IL102403A - Modular fence - Google Patents

Description

MODULAR FENCE 2254/92 -1- MODULAR FENCE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fence. More particularly, the invention relates to modular fence elements and to fences made therewith.

Background of the Invention The use of fences to prevent unauthorized entry or as road blocks, crowd control barriers and for many other applications have been known in the art for a long time. Many uses and applications of fences are clear and need not be specified here. However, the art has been constantly searching for fences that can be quickly constructed, which are simple to assemble and which are relatively inexpensive, because such fences are applicable in a variety of uses which are self-evident. Fences of this type, which are normally modular fence structures have been described, e.g., in US Patent No. 4,498,660, US Patent No. 4,982,535, and Italian Patent No. 1154384, and in Israeli Patent No. 90303. All the solutions offered in such prior patents, however, still retain a number of drawbacks, and do not solve some of the problems which they are supposed to address. For instance, the erection time of fences made from the modular elements described in the prior art is still relatively long, and they do not provide a simple and effective solution for uneven grounds, where a fence may be erected along a strip having different heights and irregularities, which render the construction of prior art modular fences complicated. Furthermore, if it is desired to provide a depth of protection by the modular fence, this requires erecting different 2254/92 -2- lines of fences. Also, providing different shapes and depths of fencing at various specific locations cannot be conveniently done.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular fence element which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art fences, which is relatively inexpensive, and which can be used to erect fences quickly and simply.

It is another object of the invention to provide modular fence structures made by such elements.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a versatile fence, made of modular elements, which can be easily used to cover different lengths and depths of areas, and for different uses such as road blocks, fences for house or farming purposes.

The modular fence element according to the invention comprises at least two surfaces, pivotally connected to one another. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces are substantially parallel to one another, when in the stacked position, and form an angle with one another when in the operative position. Preferably, the surfaces are pivotally connected near one or more of their edges.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces are "mesh surfaces", as will be more fully described hereinafter. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the surfaces are plane, full 2254/92 -3- surfaces, which can be made of slippery material. Accordingly, throughout the following description, whenever reference is made to "mesh" surfaces, plane non-mesh surfaces are also intended to be addressed, mutatis mutandis, and vice versa.

By "mesh surface" is intended to indicate any surface made of recurring elements leaving empty areas on the surface, all having a substantially recurring shape, but not being limited to any particular shape or element shapes.

Conveniently, and according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the mesh surface comprises horizontal elements and sub-vertical elements, and the horizontal element to which the sub-vertical elements are pivotally connected is common to both mesh surfaces. Thus, a symmetrical situation is created with respect to both surfaces. However, it is possible to provide asymmetric structures in which the horizontal elements of one surface are connected to sub-vertical elements of another surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the sub-vertical elements are looped at the pivotable connection thereof, whereby the horizontal element passing through each loop of the plurality of sub-vertical elements constitutes the axis of rotation of both mesh surfaces. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the elements of the invention can be stacked in a flat configuration, after rotating one surface towards the other surface, and therefore it can be easily stocked and moved to the location where the fence is to be erected. 2254/92 102403/2 -4- The horizontal elements can be welded to the sub-vertical elements of the mesh surface, or it can be connected to the sub-vertical elements by connecting means which securely keep them in position, even by a metallic wire. As would be appreciated by the skilled person, the actual shape of the horizontal and of the sub-vertical elements is not overly important, but it is important to provide mesh surfaces which have the desired strength on the one hand, while creating an element which is as light as possible. The actual shape and weight of each element will be dictated in each case by the requirements for the specific use contemplated.

As stated, the horizontal and the sub-vertical elements can be made of elements having similar size and shape, or the horizontal elements may be a different size and/or shape from the sub-vertical elements. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the elements are selected from metal rods or metal pickets. A modular element according to one embodiment of the invention is provided with sub-vertical elements in the shape of pickets, which pickets are provided with openings through which a horizontal element can pass so as to provide a pivotable connection between two connected mesh surfaces.

As stated, also encompassed by the invention, is a fence comprising two or more modular elements, the said elements being positioned one after the other to create substantially parallel surfaces. 2254/92 102403/2 -5- Of course, when it is desired to create a fence of different length, two or more modular elements are positioned in close juxtaposition to one another, preferably the edges of two adjacent mesh surfaces being slightly superimposed. Once the fence has been erected by positioning the various elements as desired, the various modular elements can be connected one to the other in situ, e.g., by using metallic wire or any other appropriate connecting means.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments All the above and characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: - Fig. 1 schematically illustrates one modular element according to an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 2a is a side view of two connected modular elements according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2b shows the elements in stacked position.

- Fig. 3 schematically illustrates three modular elements connected to provide a depth of protection; - Fig. 4 illustrates a construction of a fence by positioning modular elements side by side; 2254/92 102403/2 -6- - Fig. 5 schematically shows the advantages of the fence structure of the invention on uneven grounds; - Fig. 6a illustrates a side view of one modular sub-vertical fence element according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6b shows a front view of several elements of Fig. 6a connected together and producing a mesh surface; Fig. 6c shows a top view of the connected elements of Fig. 6b; Fig. 6d shows a perspective view of two mesh surfaces joined together; Fig. 6e shows connection of two sub-vertical elements; - Figs. 7a-7c shows various possible connections of horizontal and sub-vertical elements; - Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a fence element according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, which is particularly useful as a road block; - Fig. 9 illustrates a non-mesh element according to one preferred embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 10 illustrates a non-mesh element according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; and - Fig. 11 illustrates a non-mesh surface, according to still another embodiment of the invention.

Turning now to Fig. 1, a modular element, generally indicated by arrow 1, is comprised of two mesh surfaces 2 and 3, each provided with a plurality of horizontal elements 4, and of sub- vertical elements 5. The pivotable connections between the sub-vertical elements of surface 2 and the horizontal elements of surface 3 are not seen in this figure. One possible connection is shown in Fig. 2(a), in which it is seen that sub- 2254/92 -7- vertical element 6 is looped to create a loop 7, through which horizontal element 8 passes. If the horizontal element 8 is welded to sub-vertical element 9 of the second surface, then no loop is needed in sub-vertical element 9. However, if the horizontal element 8 is common to both surfaces and is not welded to one of them, then the situation shown in the enlargement of Fig. 2(a) prevails, in which sub-vertical element 9' is provided with loop 10', while sub-vertical element 6' is provided with loop 7', and bar 8' passing through both loops forms the connection between the two surfaces as well as the axis along which the two surfaces rotate. Fig. 2(b) shows the elements in stacked position, and is self-evident from the description of Fig. 2(a). Again, in Fig. 2(a), the same situation can be created at the connection between two different modular elements, so that loop 11 acts as a connection between the two modular elements once a horizontal element is passed through the various loops.

Fig. 3 shows in perspective view the situation existing once three modular elements, 1, 1" and 1"', such as that depicted in Fig. 1 , are connected together, one after the other. This, normally, will be the depth of the fence and not its length, and the fence can thus be made as deep as it is desired, depending on the conditions prevailing on the ground. In Fig. 4, six different elements are positioned one after the other to provide a very deep fence. These six elements, indicated by numerals 12(a) -12(f), are juxtaposed to a similar row of elements 13(a)-13(f), which are slightly superimposed on elements 12(a)-12(f), as indicated by numeral 16. Additional fence elements 14(a)-14(f) and 15(a)-15(f) create additional superimposed rows, which are continued for the entire length of the area to be fenced. 2254/92 102403/2 -8- In Fig. 5, four elements, 17(a)- 17(d) are shown, to illustrate the construction of a fence on a hill, 18. As can be easily seen, because of their modular and pivotable nature, the modular elements can be adjusted to any shape and irregularity of the ground, without any particular preparatory work, and therefore erecting a fence on any type of ground is simple, quick and easy.

Fig. 6 illustrates a modular fence element according to one particular embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6(a) shows one sub-vertical element 19, which is made by a picket, and which is provided with openings 20 for the passage of horizontal connecting elements. Three such connected elements are shown in Fig. 6(b), connected by horizontal elements 21. As can be easily seen, the picket, according to this embodiment of the invention, is cut into a shape which provides a pointed end 22, which can be used for two purposes: if the pointed end is on the upper portion of the fence, it helps to render climbing over the fence difficult. However, and also importantly, if a pointed end is provided at the bottom portion of the fence, then it helps in obtaining some penetration into the ground on which the fence is built, thereby providing anchorage for the fence element on the soil, and even, in some instances, on a road or other surfaces.

Fig. 6(c) is a top view of the mesh surface of Fig. 6(b), as will be evident to the skilled person. In Fig. 6(d) two mesh surfaces, having straight,' non-angular pickets as vertical elements, are joined together, through a common horizontal element 23, to form a modular element 24. The 2254/92 -9- mesh surfaces are indicated by numerals 2 and 3 as in Fig. 1 , for the purpose of comparison, and sub-vertical elements 19 correspond to numeral 5 in Fig. 1 , while horizontal elements 21 correspond to numeral 4 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6(e) illustrates the connection between two sub-vertical elements 19, through horizontal element 23, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows some illustrative but non-limitative ways of connecting between sub- vertical elements and horizontal elements. In Fig. 7(a), a sleeve 25 is provided with an opening 20 in the sub-vertical element 19, through which a horizontal element 21 passes and in which it can freely rotate. Sleeve 25 is kept in its place, according to this figure, by the pressure resulting from a precise dimensioning of its outer diameter with respect to the diameter of opening 20.

As will be apparent to the skilled person, in Fig. 7(b) horizontal element 21 rotates freely, and this may also be useful as an additional impediment to overcome the block imposed by the fence. In Fig. 7(c), on the other hand, no rotation occurs, since vertical element 19 is welded to horizontal element 21.

Of course, elements of the type shown in Figs. 7(b) and 7(c) can also be used mixedly, on the same horizontal element, and any combination can be used, as long as it provides the desired dynamic and/or static result. In a preferred embodiment of the invention one mesh surface will be 2254/92 -10- provided with connections as in Fig. 7(b), and the other with connections as in Fig. 7(c), along the line of pivot, so that rotation is effected via sleeve 25 (Fig. 7(b)). As stated, however, many other combinations of connecting elements are possible.

In Fig. 7(b), on the other hand, sleeve 25 is kept in place by providing appropriate welded points 26, which connect it to the sub-vertical element 19. In Fig. 7(c), in contrast, sub-vertical element 19 is welded directly to horizontal element 21 , by providing appropriate welding points 27, and without using any sleeve. This arrangement is convenient, for instance, when it is desired to avoid rotation of horizontal element 21 with respect to sub-vertical element 19.

Fig. 8 illustrates another fence element according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment, two elements of different sizes are connected, the first larger element, 28, being designed so as to stop a person from climbing thereon, and a smaller element, 29, provided before it, which is designed to stop a vehicle, since any vehicle climbing on lower element 29 will become entangled, damaged and will cause one or more tires to be damaged. This element according to the embodiment of Fig. 8 is particularly convenient for road blocks, when it is desired to obtain at the same time a blocking effect on vehicles and on persons, but of course, it can be used for any other convenient purpose.

Figs. 9-11 illustrate the use of non-mesh surfaces. In Fig. 9 each surface is provided with vertical elements, 30 and 30', over which a plane 2254/92 102403/2 - 1 1 - surface, 32, is stretched, which .can be made of or coated with a low-friction material, e.g., Teflon, so that climbing thereof becomes difficult. The two surfaces are connected, in Fig. 9, via a single horizontal element 31.

In Fig. 10 two surfaces, 33 and 33' are shown, which are rigid and therefore do not require sub-vertical elements for support. Connection of two surfaces can be effected, e.g., via an inner shaft 34, not shown in details in the figure for the sake of brevity, since providing such connection is within the scope of the skilled engineer.

Fig. 11 illustrates a different embodiment, in which sub-vertical elements, 35-35" are connected by two horizontal elements, 36 and 36', only three such sub-vertical elements being shown, for the sake of brevity. Each two adjacent sub-vertical elements are connected to plane surfaces (37 and 37' in the figure) which, together with the sub-vertical elements and the horizontal element, form the whole of one surface of the modular fence element.

The above description of preferred embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to constitute a limitation of the invention in any way. As will be apparent to the skilled person, many different construction materials, shapes of elements and of parts of the elements, such as different pickets, rods and in general sub-vertical and horizontal elements can be provided, that can be made of different materials and of more than one material in the same element, 2254 92 -12- and they can be provided in any shape, number, length and depth, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims (26)

2254/92 102403/3 -13- CLAIMS:

1. A modular fence element comprising at least two surfaces, pivotally connected to one another, wherein the connecting element is substantially parallel to the ground, and wherein at least one of the said two surfaces makes an angle with the ground plane.

2. A modular fence element according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two surfaces is a plane surface.

3. A modular fence element according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the two surfaces is a low-friction surface.

4. A modular fence element according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two surfaces is a mesh surface.

5. A modular fence element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surfaces are substantially parallel to one another, when in the stacked position, and form an angle with one another when in the operative position.

6. An element according to claims 1-5, wherein the surfaces are pivotally connected near at least one of their edges.

7. An element according to claims 1-5, wherein the surfaces are pivotally connected at at least one position removed from the edges.

8. An element according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an upper pointed or cutting end. 2254/92 102403/3 - 14-

9. An element according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lower pointed end.

10. An element according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the pointed upper end is different from the lower pointed end.

11. An element according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the upper pointed end and the lower pointed end have the same shape.

12. An element according to claim 4, wherein the mesh surface comprises horizontal elements and sub-vertical elements, wherein the sub-vertical elements are pivotally connected to a horizontal element.

13. An element according to claim 12 comprising two pivotally connected mesh surfaces, wherein the horizontal element to which the sub-vertical elements are pivotally connected is common to both mesh surfaces.

14. An element according to claim 13, wherein the sub-vertical elements are looped at the pivotable connection thereof, whereby the horizontal element passing through each loop of the plurality of sub-vertical elements constitutes the axis of rotation of any two connected mesh surfaces.

15. An element according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal elements are welded to the sub-vertical elements. 2254/92 102403/3 - 15-

16. An element according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal elements are connected to the sub-vertical elements by connecting means.

17. An element according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal and the sub-vertical elements are made of elements having similar size and shape.

18. An element according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal elements differ in size and/or shape from the sub-vertical elements.

19. An element according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the elements are selected from metal rods or metal pickets.

20. An element according to claim 19, wherein the sub-vertical elements comprise pickets provided with openings through which a horizontal element can pass, to provide the pivotable connection between two connected mesh surfaces.

21. A fence comprising two or more modular elements according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the said elements being positioned one after the other to create substantially parallel surfaces.

22. A fence comprising two or more modular elements according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the said elements being positioned in close juxtaposition while stacked.

23. A fence according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the elements is smaller in size than the remaining elements. 2254/92 102403/3 - 16-

24. A fence according to claim 23, wherein the outermost element is smaller than the inner elements.

25. A fence according to claim 22, wherein the edges of two adjacent surfaces are slightly superimposed.

26. A fence according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein any two separate modular elements are connected in situ after having been positioned. fence according to claim 1, essentially as described and illustrated. n*Km JIN )UN*)* LUZ2ATTO Λ LUZ2ATTO