GB2466778A

GB2466778A - A reinforceable fence post

Info

Publication number: GB2466778A
Application number: GB0900031A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alastair Henman
Original assignee: Zaun Ltd
Current assignee: Zaun Ltd
Priority date: 2009-01-02
Filing date: 2009-01-02
Publication date: 2010-07-07
Also published as: GB0900031D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a fence post 2 having a region in which a reinforcing member 15 can be optionally located after construction of a fence. The post may be formed from rolled sheet steel with a top hat cross section with three sides forming a rectangular region 3 into which the reinforcing member 15 may be located. A pair of flanges 4 preferably lay parallel to what would have been the fourth side of the rectangle. It is not essential to include the reinforcing member 15 in the fence post 2 in order for the fence post to function and only parts of the fencing system may be reinforced. The reinforcing member 15 is preferably concealed when inserted in the post. Later embodiments relate to a combination of the fence post and reinforcing member and a method of erecting the fence post.

Description

A REINFORCEABLE FENCE POST

The present invention relates to a fence post for use in construction of a fencing system.

Fencing systems generally comprise one or more panels which are secured in an upright position by fence posts. Typically, each end of a panel is connected to a fence post to ensure a rigid construction. Furthermore, each post will generally have one or two panels connected thereto, although a single post may in certain circumstances provide support to three or more fencing panels. Fencing systems may have fence posts which are partially located below ground level or that rest with their lower extent or base on a firm surface.

Fencing systems require different degrees of strength, depending on their type purpose and location and to provide a stronger fence post it is usually necessary to deconstruct and reinsert a new fence post. A convenient technique of retrospectively reinforcing a fence in such a way that there is no apparent difference between the reinforced fence post and the non reinforced fence post has not yet been available.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fencing system with a convenient, more economical and labour efficient means of reinforcing parts of a fence. Advantageously, the present invention provides a reinforced fence post which is visibly no different to a non reinforced fence post. Further advantages of the present application will be described and become apparent from the contents of the

specification herein.

The present invention provides a fence post having a region in which a reinforcing member can be located.

Advantageously, the reinforcing or strengthening member need not be inserted in the fence post. The fence post can function without the reinforcing member. The fence post itself may be made of a material such as steel and is preferably vertically located with a part of the post in the ground. A length of the post around 3.6m may be present above the ground and preferably a length or around 1.3m is located within the ground. The total height of the post from the upper extent of the post to the lower extent of the post is preferably around 4.9m. Alternatively, the post may be located with the post base resting on a surface.

The reinforcing member may comprise a means enabling retrospective insertion of the reinforcing member in the fence post once the fence has been mounted in a use position. In use, a fence will support at least one fence panel. Although the reinforcing member could, of course, be inserted at the time of erecting the post, it need not be. When constructing a fencing system certain parts of the fence can be reinforced after the fence has been constructed. This is beneficial if, for example, one was not certain where the fence required extra strength, or extra strength was required in some areas at a later point in time. The fence post of the present invention is reinforced in a simple and easy way. The fence post need not be removed to insert the reinforcing member.

The means which enables retrospective fitting of the fence post may comprise a removable part of the fence post which is removable from another part of the fence post. Each fence post is comprised of the same components and removal of a part from the whole provides sufficient access to the region to allow the reinforcing member to be inserted. This removable part may be a securing element, for example, or a removable cap on the top of the fence post.

The removable part may be a securing element which comprises a means for securing at least one fence panel to the fence post in use. The securing element may be in the form of a plate. The fastening means may be a fastening through hole through which at least one threaded member can be inserted. A screw can therefore be inserted through the fastening through hole in the securing element and secured in a counter part so as to hold at least one fence panel between the fence post and the securing element. Other known fastening means are possible.

The removable part may conceal the region when attached to a further part of the fence post. Afler insertion of the reinforcing member, the removable part is attached to the remainder of the fence post so as to conceal the region and the reinforcing member is therefore not visible from any angle. It is not possible for a potential intruder to see which posts are and which posts are not reinforced. All posts must have the same form of construction for this reason. When attaching the removable part, the removable part may also comprise a weather-proof seal, encasing the reinforcing member in a weather-resistant, non-visible location.

The removable part may be a planar member, such as a panel. When mounted in the use position, this member may extend down into the ground. The planar member can be removed from the ground by a user pulling upwardly on the planar member in the plane of the member.

The reinforcing member may be concealed when in position. Alternatively, the region need not be fully concealed and the reinforcing member may be exposed in part when located in the region in use. The exposed part could be on an interior side of the fence for example so that potential intruders on the outside of the fence were still unable to visibly determine whether a fence post is reinforced or not.

The reinforcing member may be located within the dimensions of the region defined by the post. The dimensions of the reinforcing member are such as to reside fully within the cross-sectional area of the post when the reinforcing member is in its use position. This provides an arrangement in which the reinforcing member is not easily visible to a potential intruder if the post obscures much or all of the reinforcing member from viewpoints of a potential intruder. Alternatively, the reinforcing member may extend partly outside of the region of the fence post dimensions when in position. Provision could still be made to conceal the part of the reinforcing member not within the dimensions defined by the fence post.

The fence post may have a top hat shaped cross section. In this construction, the post may be formed of a sheet of material, such as rolled steel, folded to have this shape.

The top hat shape has three sides of a rectangle terminating at a first and a second corner, wherein a flange is provided at each first and second corner, each flange being parallel with what would have formed the fourth side of the rectangle and extending away from the first and second corners. The three sides of a rectangle define a region within the dimensions of the cross section in which the reinforcing member can be at least partially, or preferably fully, located. This region has an opening on one side between the two corners.

The fence post could alternatively be constructed from a number of different panels joined together. Alternative materials could be used such as injection moulded plastic. It is further envisioned that an alternative shape for the cross section could be achieved, such as a circle, a triangle, or a pentagon. A connecting means for attaching the fence to the panels is to be provided. It is not essential that the cross-section is discontinuous which could form a continuous boundary around the region in which the reinforcing member can be located.

The fence post may comprise at means for receiving a tensile wire. A tensile wire may be connected to a fence post or not connected and simply threaded through a wire-receiving hole formed in sides of the fence post. The tensile wire may form a barrier at a height about 0.5m above the ground along the length of, or along parts of the length of, the fence. They may be received by each fence post, or say 1 in 5, or 1 in 3, fence posts. The tensile wires provide an additional strengthening means to the fencing system and strengthen the fence against a vehicle ramming the fence. If more than one wire is to be provided, they may be provided at two or three at different heights on the post, for example within 0.2m of each other. It shall be noted that the reinforcing member already provides a strength to the post if located within the post which is advantageous in terms of hostile vehicle mitigation.

The connecting means for the tensile wire may be in the form of a wire-receiving hole, formed through sides of the fence post so that the wire may be passed there through. The wire can be connected retrospectively after the fence has been constructed or during its construction. If the wire is to be connected before the strengthening members are inserted, it may need to be disconnected in order to insert them. If the reinforcing member is at a height above the ground when in position in region such that it is above the connecting means, provision may need to be made if a wire may need to be inserted through a wire-receiving hole in the fence post. A wire-receiving hole could be provided in the reinforcing member, for example, such that when located in position in the fence post, the wire will pass through both the wire-receiving holes in the fence post and in the reinforcing member.

The fence post may comprise an opening located in a plane intersected by a longitudinal axis of the fence post. The reinforcing member can also, or alternatively if there is no securing element, be inserted into the region at the upper extent of the fence post. The opening may be in the end of the fence post, such as the end which forms a top end of the fence post in use. The opening may alternatively be formed part way along the length of the fence post, providing access to the region in which the reinforcing member may be inserted. The reinforceable member can be inserted into the region through the opening and the member may be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the fence post during insertion.

Usually, a removable cap will be provided on top of the fence post to seal the interior of the fence post from the elements. If a reinforcing member is to be inserted through an opening in the top of the post, the cap must be removed before before insertion of the reinforcing member to reveal the opening, allowing access to the region within the fence post.

The relative dimensions of the reinforcing member relative to the fence post may be such that when located in the region the reinforcing member abuts at least one internal side of the fence post. An impact to the fence post is more likely to be directed to the fence panels from the outside by a potential intruder so the reinforcing member should at least abut against the internal side of the fence post closest to the potential intruder. The reinforcing member is preferably a solid rod made of steel although it may alternatively be hollow. The reinforcing member may be made of alternative materials. It may also be made of an anti-corrosive compound or be treated with an anti-corrosive agent to increase its durability.

The fence post preferably has a length, that is the distance between the upper and the lower extent of the post, which is less than the length of the reinforcing member, that is the distance between the upper and lower end of the member. The reinforcing member is intended to provide strength at the bottom of the fence post and it is not essential, but not excluded, that the reinforcing member has the same length of the fence post. Preferably the length of the reinforcing member is a quarter to a half of the length of the fence post.

The reinforcing member will preferably be located with its lower end level with the lower extent of the fence post. If the fence post is to be located partially in the ground, the reinforcing member should extend above ground level, preferably to about a third of the length between ground level and the upper extent of the fence post. The reinforcing member could alternatively be located with its lower end above or below the lower extent of the fence post. The reinforcing member advantageously modifies the mechanical properties of the post when located at the base. There is a height limit to any fence post above which the fence will be too unstable. This height limit is greater for a fence post having a reinforcing member located therein than for a fence post without a reinforcing member, and a higher fence can therefore be provided if reinforcing members are certain to be located within the fence posts.

Furthermore, if the reinforcing member is arranged within the post to abut an inner side along a length of the fence post, the fence post is supported by virtue of the two abutting one another.

If the fence post is erected in the ground, part of the fence post will be located in a ground cavity and a removable blank may also be located in this cavity. The removable blank is located where the reinforcing member may later be required to be located. Concrete is then poured into the pre-created ground cavity to secure the foundations of the post and the blank is removed when it is set. The blank may comprise a hook to assist its removal from the hole. The blank may not necessarily be removed and only removed if and when the fence post is to be reinforced. The blank may provide a supporting function for the fence post and/or add strength to the post in the meantime.

An alternative means may be provided to prevent concrete from entering the volume in which a reinforcing member may later be inserted. The removable part may be of a length which extends to the base of the fence post when in position such that a lower most part of the removable part extends down to a depth which is substantially level with a lower extent of the fence post when in position. The fence post could be inserted with the removable part attached thereto before concrete is poured in, the removable part forming a seal and preventing concrete flowing into a region defined within the fence post. As a further alternative, a first removable part may be provided with the fence post when it is initially located in ground. The first removable part having a blank attached to it, which extends into a region in the ground in which the reinforcing member may be later located, to prevent concrete infihling this region when it is poured into the ground cavity. Should the reinforcing member later be required to be inserted, the first removable part will need to be removed, the reinforcing member inserted in position, then a second removable part placed in position to conceal the reinforcing member. This second removable part does not comprise a blank attached to it but it is substantially similar to the first removable part in all other ways.

The reinforcing member itself may be provided with a feature which aids removal of the member from the fence post. A hook, for example, could be provided on a surface of the member such that when the member is located within the fence post, the hook is easily accessible to provide a latching point to assist in removing the member should this be desired.

The present invention provides a fencing system which is especially but not exclusively intended for use as a security fence to form a barrier for people and vehicles.

Several embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the fence post in exploded view according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fence post shown in Figure 1 having a reinforcing member; Figure 3 is a plan view of the fence post shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fence post with a tensile cable connected to the fence post; Figure 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the fence post; and Figure 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the fence post.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of a fence post for use in a fencing system according to the present invention.

A fence post 2 is provided, having an upper extent 23 and a lower extent 22. The post is formed of a rolled sheet of steel folded to have a top hat shaped cross section. The top hat shape has three sides of a rectangle terminating at a first and a second corner, wherein a flange 4 is provided at each first and second corner, each flange being parallel with what would have formed the fourth side of the rectangle and extending away from the first and second corners. The three rectangular sides surround a region 3 which lies within the dimensions of the cross section. A reinforcing member 15 may be located in this region. The region 3 is bordered on three sides and has an opening between the two flanges 4. The cross section is uniform along the length of the post. Fastening through-holes 5 are provided in each of the flanges 4, spaced apart along the length of the post. The fence post 2 is located vertically in ground with its lower extent in a pre-created ground cavity 17 which contains concrete 27.

The ground level 26 is indicated on Figure 2 and about a quarter of the total height of the post 2 is located beneath ground level.

The fence post 2 is attachable to a fence panel 6 on either side of the post. The fence panels 6 are formed of a mesh having a series of parallel horizontal wires 7 spaced apart in a vertical direction, and a series of parallel vertical wires 8 spaced apart in a horizontal direction. The spacing between the wires is greater between the vertical wires 7 than it is between the horizontal wires 6, defining a plurality of rectangular openings 9 through the mesh. Preferably the openings are 12.7mm by 76.2mm.

A securing element in the form of a securing panel or plate 10 is attachable to the fence post 2. This is a part which can be attached to or removed from the remaining other part of the fence post. A connecting means 32 is provided to connect the fence panel to the fence post which comprises the securing element, a screw 12, a nut 13 and a washer 14. A number of fastening through-holes 11 are formed in the plate 10 through which a securing member, such as a screw 12 can pass. The screw 12 could be directly screwed into the fence post 2 or, as seen in the Figures, to a threaded nut 13, having a washer 14 located between the fence post and the nut. The securing plate is attachable across the opening between the two flanges 4, concealing the region 3. The plate has a rectangular cross section with a width such that the fastening through-holes 11 of the plate overlap with the fastening through-holes 5 of the fence post 2 when in position to enable securement of at least one fence panel 6 between the fence post and the securing plate by location of the threaded member through both fastening through-holes 5, 11. When in position, the uppermost part 28 of the securing plate 10 is located in the region of the upper extent 23 of the fence post 2 and the lowermost part 29 of the securing plate is located about 0.3m below the ground, but notably above the ground cavity 17.

A reinforcing member 1 5 is provided, as seen in Figure 2, having a rectangular cross section which may be located within the region 3. The reinforcing member is a solid steel rod 15 and has an upper end 25 and a lower end 24. The reinforcing member 15 is about a third of the length of the fence post 2. When in position, the lower end 24 of the reinforcing member is level with the lower extent 22 of the fence post and the upper end 25 is above ground level 26.

A cap 16 is arranged to fit over the top of the fence post 2. The cap is a hollow cuboid, having a cross section such that it forms a snug friction fit with interior surfaces of the post 2 at the top of the fence post 2. Alternatively, the cap may fit with exterior surfaces.

In constructing a fence 1, the fence post 2 is located in a pre-created ground cavity 17.

A removable blank 34 may be inserted in the cavity in the region in which the reinforcing member may wish to be later inserted, and concrete 27 is poured in to fill the cavity and secure the foundations of the post. The removable blank may be removed now, after the concrete has cured, or at a later date if and when a reinforcing member is to be located within a fence post. The fence panel or fence panels 6 are then secured to the post. The fence panels 6 are placed in position with a part overlapping a flange 4 of the post 2. The fastening through-holes 11 in securing plate are aligned with the fastening through-holes 5 formed in the flanges 4 and a screw 12 can be located through each of the corresponding fastening through-holes 5,11, also passing through an opening 6 in the grill of the fence panel 6. Each screw 12 is secured through rotation in a corresponding nut 14 to secure each fence panel 6 between a flange 4 of the fence post 2 and the securing plate 10. This securing plate may later be removed to allow a reinforcing member to be located within the region. The reinforcing member may alternatively be located within the fence post through removal of the cap on top of the fence post and insertion of the member through the opening in the top of the fence post.

Reference numerals which indicate the same parts in Figures 4 to 6 have been retained. These figures show aspects of further embodiments of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention with a high tensile steel cable 18 arranged approximately parallel with the fence panels 6 and orthogonal to the fence post 2. The cable is closer to the base part than the top part of the post. The cable 18 runs through second further wire-receiving holes 19 formed in the post 2.

The cable 1 8 passes through the region 3 within the fence post 2. The cable is removable by passing a length of the cable of the wire-receiving holes 19 to allow a reinforcing member 15 to be inserted in the receiving region 3. In Figure 3, the reinforcing member 15 has a length such that when located in position in region 3, the cable 18 can be reinserted to lie above the member 15. Should a longer reinforcing member 15 be used, wire-receiving holes are provided in the reinforcing member such that when located in the hole, the wire-receiving holes of the reinforcing member are in alignment with the wire-receiving holes of the fence post, such that a steel cable 18 can still be passed through the post. A rail 30 may be provided parallel with each fence panel 6, connecting the fence posts at their upper extent 23, forming an additional strengthening means for the fence. Two or more steel cables could alternatively be arranged in a similar way on the fence post 2.

Figure 4 also shows a removable blank 34 is position in the ground. The blank fills the region 3 into which the fence post 15 may be inserted. The blank 34 may comprise a hook on its uppermost part to aid removal of the blank 34. The blank must be removed before a reinforcing member can be inserted into its correct position.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a fence post 2 having a different shaped securing element in the form of a securing component 100. The securing component 100 is similar to the securing plate 10 in that it is attachable to the fence post 2 through a number of fastening through-holes 11 formed in the element 100 through whicl�^ a threaded member, such as a screw 12 can pass. The screw is screwed into a threaded nut 13 having a washer 14 located between the fence post and the nut. The securing component 100 is not like a plate. The fastening through-holes 11 are formed on two flanges which comprise two extents of the securing component 100 when viewed from above in position. Between these flanges, the securing element has a cross section with straight sides, projecting orthogonally away from the fence post to from an angular c-shape. This creates a volume between the securing component and the fence post in which a reinforcing member 150 with dimensions greater than the region 3 can be located.

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment is the invention in which a securing element is not required. The fence post 20 is formed from a hollow cylindrical element with two diametrically opposed flanges 30, 31. A securing element 250 is located within the cross-sectional region 30 formed within the fence post 20. The securing element 250 may be cylindrical and may completely fill the region 30, or abut against at least one internal side of the fence post, or not contact any of the sides. A fence panel 6 can be attached to each flange 30, 31 by means of a screw 12, located through a part of the fence post and an opening in each flange, secured to a nut 13 with a washer 14 located between the nut and the extension 30, 31.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above.

Alternative arrangements and suitable materials will be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fence post defining a region in which a reinforcing member can be optionally located.
2. A fence post according to claim 1, comprising a means enabling retrospective insertion of the reinforcing member in the fence post once the fence post has been mounted in a use position.
3. A fence post according to claim 2, wherein the means comprises a removable part of the fence post which is removable from another part of the fence post.
4. A fence post according to claim 3, wherein the removable part is a securing element comprising a fastening means for securing at least one fence panel to the fence post in use.
5. A fence post according to claim 4, wherein the fastening means is a fastening through hole through which at least one threaded member can be inserted.
6. A fence post according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the removable part is a planar member.
7. A fence post according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a lower most part of the removable part extends down to a depth substantially level with a lower extent of the fence post when in position, attached to the fence post.
8. A fence post according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the removable part conceals the region when attached to a further part of the fence post.
9. A fence post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fence post has a top hat shaped cross section.
10. A fence post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fence post comprises means for receiving a tensile wire.
11. A fence post according to claim 10, wherein the receiving means is a wire-receiving through hole formed through sides of the fence post so that the wire may be passed therethrough.
12, A fence post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fence post comprises an opening located in a plane intersected by a longitudinal axis of the fence post.
13. A fence post according to claim 12, wherein the opening is in an end of the fence post.
14. A fence post according to claim 13, wherein the end is a top end of the fence post in use.
15. A fence comprising a fence post as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
16. A combination of a fence post according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a reinforcing member for optionally locating in said region of the fence post.
17. The combination of claim 16 when dependent on any one of claims I to 7, wherein the reinforcing member is exposed, at least in part, when located in the region in use.
18. The combination of claim 16 when dependent on claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein dimensions of the reinforcing member are less than dimensions of the opening thereby enabling the reinforcing member to be inserted into the region by insertion through the opening.
19. The combination of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the reinforcing member has dimensions relative to the region that are equal to or smaller than the region.
20. The combination of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the relative dimensions of the reinforcing member relative to the fence post are such that when located in the region the reinforcing member abuts at least one internal side of the fence post.
21. The combination of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the length of a fence post is greater than the length of the reinforcing member.
22. The combination of claim 16 when dependent on claim 10 or ii, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a wire-receiving through-hole through which the tensile wire may be received.
23. The combination according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the reinforcing member extends along part of a length of the fence post when located in the region.
24. A method of erecting a fence post, comprising the steps of erecting a fence post that defines a region in which a reinforcing member can optionally be located.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein erecting the fence post comprises first creating a ground cavity and inserting the fence post therein.
26. A method according to claim 25, comprising the step of inserting a removable blank within the ground cavity.
27. A method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein concrete is poured into each ground cavity after the fence post has been inserted therein.
28. A method according to claim 26 or 27 when dependent on claim 26, comprising the step of removing the removable blank.
29. A method according to claim 28, comprising locating at least one reinforcing member within the region of the fence post after the blank is removed.
30. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 29 comprising the use of the removable part in erecting the fence in forming a seal to prevent concrete from entering the region into which a reinforcing member can optionally later be located.
31. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 30, comprising the step of locating the reinforcing member within the region of the fence post.
32. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 3 1, comprising the steps of removing a part of the fence post from a further part of the fence post then locating the reinforcing member within the region of the fence post.
33. A method according to claim 32, comprising the step of attaching the part of the fence post to the further part of the fence after the reinforcing member has been located within the fence post.
34. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 33, comprising the step of connecting at least one tensile wire to the fence post.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the wire is connected after the fence post has been inserted in ground.
36. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 33, comprising the step of inserting at least one tensile wire through a wire-receiving through-hole in the fence post.
37. A method of erecting a fence according to any one of claims 34, 35 or 36, comprising the step of connecting the at least one tensile wire through at least one reinforcing member.