GB2601237A

GB2601237A - Fence bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2601237A
Application number: GB2115263.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roy Hawthornthwaite Steven; Edward Brown Paul
Original assignee: Shpb Ltd
Current assignee: Shpb Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-08
Filing date: 2018-03-08
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-08
Also published as: GB2601237B; GB202115263D0

Abstract

The fence assembly includes a first fence panel 10 and a second fence panel 12. A fence panel joining bracket 24 and a ground penetrating member 30 and a fence bracket 100. The fence bracket includes fence support portions for receiving projections from the fence panels ana a ground penetrating support member which holds the ground penetrating member. The panel projections extend through the fence support portions so they project through and extend out on the ground side of the fence bracket. The fence panel joining bracket joins the projections projecting on the ground side of the fence bracket.

Description

Fence bracket The present invention is concerned with a fence bracket. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a bracket for installing temporary and semi-permanent fencing using ground screws, ground stakes and the like.

Temporary and semi-permanent fencing is used in a variety of applications. For example it may be used to cordon off areas and direct people and vehicles at events, such as concerts. It may also be used to prevent access to hazardous areas such as building sites.

One type of fencing which is well known in the art is so-called Heras (RTM) fencing. This type of fencing comprises a panel having an outer frame constructed from metal tube, and a central area covered by wire mesh. At either end of the panel, two downwardly projecting protrusions are provided, also constructed from metal tubes. In use, large, heavy "feet" are provided which may be constructed from e.g. concrete. The feet have two openings in their upper surfaces to allow the protrusions of adjacent panels to be inserted therein, thereby forming a continuous fence. The uprights of the adjacent panels may also be secured together above the feet with suitable upright fastening brackets.

There are several drawbacks to this type of construction.

Firstly, the ability of the fence to remain upright depends on providing heavy feet. This can make transport of the fence parts problematic because the feet are so heavy. Further, the feet usually need to be manually handled into position, which due to their location on the ground can cause injury. The blocks can weigh anything from 18kg to 35kg. Bearing in mind that manual handling regulations typically state that one person should not carry over 25kg alone, this causes a clear problem with installation.

Secondly, even with heavy feet the panels are susceptible to being toppled by e.g. wind loading. The panels often form a large combined area, and although they are constructed from mesh, the circular cross section components from which they are constructed offer significant air resistance.

Thirdly, it is relatively easy to lift the fence panels from the feet, thereby gaining access to the restricted area.

Fourthly, the known feet are up to 770mm in length, up to 210mm wide, up to 120mm high 8L can project up to 2 feet out from the fence line, causing a trip hazard. This requires them to be painted in a bright colour which adds time and cost to manufatcure.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate, the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fence bracket comprising: a first fence support portion for receiving a projection of a first fence panel; a second fence support portion for receiving a projection of a second fence panel; and, a ground-penetrating member support portion for engagement with a ground-penetrating member.

The provision of a bracket allowing fence panels to be attached to a ground engaging member such as a ground screw or stake eliminates many of the problems with the prior art.

Preferably a free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion extends past the first and second fence support portions such that, in use, the free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion abuts the ground such that projections of the first and second fence panels received within the respective first and second support portion extend from the first and second support portions to enable them to be fastened together.

The invention provides a fence assembly comprising: a first fence panel; a second fence panel; a fence panel joining bracket; a ground-penetrating member; and, a fence bracket according to the first aspect; wherein the ground penetrating member is engaged with the ground-penetrating member support portion, and wherein the first and second fence panels are engaged with the first and second fence panel support portions such that they project from a ground side of the fence bracket, wherein the fence panel joining bracket joins the first and second fence panels on the ground side of the fence bracket.

According to a second aspect there is provided a fence bracket comprising: a first fence support portion for receiving a projection of a first fence panel; a second fence support portion for receiving a projection of a second fence panel, the first and second fence support portions defining a fence support plane having a first side and a second side; and, a ground-penetrating member; in which the ground-penetrating member is provided on the second side of the fence support plane.

This impedes access to the ground support member is positioned on the non-public (restricted access) side of the fence. It thus makes the fence more secure, and reduces the trip hazard.

The invention also provides a fence assembly comprising: a first fence panel; a second fence panel; a fence panel joining bracket; a ground-penetrating member; and, a fence bracket according to the second aspect; wherein the ground penetrating member is engaged with the ground-penetrating member support portion, and wherein the first and second fence panels are engaged with the first and second fence panel support portions such that they project from a ground side of the fence bracket, wherein the fence panel joining bracket joins the first and second fence panels on the ground side of the fence bracket.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first fence bracket in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 4 is a front perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 5 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1 with two adjacent fence panels and a ground screw assembled therewith; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a second fence bracket in accordance with the present invention FIGURE 7 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 6; FIGURE 8 is a front perspective view of the bracket of Figure 6 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 9 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 6 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 10 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 6 with two adjacent fence panels and a ground stake assembled therewith; FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a third fence bracket in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 12 is a front perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 13 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 with two adjacent fence panels assembled therewith; FIGURE 14 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 with two adjacent fence panels and a ground stake assembled therewith; FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of a fourth fence bracket in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 16 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 15; FIGURE 17 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 15 in a first partially installed condition; FIGURE 18 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 15 in a second, alternative, partially installed condition; FIGURE 19 is a front perspective of the bracket of Figure 15 with two adjacent fence panels and a pole assembled therewith; and, FIGURE 20 is a rear perspective of the bracket of Figure 15 with two adjacent fence panels and a pole assembled therewith.

The first embodiment Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a first bracket 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The bracket 100 comprises a body 102, a first fence support portion 104, a second fence support portion 106 and a ground-penetrating member support portion 108. In use, the bracket 100 defines a substantially vertical direction V. In use, as will be described below, the uprights of the fence panels will extend parallel to the vertical direction V. For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" with be used with reference to the bracket in use-i.e. as shown in Figure 1.

The body 102 is a flat, planar member which is generally triangular viewed in plan. The body has a first face 128 and a second face 130 opposite the first. Three rounded corners 110, 112, 114. Circular openings 116, 118 are formed adjacent the corners 110, 112. The body 102 is horizontal in use-i.e. normal to the vertical direction V. The first fence support portion 104 and second fence support portion 106 comprise circular, tubular members 120, 122 respectively, the members having an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the openings 116, 118. Both members define central axes Z1, Z2 respectively which are parallel to V in use.

The ground penetrating member support portion 108 comprises a circular, tubular member 124 having a radially oriented opening 126 in a sidewall thereof. The ground penetrating support member defines a central axis Z3 which is parallel to V in use.

Referring to Figures land 2, it can be seen that the circular, tubular members 120, 122 are engaged with the openings 116, 118 in the body 102 and thus project to upper and lower sides of the body 102. The tubular members 120, 122 are welded to the body 102 so as to be fixed thereto.

The circular, tubular member 124 is welded to the second face 130, proximate the third corner 114 so as to project perpendicularly from the body 102. It will be noted that the members 120, 122, 124 are parallel.

The member 124 projects further from the body 102 than the members 120, 122 as can be seen in Figure 2.

A fence plane FP is defined as the plane on which Z1 and 12 lie. Therefore FP is vertical in use. The fence plane FP defines front (F) and rear (R) directions of the bracket 100. The axis X3 is offset from the plane FP on the rear side, and in fact the tubular member 124 is entirely offset from the frame FP in this embodiment (Figure 2).

It will be noted that the two fence support portions are defined on the front side of the bracket, and the ground penetrating member support portion is defined on the rear side. The three portions thereby form a triangle in plan (their axes Z1, Z2, Z3 form the apices of a triangle in plan).

The bracket is constructed from 4mm thick galvanised mild steel in this embodiment. As it is constructed from plate material, it is relatively light (compared to the known feet of the prior art).

In use, the bracket 100 is installed as shown in Figures 3 to 5. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a first fence panel 10 and a second fence panel 12 are provided. Each fence panel 10, 12 has a frame 14 comprising uprights 16 having a cross-member 18 attached thereto. Wire mesh 20 fills the aperture defined by the frame 14. Each panel 10, 12 has a downwardly depending tubular, circle cross-section projection 22 which in this case is defined as a continuation of the upright 16.

The projections 22 are inserted into the fence support portions 104, 106, from the upper side, passing through them and emerging on the opposite / lower side. The portions of the projections which protrude from the fence support portions 104, 106 are secured together on the lower side with an upright-fastening bracket 24 (of the type known in the art). This prevents the fence panels 10, 12 from being lifted from the bracket 100. Preferably, the bracket 24 is of a construction which has a mechanical fastening occurs from the second side S2 of the bracket 100. More preferably, the bracket may be provided with an anti-tamper fastener.

A ground penetrating member in the form of a ground screw 30 is provided (see Figure 5) having a first portion 32 defining a tapered screw thread, and a second portion 34 defining a tubular shaft having an open end 36 and defining a radial opening 38. The ground screw is screwed into the ground in a known manner (such devices are known in the art), leaving the second portion 34 protruding. The bracket 100 and fencing 10, 12 is then lowered onto the second portion 34 such that the second portion 34 and tubular member 124 are engaged (in this embodiment, the tubular member 124 enters the second portion 34 of the ground screw). The ground screw is then secured to the bracket by aligning the openings 126, 38 and placing a mechanical member (such as a bolt) therethrough to prevent axial separation.

It will be noted that in use, the rear side faces the area which is to be secured. For example, if access is to be denied to a building site, the rear side should be on the inside of the site.

Attempted lifting of the fence panels 10, 12 from the bracket 100 is inhibited by the upright-fastening bracket 24. The bracket 24 cannot be removed from someone on the front side. The ground screw cannot be separated from the bracket, or unscrewed because it lies on the rear side of the bracket and therefore fence.

The second embodiment Referring to Figures 6 to 10, a second bracket 200 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The bracket 200 comprises a body 202, a first fence support portion 204, a second fence support portion 206 and a ground penetrating member support portion 208. Direction V, axes Z1, Z2 and Z3, fence plane FP and front and rear directions F and R are all defined as above.

The body 202 is a flat, planar member which is generally triangular viewed in plan. The body has a first face 228 and a second face 230 opposite the first. The body defines three rounded corners 210, 212, 214. Circular openings 216, 218, 219 are formed adjacent the corners 210, 212, 214.

The first fence support portion 204 and second fence support portion 206 comprise circular, tubular members 220, 222 respectively, the members having an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the openings 216, 218.

The ground penetrating member support portion 208 comprises a circular, tubular member 224 having an annular flange 226 at a first end thereof. The member 224 has an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the opening 219.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that the circular, tubular members 220, 222 are engaged with the openings 216, 218 in the body 202 and thus project either side of the body 202. The tubular members 220, 222 are welded to the body 202 so as to be fixed thereto.

The circular, tubular member 224 is engaged with the opening 219 and projects either side of the body 202. It is welded to body 202, and the flange 226 is positioned on the second face side of the body 202. It will be noted that the members 220, 222, 224 are parallel.

The member 224 projects further from the body 202 than the members 220, 222 as can be seen in Figure 7.

The two fence support portions are defined on the front side of the bracket, and the ground penetrating member support portion defined on the rear side. The three portions thereby form a triangle in plan (their axes Z1, Z2, Z3 form the apices of a triangle in plan).

In use, the bracket 200 is installed as shown in Figures 8 to 10. The fence panels 10,12 are as described above.

The projections 22 are inserted into the fence support portions 104, 106, passing through them and emerging on the opposite side. The portions of the projections which protrude from the fence support portions 104, 106 are secured together with the upright fastening bracket 24. This prevents the fence panels 10, 12 from being lifted from the bracket 100. Preferably, the bracket 24 is of a construction which has a mechanical fastening occurs from the rear side of the bracket 100.

A ground penetrating member in the form of a stake 40 is provided (see Figure 10) having a shaft 42 and a head 44. The bracket 100 and fencing 10, 12 is positioned as desired, and the stake 40 is driven downwardly through the ground penetrating member support portion 208 until the head 44 contacts the upper rim of the member 224. As this is commonly done with e.g. a mallet, the flange 226 prevents the member 224 from becoming buried in the ground itself.

Attempted lifting of the fence panels 10, 12 from the bracket 100 is inhibited by the upright fastening bracket 24. The bracket 24 cannot be removed from the front side. The stake 40 cannot be easily removed because it lies on the rear side of the bracket and therefore fence.

The third embodiment Referring to Figures 11 to 14, a third bracket 300 is shown, which can be used with either a ground screw (like bracket 100) or a stake (like bracket 200).

The bracket 300 comprises a body 302, a first fence support portion 304, a second fence support portion 306 and a ground penetrating member support portion 308. Direction V, axes Z1, Z2 and Z3, fence plane FP and front and rear directions F and R are all defined as above.

The body 302 is a flat, planar member which is generally triangular viewed in plan. The body has a first face 328 and a second face 330 opposite the first. Three rounded corners 310, 312, 314. Circular openings 316, 318, 319 are formed adjacent the corners 310, 312, 314.

The first fence support portion 304 and second fence support portion 306 comprise circular, tubular members 320, 322 respectively, the members having an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the openings 316, 318.

The ground penetrating member support portion 308 comprises a first circular, tubular member 324 having a radially oriented opening 326 in a sidewall thereof, and a second circular, tubular member 325 having a diameter different to, and specifically less than, the first circular, tubular member 324.

Referring to Figure 11, it can be seen that the circular, tubular members 320, 322 are engaged with the openings 316, 318 in the body 302 and thus project either side of the body 302. The tubular members 320, 122 are welded to the body 302 so as to be fixed thereto.

The first circular, tubular member 324 is welded to the second face 330, proximate the third corner 314 so as to project perpendicularly from the body 302 and to be in communication with the opening 319. The second circular, tubular member 325 is welded to the first face 328, proximate the third corner 314 so as to project perpendicularly from the body 302 and to be in communication with the opening 319. It will be noted that the members 320, 322, 324, 325 are parallel.

The member 324 projects further from the body 302 than the members 320, 322 as can be seen in Figure 11.

In use, the bracket 300 is installed as shown in Figures 12 to 14. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the first fence panel 10 and a second fence panel 12 are provided and installed into the bracket 300 as per the first and second brackets 100, 200. The bracket 24 is also provided.

The bracket 300 is configured to receive either a ground screw per the bracket 100 (which engages the tubular member 324 in the same manner as member 124), or a ground stake as shown in Figure 14 which engages the tubular member 325 in the same way as the tubular member 224.

The fourth embodiment Referring to Figures 15 to 20, a fourth bracket 400 is shown. The fourth bracket 400 can be used with either (i) a ground screw (like brackets 100, 300), (ii) a stake (like bracket 200, 300) and / or a pole such as a scaffolding pole as will be discussed below.

The bracket 400 comprises a body 402, a first fence support portion 404, a second fence support portion 306, a first ground penetrating member support portion 408 and a second ground penetrating member support portion 409. Direction V, axes Z1, Z2 and Z3, fence plane FP and front and rear directions F and R are all defined as above. A further axis Z4 is defined by the second ground penetrating member support portion 409.

The body 402 is a flat, planar member which is generally triangular viewed in plan. The body has a first face 428 and a second face 430 opposite the first. Three rounded corners 410, 412, 414. Circular openings 416, 419, 419 are formed adjacent the corners 410, 412, 414. A further circular opening 421 is formed in the centre of the body 402.

The first fence support portion 404 and second fence support portion 406 comprise circular, tubular members 420,422 respectively, the members having an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the openings 416, 418.

The first ground penetrating member support portion 408 comprises a first circular, tubular member 424 having a radially oriented opening 426 in a sidewall thereof, and a second circular, tubular member 425 having a diameter different to, and specifically less than, the first circular, tubular member 424.

The second ground penetrating support member 409 comprises comprise a circular, tubular member 423 having an outer diameter the same as, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the opening 421.

Referring to Figure 16, it can be seen that the circular, tubular members 420, 422, 423 are engaged with the openings 416, 418, 421 in the body 402 and thus project either side of the body 402. The tubular members 420, 422, 423 are welded to the body 402 so as to be fixed thereto.

The first circular, tubular member 424 is welded to the second face 430, proximate the third corner 414 so as to project perpendicularly from the body 402 and to be in communication with the opening 419. The second circular, tubular member 425 is welded to the first face 428, proximate the third corner 414 so as to project perpendicularly from the body 402 and to be in communication with the opening 419. It will be noted that the members 420, 422, 424,425 are parallel.

The member 424 projects further from the body 402 than the members 420, 422 as can be seen in Figure 16. The members 420, 422 project further than the member 423 on the second face 430, but the member 423 projects further on the first face 428.

The two fence support portions are defined on the front side of the bracket, and the first ground penetrating member support portion defined on the rear side. The second ground penetrating member support portion is provided in the centre of the bracket. Axes Z1, Z2, Z3 form the apices of a triangle in plan, with Z4 within the triangle.

In use, the bracket 400 is installed as shown in Figures 17 to 18.

In some applications, it may be desirable to engage a scaffolding pole 50 (or similar elongate pole) with the ground to support the fences. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the bracket 400 can be slid over the pole 50 such that the second ground penetrating member support portion 409 receives the pole. This may be used to support the pole (and fence panels) instead of, or in addition to a ground screw or stake as shown in Figures 17 and 18 respectively. Even without the ground screw or stake, the projection of the member 424, and it bearing on the ground, will support the bracket 400 such that a bracket 24 can be installed below the members 420, 422 to secure the fence panels. This is shown in Figures 19 and 20 (although the bracket 24 is omitted).

Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the first fence panel 10 and a second fence panel 12 are provided and installed into the bracket 400 as per the first, second and third brackets 100, 200, 300.

In summary, the invention provides a device which overcomes many of the problems with the prior art.

Variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

An upright fastening bracket 24 may be provided which cannot be disassembled or loosened to the extent that it can be removed from the panels 10, 12 in any other direction but axially (with respect to the projections 22). This is advantageous because although the bracket 24 can be slid over the free ends of the projections 22, once the brackets 100, 200 or 300 are secured to the ground in such a way that the free ends of the projections 22 are close to, or in contact with, the ground, it is impossible to slide the bracket 24 off without removing the ground screw or stake, which as mentioned is not accessible from the first side Si.

The brackets 100, 200, 300 may be constructed from other materials, such as aluminium or event plastics materials.

Clauses 1. A fence bracket comprising: a first fence support portion for receiving a projection of a first fence panel; a second fence support portion for receiving a projection of a second fence panel; and, a ground-penetrating member support portion for engagement with a ground-penetrating member.

2. A fence bracket according to clause 1, wherein: the first and second fence support portions define a fence support plane having a first side and a second side; and, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is provided on the second side of the fence support plane.

3. A fence bracket according to clause 2, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is spaced-apart from the fence support plane.

4. A fence bracket according to clause 3, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is spaced-apart from the first and second fence support portions.

5. A fence bracket according to any of clause 1 to 4, comprising a body to which the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member support portion are attached.

6. A fence bracket according to clause 5, in which the body comprises a plate normal to the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member support portion.

7. A fence bracket according to clause 6, in which the fence support portions extend either side of the body.

8. A fence bracket according to any preceding clause, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a tubular portion defining a radial opening for fastening to a ground-penetrating member.

9. A fence bracket according to any preceding clause, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a free end for abutment with the head of a ground penetrating member.

10. A fence bracket according to any preceding clause, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a flange for contacting the ground in use.

11. A fence bracket according to any preceding clause, in which a free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion extends past the first and second fence support portions such that, in use, the free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion abuts the ground such that projections of the first and second fence panels received within the respective first and second support portion extend from the first and second support portions to enable them to be fastened together.

12. A fence assembly comprising: a first fence panel; a second fence panel; a fence panel joining bracket; a ground-penetrating member; and, a fence bracket according to any preceding clause; wherein the ground penetrating member is engaged with the ground-penetrating member support portion, and wherein the first and second fence panels are engaged with the first and second fence panel support portions such that they project from a ground side of the fence bracket, wherein the fence panel joining bracket joins the first and second fence panels on the ground side of the fence bracket.

13. A fence assembly according to clause 12, in which the free ends of the first and / or second fence panel projections are positioned so close to, or in contact with, the ground so as to inhibit removal of the fastening bracket.

14. A fence assembly according to clause 12 01 13, in which the second side of the fence bracket is positioned on a side of the fence to which access is to be restricted.

15. A fence bracket comprising: a first fence support portion for receiving a projection of a first fence panel; a second fence support portion for receiving a projection of a second fence panel, the first and second fence support portions defining a fence support plane having a first side and a second side; and, a ground-penetrating member, in which the ground-penetrating member is provided on the second side of the fence support plane.

16. A fence bracket according to clause 15, in which the ground-penetrating member is spaced-apart from the fence support plane.

17. A fence bracket according to clause 16, in which the ground-penetrating member is spaced-apart from the first and second fence support portions.

18. A fence bracket according to any of clause 15 to 17, comprising a body to which the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member are attached.

19. A fence bracket according to clause 18, in which the body comprises a plate normal to the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member.

20. A fence bracket according to clause 19, in which the fence support portions extend either side of the body.

21. A fence assembly comprising: a first fence panel; a second fence panel; a fence panel joining bracket; a ground-penetrating member; and, a fence bracket according to any of clause 15 to 20; wherein the ground penetrating member is engaged with the ground-penetrating member support portion, and wherein the first and second fence panels are engaged with the first and second fence panel support portions such that they project from a ground side of the fence bracket, wherein the fence panel joining bracket joins the first and second fence panels on the ground side of the fence bracket.

22. A fence assembly according to clause 21, in which the free ends of the first and / or second fence panel projections are positioned so close to, or in contact with, the ground so as to inhibit removal of the fastening bracket.

23. A fence assembly according to clause 21 or 22, in which the second side of the fence bracket is positioned on a side of the fence to which access is to be restricted.

Claims

Claims 1. A fence assembly comprising: a first fence panel; a second fence panel; a fence panel joining bracket; a ground-penetrating member; and, a fence bracket comprising: a first fence support portion for receiving a projection of a first fence panel; a second fence support portion for receiving a projection of a second fence panel; and, a ground-penetrating member support portion for engagement with a ground-penetrating member; and wherein the ground penetrating member is engaged with the ground-penetrating member support portion, and wherein the first and second fence panels are engaged with the first and second fence panel support portions such that they project from a ground side of the fence bracket, and wherein the fence panel joining bracket joins the first and second fence panels on the ground side of the fence bracket.
2. A fence assembly according to claim 1, in which a free end of the first and / or second fence panel projection is positioned so close to, or in contact with, the ground so as to inhibit removal of the fastening bracket.
A fence assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: the first and second fence support portions define a fence support plane having a first side and a second side; and, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is provided on the second side of the fence support plane.
4. A fence assembly according to claim 3, in which the second side of the fence bracket is positioned on a side of the fence to which access is to be restricted.
5. A fence assembly according to claim 3 or 4, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is spaced-apart from the fence support plane.
6. A fence assembly according to claim 5, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion is spaced-apart from the first and second fence support portions.
7. A fence assembly according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fence bracket further comprises a body to which the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member support portion are attached.
8. A fence assembly according to claim 7, in which the body comprises a plate normal to the fence support portions and the ground-penetrating member support portion.
9. A fence assembly according to claim 8, in which the fence support portions extend either side of the body.
10. A fence assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a tubular portion defining a radial opening for fastening to a ground-penetrating member.
11. A fence assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a free end for abutment with a head of a ground penetrating member.
12. A fence assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the ground-penetrating member support portion comprises a flange for contacting the ground in use.
13. A fence assembly according to any preceding claim, in which a free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion extends past the first and second fence support portions such that, in use, the free end of the ground-penetrating member support portion abuts the ground such that projections of the first and second fence panels received within the respective first and second support portion extend from the first and second support portions to enable them to be fastened together.