GB2618534A

GB2618534A - Palisade fence post

Info

Publication number: GB2618534A
Application number: GB2206656.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anilkumar Kotecha Vinesh; Barry Mitchell Andrew
Original assignee: First Fence Ltd
Current assignee: First Fence Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2023-11-15

Abstract

The post, particularly for use in a palisade fence, comprises folded sheet material with a linear central web 24 for affixing to rail(s), and end portions or flanges 22,22' folded to form loops covering front and rear faces of the post, with loose ends 26,26' on opposite sides of the post. Planes 40,40' of the flanges are non-parallel to the web, may be non-perpendicular thereto, and may be parallel or non-parallel to one another. Sides of the post, e.g. on a bottom portion, may include apertures formed using incisions, optionally forming tabs or points for folding out from the post. A top portion may comprise one or more points, e.g. formed by making incisions and folding selected sections out. The post may be galvanized or powder coated and may comprise a base plate, optionally welded to the post or secured by a fastener.

Description

Palisade fence post

Background

The invention relates to security fencing and in particular of the type known as palisade fencing. A palisade fence consists of two posts between which there is at least one generally horizontal rail. A plurality of pales, or vertical members, are connected to the rails parallel to the posts. Usually, the top of the pales project above the level of the rail or the upper rail, and may comprise one or more points on this projected section to act as a deterrent to a potential intruder attempting to climb over the fence. The pales may be made of metal and are available in a wide variety of shapes. The end posts can be of concrete or of metal.

Where the post is made of metal it is typically very thick and made of, for example, hot-rolled steel section. The post, whether concrete or hot rolled metal, is heavy and it is a job for the operators to construct a fence using such posts.

In recent times an improved design for the post, used in a palisade fence, has been adopted.

This new design uses a post formed by folding a metallic sheet material into a desired shape. An example of such a post can be seen in document GB2387609. This folded design allows post to be made quickly on masse, for a relatively low price, the resulting posts were also light weight while being sufficiently strong to endure impacts to the fence. this design allows the posts to be transported and positioned more easily.

The present invention seeks to further improve on this type of post design by adding features to the folded fence post. Such as wherein said features are configured to improve the strength of the post, making the post more stable or able to endure more force from impacts. Other features will help improve security by adding further deterrent to intruder, and providing improved protection to the fasteners used to secure the fences rails to the post.

Lastly the shape of the profile may be changed to help improve construction of the palisade fence, in particular by changing the shape of the post profile to make it easier for a user to align and/or affix the rails of the palisade fence panels to the fence post.

Summary

The present invention provides an improved design for a fence post suitable for used in constructing a palisade fence. Wherein the post is configured to be secured to the ground, with a plurality of such posts positioned along the perimeter of an area to be protected. After which a plurality of fence panels, preferably palisade fence panels which comprise a plurality of pointed fence pales coupled to one or more rails, are coupled to post to form the desired perimeter fence.

Typically, these fence posts comprise a generally l-shaped beam, wherein the rails of the fence panels are couple to the central portion of the beam using a suitable fastener, with the front and back of the beam, extending perpendicular to the center of the beam to protect the ends of the rail and the fasteners that are coupled to the post. The design of the present invention improves upon the l-shaped beam by replacing the perpendicular end portions of the l-shaped beam with looped end portions which cover the front and rear of the post. Wherein the looped end portions are formed by extending the front and rear edges of the center of the beam, and then folding the front and rear edges of the post beam multiple times to form a loop in a desired shape, which is in a plane that is non-parallel to the linear plane of the central portion of the post. Wherein the folded end portion forms a shape that extends from the plane of the posts central portion, and preferably covers at least a portion of the rail that is coupled to the post, so as to still protect the fasteners coupled to the post. It is noted that in this case the term loop refers to the fact that the shape formed by the folded edge starts and ends at the end of the post's central portion.

The folded end portions provide extra stability to the post as the lopped ends provides a broader profile for the base of the post. The end portions also increased the total surface area of the post which may help improve the ground's grip on the embedded portion of the post. Additionally, the loops on the ends of the rail also provide additional protection from impacts to the front, and back of the rail, as the looped end provides a crumple zone that can deform under impact to help dissipate the force of impact on the post, as the end portion can deform without any deformation or damage to the central portion of the post, or the attached rails attached to said post. To help improve this force deflection it may be preferable to have looped end portions with curved surfaces, or at least have curved surfaces on the outer face of the loop, the part of the loop furthest from the central portion of the post. As the curved surface of the ends help to dissipate the force of any impacts to the post, as the force would be spread over a larger area. We may limit these curves to the outer surface of the end portions, as the curved surfaces would require more material to produce, so it may be limited to the outer surface as this is the part of the post most likely to be struck during an impact on the fence. It is also noted that the loop, formed by the folded ends, means that there is more material within a given length of the post, this again provides more strength helping the post to support the weight of the fence panels affixed to the post, as the post would be able to withstand more weight.

It is also noted that it may be preferable to have the loops of the posts folded end portion be wider, in this case the term wider refers to the size of the spacing between the edge of the central portion of the post, and the outer most point, or face, of the looped end portions. For when the gap between the central portion and outer surface of the post is increased, the shape of the end portion may provide improved protection as they can provide a steeper gradient for the sides of the loop thereby providing improved force deflection. The wider spacing, or gap, between the loop end and the central portion of the post also allows for further deformation of the end portions when an impact occurs, this can help increase the amount of force that can be endured by the post before there is any deformation to the central portion of the post, and/or the rail ends attached to the post.

When forming the posts, the end loops are formed by folding the ends of the post, more specifically the end of the post is folded three or more times to form a loop at the end, that cover the front and rear faces of the post. In the preferred embodiment there are four folds to create triangular shaped end loop, wherein the end is first folded to be perpendicular to the post's central portion, then the end is folded twice to form the sloped sides of the loop, first extending away from the post, then back towards to form a broad point facing away from the central portion of the post. Then the end is folded again towards the post, to once again be perpendicular to the post, to complete the loop. By using this shape, the sloped sides can help deflect impacts away from the central portion of the post, and the broad point on the outer surface will help dissipate the force exerted by an impact over a relatively large surface area. It is noted that other shaped loops can be formed by increasing the number of folds, this will help improve the strength of the loop, due to the increased amount of material, per unit volume, additionally the extra faces means that there are more surfaces that need to be deformed before an impact starts to affect the central portion of the post. For example, by adding an extra fold to the above loop, the user can form a quadrilateral loop that replaces the outward facing point with a flat outer surface, it is noted that this outer surface may likely endure more force before deforming compared to the point of the triangular end loop, however unless more material is used the sides of the loop would be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of force deflected away from the post and reducing the size of the space within the center of the loop, which may reduce the overall strength of the post. It is also noted, that the more corners the loop has the greater the risk of the corners forming weak points, as the broader corners, and smaller sides may be less resilient to impacts. It is noted that the corners of the loop should preferably have corners with angles between 60-90 degrees, for as shown in the study in document GB2573388, the strength of the corner increases as it approached 90 degrees. However, using slightly smaller angles can help provide more flexibility to the post which can help make construction of the fence easier, and it is noted that if the pole deforms during construction, or under the force of an impact, a slightly smaller angle may deform into the preferable range, that is to say the angle may increase towards 90 degrees, as the sides of the post are forced outwards, which may help strength the post allowing it to better endure the force of an impact.

However, it is also noted that for the outer most point, the outward facing corners of the folded end portions, such broad angles may restrict the distance between the edge of the looped end of the post and the central potion, which as stated would preferably be made longer to increase the volume of the post that can be deformed before deforming the central portion, where the rails are coupled to the post. Therefore, in some cases it may be preferable for the looped end of the post to have smaller corners so that the outer edge of the looped ends of the post may extend further from the central portion of the post, and may also have one or more sharp corners, which may act as a deterrent to any intruders who try to climb the fence.

It is also noted that regardless of the shape of the folded end portions, the ends of the folded end portions are configured to be on opposite sides of the post, meaning the direction of the folds on one end would be reversed, so that the end of the folded portion would be positioned on the opposite sides of the central portion of the post, relative to the end of the other folded portion. The reason this preferable is that the loose end of the folded portion may form a potential weak point in the posts shape as the end is not attached to the rest of the post and so would have little to no support during an impact. Therefore, by having the weak points on opposite sides to one another, the is less risk of such weak points causing structural failure during impact. For example, if the loose ends where on the same side of the post that side would not be able to endure as much force, as the other side of the post.

Therefore, it is preferable for the folded ends to be in the opposite direction. It is also noted that an intruder may bend the loose end of the loop to pry open the post, to get easier access to the fasteners coupling the rail to the post. However, with the loose ends on opposite sides an intruder would only be able to uncover one side of the fastener, not both, reducing their ability to remove the fasteners from the post, or rail.

In some cases, the looped ends of the post may be at a none perpendicular angle to the plane of the central portion of the post. In some of these cases the angled end portions will be parallel to each other. In such cases where the end portions are parallel, the posts may be used when the rail is at an angle relative to the post, as the angled end portions create a sloped space that can be used to guide the rail into place. It is noted that during construction of the post, the angle of the end portions, relative to the central portion of the post, can be adjusted depending on the expected angle of the rail to be affixed to the post. In some cases the post may be constructed in a manner wherein the connection between the folded end potions and the central portion of the post are flexible, so that the angle of the looped end portions can be adjusted by the user as the fence is being constructed. It is noted that in such cases this flexibility should not hinder the post once the fence is constructed as the portion of the post embedded in the ground provides support to the post and may help prevent this flexible joint between the central portion and end portions bending after the fence is constructed.

In other cases, the end portions may be angled in opposite directions, thereby creating a wider and thinner side opening for receiving the rails. In these cases, the broader opening will allow greater flexibility during construction, as it can receive the affixing rails from a broader range of angles. This may allow the user to more easily align the rail to the post when constructing the palisade fence, and provides some more flexibility for fastening the rail into place due to the wider area for receiving the rail, which may allow the fasteners to be inserted at different angles to allow the fence to be constructed more easily. However, a problem with this is that the fasteners coupled to the wider side of the post will be more exposed making it easier for an intruder to access the fasteners.

Meanwhile, the thinner open on the opposite side of the rail, may provide additional support to the rail during construction, wherein the rail is less likely to become misaligned, as the sides of the thinner opening formed by the sloped end portions of the post, helps hold the rail in place while the fen is constructed. It is also noted that this thinner opening may make it more difficult for the user to position the fasteners in the rail affixed to the thinner opening of the rail, however this also means that it is more difficult for intruders to reach these fasteners once the fence is constructed.

It is noted that when forming a palisade fence a portion of the post will be embedded into the ground, into a suitable material such as dirt or concrete that which secured the embedded end of the post, herein referred to as the bottom end of the post. In some cases, the bottom end of the post may feature one or more apertures, which may be position on the end portions, central portion or both, within the end of the post that would be embedded. These apertures will allow the material surrounding the post, especially concrete, to have a better grip on the post to provide improved support to the post, and by extension the fence affixed to the post.

Further at the top end of the post, the end remote from the bottom end, will feature one or more points. Said points may act as a deterrent to any intruders trying to climb the fence. It is noted that as the posts are formed by folding a sheet material, the points at the top may be formed during construction by using V-shaped cuts when cutting out the posts from the sheet material, thereby providing an easy way to create one or more points of a desired shape. It is noted that such a cut may also form two or more points on the bottom end of the post, these additional points may help the user when embedding the post into the ground, as the points can dig into the ground more easily and the increased surface area may help improve the grip between the post and the ground.

Also, the user may form additional points at the top, or bottom, end of the post by making multiple incisions into the post, each incision extending down the length of the post, with a length equal to the desired length of the point. Wherein these incisions divide the profile of the post into sections which can be bend outwards, away from the center of the post, to form additional points. \Mien these additional points are positioned at the top of the post they may act as a deterrent, further the edges of these bent sections may be sharp to act as a further deterrent to intruders. When these additional points are at the bottom of the post, they may further help to increase the grip between the embedded portion of the post and the ground.

It is also noted that these posts are preferably formed from a folded sheet material. The material used would need to be flexible to form the desired shape of the post easily, but also needs to be sufficiently strong to support the weight of the palisade fence, however it is noted that the more flexible the material the more likely said material would not provide sufficient strength. Therefore, to provide the desired properties, the post is most likely to be formed from a sheet of a metal or alloy material, preferably mild steel as it can provide the best compromise of strength and flexibility. It is also noted that the post can be formed using a roller process to shape the sheet material. Though the sheet can be shaped by either a hot or cold roller process, the cold roller process is preferable. For the hot roller process can result in weak points within the finished post due to the bent portions of the post being heated resulting is partial melting of the sheet material which then cools and forms stress points within the bend of the post, which may result in structural failure when the post force is exerted on the post It is also noted that in the British standards set out in BS1722-12:2006, for palisade fence pales the formed using the above-mentioned process the steel should have a thickness between 2-4mm, it is noted that these thicknesses allow the sheet material to both provide strength and have suitable flexibility. However, as the post is required to support the palisade fence panels it is preferable for them to be made of a thicker material, therefore the sheets used for the rail may have a thickness between 3-6mm.

It is also noted that the surface of the fence post would need to be protect from rain and other corrosive elements in the environment. Therefore, the sheet material used to form the post may include a layer of paint or more preferably a powder coating. As both of these layers would protect the surface of the post but the powder coating is less susceptible to wear and damage compared to a layer of paint and therefore would require less maintenance. Another alternative to help protects the surface of the post from wear, would be to galvanize the surface of the post, this may be preferably as unlike the other protection options this would not need to be reapplied over time and can be done during the construction of the post.

Drawings The present invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings show: Figure 1-depicts an example post profile disclosed in prior art document GB2387609.

Figure 2-depicts an example post profile with end portions folded in opposite directions, as per the present invention.

Figure 3-depicts an example profile of a post wherein the folded end portions are parallel to each other, and are not perpendicular to the central portion of the post.

Figure 4-depicts the example of Fig.3, wherein the end portions are non-parallel with a strong/large angle relative to the central portion.

Figure 5-depicts the example of Fig.3, wherein the end portions are non-parallel with a slight/small angle relative to the central portion.

Figure 6-depicts an example post which has been cut to form a point at the top of the post.

Figure 7-depicts an example post with an aperture in the central portion of the post. Figure 8-depicts a post with a base plate for supporting and securing the post. Figure 9-depicts a post with a base plate for attachment to the post.

List of the features of the present invention 10-profile of a post as disclosed in the prior art 12,12'-folded end portions of the prior art profile 14-central portion of the prior art profile 20-profile of a post as per the present invention 22,22'-folded end portions of the invention profile 24-central portion of the invention profile 26,26'-loose ends of the folded end portions 30,30'-lines indicating the parallel planes of the folded end portions 40,40'-lines indicating the non-parallel planes of the folded end portions 42,42'-indicators of the strong angle between the end portions and central portion of the post profile 50,50'-lines indicating the non-parallel planes of the folded end portions 52,52'-indicators of the slight angle between the end portions and central portion of the post profile 60-the point formed at end of the post 70-aperture 72-tab, or point, formed by the aperture

Detailed description

The present invention provides a post configured for use within a palisade fence. Wherein the post is secured in place around the perimeter of the area to be protected, typically by embedding a portion of the post into the ground. This way the posts are able to provide support to the rest of the fence. The fence post typically comprises an l-shaped profile with a linear central portion, and a pair of perpendicular end portions. Wherein the central portion is configured to be coupled to the ends of the fence panels, typically this is achieved by having one or port apertures in the central portion, through which a member is inserted, wherein the member is coupled to the end of the fence panels using a suitable fastener, such as bolts.

The perpendicular end portions, which are configured to cover the front and rear of the post to help protect against impacts, further these end portions cover the ends of the panels couple to the post, which will protect the fasteners coupling the panels to the post and the edges of the panel from impacts to the fence, and from any intruders who may attempt to remove the fasteners. Though this has been the standard design for palisade fence posts, the present invention seeks to provide an improved design that alters the features of the fence post to provide improve support to the fence, better protection to the fence post during an impact and possible improve the ease of which the palisade fence can be constructed.

Figure 1 depict the profile 10 of a fence post as disclosed in document G32387609. The depict fence post improves upon the traditional I-beam shaped described above, by replacing the perpendicular end portions with folded end portions 12,12', wherein the ends of the post's central portion 14 are extended and then folded into a triangular shape, thereby creating a gap between the central portion 14 and the end portions 12,12' of the post. This space provides extra support to the post as the footprint, or base, of the post is increased, the additional surface area would also help improve the grip between the embedded post end and the ground. The larger profile also means that there is more material per unit length of the post, which may help to improve the overall strength of the post allowing the post to support more weight, and endure more force before being deformed, or damaged. Thereby providing a stronger post design compared to the I-beam shaped design.

It is also noted that these end portions 12,12' also provide improved force deflection for the post, as the sides of the end portions 12,12' help to deflect the force exerted by an impact away from the central portion 14 of the post, and the panel rails affixed to the post. Further the walls of these end portions 12,12' may deform, or buckle, to reduce the amount of force transferred to the rest of the fence similar to a crumple zone of a car, thereby again reducing the force exerted onto the central portion 14 of the post and the affixed rails. Therefore, by including the depict end portions 12,12' the fence post can better deflect the force exerted by any impacts to the front or back of the post to protect the center of the post.

Figure 2 depict an example profile 20 of a fence post as per the present invention. As can be seen the claimed post has a central portion 24 and two folded end portions 22,22', similar to the profile 10 in Fig.1. However, comparing the profiles of Figs. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the end portions 22,22' of the present invention has been folded in opposite directions, so that the loose, unconnected end/edge 26,26' of the folded end portions 22,22' are on opposite sides of the post central portion 24. It is noted that as these loose ends 26,26' do not connect to the central portion 24 of the post, they are more likely to deform from force exerted on the post, as it will have less support. Additionally, these loose ends 26,26' will be easier for an intruder to pry open, allowing them to access the fasteners coupling the panels to the post. However, by having the loose ends 26,26' on opposite sides of the post an intruder will only be able to pry away the post from one side of the fastener making it more difficult for an intruder to remove, or otherwise vandalize, the fasteners.

Further, as mentioned these loose ends 26,26' may be a structural weakness to the overall strength of the post as they can be more easily deformed, especially when there is a large impact onto the post, as these loose ends 26,26' will not be able to endure as much force as they are not secured to the rest of the post. Therefore, when the loose ends 26,26' are on the same side of the post as depicted in the profile 10 of Fig.1, the post would having both of these weak points on the same, thereby making the overall structure of the post weaker and thereby increasing the risk of damage to the central portion 14 of the post. In comparison the profile 20 of the present invention has these loose ends 26,26', or edges, on opposite sides of the post, thereby improving the overall strength of the post by distrusting the potential weak points. This means the profile of Fig. 2 is able to withstand more weight from the fence panels, and/or more impact force compared to the profile 10 in Fig.l.

It is also noted that, in both of the depicted examples the end portions 12,12,22,22' are folded to form a triangular shape. This shape may be preferable as it is one of the easiest shapes to form, and can be easily adjusted by change the angles at the base of the triangle, and/or the outer most angle at the tip of the triangle, furthest from the central portion 14,24 of the post. It is also noted that the long-sloped sides of the triangular shape can help deflect more force from the center of the post, and by adjusting the angles of the end portion 22,22' the gradients, and lengths, of these slopes can be adjusted. In some cases, the slope gradient may be reduced to broaden the area covered by the end portion 22,22', increasing the area of the fence that is being protected, from the environment, and intruders behind the base of the end portion 22,22'. This effect may be achieved by broadening the tip of the end portion, and it is noted that if the angle at the tip of the end portion 22,22'is between 60-90 degrees, then the end portion will have improved strength and force deflection compared to other angles. In some cases, the angle at the tip of the end portion 22,22'may be decreased, this would increase the slope of the end portion walls, this may result in forming a sharp edge or point at the tip of the end portion 22,22' which may act as a deterrent to intruders trying to climb the post, also the steeper walls of the post may be harder for the intruder to get a foot hold on to when try to climb the post. However, it is noted that the smaller angle at the tip of the end portion 22,22', may be more susceptible to deform or break under the force of an impact, as the smaller angle will have a lower strength compared to the broader angle, therefore the broader angles may be more preferable. It is also noted that in some cases the angle at the tip of the end portion 22,22', may be made slightly smaller that the 60-90 degrees range, this is because when the fence experience an impact, or possibly during construction, the sides of the end portions 22,22' may spread out causing the size of the angle to increase, by using angles slightly below the ideal range, such as an angle between 50-70 degrees, as the angle increases the strength of the post would also increase as the angle approached 90 degrees. Therefore, using such an angle may help improve the end portions 22,22' ability to deflect force.

It is noted that even though the depicted examples only show the use of triangular end portions, other shapes can be achieved by changing the number of folds. As a result, with sufficient material, the end portions 22,22' could be folded into any desired shape. However, it is noted that increasing the number of folds may result in the end portions 22,22' becoming weaker, as the sides of the end portion would likely be smaller, thereby reducing the amount of force they can withstand. Additionally, the extra corners may form weak points in the posts structure, as the corners may be more susceptible to buckling under the weight of the fence, or a force of an impact. Therefore, the triangular shape may again be more preferrable as they have fewer corners, and may have longer sides for a given length of material compared to other geometries. It is also noted that it may be preferable to shape the end portions 22,22' to have curved sides, as these curves may better distribute the force of an impact, as the force would be spread over a larger surface area. Therefore, it may be preferable to have a semi-circular shaped end portion that replaces the side walls and tip of the triangular end portion with a single large curved surface, to better dissipate any force exerted onto the post.

Figures 3 to 5 depicts the profile 10 of further example posts, in these examples the end portions 22,22' may not perpendicular to the central portion 24, like the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2, this is to say that the plane along the base of the end portions 22,22', indicated by the lines 30,30',40,40',50,50' on Figs.3 to 5, are not perpendicular to the plane of the linear central portion 24 of the post. It is also noted that as these posts are formed by using a roller process to fold a sheet material into a desire shape, as such a process may easily bend, or fold the end portions to a desired angle based on the user's requirements.

In the example shown in Fig. 3 the end portions are at an angle relative to the central portion 24, but are still parallel to one another as shown by the lines 30,30' of Fig.3. Such a profile may be used in situations where the post is positioned on a curve, or other position, wherein the rail to be affixed to the post, is be at an angle relative to the post. In such cases the angled end portions 22,22' may help to guide the post towards the central portion 24 of the post. The profile may also allow the fasteners, or other means used to couple the post to the rail, to be positioned at an angle relative to the post more easily, as they may also use the parallel end portions 22,22' as a guide. It is noted that the angled end portions 22,22' may leave one side of the fastener more exposed, as there would be a space between the rail and one of the end portions 22,22', due to the end portion 22,22' being at an angle relative to the rail. However, the slope of the end portion 22,22' would also mean there is less space between the fastener and the surface of the end portion 22,22' on the opposite side of the fastener, making the unexposed side harder to access. Therefore, it would still be difficult for an intruder to remove the fasteners from such a post. It is noted that if the rail was perpendicular to the center of the post, and therefore not at an angle, the rail may still be coupled to the post, though the sloped end portions 22,22' may make it more difficult to align the rail to the post. It is noted that these posts may also be used to control the direction of the force deflection created by the end portions 22,22'. By adjusting the angle of the end portions 22,22' to face a desired direction, in particular the direction an impact is most likely to occur from. For example, if the fence would be near a road, the user may want the end portions 22,22' angled so that the tip of the end portions faces towards the road, so as to better deflect the force of impacts onto the fence from the direction of the road.

In figures 4 and 5, the example posts are configured so that the end portions 22,22' are not perpendicular to the central portion 24 and are also not parallel to one another. This results in the end portions 22,22' forming different sized openings on each side of the post. Wherein one opening is wider that the opening on the other side of the post. The difference in the width of the openings can be controlled by adjusting the angle of each end portion 22,22' relative to the central portion 24, thereby forming a third angle between the planes of the end portions as indicated by the lines 40,40', 50,50', this third angle can be strong or soft.

Wherein a strong angle is larger than 45 degrees, such as the angle that would be formed by the lines 40,40' depicted in Fig. 4, these strong angles may be achieved by reducing the indicated angles 42,42' between the end portion 22,22' and the central portion 24 of the post. When using such posts, the different size openings may help in constructing the palisade fence. In particular the wider of the two opening can make the assembling of the fence more flexible, as the wider openings can receive the rail to be affixed to the post from a wider range of angles. This may allow the user to correct the position of the rails to be affixed to the post if the panel is misaligned, as the slop of the end portions 22,22' help to guide the rail into place. Further the thinner opening may be used to hold the rail in place during construction, which may help prevent the rail from becoming misaligned. The smaller opening may also make it harder for an intruder to reach the fasteners inside the smaller opening.

However, it is also noted that when using a strong angle, the wider open may leave the fasteners, coupling the rail to the post, more exposed to both intruders that may try to remove the fasteners, and to the environment that may cause wear to the fastener. Further, the smaller opening may be too thin making it more difficult for a user get a fastener into position on that side of the post. For these reasons it may be preferable to use a smaller angle between the planes the end portions 22,22, as shown in Figure 5. In the post shown in Fig.5 the third angle that would be created by the lines 50,50' is smaller than that in Fig.4, this soft, or slight, angle can be achieved by increasing the indicated angles 52,52' between the end portion 22,22' and central portion 24 of the post. These end portions 22,22' produce openings that are more similar in size, but still have a small difference. These openings would still allow some flexibility when aligning the rails to the post, while allowing the end portions 22,22' to still provide protection to fasteners on both sides of the post. Additionally, as the thinner opening would be wider than that of Fig.4, the openings would not hinder the positioning of the fasteners.

As previously mentioned, in the preferred embodiment the above-mentioned posts would be formed by folding a suitable sheet material, such as mild steel, the material chosen would need to have enough flexibility to be easily shaped into the profiles shown in Figs 2-5, while providing enough strength to support the weight of the palisade fence, and to endure the force of impacts to the fence, for this reason a metallic or ally sheet material is preferable as they tend to provide more strength for an given thickness and are usually malleable. It is noted that in the standards set out in BS1722-12:2006, it is suggested that the pales of a palisade fence be made from a sheet of steel with a thickness between 2-4mm. When the post is made using the same method, it may be desired that the sheet material be thicker as the post needs to support the weight of the fence. However, if the material is too thick it may be too hard to bend into shape, but if left too thin the post may not be strong enough to support the fence. Therefore, the preferable thickness for the material used to form the post would be slightly thicker than the material used for the pale, likely with a thickness within the range 3-6mm. the preferred way to shape this sheet material is via a roller process, as previously mentioned such a process may be a hot or cold roller process. Of these options the cold, or cool roller process is preferred, as the use of hot rollers can cause weak points to form within the folds of the sheet material, where it is heated and then stretched as the material is folded. Once folded into shape, individual posts can be formed by cutting the material along its length.

In some cases when cutting the material to form posts, the user may use V-shaped cuts to form points on the top and bottom of the post. Figure 6 depicts an example of a point 60 that could be formed on the top or bottom of the post, by using the aforementioned V-shaped cuts on the folded sheet material. The point 60 depicted in Fig.6, when positioned on the top of the post, may act as a deterrent to prevent intruders from climbing the fence, similar to the points on the top of the palisade fence pales. It is noted that different sized points are possible by changing the dimensions of the V-shaped cut. Additionally, multiple spikes can be formed by using multiple V-shaped cuts, for example using such cuts to form a W, sawtooth or Zig-zag shaped cut. Also, the edges of these cuts may be sharp, creating a further deterrent that may prevent an intruder from grabbing, or otherwise gripping the top of the post.

It is also noted that such cuts can also create one or more spikes, or points, on the bottom of the post too. The points 60 on the bottom of the post can help to embed the post into the ground, helping to secure the fence post into place. Additionally, the bottom points may be folded outwards to increase the surface area of the base of the post, to increase the amount of grip between the post and the ground, again improving the stability of the post, and by extension the stability of the entire palisade fence affixed to said post. It is also noted that once the posts are shaped, additional points can be formed on both the top and bottom of the post by making incisions into the top, or bottom of the post. These incisions may be in the central portion 24 or end portions 22,22' of the post, cutting down the length of the post, a distance equal to the desired length of the additional points, thereby dividing the profile 20 of the post into sections. These sections can be folded out to form additional points, and sharp edges, which may act as a deterrent to intruders, or help embed the bottom of the post into the ground, as described above.

It is also noted that there may be one or more apertures 70 positioned along the length of the post. Figure 7 depicts an example of such an aperture 70 in the central portion 24 of the post, however the apertures may be positioned in the end portions of the post as well. As can be seen in the depicted example the apertures 70 may form additional points 72 which can be folded out to point away from the post This again create a deterrent to prevent intruders from gripping or climbing the fence post. Further, when such an aperture 70 is in the bottom portion of the post, that will be embedded into the ground, the hole of the aperture may help increase the grip between the ground has on the post, especially when the post in embedded into concrete. Further, the additional surface area created by the tab or point 72 formed by the aperture 70 may also increase the grip between the post and the ground by increasing the surface area of the post in contact with the ground. The preferred method for forming these apertures 70, as can be seen from Fig.7, comprises an aperture 70 being formed by making an incision into the side of the post, such that a piece of the post can be folded out to both form the aperture 70 and create an additional point 72, which may act as a deterrent to intruders, or improve the post's grip with the ground.

By using the above mentioned features the present invention provides an improved design for a palisade fence post. In particular, the disclosed design provides improved strength and stability of the post by using the looped end portions 22,22'. The stability of the post may be further improved using the described apertures 70 and points 72 in the portion of the post to be embedded into the ground. Further the directions of the folds used to form said end portions 22,22' are in opposite directions to improve the strength of the overall post structure, and to provide improved protection to the fasteners coupled to the post, as the loose ends 26,26' of the fold may leave the fasteners exposed, so by having the loose end 26,26' of each end portion 22,22' on opposite sides, the user can ensure that no fasteners are completely exposed. The post may also include additional points 60 at the top of the post, or along the sides of the post, to act as a deterrent to intruders. Further the shape of the aforementioned looped end portion 22,22' can be changed to make the assembly of the fence easier, especially when the post in on a curve, as the end portions 22,22' can be angled to help guide the rail of the fence panels towards the center of the post where it will be affixed to the post.

Figure 8-depicts a post with a base plate for supporting and securing the post. The post comprises a base plate 80 located at an end of the post. The base plate is preferably welded to form part of the post. This provides a post more easily located and supported in an upright position during fence construction and particularly when any concrete securing the base is setting, thus reducing the degree of support required.

Figure 9-depicts a post with a base plate for attachment to the post. The base plate is secured to form the post 27 by means a of fastener, such as a bolt or rivet in a bolt hole 92.

The fastener is not depicted. This enables a post to be produced which is more versatile having the base plate as an option.

Claims

Claims: 1. A post for use in a palisade fence, formed using a folded sheet material, wherein the post comprises: a linear central portion 24, configured to be affixed to one or more rails; folded end portions 22,22', wherein the front and rear facing edges of the post are folded so as to form a loop in a plane that is non-parallel to the plane of the linear central portion 24, wherein the loops are of a desired shape and cover the front and rear faces of the post; wherein the folded end portions 22,22' are folded in opposite directions, so that the loose end 26,26' of each end portion 22,22' is on opposite sides of the post.
2. The post of claim 1 wherein the plane of the end portions 22,22' is non-perpendicular to the plane of the linear central portion 24. 15
3. The post of claims 1 and 2 wherein the planes of the folded end portions 22,22' are parallel.
4. The post of claims 1 and 2 wherein the planes of the folded end portions 22,22' are non-parallel.
5. The post of claim 4 wherein the angle formed by the planes of the folded portions 22,22' is between 70 and 160 degrees.
6. The post of any proceeding claims wherein shape of the folded end portions 22,22' comprises three or more corners, wherein said corner of the folded end portions 22,22' furthest from the central portion 24 is 90 degrees or less.
7. The post of claim 6, wherein the angle of the folded end portions 22,22' furthest from the central end portion 24 is between 60-90 degrees.
8. The post of claim 6, wherein the angle of the folded end portions 22,22' furthest from the central end portion 24 is 30 degrees or less.
9. The post of any preceding claim, wherein the bottom portion of the post is configured to be embedded into the ground; and Wherein the bottom portion comprises one or more apertures 70.
10. The post of any preceding claim wherein the top portion of the post comprises one or more points 60.
11. The post of claim 10, wherein at least one of the points 60 are formed by making incisions into the top portion of the post to form a plurality of sections, wherein at least one of the sections is folded away from the center of the post to form a point.
12. The post of any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the post include apertures 70 formed using incisions into the side of the post.
13. The post of claim 12, wherein the aperture 70 forms a tab or point 72 that can be folded out, away from the post, to form additional points 72 along the side of the post.
14. The post of any preceding claim wherein the bottom portion of the post comprises one or more points 60,72.
15. The post of claim 14, wherein at least one of the points 60,72 are formed by making incisions into the bottom portion of the post to form a plurality of sections, wherein at least one of the sections is folded away from the center of the post to form a point.
16. The post of any preceding claim, wherein the post is formed by a cold roller process.
17. The post of any preceding claim, wherein the post is formed from a galvanized material.
18. The post of any preceding claim, wherein the post comprises a powder coating.
19. The post of any preceding claim wherein the post comprises a base plate 80 located at an end of the post.
20. The post of claim 19, wherein the base plate 80 is welded to the post 27'.
21. The post of claim 19 wherein the base plate is secured to form the post 27 by means a of fastener, such as a bolt or rivet in a bolt hole 92.
22. A base plate 82 for use with a post of any preceding claim wherein the base plate comprises a rectangular plate having a perpendicular extension with a securing aperture 92 for a fastener for fastening to the post.
23. A method for constructing a palisade fence, wherein one or more posts of the preceding claims are embedded into the ground around the perimeter of the area to be protected; an end of a fence panel comprising a plurality of fence pales coupled to the length of one or more rails, via a suitable fastener, is fasted to a respective post via a suitable fastener coupled to the central portion of the post.
24. A kit of parts comprising two or more posts of the preceding claims, two or more rails, a plurality of fence pales, and a plurality of fasteners configured to coupling the posts, rails and pales together.
25. A kit of parts comprising a post 27 of any of claims 1 to 19 and a base plate, such as base plate 82 according to claim 22.