NZ553863A - Modular fence with plinth members attached to pillars with socket arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular fence system configured to accommodate sloping ground is disclosed. A plinth member (24) extends between two spaced apart pillars (12) of the fence. Each pillar includes a socket (22) that receives an end of the plinth, even when the pillars are at different vertical heights and the plinth is on a sloping angle.

Description

553363 55 3 8 63 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 - COMPLETE SPECIFICATION APPLICANT: Andrew Laurence Gooden ADDRESS: 12 Wireless Road East, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290, Australia Hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 13 MAR 2007 Received 2 A modular fence system The present invention relates to a fence system and, in particular, to a lightweight, easy-to-assemble, modular fence system adapted to simulate a masonry fence. The fence system is further configured to accommodate sloping or uneven ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Masonry fences have existed for many years and are available in various designs and configurations. In general, such fences are made up of a plurality of vertical pillars which line the perimeter of an area that is to be contained, and horizontal plinth panels which connect each pillar. Gates are typically fixed between two adjacent pillars, and some fence designs include 10 metal fencing fixed above the plinth panels.

Pillar and plinth panel arrangements differ according to their location within the fence system. For example, if the area to be contained is square, each corner pillar will include two plinth panels that extend perpendicularly therefrom. Along straight portions of the perimeter, each pillar will include two plinth panels extending from opposed sides of the pillar such that 15 they are disposed by 180 degrees. At perimeter ends, or where there is to be a hanging gate or the like, there will only be one plinth panel joining the pillar on one side. The pillars typically have a square cross-section, but may also come in other shapes and sizes, such as cylindrical for example.

The components of masonry fence systems are typically transported to a site and then 20 erected. Typically, the masonry pillars are fixed at predetermined positions along the perimeter of the area to be contained, whereby each pillar includes a starter bar extending downwardly from its base so that it may be fixed within concrete in the ground at those locations. Once the pillars are fixed, the plinth panels are simply attached at opposed ends thereof at the base of each pillar using a filler material.

Those skilled in the art would be aware of the various difficulties associated with erecting masonry fences, including • the requirement for skilled stone masons/brick-layers; transport difficulties due to the weight of the various components; intellectual property" office of N.Z. 2 ? J J.N 2008 RECEiwFn . >f H- 3 • current modular masonry fence systems are time-consuming to assemble in that mortar and adhesives are required; • the necessity of footings to support the plinth panels across their length; • assembly difficulties in that where an area to be contained is sloping or uneven, it must 5 first be levelled out so that each pillar extends to the same height above the ground, and then to ensure that plinth panels are fixed substantially horizontally; and • the fact that the space between pillars and therefore the length of panels must all be predetermined, as these parameters presently cannot be altered on-site.

There is therefore an existing need for a modular fence system that is capable of 10 accommodating sloping ground surfaces, and which generally simplifies on-site construction.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a fence pillar for use in a fence 15 system, said fence pillar including: at least one socket means configured to receive one end of a plinth member which is adapted to extend between said fence pillar and an adjacent spaced apart fence pillar, said socket being configured to receive the plinth member even when the fence pillars are vertically disposed.

Preferably said plinth member is of a stepped down cross-sectional size to that of said 20 socket means, the clearance therebetween being sufficient to allow for said plinth member to extend at an angle between vertically disposed, spaced apart pillars.

In preference said pillar includes a base portion, an upright body, and a lid portion capping the upright body.

Preferably said base portion includes at least four vertical faces, whereby one or more of 25 said faces includes a socket means extending outwardly therefrom.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2. 21 JUN 2008 RECEIVED 4 In preference said socket means is in the form of a hollow receiving panel extending outwardly from said base portion, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the hollow receiving panel corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the plinth member.

Preferably said socket means is removably attachable to said pillar main body at different 5 vertical heights.

In preference said fence pillar is hollow and said lid portion is removable to facilitate filling the pillar with material for the purpose of stabilising it.

Preferably said pillar and said socket are integrally moulded and constructed of lightweight plastic material.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a fence system including: at least two spaced apart pillars; at least one plinth member adapted to extend between said spaced apart pillars; at least one socket means associated with each pillar, said socket means adapted to receive one end of the plinth member even when the spaced apart pillars are vertically disposed.

This is to accommodate for sloping or uneven ground in that a panel connecting two pillars fixed at alternate heights can be angled whilst still being secured between the socket means of each pillar.

Preferably each plinth member is of a stepped down cross-sectional size to that of said socket means, the clearance therebetween being sufficient to allow for said plinth member to extend at an angle between vertically disposed, spaced apart pillars.

In preference said at least one socket means is integrally moulded to said pillar. Alternatively said at least one socket means is removeably attachable to said pillar at different vertical heights. This enables the plinth panels to be fixed horizontally between pillars even when the ground beneath is sloping.

Preferably said fence system simulates a masonry fence whereby each pillar includes a base portion, an upright body, and a lid portion capping the body portion.

Advantageously the base portion is box-shaped and includes at least four vertical faces, whereby one or more of said faces includes a socket means extending outwardly therefrom. intellectual property office of n.z 27 JUN 2008 RPCFIVED Preferably said socket means is in the form of a hollow receiving panel extending outwardly from said base portion, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the hollow receiving panel corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the elongate plinth member.

In preference each pillar is hollow and said lid portion is removable to facilitate filling 5 the pillar with material for the purpose of stabilising it.

Preferably said plinth member is constructed of a material that may be easily cut at a work site to suit different spaced apart distances between said pillars.

In preference each component of said fence system is constructed of a rigid, lightweight material such as plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a corner section of the fence system of the present 15 invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of straight section of the fence system of the present invention; Figure 3 a illustrates a pillar including two perpendicularly offset sockets for use in the corner section of Figure 1; Figure 3 b illustrates a pillar having two aligned sockets for use in the straight section of Figure 2; Figure 3 c illustrates a pillar including a single socket for use where the fence system terminates, or for when a gate is to be attached; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pillar forming part of the fence system of the 25 present invention, with the lid of the pillar raised; Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pillar of Figure 4 filled with sand; intellectual property office of N.Z 2 7 JUN 2008 RECEIVED 6 Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the fence system of the present invention when mounted above sloping ground, the plinth panels extending between pillars at an angle; and Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the fence system of the present invention when mounted above sloping ground, the plinth panels extending between pillars in a stepped 5 horizontal configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope 10 of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

The present invention relates to a modular fence system 10 which overcomes problems associated with existing masonry and simulated masonry fence systems. This is achieved through use of a novel connection between fence components which is described in detail below. The 15 method of connection between fence components combined with the lightweight plastic construction of the system also provide for quick and easy transportation and assembly.

The modular fence system 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, Figure 1 shows a corner section of the system 10 and Figure 2 shows a straight section of the system 10. As with existing masonry fences, the fence system 10 comprises a plurality of 20 vertical pillars 12, and plinth panels 14 connecting the pillars 12. Unlike masonry fences, the fence system is constructed principally of plastic, and is stabilised by means described below.

Each pillar 12 includes a box-shaped base portion 16, a stylised body portion 18 extending upwardly therefrom, and a removable lid portion 20. Extending outwardly from vertical faces of the base portion 16 are connector sockets 22. Each plinth panel comprises an 25 elongate body 24 having a continuous profile. Each connector socket 22 is adapted to receive and thereby engage an end of the plinth panel body 24. The way in which this occurs will be explained in more detail below.

Figures 3a-3c illustrate different pillar configurations. Figure 3a shows a pillar 12 including two sockets 22 extending from opposed faces of the base portion 16, for use in straight 30 sections of the fence such as that shown in Figure 2. Figure 3b shows a pillar 12 including two INTELLECT"»« ^OPEKTY M.Z. "c / 2008 7 sockets 22 extending at right angles to one another from adjacent faces of the base portion 16. This configuration is for use in corner sections of the fence system 10 such as that shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 c shows a pillar 12 including one socket 22 extending from a face of the base portion 16, for use at fence ends, or where there is to be a hanging gate (not shown) or the like on 5 the opposed side of the pillar 12.

As mentioned, the lid 20 of each pillar is removable and this can be seen clearly in Figure 4 which illustrates a pillar 12 with the lid 20 raised. The purpose for having removable lids 20 is to be able to partially or completely fill the pillar 12, which is hollow inside, with either sand or concrete to thereby stabilise the pillar 12. Figure 5 illustrates a pillar cross-section where it can 10 be seen that the inside of the pillar is filled with sand 26. It is to be understood that some pillars 12 need not necessarily be filled. For example those pillars which line a straight section of the fence may not require stabilisation, whereas corner pillars and pillars having hanging gates may.

Those skilled in the art would realise the ease with which the fence system 10 can be assembled. Each component of the fence system is lightweight and may be easily transported on-15 site. Once on-site, the fence system 10 can be assembled a number of different ways. It can be assembled in steps, that is, fixing a first pillar to the ground, connecting a plinth panel 14 thereto, then connecting the opposed free end of the plinth panel 14 to a second pillar 12, and so on and so forth. Alternatively the pillars are first installed and then the panels are fitted. The lightweight construction of the fence system 10 allows for this easy assembling technique. Further, because 20 the plinth panels are constructed of plastic, they may be easily cut down to size on-site to suit different spaced apart distances between pillars 12.

The primary feature of the present invention is the way in which the pillars 12 and plinth panels 14 connect, enabling the fence system to be easily assembled, but more importantly, fixed above sloping or uneven ground. The plinth panel body 24 is of a stepped down cross-sectional 25 size to that of each connector socket 22. When both ends of a plinth panel body 24 are received within connector sockets 22 of two adjacent pillars 12, the clearance between the connector socket and the plinth panel body is such that the end of the panel is allowed slight upward or downward movement relative to horizontal. Thus, the panel can be received at a slight angle.

This means that even if the pillar on one side of the panel is lower than the pillar on the other 30 side, for example where there is sloping ground 28 as shown in Figure 6, the clearance within each socket 22 allows for the plinth panel to be secured at a slight angle while the pillars remain vertical. intellectual property otocc- o* m,/ ■v i ;y:i 2008 R i; UtlVED 8 Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention whereby the fence system is mounted above sloping ground, however, the plinth panels are fixed horizontally. This is possible because the connector sockets can be attached to the pillar at any desired height. Thus, the connector socket 22 is attached to one side of the pillar a predetermined height above the 5 connector socket 22 on the opposite side of the same pillar. The raised connector socket of one pillar 12 will be horizontally aligned with the connector socket 22 which is attached to the base of an adjacent higher pillar 22, thereby allowing the plinth panel 14 to extend horizontally therebetween. The skilled addressee would realise that the height of the raised connector socket will correspond with the relative heights of adjacent pillars.

Although not shown, the plinth panels need not necessarily be straight along their length.

For example, it may be a requirement that the corners of a square fence system be rounded rather than pointed, in which case the plinth panel could be shaped in a quarter circle. The connector sockets associated with the two adjacent end pillars would simply receive the ends of the quarter circle plinth panel as described above. Rounded corners such as these are particularly suitable for 15 staircase entrances, and exhibit and tree surrounds.

The connector sockets themselves may also be made to accommodate differently designed fence systems. For example, the corner of a square perimeter may require a plinth panel extending at an angle of 45 degrees, rather than being pointed or rounded as described above. In such circumstances, each adjacent end pillar would include connector sockets having receiving 20 portions angled at approximately 45 degrees, or any other angle depending on the particular design.

It is to be further understood that the design of each component may vary to that which is shown in the accompanying representations. The fence components need not necessarily be ornamented, this is merely to add to the aesthetic appearance of the fence. The pillars may 25 equally well be cylindrical for example, and the plinth panels may have a square cross-section.

The idea is that as long as there is sufficient clearance between the connecting sockets and plinth panel ends to allow for slight variations in angle, then any suitably designed pillar and plinth panel arrangement may be used.

In preference each pillar 12 is formed using a rotational moulding process. Each 30 connector socket may be integrally formed with the pillars, however, this need not necessarily always be the case, particularly in the stepped fence situation which require sockets to be intellectual property officf of v2 2 V JUN 2008 ccrciucn 9 mountable at different heights. The connector sockets may therefore be attached to the pillar using other means such as connecting bolts and suitable adhesive.

The hollow configuration of the pillars and plinth panels further make it easier to fit lights, security wiring, internal mail boxes, and the like to the fence system.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any 10 and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention. intellectual property office of n.z 2? JUN 2008 RECtwED intellectual property office of n.z. 3 1 JUL 2008 RECEIVED

Claims (19)

CLAIMS 1

1. A fence pillar for use in a fence system, said fence pillar including: at least one socket means configured to receive one end of a plinth member which is adapted to extend between said fence pillar and an adjacent spaced apart fence pillar, said 5 socket being configured to receive the plinth member even when the fence pillars are vertically disposed.

2. A fence pillar according to claim 1 wherein said plinth member is of a stepped down cross-sectional size to that of said socket means, the clearance therebetween being sufficient to allow for said plinth member to extend at an angle between vertically 10 disposed, spaced apart pillars.

3. A fence pillar according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said pillar includes a base portion, an upright body, and a lid portion capping the upright body.

4. A fence pillar according to claim 3 wherein said base portion includes at least four vertical faces, whereby one or more of said faces includes a socket means extending 15 outwardly therefrom.

5. A fence pillar according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said socket means is in the form of a hollow receiving panel extending outwardly from said base portion, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the hollow receiving panel corresponds with the cross-sectional shape ^ of the plinth member. 20

6. A fence pillar according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said socket means is removably attachable to said pillar main body at different vertical heights.

7. A fence pillar according to any one of claims 3-6 wherein said fence pillar is hollow and said lid portion is removable to facilitate filling the pillar with material for the purpose of stabilising it. 25

8. A fence pillar according to any one of claims 1 -5 wherein said pillar and said socket are integrally moulded and constructed of lightweight plastic material.

9. A fence system including: at least two spaced apart pillars; 11 at least one plinth member adapted to extend between said spaced apart pillars; at least one socket means associated with each pillar, said socket means adapted to receive one end of the plinth member even when the spaced apart pillars are vertically disposed.

10. A fence system as in claim 9 wherein each plinth member is of a stepped down cross-sectional size to that of said socket means, the clearance therebetween being sufficient to allow for said plinth member to extend at an angle between vertically disposed, spaced apart pillars.

11. A fence system as in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said at least one socket means is integrally moulded to said pillar.

12. A fence system as in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said at least one socket means is removeably attachable to said pillar at different vertical heights.

13. A fence system as in any one of claims 10-12 wherein said fence system simulates a masonry fence whereby each pillar includes a base portion, an upright body, and a lid portion capping the body portion.

14. A fence system as in claim 13 wherein the base portion is box-shaped and includes at least four vertical faces, whereby one or more of said faces includes a socket means extending outwardly therefrom.

15. A fence system as in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said socket means is in the form of a hollow receiving panel extending outwardly from said base portion, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the hollow receiving panel corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the elongate plinth member.

16. A fence system as in any one of claims 13-15 wherein each pillar is hollow and said lid portion is removable to facilitate filling the pillar with material for the purpose of stabilising it.

17. A fence system as in any one of claims 10-16 wherein said plinth member is constructed of a material that may be easily cut at a work site to suit different spaced apart distances between said pillars. INTELLECTUAL property OFFICE OF nx 2 ? JUN 2008 RECEIVED 12

18. A fence system as in any one of claims 10-17 wherein each component of said fence system is constructed of a rigid, lightweight material such as plastic.

19. A fence system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. END OF CLAIMS intellectual PROPERTY office of n.z 2 7 JUN 2008 RECEIVED