IE56542B1 - A hoarding assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular hoarding assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises plurality of rectangular panels (1002) releasably secured together in edge-to-edge abutment, at least one support member (1012) releasably secured to each panel at the bottom edge (1007) thereof, each support member including a vertically adjustable foot (1016a, 1016b) by which the height of the panel above the ground may be adjusted, a plurality of posts (1028) releasably retained in the ground at spaced apart intervals along a line substantially parallel to the support members (1012), and a plurality of bracing members (1023) releasably connected between the posts (1028) and the panels adjacent the top edges (1006) of the latter. The abutting edges (1008, 1009) of adjacent panels are relatively adjustable in the vertical direction. Furthermore each support member (1012) comprises a vertical tubular section (1013) which slidably accommodates an upper portion (1016b) of the said foot, means for clamping the said upper portion (1016b) of the foot at an adjustable position within the tubular section, and a first flange (1014) releasably secured to the respective panel (1002).

Description

This invention relates to a hoarding assembly. In particular, it relates to a hoarding assembly which can be erected quickly /. and easily and is re-usable.

Heretofore, hoardings have generally comprised a plurality of 5 stanchions having attached thereto a plurality of generally rectangularly shaped timber elements which are nailed to the stanchions.

This type of hoarding, although very useful, has the major disadvantage that without appropriate skills, it is difficult to erect. Furthermore, the hoarding is generally used once only due to damage resulting from use and during dismantling.

In U.S. Patent Specification US-A-1601220 (Leu et al), there is disclosed a display board structure at least one support member of which is releasably secured to the frame at the bottom edge thereof. Each support member includes a vertically adjustable foot by which the height of the frame above the ground may be adjusted. The display board structure is not suitable for the construction of a hoarding assembly.

% In U.S. Patent Specification US-A-3428108 (Singer), there is disclosed a panel connector for enabling partitions to be connected together. The partitions are primarily for use inside buildings where the ground on which the partitions are mounted is substantially level without undulations along the intended lie of the erected partition.

With the increasing cost of raw materials for hoardings and the labour costs incurred in their erection, it is an object of the present Invention to provide a re-usable hoarding assembly which can be erected quickly and easily from prefabricated units.' It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hoarding assembly which will be sufficiently robust to provide a security barrier for the area bordered by -the hoarding assembly. It is another object of the present invention to provide a hoarding assembly which will enable advertisements or public notices to be attached thereto thereby providing a pleasing and aesthetic finish to the erected hoarding assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a modular hoarding 20 assembly, comprising a plurality of rectangular panels releasably secured together in edge-in-edge abutment, at least one support member releasably secured to each panel at the bottom edge thereof,' each support member including a vertically adjustable foot by which the height of the panel above the ground may be adjusted, a plurality of posts releasably retained in the ground at spaced apart intervale along a line substantially parallel to the support members, and a plurality of bracing members releasably connected between the posts and the panels adjacent the top edges of the latter and wherein the abutting edges of adjacent panels are relatively adjustable in the vertical direction.

The vertical adjustability of the feet permits the top edges of adjacent panels to be aligned despite the hoarding being assembled on uneven ground.

However, in order to permit continuation of the assembly beyond a point at which the ground rises or falls beyond that which can be accommodated by the adjustable feet, the abutting edges of adjacent panels are relatively adjustable in the vertical direction, so that a staggered connection between adjacent panels can be made.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an erected hoarding assembly according to the invention viewed from the front; f % Fig. 2 is an elevation of part of the assembly of Fig. 1 viewed from the rear; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an elevation of a first panel for use in the 5 assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the panel of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an elevation of the panel element of Fig. 4 incorporating a door; Fig. 7 is an elevation of a second panel element for use 10 in the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is an elevation of a third panel element for use in the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a first corner panel element for use in the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second corner panel element for use in the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 11 is a plan view of a first canopy panel element for use in the assembly of Fig. 1; Figs· 12, 13 and 14 are plan views of a second, third and corner canopy panel element respectively for use in the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is an elevation of a stanchion element for use in 5 the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 15a is an elevation of the stanchion element of Fig. viewed in the direction of the arrows A-A of Fig. 15; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a wall support for use with the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 17, 18 and 19 are plan views of a wall support of Fig. 16 in three different orientations; Fig. 20, 21 and 22 are perspective views of spacer elements for use with the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 23 is a plan view of a strut for use with the 15 assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 24 is a detail A of Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a detail B of Fig. 23 9 % Fig 26 is a perspective view of the base of a walkway for use with the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 27« is an elevation of a handrail for use with the walkway of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a plan view of a corner section of the walkway for use with the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an erected hoarding assembly according to the invention; Fig. 30 is a front perspective view of a panel member for 10 use in the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 31 is a rear perspective view of the panel of Fig. 30; Fig. 32a is a side elevation of the panel of Fig. 31 viewed from the direction of the arrows A-A of that Fig; Fig. 32b is an enlarged view of the top of the panel of Fig. 32a; Fig. 33a is a side view of the top of the panel of Fig. 31 viewed in the direction of the arrows B-B of that Fig; Fig. 33b ls an enlarged view of the top of the panel of I Fig. 33a; Fig. 34 is an elevation of part of the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29 and viewed in the direction of * the arrows C-C of that Fig; Λ1 Fig. 35 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 36 is a side elevation of a first anchor means for use in the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 39 is a plan view of a canopy for use in the 15 hoarding assembly of Fig. 29; Fig. 40 ls a cut-away view of the canopy of Fig. 39 taken along the line D-D of that Fig.' and viewed in the direction of the associated arrows. i % - 8 ~ Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figs. 1-28 in which like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in several of the drawings, there is shown a hoarding assembly 1 according to the invention generally shown in Fig. 1 as seen from the front and in Fig. 2 as seen from the back.

The hoarding, system 1 comprises a plurality of panel members and a plurality of canopy members 4. A pedestrian walkway is also shown.

As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, each panel member 2 is substantially rectangular in shape having two opposing sides 8 and 9 which have a plurality of holes 10 therein. Each panel member 2 is dish shaped to the extent that the centre section 2a thereof projects outwardly on the front face of the panel member 2. λ pair of first anchor means 12 is provided on each panel member 2 which first anchor means 12 includes a foot member 12a and which may be independently adjusted for height by screwing into or out of the panel member 2. The top of the panel member 2 has a pair of holes 10a therein.

In Fig. 6. there is shown a modification of the panel member 2 of Figs. 4' and 5 in which the centre section comprises a door 2b having hinges 13, a letterbox 14 and a locking bolt .

Figs. 7 and 8 each show a panel member 2 of the type described in Fig. 4 except that the width of the panel members 2 of ✓ j - 9 Figs. 7 and 8 are progressively smaller and each panel member has only one first anchor means 12.

Fig. 9 shows a first corner panel member 15 which has a first anchor means 12 and holes 10 therein. The corner panel member subtends an angle of approximately 90°. Λ In Fig. 10 there is shown a second comer panel member 16 which does not have a first anchor means but is hinged at 17.

The comer member 16 has holes 10 and by virtue of the hinge 17 may subtend any desired angle.

In Fig. 11 there is shown one canopy member 4 which is substantially rectangular in shape and has a plurality of holes 21 on cine longitudinal edge thereof and a pair of holes 23 on opposing short edges thereof. In addition , the canopy member 4 has a plurality of reinforcing supports 24 therein.

Figs. 12 and 13 each show canopy 4 having dimensions smaller than that of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a right angled comer piece canopy member 4.

In Figs. 15 and 15a there is shown a stanchion or post 30 which comprises a spiked member 31 for pushing into the ground and a support member 32. The support member 32 has a # plurality of holes 33 therein. The spiked member 31 also has a pair of holes 34 therein.

In Figs. 16-19, there is shown a wall support member 130 having a flat edge section 131 projecting from a U-shaped section 132. The flat edge section 131 has a plurality of k holes 133 for attachment to a wall 134 or other support at the boundary of the hoarding assembly. The U-shaped section 132 has holes 13.2a therein for attachment of holes 10 of a panel member 2 or corner panel member 15, 16 as the case may be via bolts.

Figs. 17-19 show positions of the wall support member 130 relative to the wall 134.

In Figs. 20-22 there is shown respectively a left spacer 40, a spacer link 41 and a right spacer 42. Both the left spacer 40 and the right spacer 42 have a plurality of holes 43 and slots 44 therein while the spacer link 41, which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section having legs 41a and 41b and a connecting portion 48, has a plurality of holes 43 in the legs: 41a, 41b and a plurality of holes 43a in the portion 48.

In Fig. 23 there is shown a strut 50 which comprises a metal • bar 51 having a tubular cross-section into which may be screwed a first end portion 52 and a second end portion 53.

An enlargement of each of the portions 52 and 53 is shown in Figs. 24 and 25 respectively. In Fig. 24 there is shown the end portion 52 which comprises a bracket 55 having a pair of legs 56 in parallel spaced apart relationship projecting therefrom and a nut 57 having a screw threaded portion 58 thereon. The legs 56 are pivotally connected to an end 59 having a threaded portion 60 which may be screwed into or out of the metal bar 51. Similarly, the end portion 53 comprises a bracket 65 having a pair of legs 66 in parallel spaced apart relationship projecting therefrom and a nut 67 having a screw threaded portion 68. The legs 66 are pivotally connected to an end 69 having a threaded portion 70 which may be screwed into or out of the metal bar 51. The metal bar 51 has a plurality of. holes 51a therein. The strut 50 may have two first end portions 52 or two second end portions 53 thereon.

In Figs. 26 and 28 there is shown the base 90 of the walkway 3 which comprises a pair of metal bars 91a , 91b in parallel spaced apart relationship linked by support members 91. A plurality of first anchor means 12 is provided in the bars 91a and 91b and the respective foot members 12a of each anchor means 12 may be screwed into or out of the bars to provide a level surface therefor. The bar 91b has a plurality of brackets 92 having holes 93 therein for supporting a handrail 100 (Fig, 27). A corner section 200 of the walkway 3 is shown in Fig. 28 in which there is provided a pair of angled metal bars 201a and 201b also in parallel spaced apart relationship linked by support members 91. Anchor means 12 are also shown as well as brackets 92 for supporting a right angled handrail (not shown).

To erect the hoarding assembly 1 according the invention, posts 30 are driven into the ground at suitable locations parallel to the intended line of the panel members 2. The highest point of the intended line is determined. A first panel member 2 is positioned at the highest point and the foot members 12a are screwed as far as possible into the base of the panel member 2. One end of the strut 50 is connected to the panel member 2 by inserting the screw threaded portion 68 into one hole 10 on the panel member 2 (Fig. 3). The other end of the strut 50 is connected to the post 10 by inserting the screw threaded portion 58 into one hole 33 of the post 30 having adjusted the length of the strut 50 by rotation of the metal bar 51 relative to the threaded portions 60, 70 as required. A respective nut 11a secures each of the screw threaded portions 58, 68 to the post 30 and the first panel member 2. A second panel member 2 is positioned in edge-toedge relationship relative to the erected panel member 2 and the holes 10 of the second panel member 2 are brought into register with the holes 10 of the erected panel member 2. A strut 50 interconnects the second panel member 2 and a * 25 respective post 30 as described with respect to the first panel member 2. The foot members 12a of the second panel member are adjusted so as to bring the top edge of the second panel member 2 into line with the erected panel member 2. The panel members are locked together using nut and bolt assemblies 11, 11a. Further adjacent panel members are erected in a similar fashion. w Depending on the length of the perimeter of the site to be protected by the hoarding 1, it will be necessary to use different sizes of panel members 2, comer members 15, comer pieces 16 and where appropriate left and/or right spacer links 40 and 42 respectively and spacer links 41. By means of the slots 44 in the left or right spacer links 40, 42, final adjustment of the required length of hoarding may be made and interlocking the slots 44 with holes of the panel members 2, corner pieces 16 etc. as appropriate.

As best seen in Fig. 2, two struts 50a and 50b may be interlinked by removing the threaded portion 60 from one of the struts, say 50a, and inserting the bracket 55 of the other strut 50b Into the strut 50a and screwing the threaded portion 60 into the strut 50a to produce an extended strut 50a-50b.

It will be appreciated that the bracket 55 is sufficiently narrow to enter the metal bar 51 of the strut 50a. Both ends of the extended strut 50a-50b should have a respective second end portion 53 located thereon for interconnection with the holes 51a of struts 50 which connect posts 50 to the panel , members 2. Adjustment of the length of the extended strut * 50a-50b may be made in the manner described above with respect to the strut 50a.

The next step is the placing of the canopy 4. To interlock the canopy members 4 with the panel members 2, the holes 10a and 21 are locked in position using nuts 11a. To interlock adjacent canopy panel members, the holes 22 are aligned with holes 23 and locked into position using nuts 11a. In the hoarding assembly according to the invention, a panel member 2 may be replaced by a door 2b or a gate 2c.

The base 90 is placed on the ground adjacent the erected assembly 1 so that the metal bar 91a is adjacent the assembly. The first anchor means 12 are adjusted to provide a level surface having regard to the roughness or otherwise of the terrain. A wooden or metal floor 3a is then placed between the bars 91a and 91b which floor 3a is additionally supported by the support members 91. Legs 100a of the handrail 100 are inserted into the brackets 92 so that the holes 93 and holes 101 of the handrail 100 are aligned. By means of nuts and bolts (not shown) the handrail is secured to the base 90. A similar operation may be carried out on corners by using the corner section 200 in a similar manner. Handrails 100 may be linked to each other by aligning holes 102 in adjacent handrails and securing them with nuts and bolts. A ramp (not shown) may be provided at the lead into and lead out of the walkway 3.

Following the erection of the hoarding assembly 1, advertising 100 may be placed on the panel members 2 if desired. it will be appreciated that a double sized advertising panel w 400 may be provided on the hoarding assembly 1 which panel 400 links two panel members 2, as shown in Fig. 1. For reasons of „ clarity, the handrail 100 is omitted from Fig. 1.

Referring now in particular to Figs. 29-40 of the drawings in which like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in several of the drawings, there is shown a hoarding system 1001 according to the invention generally shown in Fig. 29.

The hoarding system 1001 comprises a plurality of panel members 1002 and a plurality of canopy members 1004. A pedestrian walkway 1003 is also shown.

As best shown in Figs. 30-30b, each panel member 1002 is substantially rectangular in shape and is also dish shaped to the extent that the centre section 1002a thereof projects outwardly of the front face of the panel member 1002.

Each of the panel members 1002 comprises fibreglass with stainless steel reinforcing sections 1002b (Figs. 32b, 33b).

An X-shaped brace 1002c is provided at the rear of the panel 1002 for strengthening the section 1002a. The side edges v 1008, 1009 of each panel 1002 each have a plurality of holes 1010 therein. Two of these holes 1010a on each side 1008, 1009 respectively are recessed in a respective recess 1011 integral with the sides 1008, 1009. Projecting outwardly from the side 1008 is a pair of male projections 1008a. A pair of female slots 1009a is provided on the side 1009. The top and bottom edges 1006, 1007 respectively each has a plurality of holes 1010b therein.

Each panel has attached thereto a first anchor means or panel support member 1012 at the bottom edge and a second anchor means 1012a at the top edge. With particular reference to Figs. 35, 36, both anchor means 1012, 1012a include a tubular section 1013 having a first flange 1014, a second T-shaped flange 1015 located 90° relative to the first flange 1014 and a pair of parallel spaced apart flanges 1017a, 1017b located 180° relative to the first flange 1014 all of which flanges are integrally attached to or welded to the tubular section 1013.

The flange 1014 has an elongate slot 1014a, the flange 1015 has a hole 1015a; the flanges 1017a 1017b each have a pair of holes 1018a, 1018b.

Inserted into the tubular section 1013 of the first anchor means 1012 is a ground engaging member or foot 1016a which has a cylindrical projection 1016b projecting therefrom which projection 1016b is free to slide inside the relative to the tubular section 1013.

The tubular section 1013 of the first anchor means 1012 has an axially oriented slot 1019. Mounted eccentrically between the flanges 1017a and 1017b via the respective holes 1018a is a disc 1020. Attached to the disc 1020, which is free to rotate relative to and between the flanges 1017a, 1017b is disc rotating means or handle 1020a. The disc 1020 is eccentrically mounted so that when the handle 1020a is in the position shown in Fig. 36, the rim of the disc 1020 projects slightly into the slot 1019 but the cylindrical projection 1016b is free to slide in the tubular section 1013. However, if the handle 1020a is pulled downward in the direction of the arrow 1021 (Fig. 36) to the position shown in Fig. 35, the rim of the disc )020 will further penetrate the slot 1019, engage with the cylindrical projection 1016b and prevent slidable movement of ,the cylindrical projection 1016b thereby. locking it in that position.

Connected between the flanges 1017a, 1017b of the second anchor means 1012a is . a connecting member. The first connecting member comprises essentially a first tubular part 1023, an intermediate part 1025 and a second tubular part 1026. The first tubular part 1023 has a spade shaped end 1024 having a hole 1024a therein which is mountable between the flanges 1017a, 1017b. One end of the intermediate part 1025 is slidably engagable with the tubular part 1023; the other end of the intermediate part 1025 is screw threaded and adapted for engaging with the second tubular part 1026. One end of the second tubular part 1026 has internal screw threads for engaging with the intermediate part 1025; the other end of the second tubular part 1026 terminates in a spade shaped end 1027 having a hole 1027a therein. The end 1027 is connectable to a post 1028 which is adapted to be releasably driven into the ground. The post 1028 has a plurality of holes 1029 therein.

The first tubular part 1023 has a hole 1023a therein. The intermediate part 1025 has a plurality of holes running axially along the length thereof. For crude adjustment of the length of the connecting member, the intermediate part 1025 slidable engages with the first tubular part 1023. When approximately the desired length is obtained an appropriate hole of the intermediate part 1025 is brought into register with the hole 1023a, a pin (not shown) is inserted to lock the intermediate part 1025 and the first tubular part 1023 together. Fine adjustment of the length of the connecting member may be achieved by screwing the intermediate part 1025 into or out of the second tubular part 1026. A nut 1025a locks the intermediate part 1025 and the second tubular part 1026 together.

For additional support a second connecting member having the components and adjustability of the first connecting means may connect the post 30 with the first anchor means 1012.

To commence erecting a hoarding system 1001, a plurality of posts 1028 are driven into the ground at spaced apart intervals on a line parallel to the intended line of erection of the panel members 1002. The highest point of the Intended v line is located. At that point the foot 1016a is placed and with the handle 1020a in the position shown in Fig. 36, the tubular section 1013 is lowered as low as possible in the direction of the foot 1016a. The handle 1020a is moved in the direction of the arrow 1021 to lock the tubular section 1013 on the cylindrical projection 1016b.

A panel member 1002 is positioned along the intended line so that the lower one of the holes 1010a in the side edge 1009 is aligned with the slot 1014a of the flange 1014. This alignment is assisted by the resting of the bottom edge 1007 against the flange 1015, whereby one of the holes 1010b of the bottom edge 1007 is aligned with the holes 1015a. By means of a nut and bolt assembly passing through the hole 1010a and slot 1014a, the panel member 1002 is attached to the flange 1014, the nut (or bolt) being recessed in the recess 1011. A nut and bolt assembly also passes through the holes 1010b and 1015a to secure the bottom edge 1007 to the flange 1015.

The second anchor means 1012a is attached in an upside down orientation to the top of the panel member 1002 on the same side as the first anchor means 1012 in a similar manner. The * numerals of the parts of the second anchor means 1012a are identical to the numerals of the parts of the first anchor means 1012 (see Fig. 38). A first connecting member is connected between the flanges 10170*, 1017b of the second anchor means 1012a via the spade shaped end 1024 and a nut and bolt assembly (not shown) is pushed through the holes 1018a and 1024a. in addition, the connecting member is attached to the post 1028 using a nut and bolt assembly (not shown) inserted into the hole 1027a and one of the holes 1029. Linking the first anchor means 1012 with the post member 1028 is a second connecting member which is identical to the first connecting member except that the tubular part 1023 of the second connecting member is shorter than the tubular part 1023 of the first connecting member.

An adjacent panel member 1002 having first and second anchor means 1012, 1012a attached thereto both at the bottom and the top of the panel member 1002 respectively as described above is positioned in edge-to-edge relationship with the erected panel member 1002. If the anchor means 1012, 1012a of the erected panel member 1002 are attached to the side edge 1009 thereof, the anchor means 1012, 1012a of the second panel member are also attached to the side edge 1009 thereof. The pair of male projections 1008a of the second panel member 1002 is inserted into the pair of female slots 1009a of the erected panel member 1002. The handle 1020a should be in the release position (Fig. 36) to facilitate the up or down movement of the second panel member 1002 relative to the erected panel member 1002. When the respective top edges of both panel members 1002 are in a straight line, the handle 1020a is placed in the locked position as described above by moving it in the direction of the arrows 1021. First and second connecting members are attached as described above to a respective post 1028. Holes 1010 of the edge 1008 of the second panel will now be in register with holes 1010 of the edge 1009 of the second panel and nut and bolt assemblies (not shown) passing through the holes 1010 are used to interconnect more securely the two panels together. The method of erection is continued for successive panels in the manner described for the length of hoarding required.

The adjustability of the foot members 1016a permit adjacent panels 1002 to be secured together with their top edges in horizontal alignment despite variations in the ground level, provided such variations remain within the limits of adjustability of the foot members 1016a. However, if during the erection of successively adjacent panels the level of the ground should vary from highest point (i.e. the initial starting point) by greater than the range of adjustment of the foot members 1016a, it is necessary to secure the next panel vertically displaced or staggered with respect to the preceding panel. This is permitted by the plurality of holes 1010 in the opposite vertical side edges of each panel, since any hole 1010 in a side edge 1008 may be secured by nut and bolt in tbe hole 1010 in a side edge 1009 of the adjacent panel. Thus, the abutting edges of adjacent panels may be secured together with a displacement in the vertical direction engagement of the projections 1008a in the slots 1009a, by an integral multiple of the spacing between the holes 1010.

A canopy 1040 may be erected. With particular reference to Figs. 39 and 40, the canopy 1040 comprises a substantially rectangular shaped metal frame having sides 1043a-1043c and a lip 1042. Mounted in the frame is a metal corrugated part 1041 covered over by fibreglass. The lip 1042 has holes 1042a therein; the sides 1043a, 1043b each have holes 1044 and 1045 therein. The hole 1045 is recessed in a recess 1045a in a manner similar to the recess 1011. Each canopy 1042 has a width equal to the width of the panel member 1002 and is mounted thereon by bringing the holes 1042a into register with holes 1010b or the top edge 1006 of the panel member 1002 and fixing together using a nut and bolt assembly (not shown). Adjacent canopies 1040 are inter-connected using nut and bolt assemblies (not shown) when the holes 1044 of one canopy 1040 are in register with holes 1044 of an adjacent canopy 1040.

If the canopy 1040 is mounted in cantilever fashion, it is necessary to provide additional support. A first tubular support 1046 having an annular stop ring 1046a is inserted into the tubular section 1013 of the second anchor means 1012a located at the top of the panel 1002. The tubular support 1046 terminates in a spade shaped end 1047 having a hole 1047a. The tubular support 1046 is connected to second tubular support 1048 having shaped ends 1049, 1050 at both ends thereof. Each of the ends 1049, 1050 has a hole 1049a, 1050a respectively therein. The end 1049 is connected to the end 1047 by means of a nut and bolt assembly (not shown) through respective holes 1049a 1047a. The end 1050 is connected to the edge 1043a of the canopy 1040 using a nut and bolt assembly via holes 1050a, 1045 respectively using a nut and bolt assembly (not shown). To facilitate flush fitting of one canopy 1040 with an adjacent canopy, the nut (or bolt) is recessed in the recess 1045a. instead of supporting the canopy 1040 in cantilever fashion, a secondary canopy 1040 similar to the erected canopy 1040 may be attached forwardly relatively to the erected canopy (see Fig. 29). Edge 1043c (Fig. 39) of each canopy 1040 has holes therein which are brought into register to facilitate the passage of a nut and bolt assembly. Thus the lip 1042 of the second canopy is now available for attaching to the upstanding frame 1050. The framework 1050 together with the two canopies 1040 and the panel, member 1002 now form a covered passageway on which a floor 1051 may be mounted therebetween to provide the walkway 1003 to facilitate the movement of the public past the hoarding system. A ramp 1052 may be provided at each end of the floor 1051. The framework 1050 is, like the other components of the hoarding system, prefabricated and may have holes to enable adjacent frameworks 1050 to be securely attached together.

During erection of the hoarding assembly 1001, it will be 5 appreciated that appropriate corner elements of a type similar ‘ so that used in the hoarding assembly 1 may be used in comers and to abut against end walls of adjacent buildings. An example of such a corner element is shown in Fig. 29 wherein there is provided a canopy corner element 1004a which may be interlocked to adjacent canopies in the manner previously described.

Following the erection of the hoarding assembly, advertising may be placed on the front of the centre sections 1002a. » it will be appreciated that the components of the hoarding 15 assembly may be prefabricated and erected on site quickly and easily. Furthermore, when hoarding assembly is no longer required, it may be dismantled and the components used in the erection of another hoarding assembly at a different site.

Additionally, the hoarding assembly according to the invention 20 provides an aesthetic and secure barrier to a building site and enables controlled advertising to be placed thereon.

Claims (7)

1. A modular hoarding assembly comprising: a plurality of rectangular panels releasably secured together in edge-to-edge abutment, at least one support member releasably secured to 5 each panel at the bottom edge thereof, each support member including a vertically adjustable foot by which the height of the panel above the ground may be adjusted, a plurality of posts releasably retained in the ground at spaced apart intervals along a line substantially parallel to the support 10 members, and a plurality of bracing members releasably connected between the posts and the panels adjacent the top edges of the latter characterised in that the abutting edges of the adjacent panels are relatively adjustable in the vertical direction. 15

2. A hoarding assembly according to claim 1 characterised in that each support member comprises a vertical tubular section which slidably accommodates an upper portion of the said foot, means for clamping the said upper portion of the foot at an adjustable position within the tubular section, and 20 a first flange releasably secured in the respective panel.

3. A hoarding assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that the clamping means comprises a pair of parallel vertical second flanges extending from one side of the tubular 26 section, an axial slot in the side of the tubular section between the second flanges, and a clamp member mounted between the second flanges, for manual rotation between a first position wherein a portion of the clamp member enters the slot a 5 and engages against the upper portion of the foot to clamp the latter in the tubular section and a second position wherein * the clamp member disengages the upper portion of the foot to permit the latter to slide in the tubular section.

4. A hoarding assembly according to claim 3, characterised 10 in that the clamp member comprises an eccentrically mounted disc having an operating handle.

5. A hoarding assembly according to claim 2, 3 or 4 characterised in that the first flange is a vertical flange which is secured to one vertical edge of the respective panel. 15

6. A hoarding assembly according to claim 5, characterised in that each support member further comprises a horizontal flange which engages under the bottom edge of the respective panel.

7. A hoarding assembly substantially as hereinbefore 20 described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.