned proximate to an edge of the wall 10. The recessed slot 55 provides a convenient handle for lifting the relevant end of each of the walls 10a,10c when required, for engagement with the corresponding slots 52a,52b in the relevant connecting post 54a,54b.

The second wall l0b may include two recessed slots 55,57. The recessed slots 55,57 are positioned proximate to the channel members 12a,12b. The recessed slots 55,57 provide convenient handles for lifting either end of the wall 10b, when required, for engagement with the connecting posts 54a,54b.

The recessed slots 55,57 in the walls 10a-10c also provide handles that may be used whilst positioning the walls lOa-10c.

Further walls 10 and door assemblies 60 may be linked to the structure 102 to provide additional enclosures I 1Ob-1 10d, as shown in Figure 12a.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the standing height of each of the walls 10 is 2.25m. This is high enough to prevent horses in adjacent enclosures from nuzzling each other. There is thus no requirement for a top board positioned on top of the side walls 10 between adjacent enclosures.

The width of each of the walls 10 may be 2m or 3m. These widths are advantageous because they allow the construction of 2mx3m and 3mx3m enclosures. They also allow the construction of 4mx3m and 6mx3m enclosures because two walls 10a,10b may be linked together in a side by side arrangement, as shown in Figure 7.

To ensure a stable structure, a linking bar 53 may be positioned across the, in use, top of the walls 10a,10b and the connecting post 54, as shown in Figure 12d. The linking bar 53 may extend approximately Im from either side of the connecting post 54 across the tops of each of the walls 10a,10b and may be bolted at each of its ends to the relevant wall 1 Oa, 1 Ob.

A roof structure 112 may be provided over the enclosed area 110 formed by the structure 102, as shown in Figure 13.

The roof structure 112 includes first and second post extensions 114,116 that engage respectively with the first and second connecting posts 54a,54b.

Each of the post extensions 114,116 (Figure 13a) is substantially similar in construction to the connecting posts 54a,54b, and is provided with a

connecting section 118 extending from one of its ends. The connecting section 118 is square in cross-section, and the cross-sectional size of the connecting section 118 corresponds to the cross-sectional size of the interior of each of the connecting posts 54a,54b. The connecting section 118 provided on each of the post extensions 114,116 is therefore slide- fittingly engageable within the open end of an adjacent, lower connecting post 54a,54b whereby each of the post extensions is rigidly supported from below on a said connecting post 54.

The post extensions 114,116 and connecting posts 54a,54b as shown can be optionally secured together by a bolt 124 inserted through an aperture 120 in a side face 56a of each of the connecting posts 54a,54b and through a corresponding aperture 122 in a corresponding side face of the connecting section 118 of each of the post extensions 114,116.

A square section cup-member 126 (Figure l3b) is positioned over the uppermost end of each of the post extensions 114,116. The cup member 126 includes a rigid loop 128 provided on each of its four side faces 130a- 130d.

In other embodiments of the invention, the cup members 126 may be permanently secured over the uppermost ends of the respective post extensions 114,116.

A ridge bar 132 is linked between the cup members 126 provided on the uppermost ends of the post extensions 114,116 by two hooks 133. The hooks 133 (Figure 13c) are bolted to opposing ends of the ridge bar 132. Each includes a limb 135 that engages in a loop 128 provided on the

adjacent side face 130 of the proximate cup member 126.

Two roof support trusses 134,136 extend from the cup members 126 provided on the post extensions 114,116, in a direction that is perpendicular to, but sloping downwards from, the ridge bar 132, over the top of the door assembly 60.

Each of the roof support trusses 134,136 is secured to the door assembly 60 and/or to the relevant wall 10a,10c e.g. by bolts, and is linked to the relevant cup member 126 by a hook 138 (Figure 14) that extends from an end of the roof support truss and engages in a loop 128 provided on the adjacent side face 130 of the cup member 126.

The cup members 126 are advantageous because they simplify the linking of the ridge bar 132 and the roof support trusses 134,136 to the extension posts 114,116. Compared with prior art temporary stables they also reduce the time required to construct the roof structure 112 because the cup members do not require bolts.

The length of each of the roof support trusses 134,136 is such that they overhang a relatively short distance past the front of the door assembly 60 of the structure 102. A cross bar 140 is secured across the overhanging ends e.g. by bolts.

A gable bar 141 is secured, e.g. by bolts, between each end of the cross bar 140 and one of the connection posts 54, parallel with the upper edge of each of the side walls 10a,10c of the structure 102.

A cover 142 in the form of, for example, a canvas or PVC sheet, is secured across the ridge bar 132 and the cross bar 140, over the top of the enclosed area 110. The cover 142 also extends over the gable bars 14 1. The cover 142 may be secured over the ridge bar 132 and the cross bar 140 by, for example, tacking or bungy cords. Alternatively, the cover 142 may include clips and ratchet straps for securing and tensioning it over the roof structure 112.

The cover 142 may also be provided with pockets through which the gable bars 141 may be passed before securing them to the cross bar 140 and relevant connection post 54. Such pockets ensure that the cover 142 is secured over the sides of the roof structure 112.

The length of the roof support trusses 134,136, and therefore the overhanging position of the cross bar 140, relative to the door assembly 60, means that the cover member 142 overhangs the door assembly 60. Therefore the overhanging portion of the cover member 142 prevents rainwater from entering the enclosure, over the top of or through the door assembly 60.

The gable bars 141 may be positioned slightly lower than the upper edge of each of the side walls 10a,10c so that the cover member 142 overhangs the side walls 10a,10c, preventing the ingress of rainwater via the tops of the side walls 10a,10c.

When the structure 102 includes more than one enclosure 110, further roof support trusses 134,136, ridge bars 132 and cross bars 140 may be

linked between additional post extensions 114,116 on additional connecting posts 54, as required.

In such structures, gable bars 141 are only provided on the outermost side walls of the structure. The cover 142 therefore only extends over the outermost side walls 10 of the structure 102.

A roof structure 112 for two back-to-back enclosed areas 110a,110b is shown in Figure 14.

The roof structure 112 of Figure 14 includes two roof support trusses 134a, 134b extending from a cup member 126 located on the uppermost end of a connection bar 114 supported by a connecting post 54a. The roof support trusses 134a,134b extend from opposing sides of the cup member 126 to door assemblies (not shown) linked to two walls 1 Oa, 1 Od extending from opposing side walls 56a,56c of the connecting post 54a.

A gable bar 141 extends along the length of the two walls 10a,10d at a position below the uppermost edge of the walls 10a,10d. The gable bar 141 is secured at each end to cross bars (not shown) linked to the roof support trusses 134a,134b.

Claims

CLAIM 1. A wall for a sectional structure that includes a plurality of walls, the walls comprising: two elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each said channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of elongate panels, each received at either end in a said channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another, adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of said panels together, and said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members; and a plurality of reinforcing members acting on one or more of the panels to reinforce the wall, each said wall including one or more linking members provided on a said channel member for releaseably linking each of said walls to at least one other said wall to define a barrier or enclosure.
2. A wall as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of said panels is substantially hollow.
3. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each of said panels is extruded from a plastics material.
4. A wall as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 when dependent from Claim 2, wherein said reinforcing members are inelastic rods, supported

<Desc/Clms Page number 30>

by said channels, and passed through the hollow interior region of each of a chosen number of panels.
5. A wall as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said inelastic rods are threaded at each end, and are secured in position by extending said threaded ends through holes provided in the relevant channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding end.
6. A wall as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said inelastic rods are contained within hollow metal pipes that abut, at each end, the relevant channel-section member.
7. A wall as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said hollow metal pipes are secured in position by passing a respective threaded rod section, provided at each end of each of the pipes, through holes provided in the relevant channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding rod section.
8. A wall as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said reinforcing members are straps.
9. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said connector parts provided on each of said panels, include: a protuberance of triangle-shaped cross-section extending along a first elongate edge of each of said panels; and a recess of complementarily shaped cross-section to the protuberance extending along an opposite elongate edge of each of said

<Desc/Clms Page number 31>

panels.
10. A wall as claimed in Claim 9 wherein: said protuberance is connected to said first elongate edge of each of said panels by a connector strip, narrower in width than a corresponding edge of said protuberance; and said recess provided along said opposite elongate edge of each of said panels is provided with an opening of a complementary cross-section to said connector strip, the recess of each of the panels being slidably accessible, by a protuberance of an adjacent panel, at recess openings provided at ends of each of the panels.
11. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said one or more linking members provided on a said channel-section member comprise hook members, wherein each of said hook members includes a hooking portion extending parallel to the elongate dimension of the relevant channel-section member.
12. A wall as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the channel-section members of each of said walls are each provided with at least two hook members.
13. A wall as claimed in Claims 11 and 12 wherein each wall includes at least two hook members having hooking portions extending in a first direction provided on one of the channel-section members, and at least two hook members having hooking portions extending in an opposite direction provided on the other channel-section member.

<Desc/Clms Page number 32>
14. A wall as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein said one or more linking members provided on a said channel-section member comprise D-rings or hook members.
15. A wall as claimed in Claim 14 wherein said channel-section members of each of said walls are each provided with at least two D-rings or at least two hook members.
16. A connecting post for linking together at least two walls in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 13, said connecting post including: a plurality of elongate side walls linked together to define a hollow, elongate post member of polygonal cross-section and, each of said elongate side walls including at least two spaced apart slots through the side wall.
17. A sectional structure including: at least one enclosure provided by at least three walls in accordance with Claims 1 to 13, at least two connecting posts in accordance with Claim 16, and at least one door assembly, linked together.
18. A sectional structure as claimed in Claim 17 including: an extension post connected to each connection post provided between two adjoining walls; a ridge bar supported between adjacent extension posts; a roof support truss supported between each extension post and the door assembly; a cross bar supported between ends of adjacent roof support trusses at a position remote from the ridge bar;

<Desc/Clms Page number 33>

a gable bar supported along each outennost side wall of the sectional stable between the cross bar and the relevant connection post; and a cover suspended over and secured to said ridge bar, said cross bar and said gable bars.
19. A sectional structure as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the length of each of said roof support trusses is such that the cross bar overhangs the door assembly.
20. A sectional structure including at least one enclosure provided by at least three walls in accordance with Claims 1 to 10 and 14 to 15, and at least one door assembly, linked together.
21. A door assembly for use in a sectional structure as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20, said door assembly including: a locating frame; a door frame hingeably mounted within said locating frame; said door frame being partially defined by a pair of elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of panels, provided within said door frame, each of said panels being received at either end in a channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members of said door frame support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another; adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of panels together;

<Desc/Clms Page number 34>

said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members; and linking members that each define a slot provided on said locating frame for releaseably linking said door assembly to at least one adjacent wall to define an opening within a barrier or an enclosure.
22. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 21 wherein: said door frame is hingeably mounted within one of at least two side-by-side sections defted by said locating frame; the or each of said locating frame sections being partially defined by a pair of elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of panels, provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, each of said panels being received at either end in a channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members of the or each of said locating frame section support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another; adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of panels together; and said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members.
23. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein said door frame is removably hinged within said locating frame.

<Desc/Clms Page number 35>
24. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 23 wherein each of said panels is substantially hollow.
25. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 24 wherein said panels are extruded from a plastics material.
26. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25 wherein a grille is provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, in addition to said panels.
27. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25 wherein a mesh panel is provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, in addition to said panels.
28. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 27 wherein said connector parts provided on each of said panels include: a protuberance of triangular-shaped cross-section provided along a first elongate edge of each of said panels; and a recess of complimentary cross-section to the protuberance provided along an opposite elongate edge of each of said panels.
29. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 28 wherein: said protuberance is connected to said first elongate edge of each of said panels by a connector strip, narrower in width than the bottom edge of said protuberance; and said recess provided along said opposite elongate edge of each of

<Desc/Clms Page number 44>

said panels is provided with an opening of a similar dimension to said connector strip, the recess of each of the panels being slidably accessible, by a protuberance of an adjacent panel, at recess openings provided at ends of each of the panels.
30. A wall as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
31. A connecting post as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
32. A sectional structure as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
33. A door assembly as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

24. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 23 wherein each of said panels is substantially hollow. 25. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 24 wherein said panels are extruded from a plastics material. 26. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25 wherein a grille is provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, in addition to said panels. 27. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25 wherein a mesh panel is provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, in addition to said panels. 28. A door assembly as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 27 wherein said connector parts provided on each of said panels include: a protuberance of triangular-shaped cross-section provided along a first elongate edge of each of said panels; and a recess of complimentary cross-section to the protuberance provided along an opposite elongate edge of each of said panels. 29. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 28 wherein: said protuberance is connected to said first elongate edge of each of said panels by a connector strip, narrower in width than the bottom edge of said protuberance; and said recess provided along said opposite elongate edge of each of

<Desc/Clms Page number 36>

said panels is provided with an opening of a similar dimension to said connector strip, the recess of each of the panels being slidably accessible, by a protuberance of an adjacent panel, at recess openings provided at ends of each of the panels. 30. A wall as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 31. A connecting post as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 32. A sectional structure as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 33. A door assembly as generally herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

<Desc/Clms Page number 37>

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 . A wall for a sectional structure that includes a plurality of walls, the walls comprising: two elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each said channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of elongate panels, each received at either end in a said channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another, adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of said panels together, and said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members; and a plurality of reinforcing members acting on one or more of the panels to reinforce the wall, each said wall including one or more linking members provided on a said charmel member for releaseably linking each of said walls to at least one other said wall to defme a barrier or enclosure. 2. A wall as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of said panels is substantially hollow. 3. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each of said panels is extruded from a plastics material. 4. A wall as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 when dependent from Claim 2, wherein said reinforcing members are inelastic rods, supported

<Desc/Clms Page number 38>

by said channels, and passed through the hollow interior region of each of a chosen number of panels. 5. A wall as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said inelastic rods are threaded at each end, and are secured in position by extending said threaded ends through holes provided in the relevant channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding end. 6. A wall as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said inelastic rods are contained within hollow metal pipes that abut, at each end, the relevant channel-section member. 7. A wall as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said hollow metal pipes are secured in position by passing a respective threaded rod section, provided at each end of each of the pipes, through holes provided in the relevant channel-section members and threading a respective nut onto the thread of each protruding rod section. 8. A wall as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said reinforcing members are straps. 9. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said connector parts provided on each of said panels, include: a protuberance of triangle-shaped cross-section extending along a first elongate edge of each of said panels; and a recess of complementarily shaped cross-section to the protuberance extending along an opposite elongate edge of each of said

<Desc/Clms Page number 39>

panels. 10. A wall as claimed in Claim 9 wherein: said protuberance is connected to said first elongate edge of each of said panels by a connector strip, narrower in width than a corresponding edge of said protuberance; and said recess provided along said opposite elongate edge of each of said panels is provided with an opening of a complementary cross-section to said connector strip, the recess of each of the panels being slidably accessible, by a protuberance of an adjacent panel, at recess openings provided at ends of each of the panels. 11. A wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said one or more linking members provided on a said channel-section member comprise hook members, wherein each of said hook members includes a hooking portion extending parallel to the elongate dimension of the relevant channel-section member. 12. A wall as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the channel-section mem6ers of each of said walls are each provided with at least two hook members. 13. A wall as claimed in Claims 11 and 12 wherein each wall includes at least two hook members having hooking portions extending in a first direction provided on one of the channel-section members, and at least two hook members having hooking portions extending in an opposite direction provided on the other channel-section member.

<Desc/Clms Page number 40>

14. A wall as claimed in any of Claims I to 10 wherein said one or more linking members provided on a said channel-section member comprise D-rings or hook members. 15. A wall as claimed in Claim 14 wherein said channel-section members of each of said walls are each provided with at least two D-rings or at least two hook members. 16. A connecting post forming part of a sectional structure that includes a plurality of walls in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 13, said connecting post including: a plurality of elongate side walls linked together to define a hollow, elongate post member of polygonal cross-section and, each of said elongate side walls including at least two spaced apart slots through the side wall. 17. A sectional structure including: at least one enclosure provided by at least three walls in accordance with Clairns 1 to 13, at least two connecting posts in accordance with Claim 16, and at least one door assembly, linked together. 18. A sectional structure as claimed in Claim 17 including: an extension post connected to each connection post provided between two adjoining walls; a ridge bar supported between adjacent extension posts; a roof support truss supported between each extension post and the door assembly;. across bar supported between ends of adjacent roof support trusses at a position remote from the ridge bar;

<Desc/Clms Page number 41>

a gable bar supported along each outermost side wall of the sectional stable between the cross bar and the relevant connection post; and a cover suspended over and secured to said ridge bar, said cross bar and said gable bars. 19. A sectional structure as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the length of each of said roof support trusses is such that the cross bar overhangs the door assembly. 20. A sectional structure including at least one enclosure provided by at least flaree walls in accordance with Clahns 1 to 10 and 14 to 15, and at least one door assembly, linked together. 21. A door assembly forming part of a sectional structure in accordance with any of Claims 17 to 20, said door assembly including: a locating frame; a door frame hingeably mounted within said locating frame; said door frame being partially defined by a pair of elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said c4annel-gied . ion m I ember; a plurality of panels, provided within said door frame, each of said panels being received at either end in a channel-section member, whereby the said chAnne'l-section members of said door frame support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another; adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of panels together;

<Desc/Clms Page number 42>

said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members; and linking members that each define a slot provided on said locating frame for releaseably linking said door assembly to at least one adjacent wall to define an opening within a barrier or an enclosure. 22. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 21 wherein: said door frame is hingeably mounted within one of at least two side-by-side sections defined by said locating frame; the or each of said locating frame sections being partially defined by a pair of elongate metal channel-section members, the open side of each channel-section member being juxtaposed to and spaced from the open side of the other said channel-section member; a plurality of panels, provided within the or each of said locating frame sections, each of said panels being received at either end in a channel-section member, whereby the said channel-section members of the or each of said locating frame section support the panels with their elongate edges adjoining one another; adjacent pairs of said panels including mutually engaging connector parts for securing pairs of panels together; and said channel-section members permitting movement of each panel in a direction parallel to the elongate dimension of the channel-section members. 23. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein said door frame is removably hinged within said locating frame.

<Desc/Clms Page number 43>