GB2576176A

GB2576176A - Security fencing

Info

Publication number: GB2576176A
Application number: GB1812830.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Long Roger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-07
Filing date: 2018-08-07
Publication date: 2020-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-07
Also published as: GB2576176B; GB201812830D0; WO2020030630A1

Abstract

Security fencing comprises a plurality of prefabricated panels having lengthwise extending parallel wire rods welded to upstanding wire rods. The lengthwise extending rods of one panel include a fold extending over the height of the panel to create eyelets through with stitching rods can pass to allow panels to be connected. The fencing may comprise two parallel lines of fencing 10, 12 joined by zig-zag lines 14 whose ends abut the folded lines, defining a space for receiving the stitching rod. Also claimed are: security fencing characterised by the use of a U-shaped connecting member and a stitching rod to connect two panels together; a connector for joining two fence panels together, characterised by the provision of a pair of spaced openings through which lengthwise extending rods of the panels can project, and a stitching rod for positioning in each opening; and, security fencing comprising first and second panels, one of the panels having a fold in its lengthwise extending rods, the panels being joined by a U-shaped connecting member and a connector for connecting the panels along their adjoining sides.

Description

SECURITY FENCING

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fencing and more especially to security fencing assembled from welded wire rod mesh panels.

Background to the invention

Security fencing produced from prefabricated panels of welded wire rod mesh is well known. Conventionally, the individual mesh panels are supported and interconnected by structurally rigid upright posts set in relatively deep foundations to form a continuous linear security barrier. Typically, the posts are of steel construction and are pitched along a fence line at approximately 2.44 metre centres. On occasions horizontal rails are fastened to the posts to provide additional security.

Examples of such fencing are disclosed in US Patent 4,003,178.

It is generally accepted that security fencing is particularly vulnerable when an aggressor seeks to break through a fence panel at a location substantially mid-way between neighbouring upright posts, or by removing one or more of the supporting posts. This conclusion is particularly relevant for security fencing which comprises a single line of wire rod mesh panels supported at their ends by rigid upright posts.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved security fence system by creating a uniform higher level of resistance along the entire fence line and by, essentially, eliminating or minimising intermediate structural posts and their associated deep foundations.

In addition, the present invention seeks to provide security fencing which lends itself to relatively shallow depth foundations typical of many crash rated barrier designs.

The present invention also seeks to provide means by which individual fence panels can be securely attached along their ends to produce security fencing of any required overall length.

Fencing in accordance with the invention also lends itself to many variations to suit a variety of conditions, requirements and threat levels.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides fencing produced from a plurality of prefabricated panels each of which comprises a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending generally parallel wire rods welded to a multiplicity of generally parallel upstanding spaced wire rods, the lengthwise extending wire rods of one such prefabricated panel including an upstanding fold which extends over the entire height of the panel to create eyelets through which upstanding stitching rods or the like can pass .

For security purposes, two spaced generally parallel lines of such fencing may be provided, these lines being connected by further lines of the same or similar fencing which extend between and are secured at their ends to said generally parallel lines.

The further fencing lines may take the form of zig-zag lines, the ends of such zig-zag lines which abut one or other of the parallel lines each including an aforesaid upstanding fold which co-operates with an aforesaid upstanding stitching rod to create a unitary security fence.

The folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said further fencing lines preferably extend into and through spaces defined between the lengthwise extending wire rods of an adjacent fencing panel, the folded wire rods defining a generally vertical space for receiving an upstanding stitching rod.

In a second aspect the invention provides security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, and an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first panel, the apices of the folded rods extending through the square or rectangular openings of said second prefabricated panel, and an upstanding stitching rod located within said space between the folded wire rods of the first panel and the opposed wire rods of the second panel to secure one panel to the other.

In a third aspect, the invention provides security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first prefabricated panel, an upstanding open-sided U shaped connecting member formed on its closed side with a series of spaced openings into which the folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said first prefabricated panel extend, the open side of the connecting member extending through adjacent apertures of the openings of said second prefabricated panel, and an upstanding stitching rod located within the U shape of the connecting member to secure one prefabricated panel to the other .

The length of the said first panel may be the same as that of the second panel, or may differ from that of said second panel.

In the latter context, one, several or all said second panels may comprise relatively short panels each including said fold dimensioned to receive said upstanding stitching rod.

The ground engaging ends of all or a majority of the upstanding stitching rods may be located in shallow foundations. By shallow is meant a foundation of a depth not exceeding 45cms.

In a preferred arrangement, security fencing in accordance with the invention comprises two generally parallel rows of said first prefabricated panels and a plurality of rows of said second prefabricated panels extending between and connected to panels of said two generally parallel rows, those panels of each said connecting row which adjoin panels of said generally parallel rows including folds as described, stitching rods being located in said folds.

Preferably, the rows of said second prefabricated panels together define a zig-zag pattern.

Preferably the apertures formed between the wire rods of each panel approximate to 4.7mm in the horizontal plane.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of producing security fencing which includes a first prefabricated panel and a second prefabricated panel set an angle to said first panel, each said panel including a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, said method comprising the steps of providing in lengthwise extending wire rods of said first panel a generally vertical fold, projecting the apices of the wire rods which define said fold into and through adjoining vertically spaced openings of the second prefabricated panel, and locating within the space defined between the folded wire rods of said first panel and the opposed wire rods of said second panel an upstanding stitching rod to join one panel to the other.

The fencing preferably comprises first and second rows of said second prefabricated panels, said rows being joined by a plurality of spaced said first prefabricated panels.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a connector for joining two fencing panels along their adjoining sides, each said panel comprising a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of generally parallel upstanding spaced wire rods, the connector comprising a pair of open-sided elongate members each formed with vertically spaced openings through which lengthwise extending wires of both panels can project, and a stitching rod for positioning in each opening to lock the elongate members to the respective fence panel.

In a sixth aspect the invention provides security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first prefabricated panel, an upstanding open-sided U shaped connecting member formed on its closed side with a series of spaced openings into which the folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said first prefabricated panel extend, the open side of the connecting member extending through adjacent apertures of the openings of said second prefabricated panel, an upstanding stitching rod located within the U shape of the connecting member to secure one prefabricated panel to the other, and a connector for joining two said prefabricated panels along their adjoining sides, the connector comprising a pair of open-sided elongate members each formed with vertically spaced openings through which lengthwise extending wires of both panels can project, and a stitching rod for positioning in each opening to lock the elongate members to the respective fence panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a section of security fencing in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the fence section shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are respectively plan and side views to an enlarged scale of the fence section A illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of an alternative section of fencing in accordance with the invention;

Figures 6 and 7 are respectively a plan view from above and a side view to an enlarged scale of the fence section B shown in Figure 5;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 are respectively plan, side and end views to an enlarged scale of a fence panel connector for use with security fencing in accordance with the invention, the position of one such connector being indicated by reference C in Figures 1 and 5;

Figures 11 and 12 are plan views of alternative arrangements using apex connectors, for connecting separate rather than folded panels; and

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are respectively plan front elevation and side elevation views of a further alternative fence panel connector to that illustrated in Figures 8 to 10.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The security fence illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 comprises two spaced generally parallel spans 10, 12 of prefabricated welded wire rod mesh vertical panels joined together by a plurality of spaced generally vertical panels 14 also of prefabricated welded wire rod mesh. Typically, the length of each panel is 2.5 meters and the height 4 meters. These are simply typical dimensions which can vary on a case by case basis.

As will be seen from Figure 1, the lines of panels 14 are each set at an angle to the lines of panels 10, 12 and together create a zig-zag path which extends between panel lines 10, 12. Typically, each line of panels 14 defines an angle which approximates to between 40 and 60 degrees to the adjoining lines of the parallel spans 10, 12. These quoted angles are simply given by way of example, other angles being able to be selected on a case by case basis.

Each panel 10, 12 and 14 comprises a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending steel wire rods 16 (see Figures 2 and 4) welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced steel wire rods 18 to define a panel which includes a plurality of generally rectangular spaces 20.

The wire rods 16, 18 may be produced from materials which have similar properties to those of steel.

The dimensions and composition of the wire rods, and the dimensions of the spaces 20 defined between the wire rods 16, will to an extent, depend on the function to be served by the panels. Thus, if the panels are to be employed as high security fencing to prevent access to or egress from a site, the gaps defined by the parallel wires of the assembled panels may be, for example, around 4.7mm inter alia to prevent 0.22 calibre (5.58mm) bullets passing through the fence panels without a high probability of severe deflection, while not preventing a person seeing through the panel assembly for inspection purposes.

As shown best in Figure 3 of the drawings, vertically extending folds 22 are created within the panels 14 at positions A (see Figure 1) where the panels 14 join the panels 10 and 12, the individual wires of each fold 22 extending through neighbouring vertically spaced apertures of an adjoining panel 10, 12 to define a vertical space within which is positioned a stitching rod or tube 24 (referred to below as rods for ease of understanding). In this way the assembly of the zig-zag panels 14 and the panel lines 10, 12 is completed.

Preferably, the stitching rods are produced from steel or a material having similar properties to steel.

As illustrated the folds 22 are produced simply by folding each panel about a selected vertical line; alternatively the folds 22 are produced by cutting a panel along a selected vertical line, the cut panels then being welded or otherwise joined together to produce the required fold.

The lower ends of the stitching rods 24 may be positioned in relatively shallow foundations. Typically, the depth of the foundations will be of the order of 22cms. This compares with a depth typically of around lOOcms for supporting posts of conventional fencing.

Turning now to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the illustrated fencing differs essentially from that described above in the way in which the fencing panels 14 are connected to the panels 10, 12.

As will be seen from Figure 6, whereas the folds 22 of the panels 14 extend into the openings 20 of the panels 10, 12, they do not extend sufficiently through these openings to enable a stitching post 24 to be positioned as shown in Figure 3. Thus, in the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 the stitching rods 24 are positioned adjacent the inwardly facing sides of the panels 10, 12 and are retained in place by joint members 26.

Each joint member 26 includes a pair of generally parallel vertical arms which extend over the full height of the respective fence panel and a series of spaced arcuate members 30 which project through openings in the respective panels and are shaped to receive a stitching rod 24.

Turning now to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, individual panels 10, 12, 14 are joined along their sides by means of joint members 32. These preferably extend over the full height of the individual panels; alternatively they may extend over only a portion or portions of the full height of each panel.

Each joint member 32 includes a pair of folded sections 34 each formed with a series of slots 36 which enable the joint members 32 to extend into and through the spaces defined between neighbouring lengthwise extending rods 16 of the respective fence panels. The ends of the folded sections which protrude through the fence panels define openings to receive vertically extending stitching rods 38 thereby to connect the adjoining fence panels together.

The joint members 32 and the stitching rods 38 preferably extend over the full height of the joined panels with the lower ends of the stitching rods set in the foundation. Alternatively the joint members 32 may extend over only one or more discrete height sections of the panels.

An alternative to creating folds 22 in the panels 14 is illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. In these embodiments, the panels 14 are cut into individual lengths and joined by apex connectors 43 and/or 44. Stitching rods 24 are provided as shown in these figures.

The joint members shown in Figures 13 to 15 comprise sheet members 40 each folded to define two generally semi-circular channels 42 which project through openings 20 of the adjoining panels to be connected, the joint members being held in place by stitching rods 38.

Other forms of joint members may be employed, all serving essentially the same function as those described above.

The described security fencing described provides substantial resistance to, for example, vehicle attack by creating a uniform high resistance to penetration. Also, any attempt to penetrate the fencing by the use of power tools would be drastically inhibited because of the many layers of fencing employed. The voids present between the various lines of fencing can readily be filled with, for example, barbed or razor wire to provide additional resistance to penetration.

It is envisaged that the zig-zag inner fencing panels need only be of a height of between 2.4 and 3.0 meters with the panels of the two outer fencing lines being considerably higher and supported by stitching rods.

Both sides of the described fencing can be considered as potential attack faces.

The described fencing creates formidable resistance to attack by hostile vehicles and attack on foot; it also lends itself to ballistic resistance. As mentioned, in a preferred arrangement the fencing panels only leaves a theoretical gap of 4.7mm in the horizontal plane thereby preventing even bullets of .22 calibre (5.58mm) passing from one side of the fencing to the other without serious deflection and without adversely affecting the transparency of the fencing.

Typical applications for fencing as described above include military establishments, borders, animal enclosures, nuclear power stations, high security private establishments, rapid development requirements, Governmental establishments, temporary crowd control, airports, prisons, and gate and barrier infills .

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is simply explanatory of security fencing in accordance with the invention and that modifications thereto can readily be made without departing from the invention as claimed in the application.

Claims

1. Fencing produced from a plurality of prefabricated panels each of which comprises a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending generally parallel wire rods welded to a multiplicity of generally parallel upstanding spaced wire rods, the lengthwise extending wire rods of one such prefabricated panel including a fold which extends over the entire height of the panel to create eyelets through which upstanding stitching rods or the like can pass to enable said one prefabricated panel to be connected to an adjoining prefabricated panel.

2. Fencing as claimed in claim 1 which includes two spaced generally parallel lines of fencing, these lines being connected by further lines of the same or similar fencing which extend between and are secured at their ends to said generally parallel lines.

3. Fencing as claimed in claim 2 wherein the further fencing lines take the form of zig-zag lines, the ends of such zigzag lines which abut one or other of the parallel lines including an upstanding fold which co-operates with an upstanding stitching rod to create a unitary security fence .

4. Fencing as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said further fencing lines extend into and through spaces defined between the lengthwise extending wire rods of an adjacent fencing panel, the folded wire rods defining a generally vertical space for receiving an upstanding stitching rod.

5. Security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, and an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first panel, the apices of the folded rods extending through the square or rectangular openings of said second prefabricated, and an upstanding stitching rod located within said space between the folded wire rods of the first panel and the opposed wire rods of the second panel to secure one panel to the other.

6. Security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first prefabricated panel, an upstanding open-sided U shaped connecting member formed on its closed side with a series of spaced openings into which the folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said first prefabricated panel extend, the open side of the connecting member extending through adjacent apertures of the openings of said second prefabricated panel, and an upstanding stitching rod located within the U shape of the connecting member to secure one prefabricated panel to the other.

7. Fencing as claimed in claim 6 wherein the ground engaging ends of all or a majority of the upstanding stitching rods are located in shallow foundations.

8. Security fencing as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 which comprises two generally parallel rows of said first prefabricated panels and a plurality of rows of said second prefabricated panels extending between and connected to panels of said two generally parallel rows, those panels of each said connecting row which adjoin panels of said generally parallel rows including folds as described, stitching rods being located in said folds.

9. Security fencing as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rows of said second prefabricated panels together define a zig-zag pattern.

10. A method of producing security fencing which includes a first prefabricated panel and a second such panel set an angle to said first panel, each said panel including a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, said method comprising the steps of providing in lengthwise extending wire rods of said first panel a generally vertical fold, projecting the apices of the wire rods which define said fold into and through adjoining vertically spaced openings of the second prefabricated panel, and locating within the space defined between the folded wire rods of said first panel and the opposed wire rods of said second panel an upstanding stitching rod to join one panel to the other.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the fencing comprises first and second rows of said second prefabricated panels, said rows being joined by a plurality of spaced said first prefabricated panels.

12. A connector for joining two fencing panels along their adjoining sides, each said panel comprising a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of generally parallel upstanding spaced wire rods, the connector comprising a pair of spaced openings through which lengthwise extending wires of both panels can project, and a stitching rod for positioning in each opening to lock the elongate members to the respective fence panel.

13. Security fencing which includes first and second prefabricated panels each having a multiplicity of spaced lengthwise extending wire rods welded to a multiplicity of upstanding spaced wire rods to define a plurality of generally square or rectangular apertures, an upstanding fold formed in the lengthwise extending rods of said first prefabricated panel, an upstanding open-sided U shaped connecting member formed on its closed side with a series of spaced openings into which the folded lengthwise extending wire rods of said first prefabricated panel extend, the open side of the connecting member extending through adjacent apertures of the openings of said second prefabricated panel, an upstanding stitching rod located within the U shape of the connecting member to secure one prefabricated panel to the other, and a connector for joining two said prefabricated panels along their adjoining sides, the connector comprising a pair of open-sided elongate members each formed with vertically spaced openings through which lengthwise extending wires of both panels can project, and a stitching rod for positioning in each opening to lock the elongate members to the respective fence panel.