GB2582581A

GB2582581A - Barrier or fencing panel

Info

Publication number: GB2582581A
Application number: GB1904124.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shakespeare Matthew; Mclean James
Original assignee: ZND UK Ltd
Current assignee: ZND UK Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2019-03-26
Publication date: 2020-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-26
Also published as: GB201904124D0; GB2582581B

Abstract

The barrier comprises a frame supported by a hollow tubular member 109 which forms a leg, inside which an insert 201 is secured. The insert may comprise two tubular portions each with a bevel at one end and a foot portion at the other end. The insert may comprise a channel which receives a long socket tightening screw, secured by a lock nut. The insert may comprise plastic. The leg may comprise a slot and the insert a corresponding protrusion. The barrier may comprise two pairs of legs rigidly attached to the frame, positioned such that one leg of each pair is closer to an end of the frame than the other leg. The barrier may comprise two parallel hollow tubular members, each forming a leg with an insert. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing said barrier comprising the step of bending a plurality of hollow tubular members.

Description

Barrier or Fencing Panel

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a barrier or fencing panel and a method of manufacturing such a barrier or fencing panel.

Temporary fencing systems, fence panels, temporary barrier systems and barriers are utilised to provide demarcation to define enclosures to prevent or to provide limited access into such enclosures or other areas. Similarly, pedestrian barriers are utilised to retain pedestrians or spectators at events in particular areas.

A fence panel typically comprises a frame and tubular members which extend from the frame as legs which are located into concrete blocks to provide support the frame in the form of feet. Similarly, a barrier typically comprises a frame to which tubular members extend therefrom to form legs which are angled to support the frame on the ground.

With increasing requirements to reduce the overall weight of temporary fence panels and barriers, the tubular members have become less durable and often suffer from damage which requires panels and barriers to be replaced.

Damage can occur from pedestrians leaning on the barriers or fence panels, or when vehicles unintentionally drive over the legs.

The strength of the legs may be increased by conventional methods, such as increasing the thickness of the tubular members or providing additional welded material. However, this results in undesirable weight increases and/or poorer weight distribution. In addition, revised methods of manufacture are often required which are more cumbersome. The present invention looks to provide a means for improving performance and strength of tubular members in these types of applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier or fencing panel comprising: a frame; a hollow tubular member arranged to form a leg configured to support said frame; and an insert positioned inside said leg; wherein said insert comprises a securing mechanism for securing said insert inside said leg.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a barrier or fencing panel, said barrier or fencing panel comprising a frame comprising a plurality of tubular members, said method comprising the steps of: bending said plurality of tubular members to form said frame; arranging at least one hollow tubular member in the form of a leg; positioning an insert inside said leg; and securing said insert inside said leg by means of a securing mechanism.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a temporary fencing panel; Figures 2A and 2B show an insert for positioning in the leg of a temporary fencing panel; Figure 3 shows a tightening screw forming part of a securing mechanism; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert and tightening screw; Figures 5A and 5B show the process of securing the insert within the temporary fencing panel; Figure 6 shows a pedestrian barrier; Figure 7 shows an insert for positioning in the leg of a barrier; Figures 8A and 8B show the process of securing the insert within the barrier of Figure 6; Figures 9A and 9B show a cross-sectional view of the barrier insert and a side view of the barrier insert respectively; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the barrier insert and tightening screw; Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert positioned in a barrier; and Figure 12 shows a method of manufacturing a barrier or fencing panel including an insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 A temporary fencing panel 101 is illustrated in Figure 1 and provides a means in which an enclosure or a barrier can be defined in order to prevent or to provide limited access into such enclosures or other areas.

Fencing panel 101 comprises a frame 102 formed of a tubular member 103 and tubular cross member 104. In this illustrated embodiment, tubular member 103 is subjected to a bending process in manufacture to form rounded corners 105 and 106. Tubular members 103 and 104 are therefore combined to define frame 102 which further comprises mesh 107. Frame 102 further comprises an additional tubular member 108 which provides additional structural support to frame 102 and prevents mesh 107 from over-flexing in use.

In the embodiment, tubular member 103 is arranged to form a first leg 109 and a second leg 110 which extend beyond tubular cross member 104. In the embodiment, the tubular members forming legs 109 and 110 are substantially hollow thereby presenting an open end to the tube which allows for receipt of an insert in accordance with the present invention.

Each leg 109, 110, can be positioned into a conventional concrete block or foot so as to support temporary fencing panel 101 in use. In conventional fencing panels therefore, it is these legs which are susceptible to damage due to the requirements of supporting the frame.

Each of the tubular members typically comprise galvanised steel. While it is a requirement in accordance with the present invention that the tubular members forming legs are hollow, it is appreciated that, while it is often preferred that the other tubular members are also hollow, in altemative embodiments they may be manufactured from a solid bar, such as in embodiments where additional weight is desired.

It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, fencing panel 101 may comprise two tubular members arranged substantially parallel to each other in a vertical axis with a separate tubular cross member extending substantially parallel to tubular cross member 104. In this embodiment, the two tubular members extend substantially downwards to form substantially similar legs as 109 and 110.

Figures 2A and 2B An insert 201 which is configured to be positioned inside leg 109 and/or leg 110 is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2A and Figure 2B show alternative perspective views of insert 201 showing respective ends.

Insert 201 comprises a main body 202 having a first tubular portion 203 and a second tubular portion 204. Main body 202, and each corresponding tubular portion therefore, is substantially cylindrical corresponding to the hollow inside of legs 109, 110. This allows insert 201 to be pushed or slid into the inside of such a leg by means of an open end of the hollow tubular member and secured into place.

In the embodiment. tubular portion 203 comprises a first end 205 and a second end 206. First end 205 comprises a bevel and second end 206 comprises a foot portion 207. Foot portion 207, in this embodiment, comprises a flat plate section which provides additional support to the cross-section of the tubular portion as it rests on the ground or in a conventional foot or support block. The foot portion consequently has a larger cross-sectional diameter than tubular portion 203.

The bevel of first end 205 is configured to correspond to a bevel of tubular portion 204. Thus: tubular portion 204 comprises a first end 208 and second end 209 which comprises the corresponding bevel. In use, the two bevelled ends are held together within the hollow tubular leg of the fencing panel and secured by means of a tightening screw which will be described further with respect to Figure 3.

Both tubular portions 203 and 204 comprise a cross-section which includes cut-outs as can be seen at first end 208 of tubular portion 204. These cut-outs and the cross-sectional arrangement assist in reducing mass without compromising the structural integrity of the insert.

In the embodiment, insert 201 and, in particular, tubular portion 203 and tubular portion 204 comprise a plastics material. In an embodiment, the plastics material comprises polypropylene. In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that other plastics materials may be used.

Figure 3 Tightening screw 301 comprises part of a securing mechanism which enables insert 201 to be secured in a leg 109, 110. In use, tightening screw 301 is configured to be received by a channel of insert 201 as will be described in further detail in Figure 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, tightening screw 301 comprises a long socket head cap portion 302 and a threaded portion 303. In the embodiment, tightening screw 301 comprises galvanised carbon steel, although it is appreciated that other suitable materials may be utilised.

In manufacture, in the embodiment illustrated, tightening screw 301 is produced by welding a long socket head cap screw to a corresponding portion of threaded bar. In an embodiment, the long socket head cap screw is a sixty-millimetre (60 mm) length M6 threaded screw. Consequently, the threaded bar is also M6, and has a length of one hundred and fifty-five millimetres (155 mm).

While the tightening screw is welded from two separate parts, it is appreciated that, once welded, tightening screw functions as a single screw.

In an alternative embodiment, a long socket head cap screw is manufactured in one piece. It is appreciated that a suitable tightening screw having similar features to that as described may be manufactured in other suitable methods as necessary.

Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of insert 201 with tightening screw 301 will be described with respect to Figure 4. First tubular portion 203 and second tubular portion 204 each comprise a channel 401 and 402 therethrough. Channel 401 and channel 402 are similarly configured to receive tightening screw 301 in the manner shown.

In use, tubular portion 203 and tubular portion 204 are positioned adjacent to each other while tightening screw 301 is inserted through an aperture 403 in tubular portion 203 which resides at the second end 206 of first tubular portion 203. Thus, tightening screw 301 extends into channel 401 and channel 402 which act as a single channel through which tightening screw 301 extends.

At the first end 208 of second tubular portion 204 the securing mechanism includes a lock nut 404 which is fixed in channel 402. Channel 402 further widens towards the first end 208 so as to enable lock nut 404 to be received.

In the embodiment, lock nut 404 is a nylon insert lock nut such as those provided under the trade mark Nyloc®. In the embodiment, lock nut 404 is fixed by utilising a contact adhesive in the widened end of channel 402.

Figures 5A and 5B The method by which insert 201 is secured within the fencing panel 101 is illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5A shows the process of inserting the insert into fencing panel 101 while Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view showing the insert in place with the securing mechanism secured.

With tightening screw 301 being positioned in channels 401 and 402, tubular portions 203 and 204 are pushed or slid together into the open end 501 of the leg 109 in the direction of arrow 502.

Once in place, as per Figure 5B, tightening screw 301 is rotated in channel 401, 402 to secure to lock nut 404. This is achieved by using a suitable tool on the socket head cap 302 in a conventional manner. This then enables the insert to be locked into place within the leg 109 of fencing panel 101 with tubular portion 203 and tubular portion 204 being secured together.

Thus, once this has been achieved with respect to leg 109, the same io process can be repeated in respect of leg 110 in a substantially similar manner, such that the two hollow tubular members forming legs each comprise an insert.

Figure 6 Pedestrian barrier 601 provides a means to retain pedestrians or spectators at event within particular areas.

As per conventional barriers, barrier 601 comprises a frame 602 and two pairs of legs 603 and 604. Frame 602 is formed of hollow tubular members such as hollow tubular member 605 and tubular cross member 606. Between tubular members 605 and 606 frame 602 comprises a mesh 607.

The two pairs of legs 603 and 604 are rigidly attached to tubular cross member 606 and are configured to support frame 602 above ground level. Each pair of legs is substantially similar and the legs are positioned such that one leg in a pair of legs is positioned closer to one end of the frame then the other leg in the pair.

Each of the legs forming the pair of legs 603 and 064 comprises a hollow tubular member which are typically placed on the ground level to support frame 602. In the illustrated embodiment, barriers of this type can be manufactured to include tie bars such as tie bar 608 which is described in the applicant's granted patent GB 2 431 957. As will be appreciated, these tie bars are utilised to strengthen the legs and prevent damage. However, while such tie bars assist in retaining the offset structure of the legs in place, they provide limited protection for the ends of the legs from damage.

Each of the tubular members of the barrier 601 typically comprise galvanised carbon steel. In a similar manner to the fencing panel 101, while it is a requirement in accordance with the present invention that the tubular members forming the legs 603 and 604 are hollow and while it is often preferred that the other tubular members are also hollow, in alternative embodiments it is possible that at least part of the frame be manufactured from a solid bar if additional weight is required.

Figure 7 An insert which is configured to be positioned inside any one of the legs of either pair of legs 603 or 604 is shown in Figure 7. Insert 701 includes many substantially similar features to insert 201, however, insert 701 is specifically adapted for barriers of the type shown in Figure 6 as opposed to fencing panels of the type shown in Figure 1.

Insert 701 comprises a main body 702 comprising a first tubular portion 703 and a second tubular portion 704. Main body 702, and each corresponding tubular portion therefore, is substantially cylindrical corresponding to the hollow inside of the legs 603 and 604. This allows insert 701 to be pushed or slid into the inside of such a leg by means of an open end of the hollow tubular member and secured into place.

In the embodiment, tubular portion 703 comprises a first end 705 and a second end 706. First end 705 comprises a bevel and second end 706 comprises a foot portion 707. In this particular embodiment, foot portion 707 differs substantially from foot portion 207 by means of its overall shape. In this embodiment, foot portion 707 comprises a wedge-shaped foot which is specifically shaped in line with the angle of the legs attached to the barrier 601 so that foot portion 707 is able to adequately support barrier 601. However, in a similar manner to foot portion 207, the foot portion has a larger cross-sectional diameter than tubular portion 703.

The bevel of first end 705 is configured to correspond to a bevel of tubular portion 704. In this way, tubular portion 704 comprises a first end 708 and a second end 709 which comprises the corresponding bevel. In use, the two bevel ends are held together within the hollow tubular leg of the barrier and secured by means of a tightening screw which is substantially similar to that has previously described in Figure 3.

In a similar way to insert 201, both tubular portions 703 and 704 comprise a cross section which comprises a plurality of cut-outs in line with those visible on the first end 708 of tubular portion 704. Again, this can provide weight reduction and assist with the flexibility of the insert.

In the embodiment, insert 701 and, correspondingly, tubular portion 703 and tubular portion 704, comprise a plastics material. In an embodiment, the plastics material comprises polypropylene however it is appreciated that in alternative embodiments any other suitable plastics material may be used. In contrast to insert 201, insert 701 comprises a protrusion 710 which is, in this embodiment, positioned on tubular portion 703 adjacent the foot portion 707. Protrusion 710 is configured to cooperate with a slot of the hollow tubular member of a leg of the barrier as will be described further in Figure 8.

Figures 8A and 8B Insert 701 is secured within barrier 601 in a similar manner to insert 201 within fencing panel 101.

In Figure 8A, insert 701 is pushed or slid in the direction of arrow 801 into the hollow tubular member of leg 802 through open end 803. It is appreciated that for the purposes of illustration, leg 802 may be considered as being the rearmost one of the legs of pair of legs 603.

Leg 802 comprises a slot 804 which is mutually co-operable with protrusion 710. In regard to Figure 8B it can be seen that protrusion 710 slides into slot 804 which, during manufacturing, ensures that insert 701 is positioned accurately within leg 802. This arrangement is particularly advantageous as it ensures that foot portion 707 is correctly positioned on the barrier 601.

As can be seen in Figure 8B, foot portion 707 is wedge-shaped in order to take account of the angle of the legs on the bottom of the barrier. Foot portion 707 further comprises a grip surface 805 on the bottom surface of foot portion 707 to prevent any slippage on the ground in use. It is further noted that foot portion 707 includes an aperture 806 therethrough which enables the tightening screw 301 to be positioned therethrough for locking the insert 701 in position in a substantially similar manner to that as insert 201. This process will now be described with respect to Figures 9 to 11.

Figures 9A and 9B Figure 9 shows a side view and cross-sectional view of insert 701 with Figure 9A illustrating a cross-sectional view and Figure 9B illustrating a side view.

Referring to Figure 9B, foot portion 707 shows the wedge-shape of foot portion 707 with grip surface 805 being shown as a plurality of indentations in the bottom surface of foot portion 707. Protrusion 710 is also shown as part of tubular portion 703 and protrudes from the side of tubular portion 703. The illustration also illustrates bevel 901 of the first end 705 of tubular portion 703.

Corresponding bevel 902 on second end 709 of tubular portion 704 is also illustrated.

As per insert 201, insert 701 comprises a channel therethrough and, in this illustrated example, insert 701 comprises channel 903 and channel 904 corresponding respectively to tubular portions 703 and 704. Channel 903 extends through tubular portion 703 through its entirety including the foot portion 707. Channel 903 is wider towards to end of the foot portion to enable the socket of tightening screw 301 to sit within foot portion 707 without protruding therefrom. Thus, channel 903 widens at the aperture 806 before extending through tubular portions 703 at a dimeter. It is appreciated that this arrangement is substantially similar to that as shown in Figure 4 with the exception of the placement of the wider portion in the foot portion 707.

In a similar manner, channel 904 extends through tubular portions 704 in its entirety and widens towards the first end 708 to enable a lock nut to be received as will be further described with respect to Figure 10.

Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of insert 701 with tightening screw 301 positioned therein is shown in Figure 10. Tubular portions 703 and 704 are now positioned adjacent to each other with channels 903 and 904 joining to form a single channel. Tightening screw 301 has been inserted through aperture 806 and therefore extends through channel 903, 904 in a similar manner to the way it extends through insert 201 as depicted in Figure 4. Similarly, at first end 708 of second tubular portion 704, the securing mechanism includes lock nut 1001 which is fixed in channel 904. In the embodiment, lock nut 1001 is a nylon insert lock nut such as those provided under the trademark Nyloc®. In the embodiment, lock nut 1001 is fixed by means of a contact adhesive applied in the widened end of channel 904. Lock nut 1001 may be substantially similar to lock nut 404 as previously described.

Figure 11 Thus, insert 701 can be inserted into leg 802 in a substantially similar manner to insert 201 being inserted into leg 109.

The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 11 shows tightening screw 301 positioned in channel 903, 904 whereby the head of tightening screw 301 is tightened using a suitable tool to rotate tightening screw 301 within the channel to secure to lock nut 1001. This enables the insert to be locked into place within leg 802 of barrier 601 with tubular portions 703 and 704 being secured together.

In this way, foot portion 707 rests on ground level and effectively supports the barrier while providing additional structural integrity to leg 802.

Once this process has been completed in respect of leg 802, the same process can be repeated in respect of the remaining legs on the barrier in a substantially similar manner, by simply inserting the tubular members into the hollow legs through the open end and tightening an appropriate tightening screw to secure the insert in place. Thus, it is anticipated that a barrier substantially similar to that of barrier 601 will comprise four inserts, with one insert positioned inside each leg of the pairs of legs 603 and 604.

Figure 12 A method of manufacturing a barrier or fencing panel such as fencing panel 101 or barrier 601 is illustrated in Figure 12.

At step 1201, a plurality of tubular members is obtained which are sufficient to construct a frame in the manner required. This may be in the form of either a barrier or fencing panel as previously described, whereby in either case the frame comprises a plurality of tubular members.

At step 1202 the tubular members are appropriately formed into the frame by bending the plurality of tubular members to form the frame in question. This may include a process of bending a single tubular member to form rounded corners and part of the frame before attaching these tubular members to further tubular members to form the frame.

In the case of the fencing panel, this step may involve arranging the hollow tubular member such that it forms a hollow tubular member in parallel to a further hollow tubular member and, as per step 1203, this provides two hollow tubular members in the form of two legs. In the case of a barrier, separate hollow tubular members may be obtained to form legs and arranged in the form of legs by attaching two pairs of the legs to the frame and positioning them in such a manner that the first leg in the pair of legs is positioned closer to one end of the frame than the second leg in each pair.

As described in respect of Figures 5 and 8 in particular, at step 1204 the insert is positioned inside each hollow leg and subsequently secured inside the leg as per step 1205. Each insert is typically positioned inside the leg by sliding the insert through an open end of one of the hollow tubular members forming the legs.

In the embodiment as described, it is indicated that the frame is formed first by bending a plurality of tubular members prior to the insert being positioned and secured in place once the frame has been formed. It is appreciated however that in an alternative embodiment, the step of positioning the insert may be performed prior to the step of bending the plurality of tubular members. Thus, the insert may be fitted prior to the finalisation of the formation of the fencing panel or barrier. In either case however, the process results in a fencing panel as per the fencing panel of Figure 1 or a barrier as per the barrier of Figure 6.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. A barrier or fencing panel comprising: a frame; a hollow tubular member arranged to form a leg configured to support said frame; and an insert positioned inside said leg; wherein said insert comprises a securing mechanism for securing said insert inside said leg.
2. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 1, wherein said insert comprises a main body comprising a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion.
3. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 2, wherein said first tubular portion comprises a first end and a second end and said first end of said first tubular portion comprises a bevel.
4. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 3, wherein said second end comprises a foot portion.
5. A barrier or fencing panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said second tubular portion comprises a first end and a second end and said second end of said second tubular portion comprises a bevel.
6. A barrier or fencing panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said insert comprises a channel therethrough.
7. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 6, wherein said securing mechanism comprises a tightening screw and said channel is configured to receive said tightening screw.
8. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 7, wherein said tightening screw comprises a long socket head cap portion and a threaded portion.
9. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said securing mechanism further comprises a lock nut for securing said tightening screw in said channel.
10. A barrier or fencing panel according to claim 9, wherein said lock nut is a nylon insert lock nut.
11. A barrier or fencing panel according to any preceding claim, wherein said insert comprises a plastics material.
12. A barrier or fencing panel according to any preceding claim, wherein said hollow tubular member comprises a slot and said insert comprises a corresponding protrusion configured to co-operate with said slot.
13. A barrier according to claim 1, comprising two pairs of legs rigidly attached to said frame and configured to support said frame above ground level, said legs being positioned such that a first leg in a pair of legs is positioned closer to one end of said frame than the second leg in said pair; wherein each said leg comprises an insert.
14. A fencing panel according to claim 1, comprising a further hollow tubular member arranged substantially parallel to said hollow tubular member, each said hollow tubular member forming a respective leg comprising an insert.
15. A method of manufacturing a barrier or fencing panel, said barrier or fencing panel comprising a frame comprising a plurality of tubular members, said method comprising the steps of: bending said plurally of tubular members to form said frame; arranging at least one hollow tubular member in the form of a leg; positioning an insert inside said leg; and securing said insert inside said leg by means of a securing mechanism.
16. A method of manufacturing according to claim 15, wherein said step of securing comprises rotating a tightening screw in a channel of said insert.
17. A method of manufacturing according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said insert comprises a main body comprising a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, and said step of securing secures said first tubular portion and said second tubular portion together.
18. A method of manufacturing according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said step of positioning an insert is performed prior to said step of bending.
19. A method of manufacturing according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising the step of fixing a lock nut in a channel of said insert.
20. A method of manufacturing according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein said step of positioning an insert comprises sliding said insert into an open end of one of said hollow tubular members.
21. A method of manufacturing a barrier according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising the steps of: attaching two pairs of legs to said frame; positioning said legs such that a first leg in a pair of legs is positioned closer to one end of said frame than the second leg in said pair; and providing each said leg with an insert.
22. A method of manufacturing a fencing panel according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising the steps of: arranging said at least one hollow tubular member substantially parallel to another hollow tubular member, such that each said hollow tubular member forms a respective leg; and providing each said leg with an insert