GB2410507A

GB2410507A - Fence panel retainer for use with H or I section fence posts

Info

Publication number: GB2410507A
Application number: GB0402036A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Butler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2004-01-30
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Also published as: GB0402036D0

Abstract

A retainer comprises at least one outwardly biased limb (102, 103). In use the retainer is secured to an edge (110) of a fence panel (111) with the limb projecting upwards and away from the panel, such that when the panel edge is introduced to the fence post the limb engages with a wall of the fence post and resist movement to remove it (Figures 11 and 12). Preferably the retainer has two limbs which are arranged perpendicular to each other. The distal edge (106, 107) of each limb may be serrated and/or curved. Each limb may be reinforced and include an indentation (91, Figure 9) to allow a removal tool to be inserted behind the limb.

Description

1 2410507 A Retainer The present invention relates to retainers and more

particularly to retainers used with respect to fence panels secured in socalled 'H' posts.

In order to provide a physical barrier upon the boundaries of a property it is known to provide panel fences which extend between fence posts. These panels are generally of a standard size and are secured to the posts appropriately. More recently it has become common to utilise so- called 'H' posts or 'I' posts generally formed from concrete with opposed grooves in which the panels are secured. In such circumstances, two or more posts are spaced appropriately, typically with a gravel board at the bottom, such that the fence panels can be lifted into the grooves and allowed to slide down into engagement with the ground or gravel board in order to form the fence.

Unfortunately, the ease of locating the panels within the 'H' posts also makes it easier for intruders such as burglars to simply raise the panel and therefore scramble beneath the panel to gain access or escape when necessary. It should also be understood that due to the desire for convenience sliding, the grooves generally are oversized such that the panels rattle when subject to wind.

it is an objective of the present invention to provide a retainer for fence panels which renders the use of such panels more convenient.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a retainer for a fence panel, the retainer comprising an angular limb bias to an outward projection to allow movement in an entry direction when secured upon a fence panel entering a post groove, but resist any movement opposite to the entry direction against at least a distal end of the angular limb.

Preferably, the distal end is serrated.

Possibly, the distal end is curved. Advantageously the distal end is curved in an outward direction for grip. Alternatively, the distal end is curved inwardly to allow release through a slide tool.

Generally, the retainer has two angular limbs substantially perpendicular to each other.

Typically, the angular limb is secured upon a mounting plate for attachment to a fence post. Normally, the angular limb projects upward at an acute angle to the plane of the mounting plate.

Possibly, the distal end includes an indent to allow removal of the panel using an appropriate tool.

Possibly, the angular limb has a curved aspect to facilitate bias presentation in the outward projection.

Normally, the retainer is press formed from a metal or plastics material.

Typically, the angular limb is arranged to pivot about an end opposite to the distal end in order to provide the outward projection.

Possibly, the angular limb is reinforced. Advantageously such reinforcement is provided by pressed corrugation into the limb. Alternatively, a reinforcing element may be secured to the angular limb.

Possibly, the angular limb includes a displacement limiter to further facilitate resistance to any movement in the opposite direction to the entry direction.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a retainer in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the retainer depicted in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the retainer depicted in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic side illustration of a first alternative angular limb in l O accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic side illustration of a second alternative angular limb in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a third alternative angular limb in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic front view of a fourth alternative angular limb in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of a fifth alternative angular limb in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of a sixth alternative angular limb in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a retainer in accordance with the present invention secured to a fence panel; Fig. 11 is a front view of a fence panel with retainers in accordance with the present invention upon installation between fence posts; and, Fig. 12 is a plan view of a retainer secured upon a fence panel within a fence post in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 illustrating a retainer 1 for a fence panel in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the retainer 1 comprises in the embodiment illustrated, two angular limbs 2, 3 which project outwardly from a 5respective mounting plate 4, 5. However, it will be appreciated that a retainer could be formed with a single angular limb and mounting plate. A distal end 6, 7 incorporates a serrated edge in order to enable the angular limb 2, 3 to grip a fence post, and in particular a retaining groove, when required. At an opposite end 8, 9 at the intersection with the mounting plate 4, 5, it will be 10noted that the angular limb can essentially pivot in the direction of arrowheads A, B. This pivot movement A, B allows the retainer 1 when secured upon a panel to allow movement in an entry direction C whilst through engagement between the serrated edge 6, 7 and the fence post resisting any movement in the opposite direction. The limbs 2, 3 are biased by material shape memory 15to an outward projection as a result of a pressing process when forming the retainer 1.

The mounting plates 4, 5 are secured to the fence panel generally around a corner edge of that fence panel through apertures 10 and screws 20(not shown). However, alternative means of securing the retainer to a fence panel may be used including gripper spikes nailed upon the fence panel edge.

As indicated above, generally retainers in accordance with the present invention will be provided upon and around perpendicular edges of the fence 25panel in order to provide two dimensional resistance to movement in the opposite direction to the entry direction C, and also in a 'H' post act to prevent rattle of the secured fence panel.

The retainer 1 is formed from pressed metal sheet in order to create 30the desired angular limbs 2, 3, mounting plate 4, 5 and distal ends 6, 7. The retainer 1 can be made from a suitably resilient metal or plastics material.

The dimensions of the retainer 1 will be dependent upon the material used and the installation requirements. Thus, the length 11 of the angular limb 2, 3 will be determined in order to allow ease of movement in the entry direction C, but resistance to any movement in the opposite direction. Clearly, a significant factor is the thickness of the material, from which at least the angular limbs 2, 3 are made. A thick section or stronger material will ensure 5that the angular limb 2, 3 remains substantially flat and therefore provides greater resistance to movement in the opposite direction to the entry direction C. However, if thinner material or weaker material is used, this will tend to bend into a curvature upon excessive force. This curvature if controlled, that is to say normally into a bow towards the fence panel may cause greater 10impaction by the distal end 6, 7 into the fence post and therefore provide greater resistance to movement in an opposite direction to the entry direction C. This preferential bending of the angular limb 2, 3 may be achieved through appropriate press forming of the limb 2, 3, possibly with a slight retained curvature in the desired direction in order to initiate preferential deformation 15into that curvature.

As indicated above, actual dimension will be dependent upon operational requirements, but for example the limb 2 may have a length 11 of 75mm and a width 12 of about 29mm with an outward projection angle 13 of 20about 35 . At the distal end 6 there may be a serrated edge 14 of 3mm set at an angle of curvation 15 of about 30 to the limb 2.

It will be understood that it is the angular limb of the present invention which provides the combination of allowing ready movement in the entry 25direction, but strong resistance to movement by the retainer and panel to which it is secured in the opposite direction when located within a fence post groove. Figs. 4 to 9 illustrate alternative forms of angular limb which may be utilised in order to achieve desired particular performance. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that these additional features will generally add to 30manufacturing costs, and so will normally only be incorporated when required.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate respectively angular limbs 42, 52 secured upon mounting plates 44, 54. In Fig. 4 the angular limb 42 has a distal end 46 which is curved upwardly and so generally away from a fence post surface in use. By such an arrangement a slide release tool may be presented along the edge of the fence post groove such that it slides beneath a lip 47 in order to possibly allow release of the retainer from the groove. Fig. 5 illustrates a distal end 56 in which that distal end curves inwardly such that a serrated lip 57 will generally be forced into more aggressive engagement with a mounting post groove. It will also be understood by such inward curvature to the distal end 56 there is more likelihood of appropriate bending of the angular limb 52 when subject to excessive force in order to provide greater resistance to movement in an opposite direction to the entry direction described previously.

Fig. 6 illustrates an angular limb 62 secured upon a mounting plate 64.

The angular limb 62 is reinforced with a pressed blister 61 formed into its surface in order to provide resistance and reinforcement to bending. It will be appreciated that this blister may be replaced by a distinct reinforcing element secured appropriately to the angular limb 62 if required.

Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative manner of reinforcing an angular limb 72 secured upon a mounting plate 74. In this alternative the angular limb 72 incorporates ribs or corrugations which extend from a serrated edge 76 to the mounting plate 74. In such circumstances the ribs of the corrugations act to resist bending and therefore reinforce the angular limb 72.

As indicated above, with respect to retainers in accordance with the present invention, manufacturing costs will be an important factor. Thus, weaker materials may be used which are therefore more liable to buckle under excess force but may be cheaper and easier to press form. In such circumstances, as illustrated in Fig. 8, a displacement limiter 87 may be provided either side or both sides of an angular limb 82 such that should the angular limb 82 buckle or bend, this displacement limiter 87 will engage either a mounting plate 84 or a part of the fence panel in order to prevent or inhibit at least temporarily further bending of the angular limb 82. In such circumstances the displacement limiter 87 will increase the potential resistance to excess withdrawal forces, but clearly eventually the strength of the angular limb 82 will be exceeded.

Normally, retainers in accordance with the present invention will be such that once secured upon a fence panel and then that panel with retainer Is located within the groove of a fence post it is very difficult, if not impossible, to remove that fence panel from the fence post without destroying the panel.

Nevertheless, as intimated with respect to the upward curved distal end 46 depicted in Fig. 4, it may be desirable to provide a means for release of the retainer. This means of release should not be too easy such that a burglar would need to perform a relatively sophisticated, and preferably require a specialist tool, and take time in order to achieve the release. Fig. 9 illustrates a possible means for release of a retainer in accordance with the present invention. An angular limb 92 has a distal end 96 incorporating a serrated edge 97. At a generally central position in the distal end 96 a relatively deep indent 91 is provided such that if an appropriately shaped slide tool is driven in the direction of arrowhead D, this indent 91 engages that tool and forces the serrated edge 97 out of engagement with a fence post enabling the retainer and attached fence panel to be lifted. Clearly, in view of the limited spacing and normal presentation of angular limbs upon opposed perpendicular sides of a panel edge, a degree of manipulation is required with respect to each tool entering respective indents 91 such that the activity is relatively cumbersome and time consuming and so unattractive to unauthorized persons such as burglars, etc. Nevertheless, release of the panel will be more attractive than destroying it.

Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a retainer 100 in accordance with the present invention secured about an edge 1 10 of a fence panel 111. The retainer 100 incorporates angular limbs 102, 103 secured upon mounting plates 104, 105. The angular limbs 102, 103 project outwardly from the edge in order to present serrated edges at the distal ends 106, 107. The mounting plates 104, 105 are secured to the panel edge 1 10 through apertures and screws. In accordance with the present invention a retainer is secured upon opposed side edges 110 of a fence panel 111 prior to installation. These panel edges 110 will be those which engage the fence post grooves upon installation.

Fig. 11 illustrates installation of a fence panel incorporating retainers in accordance with the present invention at an intermediate stage of such installation. Thus, panel edges 110 pass down grooves (not shown) in fence posts 112 in the direction of arrowhead E until that panel 111 sits upon a gravel board 113. In the illustration depicted in Fig. 11, the retainers 100 are about to enter the grooves (not shown) in the post 112, such that the angular limbs 102 will be displaced in the direction of arrowheads F as the panel 111 moves In the entry direction E. Nevertheless, there is through the pressed or other features in the retainers 100 a bias in the opposite direction to that of arrowheads F which causes engagement between distal ends 106 and the groove. Thus, typically though a serrated edge to those distal ends 106, there is robust resistance to any movement in an opposite direction to that of the entry direction (arrowhead E).

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a panel edge 110 secured through a retainer within a groove 1 14 of a fence post 1 12. Thus, mounting plates 104, 105 are secured to the edge 1 10 with distal ends 106, 107 engaging and embedded within the groove 114 to resist upward movement out of the page by the edge 1 10 and its panel (not shown) consistent with opposite movement to that of the installation direction into the page. In such circumstances the serrated edge to the distal ends 106, 107 prevents ready removal of the fence panel from the post 112. Additionally due to the bias of the respective angular limbs outwardly towards the surfaces of the groove 114 as well as the grip of the serrated edges, it will be understood that sideways movement in the direction of arrowheads G will be inhibited so that the panel will not rattle when subject to wind and other impacts.

Alternative embodiments and modifications of the present invention would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, the serrated edges to the distal ends may be replaced by means for contact adhesion through an appropriate adhesive, or a simple grip spike engagement used between the distal ends and the fence post groove. l

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

ClAIMS 1. A retainer for a fence panel, the retainer comprising an angular

limb bias to an outward projection to allow movement in an entry direction when secured upon a fence panel entering a post groove, but resist any rnovenent opposite to the entry direction against at least a distal end of the angular limb A retainer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the distal end is serrated.

3. A retainer as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the distal end Is curved.

4. A retainer as claimed in claim 3 wherein the distal end is curved in an out Nerd direction for grip.

5. A retainer as claimed in claim 3 wherein the distal end is Curved inwardly to allow release through a slide tools 6. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer has two angular limbs substantially perpendicular to each other.

7. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the angular limb is secured upon a mounting plate for attachment to a fence post.

8. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the angular limb projects upward at an acute angle to the plane of tle mounting plate.

g. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the distal end includes an indent to allow removal of the panel using an appropriate tool.

10. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the angular limb has a curved aspect to facilitate bias presentation in the outward projection. 1 1

11. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer is press formed from a metal or plastics material.

12. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the angular limb is arranged to pivot about an end opposite to the distal end in order to provide the outward projection.

13. A retainer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the angular limb is reinforced.

14. A retainer as claimed in claim 13 wherein the angular limb is reinforced by pressed corrugation into the limb 15. A retainer as claimed In claim 13 wherein the angular limb is reinforced by a reinforcing element secured to the angular limb.

16. A retainer for a fence panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of Me preceding claims.