GB2442730A

GB2442730A - Fence panel clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2442730A
Application number: GB0619966A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Pollard; Johnathan Ashley Lester; Glen Simister
Original assignee: Wolverhampton, University of
Current assignee: Wolverhampton, University of
Priority date: 2006-10-10
Filing date: 2006-10-10
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-10
Also published as: GB0619966D0; GB2442730B

Abstract

A fence panel clamp 10 comprises at least one expandable member 80 arranged to expand in a gap 300 between a fence panel 220 and a fence post 210. The clamp secures the panel to a channel of typically an H-section post, preventing the panel from rattling and from being slid out of the groove. The clamp may further comprise: a brace member 20; supporting arms (fig 1, 30,40); a retainer 140 that engages the panel; an expanding member 80: a lip 110; and a threaded bolt 132 to expand the clamp. Expanding member 80 may comprise differently arranged triangular portions (fig 1, 90: fig 6, 90 and fig 7, 90). An aperture (fig 1, 55) may be arranged in the form of a slot and can be used to attach objects such as lights, signs and flower baskets to the post.

Description

FENCE PANEL CLAMP AND RELATED METHODS

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a fence panel clamp.

Background of the Invention

It is convenient to describe the background with relevance to a fence post clamp although the invention need not be so limited. It is commonplace when erecting panelled fencing to employ fence posts, and in particular concrete fence posts, which are arranged to accept an edge of a fence panel in a channel. Thus a fence panel may be slotted into the channel and supported between two such posts.

A problem with such fencing is that the channel is often larger than the width of the edge of the panel and a tight fit is therefore not achieved.

This leads to rattling and banging when windy as the edge of the panel strikes the inner side of the channel. Not only can the rattling be of considerable volume, but also the forced movement may damage either the panel and or the post and the panel, in extreme conditions, may be forced from out of the posts.

Furthermore it can often be difficult to secure the panel to the post, as this would often require fixing a bolt or the like through the panel and the post, thus destroying part of each and leading to reduced structural integrity as well as permitting weathering of the inner post or panel.

Furthermore the size of posts and depth and width of channels often vary between manufactures, making it difficult to obtain a universal solution.

Another problem is that many fences are employed as a means of security; however when the panel is free to move within the channel, it is easy for a would-be intruder to simply slide the panel out from the posts.

This removal of the panel is also possible during extreme weather conditions.

Another problem is that it can be difficult to affix items to either the fence panels or the fence posts. As discussed above any attachments can leads to reduced structural integrity as well as permitting weathering of the inner post or panel. It is a common desire to have items such as hanging baskets, garden items or commercial signs and the like attached to the fencing.

One prior art document, GB 2 416 549, shows one example of a fence panel clamp. The clamp shown in this document suffers from a number of problems. For example, the clamp generally only attaches to a top region of the fence panel such that it does always stop the aforementioned problem of the panel rattling within the post. Further, the clamp is quite bulky and not as convenient as may be desired.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fence panel clamp comprising at least one expandable member arranged, when fitted to a fence post, to expand in a gap between a fence panel and a fence post.

An advantage of such a clamp is that it substantially limits the movement of a fence panel in channel of a fence post, may be made compact and lightweight and may be fitted at any longitudinal location along the post.

The clamp may comprise a brace member arranged, in use, to lie substantially adjacent a fence post.

The clamp may comprise at least one, and generally two, arms extending from the brace member. At least one of the arms may support the expandable member. Such an arrangement is convenient because it provides a convenient means to locate the expandable member in use.

In some embodiments, the clamp comprises a corrugated region. It is convenient to provide such a corrugated region within an arm. The corrugated region can help to provide flexibility in the dimensions of the post to which it can, in use, be attached. For example, the corrugated region may be arranged to allow the length of an arm to expand and/or contract in order to accommodate fence posts of varying dimensions.

The expandable member may comprise a lower fold and an upper fold which are arranged, in use, to move apart, thereby causing an expansion.

The expandable member, and generally the lower fold, may comprise a retainer arranged, in use, to engage a fence panel. Such a retainer is advantageous because it helps to increase the engagement between the fence panel and the clamp.

Conveniently, the retainer comprises a portion of the lower fold. The retainer may comprise a portion of the lower fold which is separable therefrom. The retainer may comprise a joining region arranged to join the retainer to the expandable member.

Some embodiments of the retainer may comprise a pointed region which is convenient in order to increase engagement of the retainer and the fence panel.

The expandable member, and generally the upper fold, may comprise a lip. Such a lip can help to locate the clamp correctly on a fence post.

The brace member may comprise a rib therein which is arranged to increase the strength thereof.

Conveniently, the brace member may comprise a slot which may be within the rib. The slot may be arranged to provide a location from which objects may be attached to the clamp. Such objects include hanging baskets, signs, lights, and the like.

The slot may comprise an enlarged portion having a larger width than the slot. Such an enlarged portion is convenient as it may enable the head a bolt or the like to be inserted through the opening, moved from the enlarged portion and thereafter be retained by the slot.

The clamp may comprise one or more threaded bolts. A portion of the expandable member may comprise a tightening hole of complementary dimensions to the bolt. Such an arrangement is convenient as it allows the bolt to be moved relative to the expandable member.

In one embodiment, the tightening hole is located upon the upper fold. A tip region of the bolt may be arranged to engage the lower fold and/or the retainer. Such an arrangement is convenient because as the bolt is tightened it the lower and upper folds can be forced apart thereby expanding the expandable member. If the tip region of the bolt engages the retainer then the retainer may be forced into the fence panel as the bolt is tightened.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of a fence post having a channel, a fence panel positioned in the channel and at least one clamp, the clamp being positioned on the fence post such that an expandable member of the clamp is, expanded, and positioned between the fence post and a wall of the channel.

The clamp may be according to the first aspect of the invention and any of the features described in relation to the first invention may be applicable to the second aspect of the invention.

The clamp may comprise a brace member which lies adjacent the fence post.

The expandable member may comprise a lower fold and an upper fold which are arranged such that the lower fold is adjacent the fence panel and the upper fold is adjacent the fence post.

In one embodiment the expandable member comprises a retainer which protrudes into a surface of the fence panel.

The expandable member, and generally the upper fold, may comprise a lip. The lip may be positioned adjacent a corner of the fence post such that location of the clamp on the post is facilitated.

Conveniently, the brace member may comprise a slot. The slot may be arranged to provide a location from which objects may be attached to the clamp. Such objects include hanging baskets, signs, lights, and the like.

The combination may comprise a securing means, such as a bolt, received within the slot and protruding from the clamp.

The clamp may comprise a threaded bolt which is threadably received in the upper fold. A tip portion of the bolt may engage the lower fold thereby forcing it away from the upper fold.

The combination may comprise a plurality of clamps which would generally be space apart along the length of the post. Such an arrangement is advantageous because it can help to increase the retention of the panel within the post.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing a fence panel within a fence post comprising positioning at least clamp on the post and expanding an expandable member of the clamp such that it expands between the post and the panel.

The method may use a clamp as detailed in the first and/or second aspects of the invention.

The method may use a plurality of clamps per fence post which is advantageous because it can help to increase the degree to which the panel is received within the post.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing an article to a fence post comprising providing a clamp which can, in use, be clamped to the post, the clamp having a securing means to which articles can be secured.

The article may comprise any one or more from the following, non-exhaustive list: a handing basket, a light, a sign, or the like.

Brief Description of the drawings

There now follows, by way of an example only, a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side elevation of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a side elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 7: Figure 9 shows a side elevation of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a top elevation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 placed in situ on a fence post;

Detailed description of the drawings

It is convenient to describe the present invention with reference to a fence panel clamp, arranged to limit the movement between fence panel and fence post.

Figures 1 to 5 shows a clamp 10, comprising a brace member 20 joining two arms 30, 40 and which are arranged at alternative end regions of the brace member 20. Within the brace member 20 there is provided a slot 50, generally along a longitudinal axis of the brace member 20 and arranged such that items may be attached as will be described hereinafter.

At a central region of the slot 50 there is provided an enlarged portion 55 of the slot. It will also be seen that a rib 56, comprising a depression in the brace member 20, is provided along a central region thereof, the slot 50 being within the rib 56. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the rib 56 provides structural rigidity to the brace member 20 and therefore to the clamp 10.

The arms 30, 40 of the clamp 10 each contain a corrugated region 60, a clamping region 70, as well as an expandable member 80. The brace member 20 is attached to the expandable member 80 through the corrugated region 60 and the clamping region 70 such that the two arms 30, 40 and the brace member 20 form a C' shape.

The brace member 20 and arms 30, 40 of the present embodiment are constructed from a single piece of roughly 1mm thick steel, although in other embodiments several sections may be provided and alternative materials may be used within the or each. Further, other gauges of material may be used and for example roughly any of the following gauges may be suitable: 0.5mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm (or indeed any gauge in between these). A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to modify the present embodiment accordingly.

Each expandable member 80 of the present embodiment comprises two folds of material, a lower fold 82 and an upper fold 84, the upper fold 84 is arranged such that it is bent back upon the lower fold 82 through a bend 83. The lower fold 82 comprises a retainer 90 which takes the form of a tongue that is pressed from the material of the lower fold 82. In this embodiment the tongue comprises a pointed region 160.

In the un-deployed state, as shown in Figure 1, the clamp 10 is arranged such that the upper 84 and lower 82 folds are substantially parallel to the brace member 20 and further arranged such that a portion of a fence post may be positioned between the brace member 20 and the upper fold 84 of each expandable member 80. The lower fold 82 is attached at one end region thereof to the clamping region 70, while at the other end region is connected to the upper fold 84 via the bend 83.

The upper fold 84 comprises a support region 100, as well as a lip 110 having a tightening hole 120 arranged to receive a threaded bolt 130.

Preferably the diameter of the tightening hole is similar to that of the threaded bolt, such that as the threaded bolt 130 passes through the hole 120, the arrangement is self-tapping. In the present embodiment the lip is arranged such that it is proud of the support region 100 and the tightening hole 120 in the lip 110 is positioned such that the threaded bolt may engage and rotate through the tightening hole 120, whereby a tip region 140 of the threaded bolt 130 comes into contact with the retainer on the lower fold 82.

In an alternative embodiment, the tightening hole 120 provided may be pre-threaded. In such an arrangement the tightening hole 120 would not need tapped as the threaded bolt 130 passed through. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the clamp 10, whereby a threaded nut 125 can be used, instead of, or as well as, having a tightening hole 120 -pre-threaded or otherwise. A hank bush may also be used. In this example the threaded nut 125 is situated between the support lip 110 and the lower fold 82.

Although the retainer 90 is pressed from the lower fold 82 it remains joined to the lower fold 82 at a joining region 150, which in this case is adjacent the hinge 83 and which is at an opposite side thereof to the pointed region 160.

It is equally possible to provide a retainer 90 by another means such as by providing a rough surfacing on the lower fold 82 or some other part of the expandable member 80. Equally multiple retainers 90 may be used. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to modify the present embodiment accordingly.

In each arm 20, 30 there are provided within each corrugated region 60 and each clamping region 70 a clamping hole 72 arranged such that only a shaft 132 and not a bolt head 135 of the threaded bolt 130 may pass -the bolt head 135 having a larger diameter than the shaft 132. In a similar manner to the tightening hole 120 above, the clamping hole 72 may also be threaded, or be tapping as the threaded bolt 130 passes.

Figures 6 to 8 show further embodiments of the present invention, whereby the expandable member 80 is connected to the clamping region via the lip 110 of the upper fold 84, as opposed to being connected via the lower fold 82. In Figure 6, the lower fold 82 comprises two retainers 90, positioned at an edge region of the lower fold 82, opposite the bend 83. Each retainer comprises a pointed region 160 as above. In this embodiment the threaded bolt is arranged such that it engages the lower fold 82 itself as opposed to the retainers. Figure 8 shows a side elevation of this embodiment In Figure 7, the upper fold is connected directly to the lower fold 82 which constitutes the retainer 90 via the bend 83r. In a similar manner to above, the retainer 90 in this Figure is positioned such that the threaded bolt 130 may engage the retainer 90.

Figure 9 shows a side elevation of a similar embodiment to that shown in Figures 1 to 5, however in this instance without a corrugated region 60.

The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9 are by way of example and are not limiting. It will be readily appreciated that characteristics of one embodiment may be easily applied to another. Indeed, the skilled person will appreciate that some embodiments may not have a slot 50.

Additionally, or alternatively, some embodiments may not have one or more retainers 90.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the clamp 10, shown in Figures 1 to 5, in situ upon a fence panel which is located in an H-shaped' fence post 210. The fence post 210 is shown in Figure 10 whereby channels 200 are provided in each side thereof which are arranged to receive the fence panel 220 thereby providing a fence 230. A gap 300 exists between the fence panel 220 and the inner side of the channel 200. It is generally sufficient that the clamp 10 is used on one side of the fence 230, although in other embodiments it may be possible to use the clamp 10 on both sides of the fence 230.

In order to position the clamp 10, it is initially positioned such that the brace member 20 is positioned over the outer face of the fence post 210, while each expandable member 80 is positioned within the channels 200, between the inner faces of the channels 200 and the fence panel 220. In the present embodiment the support region 100 of the upper fold 84 is arranged to be next to the inner face in each channel 200, while the lip is positioned such that it protrudes out from the channel 200, whereby the join between the support region 100 and the lip 110 engages the corner formed between the channel 200 and the outer surface of the fence post 210. This arrangement can be seen in the left side of the post 210 in Figure 10.

The corrugated region 50 may be extended in order to increase the effective length of the brace member 20 such that the clamp 10 may accommodate fence posts of varying cross-section.

When in position the threaded bolt 130 may be tightened into the lip 110 such that as the threaded bolt 130 advances relative to the lip 110, the bolt head 135 of the threaded bolt 130 engages the clamping region 70 and the tip region 140 of the threaded bolt 130 engages the retainer 90.

As the threaded bolt 130 continues to thread through the lip 110, the point of the retainer 90 is deformed from the lower fold 82, by the tip region 140 such that is caused to engage the fence panel 220. Meanwhile the lower fold 82 is forced away from the upper fold 84 and onto the panel, such that the expandable member 80 expands to fill the gap 300 in the channel 200. Concurrently, as the bolt head 135 engages the clamping hole 72 in the clamping region 70, the clamping region 70 contracts such that fence post 210 is held between the upper fold 84 of the expandable member 80 and the brace member 20 thereby securing the clamp 10 to the fence post 210.

Thus, when the bolt 130 is tightened the clamp 10 is clamped against the post 210 such that it cannot move (under usual operating conditions) relative thereto. Furthermore, the fence panel 220 is forced against the side of the channel 200 and therefore cannot (under usual operating conditions) move relative thereto. Engagement of the retainer 90 with the panel 220 helps to increase the location of the panel 220 within the channel 200.

Due to the arrangement of the present embodiment, the clamp 10 may be positioned at any height on the fence post 210, thus significantly increasing the stability of the fencing 230, and reducing the effects of banging or the like in the wind. A plurality of clamps 10 may be provided within any one channel 200. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more clamps 10 may be provided in any one channel.

In alternative embodiments, the clamping region 70 and the expandable member 80 need not be actuated by the threaded bolt 130, and may also act independent of one another. In alternative embodiments the expandable member 80 may be provided by spring loaded plates or the like, such that when the expandable member 80 is positioned within the gap 300 in the channel 200, the user may release two plates such that they are forced apart by means of a loaded spring between them. Similarly a spring mechanism may be used within the clamping region 70, such that the user must manually expand a spring or the like within the clamping region 70 so that the clamping region 70 accommodates the fence post 210, and when the spring is released the clamping region 70 may contract to hold the clamp 10 upon the fence post 210. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to modify the present embodiment accordingly.

In a further embodiment still, the clamp 10 may be provided with only one arm and thus only one expandable member 80, and one clamping region 70. In such an embodiment only one fence panel 220 would be held in place. This arrangement would be more applicable where the fencing 230 terminates, or where the fence post 210 is arranged to allow the fencing 230 to change direction, such as at a corner. It would further be possible to have multiple arms extending from the brace member.

In a further embodiment still there may be no need to have a clamping region 70. This may be true in either situation when one arm or multiple arms are provided as detailed above. In such an arrangement the expandable region 80 alone could substantially limit movement of the fence panel 220 in the channel 200 of the fence post 210. In this embodiment it would still be possible to provide a brace member 20, and the brace member 20 may have a slot 50 therein, whereby the force holding the expandable member 80 in place would be able support the brace member 20, and the weight of any item attached to the brace member 20. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to modify the present embodiment accordingly.

It will be seen that the slot has, at a central region thereof, an enlarged portion 55 which in the embodiment being described is generally circular in plan. The diameter of the enlarged portion is such that the head of a bolt or the like may be passed therethrough. However, the width of the slot 50 is arranged such that, whilst the shank of a bolt may pass therethrough, the head may not. Therefore, in use a head of a bolt may be passed through the enlarged portion 55 of the slot 50 and thereafter moved along the slot 50.

Articles such as flower baskets, lights, signs and the like may be hung from the protruding shank of the bolt.

The clamp may be pressed, by independent pressing, progression pressing or roll pressing or the like from a sheet of material, bent into shape. The clamp may be manufactured from a range of suitable materials such as stainless steel, or mild steel. The clamp may be protected from corrosion by galvanising the material, or by coating the clamp 10 in paint or the like. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to manufacture such a clamp, and or apply suitable protection to the materials used.

Claims

1. A fence panel clamp comprising at least one expandable member arranged, when fitted to a fence post, to expand in a gap between a fence panel and a fence post.

2. A fence panel clamp according to claim 1, further comprising a brace member, arranged in use, to lie substantially adjacent a fence post.

3. A fence panel clamp according to claim 2 further comprising at least one arm, extending from the brace, the arm arranged to support the expandable member.

4. A fence panel clamp according to any preceding claim wherein the expandable member comprises a retainer, arranged, in use, to engage a fence panel.

5. A fence panel clamp according to any preceding claim wherein the expandable member further comprises an upper and a lower fold, arranged in use to move apart.

6. A fence panel clamp according to claim 4 and claim 5 wherein the lower fold of the expandable member comprises the retainer.

7. A fence panel clamp according to claim 6, wherein the retainer comprises a portion of the lower fold which, in use, is separable thereform.

8. A fence panel clamp according to any of claims 4 to 7 wherein the retainer comprises a joining region arranged to join the retainer to the expandable member.

9. A fence panel clamp according to any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the retainer comprises at least one pointed region arranged to increase engagement of the retainer and the fence panel.

10. A fence panel clamp according to any preceding claim wherein the expandable member comprises a lip, arranged, in use, to locate the clamp correctly on a fence post.

11. A fence panel clamp according to claim 10 when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the upper fold of the expandable member comprises the lip.

12. A fence post clamp according to any preceding claim further comprising a corrugated region, arranged to allow the clamp to expand and/or contract.

13. A fence panel clamp according to claim 12 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein the corrugated region is provided within the at least one arm of the clamp.

14. A fence panel clamp according to claim 12 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the corrugated region is provided within the brace of the clamp.

15. A fence panel clamp according to any of claims 2 to 14 wherein the brace further comprises rib, arranged to increase the strength thereof.

16. A fence panel clamp according to claim 15 wherein the brace further comprises an aperture, arranged to provide a location from which objects may be attached.

17. A fence panel clamp according to claim 16 wherein the aperture is arranged as a slot.

18. A fence panel clamp according to claim 17, wherein the slot comprises an enlarged portion having a larger width than the slot.

19. A fence panel clamp according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one threaded bolt.

20. A fence panel clamp according to claim 19 wherein a portion of the expandable member further comprises a tightening hole of complementary dimensions to the threaded bolt.

21. A fence panel clamp according to claim 20, when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the tightening hole is located upon the upper fold of the expandable member.

22. A fence panel clamp according to claim 20, when dependent upon claim 4 and 5, wherein the bolt is arranged to engage the lower fold and/or the retainer.

23. A fence panel clamp according to any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a nut arranged, in use, to engage the threaded bolt.

24. A fence panel clamping system comprising a fence post having a channel, a fence panel positioned in the channel, and at least one fence panel clamp, the clamp being positioned on the fence post such that an expandable member of the clamp is expanded and positioned between the fence post and a wall of the channel.

25. A fence panel clamping system according to claim 24, wherein the fence panel clamp comprising any of the features disclosed in claims 1 to 23.

26. A method of securing a securing a fence panel with a fence post comprising positioning at least one fence panel clamp on the post and expanding an expandable member of the clamp such that it expands between the post and the panel.

27. A method according to claim 26 using a clamp as detailed in any of claims 1 to 26

28. A method of securing an article to a fence post comprising providing a clamp which can, in use, be clamped to the post, the clamp having a securing means to which articles can be secured.

29. A method according to claim 28 using a clamp as detailed any of claims 1 to 25.

30. A method according to either claim 28 or 29, whereby the article comprises any one or more from the following: a handing basket, a light, a sign.

31. A fence panel clamp substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

32. A fence panel clamping system substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

33. A method of securing a securing a fence panel with a fence post substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

34. A method of securing an article to a fence post substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.