GB2569980A

GB2569980A - Support post

Info

Publication number: GB2569980A
Application number: GB1800197.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wright Tim
Original assignee: Supreme Concrete Ltd
Current assignee: Supreme Concrete Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-05
Filing date: 2018-01-05
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-05
Also published as: GB201800197D0; GB2569980B

Abstract

The support post 110 for a fence assembly includes an elongate body 112 defines a front face 114, a rear face 116 and two side faces 118, 120. Longitudinal channels 122, 124 are defined in respective front and rear faces to form a post with a cross section with a substantially capital/upper-case H or capital/upper case I shape the central web 126 defined by surfaces 136 and 134. A number of reinforcing members 132 extend along the longitudinal length of the body and extend in the side regions 130. The reinforcement members may be aligned along an axis spaced from and outboard of the central web 126 but in line with the surfaces 136 and 134 of the central web.

Description

Support Post

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support post for a fence assembly, and/or to a fence assembly including a support post, and/or to a method of manufacturing a support post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional pre-cast support posts are commonly used for supporting fencing panels (e.g. wooden fencing panels).

The posts are provided with channels extending along two opposing faces thereof, to produce an Ή'-shaped or T shaped cross-sectional profile. When a series of such posts are provided in a spaced apart array, fence panels can be received within opposing channels of adjacent posts in the series, so as to provide structural support for the panels.

In order to provide improved structural support to the fence panels, e.g. to prevent the fence assembly from being blown over, such posts will often include the concrete post body includes a reinforcing structure or framework therein.

Traditionally, incorporation of the reinforcing structure have resulted in relatively heavy fence posts, which increases the cost of transportation and makes them difficult to handle on site.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a support post for a fence assembly of the kind intended to be upright in use, the post comprising: an elongate body defining a front face, a rear face, and two side faces, wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinally extending channel on each of the front and rear faces, and wherein a cross-sectional profile of the body defines first and second opposing side regions and a central web extending therebetween, such that the body defines a substantially H-shaped or I-shaped cross-sectional profile; and a plurality of reinforcing members arranged to extend along the longitudinal length of the elongate body, wherein the plurality of reinforcing members are provided in a spaced apart array defining opposing groups of reinforcing members, and wherein each of the opposing groups is arranged to extend along one of the respective first and second opposing side regions.

Traditionally, the reinforcing members have been provided at the boundary region between the central web and the side regions of the elongate body. However, it has been advantageously found that by positioning the reinforcing members in the two opposing side regions (i.e. away from the central web) the strength of the support post is increased, which allows for the size (i.e. the depth and the width) of the post body to be reduced.

The group of reinforcing members of each side region may be aligned along an axis that is outboard of, and spaced apart, from the boundary between the central web and the respective side region.

Advantageously, providing the reinforcing members outboard of the boundary between the central web and the side regions allows for the central web to be thinner whilst further improving the strength of the support post.

The group of reinforcing members of each side region may be aligned along a substantially central axis of the respective side region.

Advantageously, this configuration has been found to further improve the strength of the support post.

The central web may define front and rear faces thereof. A first reinforcing member of each of the two opposing groups of reinforcing members may be aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the front face of the central web.

Advantageously, positioning the reinforcing members to be substantially level with a front of the central web has been found to further improve the strength of the support post.

The central web may define front and rear faces thereof. A second reinforcing member of each of the opposing groups of reinforcing members may be aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the rear face of the central web.

Advantageously, positioning the reinforcing members to be substantially level with a rear of the central web has been found to further improve the strength of the support post.

The body may define a depth extending between the front and rear faces thereof. The depth of the central web may be in the region of 38%-46% of the depth of the side regions, optionally the depth of the central web may be approximately 42% of the depth of the side regions.

Traditionally, the ratio of the depth of the central web to the depth of the side regions (i.e. the post body) is in excess of 50% in order to provide the required structural strength of the support post and also to accommodate the reinforcing members within the boundary regions between the central web and the side regions. However, it has been advantageously found that by positioning the reinforcing members away said boundary region, the required strength can be obtained using a central web of reduced thickness. This configuration enables the weight of the support post to be reduced.

The body may extend between the front and rear faces thereof by a distance of approximately 80mm, and the body may extend between side faces by a distance in the range of 98-104mm.

The body profile may define a central axis between the front and rear faces thereof. A first reinforcing member of each group may be positioned in the range of 15-20mm from said central axis in a direction towards the front face of the body, and a second reinforcing member of each group may be positioned in the range of 15-20mm from said central axis in a direction towards the rear face of the body.

Advantageously, positioning the reinforcing members 15-20mm away from a central axis of the body towards the front and rear faces of the body has been found to improve the strength of the support post. A first reinforcing member of each group may be positioned in the range of 16-18mm, optionally 17mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the front face of the body, and a second reinforcing member of each group may be positioned in the range of 16-18mm, optionally 17mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the rear face of the body.

Advantageously, positioning the reinforcing members 16-18mm away from a central axis towards the front face, and positioning reinforcing members 16-18mm away from the central axis towards the rear face has been found to further improve the strength of the support post.

The body profile may define a central axis between the side faces thereof. The group of reinforcing members of each side region may be positioned in the range of 36-44mm from said central axis in a direction towards the respective side face of the body.

Advantageously, positioning the reinforcing members in the range of 36-44mm away from a central axis of the body (i.e. providing a first group in the range of 36-44mm towards a first side face and a second group in the range of 36-44mm towards a second side face) has been found to improve the strength of the support post.

The group of reinforcing members of each side region may be positioned in the range of 38-40mm, optionally 39mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the respective side face of the body.

Advantageously, positioning the groups of reinforcing members in the range of 38-40mm away from a central axis of the body (i.e. a first group in the range of 38-40mm towards a first side face and a second group of in the range of 38-40mm towards a second side face) has been found to further improve the strength of the support post.

The reinforcing members may have a diameter in the range of 4mm and 7mm, optionally the reinforcing members have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 6mm, for example about 5.5mm.

In exemplary embodiments, no reinforcing members are provided within the central web. Put in other words, when the fence post is provided in the form of a matrix of cementitious material (e.g. concrete), having no reinforcing members within the central web allows the central web to be provided as an uninterrupted matrix of cementitious material.

The array of reinforcing members may be equally spaced about a centre point of the cross-sectional profile of the body.

The cross-sectional profile of the body may comprise four reinforcing members equally spaced about a centre point of the cross-sectional profile of the body.

The side faces of the cross-sectional profile of the body may be tapered in a direction towards the front face of the body.

Advantageously, this aids in the removal of the support post from a mould during manufacture.

The reinforcing rods may comprise a metallic material, optionally steel.

The body may comprise a cementitious material.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence assembly comprising: a first support post according to the first aspect; a second support post according to the first aspect, wherein a front face of the first support post is arranged to substantially oppose a rear face of the second support post; and a fence panel defining first and second side edges, wherein the fence panel is positioned between the opposing first and second support posts such that the first side edge of the fence panel is received in the front channel of the first support post, and the second side edge of the fence panel is received in the rear channel of the second support post.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a support post according to the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing a mould body for the support post; ii) positioning a plurality of reinforcing members in a spaced apart array within the mould body so as to define opposing groups of reinforcing members arranged to extend along one of the respective first and second opposing side regions; and iii) pouring cementitious material into the mould body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an end view of a cross-section of a known support post;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a support post according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an end view of a cross-section of the fence post of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a section of fence assembly including the support post of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a known support post is illustrated and is indicated generally at 10.

Figure 1 illustrates, in a cross-sectional end view, a conventional support post 10 for supporting a fence panel within a fence assembly. The support post 10 is in the form of an elongate body 12 intended to be upright in use. The elongate body 12 is generally rectangular in cross-section, and defines a front face 14, a rear face 16, and two side faces 18, 20.

The body 12 extends a distance of 94mm between the front and rear faces 14, 16. The side faces 18, 20 of the body 12 are tapered towards the front face 14 such that the width of the body 12 (i.e. the distance between the side faces 18, 20) reduces from 109mm at the rear face 16 to 103mm at the front face 14.

Longitudinally extending channels 22, 24 are provided on the front and rear faces 14, 16 of the body so as to be able to receive a vertical side edge of a fence panel therein to provide support to said fence panel. The width of the channels 22, 24 (i.e. in the direction between the two side faces 18, 20) is dimensioned so as to be able to receive a standard fence panel therein. The channels 22, 24 taper from the front and rear faces 14, 16 towards the centre of the body 12 from 54mm down to 50mm to aid insertion of a vertical side edge of a fence panel (not shown) therein.

The provision of the front and rear channels 22, 24 results in the body 12 defining two side regions 28, 30 which extend between the front and rear faces 14, 16 of the body 12. A central web 26 extends between the two side regions 28, 30 such that the body defines a cross-sectional profile that is substantially Ή'-shaped or Ί'-shaped. A front face 34 of the central web 26 defines the base of the front channel 22, and a rear face 36 of the central web 26 defines the base of the rear channel 24. The central web 26 is a region of reduced depth (i.e. in the direction between the front face and rear face) of the body 12, which extends a distance of 48mm.

In order to strengthen the post, the elongate body 12 includes a reinforcing framework therein. In the known fence post 10, the reinforcing framework is provided in the form of four elongate rods 32 extending along the longitudinal length of the body 12.

The four rods 32 are each equally spaced about a centre point of the cross-sectional profile of the body 12.The rods 32 are spaced apart by a distance of 60mm along the width of the body 12 (i.e. along an axis extending between the side faces 18, 20 of the body 12). That is, each rod 32 is positioned 30mm away from a central axis extending between the two side faces 18, 20. The rods 32 are also spaced apart by a distance of 18mm along the depth of the body (i.e. along an axis extending between the front and rear faces 14, 16 of the body 12). That is, each rod 32 is positioned 9mm away from a central axis between the front and rear faces 14, 16 of the body 12.

The rods 32 are provided at the boundary region between the central web 26 and each of the side regions 128, 130 (i.e. two rods are provided proximate the first side region 28 and two rods are provided proximate the second side region 30). In order to accommodate the rods 32, the depth of the central web 26 extends a distance of 48mm along an axis extending between the front and rear faces 14, 16 of the body 12.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, a support post according to the present invention is illustrated and is indicated generally at 110. Corresponding features with respect to the known fence post of Figure 1 use similar reference numerals having the prefix "1".

The support post 110 is in the form of an elongate body 112 that is intended to be upright in use. The length of the elongate body 112 may be varied to the suit the application, and typically may by in the range of 1448mm and 2972mm. It will be appreciated that the body 112, and so the support post 110, may be provided in any suitable length.

The elongate body 112 is generally rectangular in cross section and defines a front face 114, a rear face 116, and two side faces 118, 120. The front and rear faces 114, 116 of the elongate body 112 each define a longitudinally extending between the side faces 118, 120 of the body) is dimensioned so as to be able to receive a side edge of a fence post therein (as illustrated in Figure 4). In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the width of the channels 122, 124 tapers from 54mm at the respective front and rear faces 114, 116, down to 50mm at the central web 126 (i.e. at the base of the respective channel 122, 124). It will be appreciated that the width of the channels may vary to accommodate differently sized fence panels, as required. Additionally, it will also be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the channels 122, 124 may not be tapered.

The provision of the front and rear channels 122, 124 results in the body 112 defining two side regions 128, 130 which extend between the front and rear faces 114, 116 of the body 112. A central web 126 having a reduced depth (i.e. in a direction extending between the front and rear faces of the body) extends between the two opposing side regions 128, 130. This configuration is such that the cross-sectional profile of the body 112 defines a substantially Ή'-shaped or T-shaped. A front face 134 of the central web 126 defines the base of the front channel 122, and a rear face 136 of the central web 126 defines the base of the rear channel 124.

In order to increase the strength of the support post 110, the elongate body 112 includes a reinforcing framework therein. The reinforcing framework is provided in the form of a plurality of reinforcing members 132. The plurality of spaced apart reinforcing members 132 are provided in a spaced apart array over the cross-sectional profile of the body 112. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, four spaced apart reinforcing members 132 are provided over the cross-sectional profile of the body 112. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of reinforcing members may be provided. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing members are provided in the form of elongate rods 132. The reinforcing members 132 are configured to extend along the length of the elongate body 112, although it will be appreciated that the reinforcing members 132 may be provided in the form of a single rod 132 extending the length of the body 112, or as a series or rods arranged end-to-end along the length of the body 112.

In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing rods 132 are formed from steel and have a diameter of approximately 5.5mm, but may be in the range of 4mm to 7mm. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the material and diameter of the rods may be varied to suit the application.

The spaced apart array is configured such that the reinforcing members 132 define two opposing groups of reinforcing members 132. Each of the opposing groups is arranged to extend along one of the respective first and second opposing side regions 128, 130. This arrangement positions the reinforcing members 132 outboard of (i.e. away from) the central web 126 of the body 112. Each group of reinforcing members 132 in the respective side region 128, 130 is aligned along an axis that is outboard of, and spaced apart from, the boundary between the central web 126 and the respective side region 128, 130. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each group of reinforcing members 132 in the respective side region 128, 130 is aligned along a substantially central axis of the respective side region 128, 130 (as indicated in figure 3).

The reinforcing members 132 are each equally spaced about a centre point 142 of the cross-sectional profile of the body 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing member 132 defines a rectangular reinforcement framework on the cross-sectional profile of the body 112. As is illustrated, the perimeter of the reinforcing structure surrounds the central web 126.

The central web 126 defines front and rear faces thereof. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, a first reinforcing member 132 of each of the two opposing groups of reinforcing members 132 is aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the front face 134 of the central web 126 (i.e. substantially co-planar with the base of the front channel 122). Further, in the exemplary illustrated embodiment, a second reinforcing member 132 of each of the opposing groups of reinforcing members 132 is aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the rear face 136 of the central web 126 (i.e. positioned to be substantially co-planar with the base of the rear channel 124).

In cross-sectional profile, the body 112 defines a forward region (proximate the front face 114) and a rear region (proximate the rear face 116). A first reinforcing member 132 of each of the opposing groups is provided within the forward region of the body profile. A second reinforcing member 132 of each of the opposing groups is provided within the rear region of the body profile.

In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the body 112 defines a depth extending between the front and rear faces of approximately 80mm, and a width extending between the side faces of between 98-104mm. In said exemplary embodiment, the spacing between the first and second reinforcing members 132 of each group is approximately 34mm along the depth of the body 112 (i.e. along an axis extending between the front and rear faces 114, 116 of the body 112). That is, the first and second reinforcing members 132 are positioned 17mm away from a central axis between the front and rear faces 114, 116 of the body 112 in a direction towards the front and rear faces, respectively. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the spacing between the first and second reinforcing members may vary between 30mm and 40mm (i.e. in the range of 15-20mm from the central axis), for example between 32mm and 36mm (i.e. in the range of 16-18mm from the central axis).

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the groups of reinforcing members 132 are spaced apart along the width of the body by a distance of 78mm (i.e. along an axis extending between the side faces 118, 120 of the body 112). That is, each reinforcing member 132 is positioned approximately 39mm away from a central axis between the two side faces 118, 120 towards a respective side face. It will be appreciated that, in alternative arrangements, the spacing of the groups along an axis extending between the side faces 118, 120 maybe in the range of 72mm and 88mm (i.e. in the range of 36-44mm from the central axis towards a respective side face), for example between 76mm and 80mm (i.e. in the range of 38-40mm from the central axis towards a respective side face).

Positioning the reinforcing rods 132 away from the central web 126 and into the two side regions 128, 130 has been advantageously found to improve the structural strength of the support post 110. Further, this arrangement has also enabled the size of the central web 126, and of the post body 112 as a whole to be reduced, whilst providing enhanced structural properties.

Typically, the post 110 is provided in the form of a matrix of cementitious material (e.g. concrete). As will be appreciated, positioning of the reinforcing rods 132 away from the central web (i.e. providing no reinforcing rods in the central web) enables the central web to be formed from an uninterrupted matrix of cementitious material. This arrangement has been found to increase the strength of the fence post, allowing the thickness of the central web 126 to be reduced compared to known fence posts.

In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the central web 126 extends a distance of approximately 34mm along an axis extending between the front and rear faces 114, 116 of the body 112. The thickness of the central web 126 is reduced such that it extends less than half of the distance between the front and rear faces 114, 116 of the body 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 112 defines a depth extending between the front and rear faces 114, 116, and the depth of central web 126 is in the region of 38%-46% of the depth of the side regions 128, 130, for example about 42% of the depth of the side regions. This reduction from the traditional ratio of over 50% enables the amount of material used, and so the weight of the post, to be reduced.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the body 112 extends a distance of 80mm between the front and rear faces 114, 116. The side faces 118, 120 of the body 112 are tapered towards the front face 114. The width of the body 112 (i.e. the distance between the side faces 118, 120) reduces from 104mm at the rear face 116 to 98mm at the front face 114. This taper is provided to allow the cementitious material to be easily removed from a mould during the manufacturing process. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the body 112 may not be tapered.

Referring now to Figure 4, the support post 110 of Figures 2 and 3 is illustrated in situ with two fence panels 140 mounted thereto. The support post 110 is arranged upright, and although not illustrated, a lowermost end of the post 110 extends into a ground face. A first support post 110 is provided having first and second fence panels 140 mounted thereto. That is, the vertical side edges of the fence panels 140 are received in the elongate channels 122, 124 of the elongate body 112 to provide structural support thereto.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support post for a fence assembly of the kind intended to be upright in use, the post comprising: an elongate body defining a front face, a rear face, and two side faces, wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinally extending channel on each of the front and rear faces, and wherein a cross-sectional profile of the body defines first and second opposing side regions and a central web extending therebetween, such that the body defines a substantially hl-shaped or I-shaped cross-sectional profile; and a plurality of reinforcing members arranged to extend along the longitudinal length of the elongate body, wherein the plurality of reinforcing members are provided in a spaced apart array defining opposing groups of reinforcing members, and wherein each of the opposing groups is arranged to extend along one of the respective first and second opposing side regions.

2. A support post according to claim 1, wherein the group of reinforcing members of each side region is aligned along an axis that is outboard of, and spaced apart from, a boundary between the central web and the respective side region.

3. A support post according to claim 2, wherein the group of reinforcing members of each side region is aligned along a substantially central axis of the respective side region.

4. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the central web defines front and rear faces thereof, further wherein a first reinforcing member of each of the two opposing groups of reinforcing members is aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the front face of the central web.

5. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the central web defines front and rear faces thereof, further wherein a second reinforcing member of each of the opposing groups of reinforcing members is aligned along an axis that is substantially co-planar with the rear face of the central web.

6. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the body defines a depth extending between the front and rear faces thereof, further wherein the depth of the central web is in the region of 38%-46% of the depth of the side regions, optionally the depth of the central web is approximately 42% of the depth of the side regions.

7. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the body extends between the front and rear faces thereof by a distance of approximately 80mm, further wherein the body extends between side faces by a distance in the range of 98-104mm.

8. A support post according to claim 7, wherein the body profile defines a central axis between the front and rear faces thereof, further wherein a first reinforcing member of each group is positioned in the range of 15-20mm from said central axis in a direction towards the front face of the body, and wherein a second reinforcing member of each group is positioned in the range of 15-20mm from said central axis in a direction towards the rear face of the body.

9. A support post according to claim 8, wherein a first reinforcing member of each group is positioned in the range of 16-18mm, optionally 17mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the front face of the body, and wherein a second reinforcing member of each group is positioned in the range of 16-18mm, optionally 17mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the rear face of the body.

10. A support post according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the body profile defines a central axis between the side faces thereof, further wherein the group of reinforcing members of each side region is positioned in the range of 36-44mm from said central axis in a direction towards the respective side face of the body.

11. A support post according to claim 10, wherein the group of reinforcing members of each side region is positioned in the range of 38-40mm, optionally 39mm, from said central axis in a direction towards the respective side face of the body.

12. A support post according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the reinforcing members have a diameter in the range of 4mm and 7mm, optionally the reinforcing members have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 6mm, for example approximately 5.5mm.

13. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein no reinforcing members are provided within the central web.

14. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of reinforcing members is equally spaced about a centre point of the cross-sectional profile of the body.

15. A support post according to claim 14, the cross-sectional profile of the body comprises four reinforcing members equally spaced about a centre point of said cross-sectional profile.

16. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the side faces of the cross-sectional profile of the body are tapered in a direction towards the front face of the body.

17. A support post according to any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing rods comprise a metallic material, optionally steel.

18. A support post according to any preceding claim, where the body comprises a cementitious material.

19. A fence assembly comprising: a first support post according to any preceding claim; a second support post according to any preceding claim, wherein a front face of the first support post is arranged to substantially oppose a rear face of the second support post; and a fence panel defining first and second side edges, wherein the fence panel is positioned between the opposing first and second support posts such that the first side edge of the fence panel is received in the front channel of the first support post, and the second side edge of the fence panel is received in the rear channel of the second support post.

20. A method of manufacturing a support post according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing a mould body for the support post; ii) positioning a plurality of reinforcing members in a spaced apart array within the mould body so as to define opposing groups of reinforcing members arranged to extend along one of the respective first and second opposing side regions; and iii) pouring cementitious material into the mould body.