GB2559943A

GB2559943A - Fencing clip

Info

Publication number: GB2559943A
Application number: GB1617405.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Green Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: EDWARD MARTIN GREEN
Priority date: 2016-10-13
Filing date: 2016-10-13
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-13
Also published as: GB2559943B; GB201617405D0

Abstract

A clip 1 for securing fencing panels 11 in channels formed in posts 14, particularly concrete posts, comprises a first leaf at an angle to a second leaf formed integrally with one another either side of an intermediate sprung fold. Each leaf has a corner spike projecting from a plane of the leaf. The leaves are compressible about the sprung fold to reduce the angle for a forced bias presentation of the corner spikes, which act as barbs to grip a fence panel within mountings or channels in posts. This provides a resilient engagement, reducing rattle due to size differences, shrinkage or wind loading. Spikes may be provided at all corners of the leaf, and the leaves may be the same, or different, sizes. The leaves may be flat and the fold may be formed by a pressing process, and may be formed from steel.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Edward Martin Green

Hatherton Road, Cannock, Stafs, WS11 1HH, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Martin Green

(51) INTCL:
E04H 17/16 (2006.01)	E04H 17/14 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: GB 2536312 A GB 2444725 A GB 2374877 A	GB 2523996 A GB 2410507 A GB 2352740 A
(58) Field of Search: INT CL E04H Other: WPI, EPODOC

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Parnham Intellectual Property Services Nottingham Clean Tech Centre,

63-67 St Peter's Street, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 3EN, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Fencing clip Abstract Title: A fencing clip (57) A clip 1 for securing fencing panels 11 in channels formed in posts 14, particularly concrete posts, comprises a first leaf at an angle to a second leaf formed integrally with one another either side of an intermediate sprung fold. Each leaf has a corner spike projecting from a plane of the leaf. The leaves are compressible about the sprung fold to reduce the angle for a forced bias presentation of the corner spikes, which act as barbs to grip a fence panel within mountings or channels in posts. This provides a resilient engagement, reducing rattle due to size differences, shrinkage or wind loading. Spikes may be provided at all corners of the leaf, and the leaves may be the same, or different, sizes. The leaves may be flat and the fold may be formed by a pressing process, and may be formed from steel.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

07 18

1707 18

Fencing Clip

This invention relates generally to fencing clips and more particularly to fencing clips used to secure fencing panels in channels formed in normally concrete posts.

Fences act to separate areas such as gardens, yards and other spaces. Traditionally a timber post is provided and fencing panels secured in some way between these posts. There is some skill in locating and securing these fence panels. More recently cast concrete posts with opposed channels have been used with each channel arranged to accept a panel edge. Unfortunately as a cast post the channels by their nature are over-sized to ensure they accept expected fence panel edges and so that such panels can be easily lifted into place. It will also be understood that most fence panels are from timber so can shrink and expand with weather. This approach means that the panels can rattle and may be easily lifted up or even out of place giving significant security issues.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a fencing clip comprising a first leaf and a second leaf formed integrally either side of an intermediate sprung fold at a sprung angle between them, each leaf having a corner spike outwardly projected away from a plane of the leaf, the first leaf and the second leaf compressive about the sprung fold to reduce the sprung angle for a forced bias presentation of the corner spikes.

A respective corner spike may be provided at all corners of the leaf.

The sprung fold may be central within the clip parallel and in line with a peripheral edge of the clip having the corner spike. The sprung fold may be positioned such that the first leaf and the second leaf are of substantially the same size. The first leaf and the second leaf may be symmetrical about the sprung fold. The sprung fold may be positioned such that the first leaf and the second leaf are of different respective sizes.

The clip may be formed wholly of a sprung material. The sprung material may be sprung steel. The clip may be formed by a pressing process.

The sprung angle may be substantially 30 to 120 degrees and may preferably be substantially 45 degrees.

The first leaf and/or the second leaf may be substantially flat or curved. The first leaf and/or the second leaf may include a raised lip/ spike.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fencing clip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Figure 2 is as schematic perspective view of the clip depicted in figure 1 associated with a fencing panel and a fence post;

Figure 3 is a plan view of clips in accordance with aspects of the present invention associated with respective fencing panels either side of a fence post;

Figure 4 is a side view of a clip in accordance with aspects of the present invention with corner spikes partially biting a fence panel edge or a fence post channel; and, Figure 5 is a side view of a clip in accordance with aspects of the present invention with corner spikes fully biting a fence panel edge or fence post channel.

Fence panels are generally formed from a wooden frame with laths of wood laid in an overlapping format. The wooden frame provides an edge which enters a channel to locate the panel in place. Traditionally the fence panels could also be nailed or screwed to a wooden post. With a cast concrete post then the post is fixed into the ground and at the necessary spacing. With the posts in place the fence panels generally lifted into place to slide down into two opposed channels. To allow such location in the cast channels these channels are open and wider than the expected widest thickness of fence panel. Thus, the fence panels will rattle in the channels even with limited wind. The panels can also be lifted so there are issues with security for a fenced in area. It is possible to provide simple solid wedges which are located between the panel and parts of the cast concrete post channel but these can be easily dislodged by the action of weather and/or natural shrinkage of the panel itself or person(s) intent on lifting the panel.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention a fence clip is provided formed from a sprung material such as sprung steel or a structural plastics material. The clip is pressed with a first leaf and a second leaf separated by a sprung fold. The leaves are normally flat but may have a slight curvature to facilitate location in use between a fence panel edge and a post channel. The leaves are roughly the same size with a corner spike at the outside peripheral corners of the leaf. These corner spikes are outwardly projecting in opposite directions on each leaf and generally in the direction of spring bias for the clip in use.

As can be seen in Figure 1 a fence clip 1 is located in a channel formed by a post. The clip 1 as described above has a first leaf 2 and a second leaf 3 either side of a sprung fold 4. The leaves 2, 3 have ears or corner spikes 5 for engaging and location of the clip 1 in a channel. The clip 1 is formed by pressing a section of sprung material such as sprung steel so that the leaves 2, 3 and the fold 4 are created. Typically the leaves 2, 3 will be at an angle 6 of around 90 degrees to each other in a relaxed state but the angle could be 30 to 120 degrees dependent upon operational requirements. The angle 6 will be reduced in use as the clip 1 is forced between a fencing panel and a channel of the post and so the clip 1 compressed against its sprung nature to provide a spring bias. The spikes 5 act as barbs which engage the panel edge and the channel to grip and so stop rattle. The spring bias created by compression about the fold 4 absorbs shock loading of the panel in gusts of wind. The spikes 5 will also prevent or at least inhibit simple upward lift of the panel out of the channel so improve security of an area enclosed by the fence.

Figure 2 provides a schematic perspective view of the clip 1 between a fence panel 11 and a channel 12 in a concrete post 14. The panel 11 as described previously is generally lifted into the channel 12 which generally has a wedge shape with an inner surface 15 narrower than the spacing of entry edges 16. A peripheral edge 17 is thinner than the channel 12 so the panel 11 can move and rattle so a number of clips 1 are located between the panel 11 and the channel 12 to stop such rattle. The clips 1 are compressed into the gap between the edge 17 and the channel 12.

Each clip 1 is forced in the direction A into the gap between the edge 17 and the channel 12. A proportional force will be need to force the clip 1 in the direction A shown as an arrowhead and this will be applied by a tool such as a large screw driver or a specialist tool or similar so that the entry force is applied appropriately. Once sufficient clips 1 are located between the panel edge 17 and the channel 12 the whole panel 11 is then effectively suspended laterally so preventing rattle. Normally clips 1 will be provided at corners of the panel 11 and at least one clip 1 intermediate between these corners along each edge 17 in the channel 12.

In use the spikes 5 are projected outwardly with the compressive spring of the clip 1 to act as barbs digging/biting into the fence panel edge 17 and the channel 12 in the post 14. The force of this compressive spring bias is generally sufficient to cause the spikes 5 as barbs to penetrate the edge 17 and/or the channel 12 to at least part of the depth of the spike 5. To further enhance bite of the ears 5 as barbs it is preferred to use a wedge edged tool similar to a cold chisel and this may be applied with a percussive or twisting force to act with the sprung spring bias of the clip 1 alone to drive the spikes 5 as barbs into the edge 17 and/or channel 12.

It will be understood with clips 1 in place removal of the panel 1 from the channel 12 is impeded but on occasion it will be necessary to remove a damaged panel and/or for maintenance/access. The clip 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention prevents simple lift of the panel 11 for removal but with a specialised tool/technique removal of the clip 1 and so subsequent lift of the panel 11 achievable. Figure 3 provides a plan view of the post 14 with fence panels 11a, 11b entered into respective channels 12 in and either side of the post 14. Clips 1a, 1b have been inserted between the channels 12a, 12b to force the fence panel 11a, 11b to one side of the respective channel 12a, 12b with the clip 1a, 1b on the other. It will be appreciated that the bias spring in each clip 1a, 1b is achieved from the material that the clip 1 is formed and is sufficient to shift the panel as indicated to abut one side of the channel. Fence panels 11 are of different sizes but in any event these panels will have significant weight or mass which must be shifted and restrained by the clips 1 acting in concert plus any shock loading/forces by gusts of incident wind etc. The bias spring strength of the clips 1 alone and collectively will be significant. This strength of the clips 1 must be overcome to remove each clip 1 to allow lift of the panel 14.

Each clip 1 will be removed individually. As can be seen the angle 6 of the clip 1 is narrowed as the clip 1 is forced by a tool (not shown) in to the gap between the panel edge and the channel 12. The spring of the clip 1 will force the spikes 5 outwards into the channel and the panel edge 17 to dig/bite. This dig/bite must be overcome to remove the clip 1 in use. For removal the spikes 5 as barbs are displaced clear of engagement with the post/panel edge. The most conventional approach is to apply a plier’s type tool with spike or flat and a long nose configuration. The jaws of the pliers (not shown) are driven either side of the clip 1 along an abutment 20, 21 so that sufficient engagement is provided. With the jaws of the pliers in place under the respective leaves of the clip 1 the pliers are closed. The clip 1 is compressed about the fold 4 and the spikes 5 removed from bite with panel edge and the channel then that the clip 1 can be lifted out. Each clip 1 will be removed in a similar manner.

If the spikes 5 as barbs have not be driven by a fixing tool as described above, typically in the form of a wedge or cold chisel, then the normal spring bias of the clip 1 will only generate a partial bite of the spikes 5 into the panel edge 17 or channel 12. As illustrated in figure 4 there will be a gap 31 between the spikes 5. This gap 31 can be exploited by removal pliers or similar tools (not shown) to gain engagement to allow compression of the clip 1 and so its removal.

When the spikes 5 have been drive by a wedge or cold chisel tool into full depth bite penetration into the panel edge or channel then most of the clip 1 edge between the ears 5 is flat to the edge or channel. This configuration of a ‘fully driven’ clip edge is depicted in figure 5 but the edge may include a kink or upturned lip to allow engagement with a plier’s type removal tool.

The leaves 2, 3 are normally of substantially the same size and are symmetrical about the fold 4 for balance in engagement with a fence panel edge and channel. However, where necessary leaves either side of the sprung fold may be of different sizes so that a different spring bias response is achieve. For example with unequal sizing with one clip leaf on one side of the sprung fold may be much smaller or bigger than the other clip leaf. Thus, it may be easier to insert the clip between the panel edge and the channel but the respectively greater pivot length/distances of the active spike corners or ears will mean suspended compress of the clip is different on one side of the panel compared to the other. A longer distance with a bigger area leaf will have greater pivot force than a shorter length with a smaller area leaf. I will also be appreciated that the leaves may be configured and worked to provide corrugations, ribs, variations in thickness, perforations and other features to alter the sprung response, engagement and otherwise of the clip in use between the fence panel and the post.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

Claims 11 10 17

1. A fencing clip comprising a first leaf and a second leaf formed integrally either side of an intermediate sprung fold at a sprung angle between them, each leaf having a corner spike outwardly projected away from a plane of the leaf, the first leaf and the second leaf compressive about the sprung fold to reduce the sprung angle for a forced bias presentation of the corner spikes.

2. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein a respective corner spike is provided at all corners of the leaf.

3. A clip as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sprung fold is central within the clip, parallel and in line with a peripheral edge of the clip having each corner spike.

4. A clip as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sprung fold is positioned such that the first leaf and the second leaf are of substantially the same size.

5. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first leaf and the second leaf are substantially symmetrical about the sprung fold.

6. A clip as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sprung fold is positioned such that the first leaf and the second leaf are of different respective sizes.

7. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is formed wholly of a sprung material.

8. A clip as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sprung material is sprung steel.

9. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is subject to a pressing process in manufacture to define the spring fold to a degree necessary to define an initial sprung angle for the clip.

10. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein during use the sprung angle is in the range substantially 30 to 120 degrees.

11. A clip as claim in claim 10 wherein the sprung is sustained in use at up to substantially 45 degrees.

12. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first leaf and/or the second leaf are substantially flat or curved.

13. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first leaf and/or the second leaf include a raised lip/ spike.

14. A clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip and in particular the corner spike are compliant and/or frangible after compression about the sprung fold in use to cause the forced bias presentation of the corner spikes to engagement surfaces.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

GB 1617405.4

1-13