NZ555521A

NZ555521A - Two-part fence base

Info

Publication number: NZ555521A
Application number: NZ55552107A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Brian Dehlsen
Original assignee: Kelvindale Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-06-02
Filing date: 2007-05-31
Publication date: 2008-10-31
Also published as: AU2008200656A1

Abstract

Two-part fence bases (100) and methods for supporting fences using the bases are disclosed. The base has first (102) and second (104) portions, each consisting of a hollow shell and a settable material filling the shell. This allows the combined weight of the whole base to exceed the maximum permitted weight for safe lifting by a person. When assembled, the second portion is substantially surrounded by the first portion. Part of each portion touches the supporting ground surface when in use.

Description

Patents Form # 5 *10053746703 5 5 S 2 1 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title Two-Part Fence Base We, KELVINDALE PRODUCTS PTY LTD, of 32 Clyde Street, Rydalmere, NSW, Australia, 2116, Nationality: An Australian company, do 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: 400636NZ_Alp_20070531_1447_TGR.doc FEE CODE-1050 intellectual property office of n.z. 31 MAY 2007 RECEIVFD TWO-PART FENCE BASE The present invention relates to temporary fences such as typically found at building sites and, more particularly to the base or anchor blocks with apertures into which the tubular stiles of panels of such fences may be inserted and so supported.

BACKGROUND The use of temporary fences made up of panels comprising pairs of stiles and stringers with infills of woven wire mesh, supported in concrete blocks, has become a common feature of building sites and other areas requiring temporary enclosure.

To be effective in supporting the substantial weight of the fence panels and the forces such as wind loading, which may be applied to them, the concrete blocks themselves must be of substantial size and weight, preferably at least 35Kg. This places them outside the permitted maximum weight which, in some jurisdictions at least, may be lifted by a male person due to health and safety issues.

It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a fence base for support of panels of a 5 temporary fence; said fence base comprising an assembly of a first portion and a second portion; each of said first portion and said second portion comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; said first portion shaped so as to provide nested engagement 10 between said first portion and said second portion when said first portion and said second portion are assembled for use.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion includes a generally rectangular prism; an underside of said prism at 15 least partially open for receiving said settable material.

Preferably, said prism comprises side and end portions extending upwardly to an upper surface parallel to said underside.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion further 20 includes corner projections thrusting upwardly from said upper surface.

Preferably, said upper surface of said first portion is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said underside of said prism.

Preferably, said cylindrical formers are provided with 5 integral closures at said point level with said underside of said prism; each of said closures provided with a drainage hole.

Preferably, said apertures have a diameter adapted for insertion of tubular steel uprights of temporary fence 10 panels.

Preferably, each end portion of said underside of said prism is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an underside level with said underside of said prism; said recess extending upwardly to a level 15 intermediate said underside of said prism and said upper surface; said recess adapted for providing handholds for lifting of said first portion.

Preferably, apertures are provided in each said end portion; said apertures located centrally in said end 20 portion and between said level intermediate said underside of said prism and said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical \ former coextensive in length with each respective said recess.

Preferably, each said aperture and each said cylindrical former has a diameter adapted to receive therethrough a 5 length of reinforcing rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said end portion.

Preferably, two diametrically opposed said corner projections are each provided with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner projections; said apertures 10 communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from said upper surface of said corner projections to a point level with said underside of said prism; said apertures and said cylindrical formers adapted to receive therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod.

Preferably, said second portion comprises a central body portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end portions_; said central body portion having at least a partially open underside; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous 20 upper surface parallel to said underside; said body adapted for nesting between said corner projections of said first portion so as to rest on said upper surface of said first portion; said first portion and said second portion when assembled forming a generally rectangular block.

Preferably, depth of said central body portion is approximately equal to height of said corner projections; and wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced relative to said central body portion so as to 5 allow space for a user's fingers when lifting said second portion for assembly or disassembly with said first portion.

Preferably, said upper surface of said second portion is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a 10 transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said at least a partially open underside; said apertures and said cylindrical formers 15 of said second portion coaxial with said apertures and said cylindrical formers of said first portion when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together in superposed engagement.

Preferably, each of said outer end portions is provided 20 with an aperture; each said aperture communicating with an integral cylindrical former extending inwardly from each said outer end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former coextensive in length with respective said outer end portions.

Preferably, each said aperture and said cylindrical former of said outer end portions have diameters adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end portion to an opposite said outer end portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

Preferably, said first portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 18 to 24 kilograms.

Preferably, said second portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 14 to 20 kilograms.

Preferably, each said shell of said first portion and said second portion is moulded in a plastic material.

Preferably, said first portion at least partially surrounds said second portion.

Preferably, said first portion surrounds said second portion.

Preferably, assembly of said first portion with said second portion is effected by relative movement of one portion with the other portion in a single aligned direction.

Preferably, said direction is substantially normal to said underside of each said portion.

Preferably, when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together movement of one portion relative to 5 the other portion is prevented in two mutually orthogonal directions.

Preferably, said mutually orthogonal directions are parallel to said underside of each said portion.

Preferably, when said first portion surrounds said second 10 portion, movement of one portion relative to the other portion is prevented in two mutually orthogonal directions.

Preferably, movement of said second portion relative to said first portion in a direction perpendicular to said underside of each said portion is substantially prevented. 15 In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for providing a base element for a temporary fence comprising a first base portion and a second insert portion; said method including the steps of: (a) providing said first base portion and said 20 second insert portion as shells open at respective undersides and adapted for filling with a settable material, (b) inverting each said first base portion and said second insert portion, (c) inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and cylindrical formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said first base portion and said second insert portion, (d) pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells level with said respective undersides, (e) allowing said settable material to harden, (f) inverting each of said first base portion and second insert portion and placing said second insert portion onto said first base portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a fence base for support of panels of a temporary fence; said fence base comprising an assembly of a first portion and a second portion; each of said first portion and said second portion a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; said first portion shaped so as to provided nested engagement between said first portion and said second portion when said first portion and said second portion are assembled for use, and wherein said first portion at least partially surrounds said second portion.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion includes a 5 generally rectangular prism; an underside of said prism at least partially open for receiving said settable material.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion further includes corner projections thrusting upwardly from said upper surface.

Preferably, said upper surface of said first portion is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a 15 transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said underside of said prism.

Preferably, said cylindrical formers are provided with 20 integral closures at said point level with said underside of said prism; each of said closures provided with a drainage hole.

Preferably, said apertures have a diameter adapted for insertion of tubular steel uprights of temporary fence panels.

Preferably, each end portion of said underside of said 5 prism is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an underside level with said underside of said prism; said recess extending upwardly to a level intermediate said underside of said prism and said upper surface; said recess adapted for providing handholds for 10 lifting of said first portion.

Preferably, apertures are provided in each said end portion; said apertures located centrally in said end portion and between said level intermediate said underside of said prism and said upper surface; said apertures 15 communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former coextensive in length with each respective said recess.

Preferably, each said aperture and each said cylindrical former has a diameter adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said end portion.

Preferably, two diametrically opposed said corner projections are each provided with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner projections; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending 5 downwardly from said upper surface of said corner projections to a point level with said underside of said prism; said apertures and said cylindrical formers adapted to receive therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod.

Preferably, said second portion comprises a central body 10 portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end portion^; said central body portion having at least a partially open underside; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous upper surface parallel to said underside; said body adapted 15 for nesting between said corner projections of said first portion so as to rest on said upper surface of said first portion; said first portion and said second portion when assembled forming a generally rectangular block.

Preferably, depth of said central body portion is 20 approximately equal to height of said corner projections; and wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced relative to said central body portion so as to allow space for a user's fingers when lifting said second portion for assembly or disassembly with said first 25 portion.

Preferably, said upper surface of said second portion is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers 5 extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said at least a partially open underside; said apertures and said cylindrical formers of said second portion coaxial with said apertures and said cylindrical formers of said first portion when said first 10 portion and said second portion are assembled together in superposed engagement.

Preferably, each of said outer end portions is provided with an aperture; each said aperture communicating with an integral cylindrical former extending inwardly from each 15 said outer end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former coextensive in length with respective said outer end portions.

Preferably, each said aperture and said cylindrical former of said outer end portions have diameters adapted to 20 receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end portion to an opposite said outer end portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing a fence base for a temporary fence comprising a first portion and a second portion; said method including the steps of: (a) providing said first portion and said second portion as shells open at respective undersides and adapted for filling with a settable material, (b) inverting each said first portion and said second portion, (c) inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and cylindrical formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said first portion and said second portion, 14 (d) pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells level with said respective undersides, (e) allowing said settable material to harden, (f) inverting each of said first portion and second portion and placing said second portion onto said first portion.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is a method for providing a fence base for a temporary fence comprising a first portion and a second second portion; said method including the steps of: (a) providing shells for said first portion and said second second portion; said shells adapted for filling with a settable material, (b) pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells, (c) allowing said settable material to harden, (d) assembling said first portion and said second portion such that said first portion at least partly surrounds said second portion, and wherein adjacent surfaces of said first portion and said second portion are in contact with one another such that said first portion and said second portion act as a single mass when acted upon by 5 lateral, vertical and moment forces.

Preferably, said settable material is concrete.

Preferably, said shells are at least partially open at respective undersides of said shells.

Preferably, said method includes the further step of 10 inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and cylindrical formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said first portion and said second portion prior to filling said shells with said settable material.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a fence base for support of temporary fence panels; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second portion; each of said first portion and said second portion comprising a composite of a shell and a 20 settable material filling said shell; at least a portion of each of said first portion and said second portion being in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first portion extends over a portion of said shell of said second portion, when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

Preferably, said first portion and said second portion form a generally rectangular prism when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

Preferably, each said shell of said first portion and said second portion includes a lower perimeter edge; said lower perimeter edge defining an open base portion exposing a surface of said settable material; said surface of said settable material in contact with an area of contact of said supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use.

Preferably, said shell of at least one said portion is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers extending from an upper surface of said portion towards said area of contact; said formers defining passages through said settable material for the insertion therein of stiles of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence.

Preferably, said shell of at least one said portion is provided with at least one smaller section former extending from an upper surface of said portion towards said area of contact; said at least one smaller section former defining a passage through said settable material for insertion therethrough of a peg adapted to secure said portion to said ground surface.

Preferably, said first portion comprises an outer portion 5 provided with a generally rectangular section through aperture extending from an uppermost surface to said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

Preferably, said outer portion is in the form of a generally rectangular prism.

Preferably, said second portion comprises an inner portion in the form of a generally rectangular prism; said inner portion adapted for nested assembly within said through aperture of said outer portion.

Preferably, said shell of said inner portion is provided 15 with said pair of said stile accepting formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

Preferably, said shell of said inner portion is provide with a pair of said smaller section formers extending 20 from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface; respective ones of said pair of smaller section formers disposed at a first pair of diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular prism.

Preferably, a second pair of diagonally opposite corners of said inner portion are truncated; corresponding 5 diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular section aperture of said outer portion truncated in like manner so as to maintain a close sliding fit between said inner portion and said outer portion.

Preferably, respective dimensions of said shell of said 10 inner portion and said shell of said outer portion are selected to provide an approximate equal volume for said settable material.

Preferably, each opposite end of said outer portion is provided with a recess; said recess open at said area of 15 contact; said recess forming a handhold for handling said outer portion.

Preferably, each opposite end of said outer portion is provided with a trench through an upper surface of said outer portion; each said trench extending from an outer 20 surface of said end to said generally rectangular section through aperture.

Preferably, each corresponding opposite end of said inner portion is provided with a projecting element; each said projecting element adapted for nested engagement with each respective said trench of said outer portion; each said trench and said projecting element arranged so that when said inner portion is inserted into said aperture, 5 said upper surface of said inner portion is substantially- flush with said upper surface of said outer portion, and said lower perimeter edge of said inner portion is substantially flush with said lower perimeter edge of said outer portion.

Preferably, a space is provided between the lower surface of said trench and the upper extent of said recess; said space communicating with the interior of said shell of said outer portion so as to assist in retention of said settable material.

Preferably, each said projecting element is provided with a horizontal former extending the length of said projecting element and in communication with the interior of said inner portion; one said horizontal former axially aligned with the other so that a length of reinforcing bar may be inserted therethrough; said bar adapted to assist retention of said settable material within said inner portion.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a fence base for supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including the steps of: (a) providing shells for each of two portions of said fence base; (b) filling each shell with a settable material; (c) assembling one of said portions to the other so that said shells of said portions are nested together; one of said second portions at least partly surrounding the other, and wherein at least an exposed surface of said settable material of each portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing fence bases for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) moulding shells for each of a first portion and a second portion of said fence base at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at each said distributed location, (d) providing said fence bases comprising a composite of said shells and said settable materials to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first portion and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when a said fence base is in use, and wherein said first portion at least partially surrounds said second portion, when said 10 first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provide a method for preventing strain injury in a user handling a fence base for support of temporary fencing; said 15 method including the steps of: (a) providing said fence base in two portions, (b) arranging a first said portion and a second said portion to be of approximately equal weight, and wherein at least a portion of said first portion and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use, and wherein said second portion is at least partly surrounded by said first portion when said 25 first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a fence base for support of panels of a temporary fence.; said fence base comprising an assembly of a first portion and a second portion; said first portion including a 5 through aperture; said through aperture providing for said first portion to be placed over said second portion so that said first portion at least partly surrounds said second portion.

Preferably, when said first portion is placed over said 10 second portion adjacent surfaces of respective said portions are in contact so that said second portion is secured within said first portion; said first portion and said second portion then acting as a single mass to resist lateral, vertical and moment forces applied to 15 said second portion by said panels.

Preferably, the underside of each of said first and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use.

Preferably, each said first and second portion comprises 20 a composite of a shell and a settable material; said shell of each said portion having an open underside defined by edges; the edges of said first portion shell substantially coplanar with the edges of said second portion shell when said first and second portions are 25 assembled together for use.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; said through aperture of said first portion defined by opposing side portions and opposing end portions; said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture extending from an opening in said upper portion to lower edges defining an opening coplanar with said underside of said first portion.

Preferably, at least said opposing side portions of said through aperture slope inwardly from said lower edges towards said upper portion such that said opening defined by said lower edges at said underside is larger than said opening of said through aperture in said upper portion. Preferably, said shell of said second portion includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; and wherein at least said opposing side portions of said shell slope inwardly from said lower edges to said upper portion of said shell; said slope equal to said slope of said opposing side portions of said through aperture; and wherein said opposing side portions and said opposing end portions closely abut corresponding said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture when said first and second portions are assembled for use.

Preferably, said shell of said first portion includes a pair of handholds in said opposing end portions of said shell; each one of said pair of handholds comprising an opening bounded by opposing side portions and a top 5 portion; each said opening extending inwardly from a said opposing end portion to a respective opposing end portion of said through aperture; said handholds open at said underside of said shell and extending upwardly towards said upper portion.

Preferably, spaces formed between said top portion of said handholds and said upper portion are filled with said settable material; said settable material in said spaces forming bridging connections between settable material formed at opposing sides of said first portion; 15 said bridging connections acting to retain said settable material within said shell of said first portion. Preferably, said lower edges of said shells of said first and said second components are provided with inwardly extending ledges; said ledges providing retaining 20 elements for said settable material.

Preferably, said upper portion of said first portion and said upper portion of said second portion are substantially flush when said first and second portions are assembled for use.

Preferably, said shell of said second portion is provided with a pair of projections; one of said pair of projections extending outwardly from each of said opposing end portions of said shell; each of said projections comprising a rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs and a tubular element; said cylindrical formers of said pair of projections communicating with internal surfaces of respective said opposing end portions; said cylindrical formers coaxial one with another.

Preferably, said cylindrical formers are adapted for insertion therethrough of a length of reinforcing or similar rod; said rod extending from one said projection to another so as to provide a retaining element for said settable material within said shell of said second portion.

Preferably, said projections are of a width so as to locate between said opposing side portions of said handholds of said shell of said first portion as a sliding fit; said projections located on said opposing end surfaces so as to allow a first space below said projections when said second portion is supported on a surface, and a second space between said projection and said top portions of said handholds when said first and second portions are assembled for use; each of said spaces sufficient for insertion of the fingers of a user for lifting said first and second portions.

Preferably, said shell of said second portion includes a first pair of cylindrical formers providing passages through said settable material; said first pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an 5 underside of said upper portion to a level coplanar with said underside of said second portion; each of said pair of formers communicating with respective ones of a first pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell. Preferably, said first pair of apertures of said first 10 pair of formers are disposed centrally in said upper portion of said shell; said apertures transverse to a longitudinal axis of said fence base; said first pair of apertures and said first pair of formers spaced apart and sized so as to accept inserted therein a pair of stiles 15 of adjacent panels of a temporary fence.

Preferably, said shell of said second portion includes a second pair of formers providing passages through said settable material; said second pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said 20 upper portion, to a level coplanar with said underside of said second portion; each of said second pair of formers communicating with a respective ones of a second pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

Preferably, said second pair of apertures of said second 25 pair of formers is disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of said upper portion of said shell; said second pair of apertures and said second pair of formers sized so as to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing or similar rod; said reinforcing rod acting to secure said fence base to a supporting ground surface.

Preferably, each length of said reinforcing or similar rod is provided with a cross bar or is bent into an "L" shape; said cross bar or a foot portion of said "L" shape extending over said upper portion of said first portion so as to secure said first portion to said second 10 portion.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a fence base for a temporary fence; said fence base including a first portion and a second portion; said first portion formed with a through aperture so as to at 15 least partly surround said second portion when said fence base is assembled for use; and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said second portion taper inwardly from an underside to an upper portion of said second portion, and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides 20 of said through aperture of said first portion taper outwardly from an upper portion of said first portion to its underside; the arrangement being such that when said first portion is placed over said second portion said sloping opposite sides of said first portion and said 25 second portion are in close abutting contact.

In still a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence base; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second portion; wherein said second portion is at least partially enclosed within a through aperture provided in said first portion; the arrangement being such that undersides of both said first portion and said second portions are in contact with a supporting ground surface when in use.

Preferably, each of said first portion and said second portion are a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell.

Preferably, said method includes the steps of: (a) moulding shells for said first and second portions at a central moulding facility, (b) transporting said shells to a settable material filling facility, (c) filling said shells with said settable material, (d) transporting said portions to a site for erection of a temporary fence, (e) placing at least two of said second portions along a temporary fence line, (f) placing a first said portion over each of said second portions, (g) erecting panels of said temporary fence by insertion of the lower ends of stiles of adjacent fence panels into a pair of passages provided in said second portions.

Preferably, said second portion and said through aperture of said first portion are provided with respective sloping opposing side portions such that an underside of said second portion is larger than the opening of said through aperture in an upper portion of said first portion; said respective sloping opposing sides of each of said through aperture and said second portion closely abutting when said fence base is assembled for use, the arrangement being such that said fence base acts as a single mass when lateral, vertical and moment forces are applied to said fence base.

In yet another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence base; said fence base including a first or inner portion and a second or outer portion; said method including the steps of firstly, placing said inner portion on a supporting ground surface, and secondly, of placing said outer portion over said inner portion such that said inner portion is at least partially surrounded by said outer portion.

Preferably, said outer portion is provided with a through aperture extending from an upper surface of said outer 5 portion to an underside of said outer portion; said through aperture having at least one pair of opposing sides sloping so that the opening of said through aperture at said upper surface is smaller than the opening of said through aperture at said underside; said inner portion having at 10 least one pair of opposing sloping surfaces such that the upper portion of said first portion is smaller than its underside.

Preferably, when said first portion is placed over said second portion, said opposing sloping sides of said second 15 portion being in close abutting contact with said opposing sloping sides of said through aperture.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a fence base for a temporary fence; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second 20 portion; said method including the steps of; (a) placing said second portion on a supporting ground surface along a fence line, (b) placing said first portion over said second portion, and wherein said first portion has a through aperture so that when said first portion is placed over said second 5 portion, said first portion at least partly surrounds said second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings 10 wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a temporary fence assembly according to prior art, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first portion of a fence base according to a first preferred embodiment of the 15 present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second portion of the first preferred embodiment of a fence base, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first portion and second portions of Figs. 2 and 3 when assembled for 20 use, Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the first portion of Fig. 2 Figure 6 is a plan view of the first portion of Fig. 2, Figure 7 is a view from underneath of the first portion of Fig. 2 Figure 8 is an end elevation view of the first portion of Fig. 2, Figure 9 is a sectioned view of a portion of the first portion of Fig. 2 taken along the line A-A shown in Fig. 8, Figure 10 is a sectioned view of a portion of the first portion of Fig. 2 taken along the line B-B, Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the second 10 portion of Fig. 3, Figure 12 is a view of the underneath of the second portion of Fig. 3, Figure 13 is an end elevation view of the second portion of Fig. 3, Figure 14 is a sectioned view of a portion of the second portion of Fig. 3 taken along the line A-A.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a further preferred arrangement of the first portion of Figure 2, Figure 16 is a perspective view of a further preferred 20 arrangement of the second portion of Figure 3, Figure 17 is a perspective view of the first portion of Figure 15 and second portion of Figure 16 assembled together in use, Figure 18 is a perspective view from above of a fence 25 base comprising first and second portions, assembled for use according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 19 is a perspective view from below of the assembled shells of the first and second portions of Figure 5 18 prior to filling with a settable material, Figure 20 is a perspective view from below of the assembled shells of the first and second portions of Figures 18 and 19 after filling with a settable material, Figure 21 is a perspective view from above of the 10 first portion of Figures 18 and 20 with the second portion removed, Figure 22 is a perspective view from below of the shell of the first portion of Figure 18 prior to filling with settable material, Figure 23 is a perspective view from above of the second portion of Figures 18 and 19 after disassembly from the first portion, Figure 24 is a perspective view from below of the shell of the second portion of Figure 23 prior to filling 20 with settable material.

Figure 25 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of first and second portions of an improved fence base according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 6 is a perspective view from below of the assembly of first and second shells for the first and second portions of the fence base of Figure 25, shown prior to filling with a settable material, Figure 27 is a perspective view from above of the first portion shell disassembled from the second portion 5 shell, Figure 28 is a perspective view from below of the second portion shell of Figure 27, Figure 29 is a perspective view from above of the second portion shell disassembled from the first portion 10 shell, Figure 30 is a perspective view from below of the second portion shell of Figure 29, Figures 31 and 32 are perspective views of the assembly of the first and second portions of Figures 25 to 15 30 when the shells are filled with settable material and provided with securing stakes, Figure 33 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of the first and second portions showing an alternative location of formers for the insertion of 20 securing rods, Figure 34 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of a fourth preferred embodiment of a fence base comprising a first and a second portion, Figure 35 is a perspective view from above of the 25 first portion of the fence base of Figure 34 when disassembled from the second portion, Figure 36 is a perspective view from above of the second portion of the fence base of Figure 34 with the first portion removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A temporary fence 1 as shown in Figure 1, typically comprises adjoining panels 2 supported by fence bases 3. Panels typically comprise rectangular frames of tubular steel with a wire mesh infill. Each fence base 3 is 10 provided with a pair of holes, usually extending through, or at least part way through the block, and adapted for insertion of the lower portions 4 of a pair of stiles 5 of adjacent fence panels 2. Adjacent fence panel stiles 5 are typically linked together towards their upper ends by 15 clamping brackets 6 which secure the stiles with a small gap between them.

First Preferred Embodiment With reference to Fig. 2, a first portion 10 of a fence base is comprised of a shell 12 moulded in some 20 suitable plastic. Shell 12 is formed as a generally rectangular prism having a rectangular base 14 open at its underside 16 as may be seen from the view from below of Fig. 7.

Shell 12 has an upper surface 18 parallel with 25 rectangular base 14. The sides of shell 12 preferably taper inwardly to some extent as can best be seen in the side elevation and end elevation views of Figs. 5 and 8. Projecting upwardly at each corner area of upper surface 18, are projections 20 to 23. Upper surface 18 is provided with apertures 24 and 26 arranged side by side and disposed 5 along the transverse centre line 27 of upper surface 18.

Apertures 24 and 26 communicate with cylindrical formers 28 and 30 respectively, extending downwardly from the underside of upper surface 18 to the level of rectangular base 14 as best seen in the hidden detail of 10 Fig. 5. Cylindrical formers 28 and 30 are closed at their lower ends 32 and 34 except for small drainage holes 36 and 38. The separation between the axes of formers 28 and 30 is arranged to equal that of the axes of adjoining uprights of adjacent temporary fence panels when these are linked 15 towards their upper end by a connecting bracket 6 (as shown in Fig. 1) .

Preferably, though not essentially, formers 28 and 30 are cylindrical and have bores such as to accept therethrough the tubular steel uprights typically employed 20 in temporary fence panels. It will however be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes of formers 28 and 30 can be envisaged, such as square or hexagonal for example, sized so that sides of the square or hexagonal tubes of the formers tangentially contact the cylindrical 25 surfaces of the tubular uprights.

With reference again to Fig. 2, at least one pair of diametrically opposed projections, such as 20 and 22, may further be provided with apertures 40 and 42 respectively, each of which communicates with formers 41 and 43 respectively, also integrally moulded with shell 12 and extending downwardly from the undersides of the upper surfaces 44 and 46 to the level of rectangular base 14 as can be seen in Fig. 10. Formers 41 and 43 are open at their lower ends and are sized so as to accept pegs 13 which may be inserted into the apertures and driven into the ground to assist in stabilising the first portion 10 once in situ.

Formers 41 and 43 also are preferably though not necessarily cylindrical in form, and may also be of square or hexagonal section for example. Formers 41 and 43 are preferably moulded so as to have outer walls of the formers contiguous with, and thus supported by internal surfaces of corner projections 20 and 22 respectively.

The pegs 13 shown in Figure 17, preferred for use with the fence base of the invention, are preferably formed as a "T" shaped assembly of two steel rods, with one length of rod forming the leg and another the cross bar. This arrangement allows one or two such pegs to be inserted through the formers 41 and 43 and driven into the ground so that, when fully driven "home", one end of a peg's cross bar projects over the superposed insert portion 100 described below, and leg of the "T" shaped assembly extends below the ground surface to a preferred depth. As well as adding stability to the anchor assemblies, particularly where a fence is erected on sandy, soft or sloping ground, this has the advantage of assisting in locking the two 5 parts of the fence base together.

With reference to Figs. 2, 7, 8 and 9, it will be seen that recesses 48 and 50 are provided at each end of the first portion 10. These extend inwardly sufficient to provide handholds for a user to grasp and lift the first 10 portion off, or place it onto, a surface. Recesses 48 and 50 are open at their underside and extend upwardly to a level intermediate between base 14 and upper surface 18. Positioned centrally, in the portions of the ends of shell 12 between recesses 48 and 50 and upper surface 18, are apertures 52 and 54 communicating with cylindrical formers 51 and 53 respectively, arranged so that formers 51 and 53 are coaxial.

As may be seen in Fig. 7, strengthening webs 55 may be provided to maintain correct alignment of cylindrical 20 formers 28 and 30 prior to the filling of shell 12 with a settable material. Cylindrical formers 41 and 43 are preferably moulded so as to have outer walls of the formers contiguous with internal surfaces of corner projections 20 and 22 respectively.

Turning now to Figs. 3 and 11 to 14, a second portion 60 of a fence base is comprised of a central body portion 78 and outwardly extending portions 64 and 66 forming a shell 72. Central body portion 78 is open at its underside 79 and its depth is approximately equal to the height of projections 20 to 23 of first portion 10. The depth of extending portions 64 and 66 however, is sufficiently less than that of central body portion 78 to allow a user to insert the fingers under portions 64 and 66 for lifting second portion 60 off, or placing it on a surface.

The shape of outwardly extending portions 64 and 66 10 and of shoulder portions 68 is such as to allow a close nesting of second portion 60 between projections 20 to 23 of first portion 10, as may be seen in Fig. 4, so that first portion 10 at least partially surrounds second portion 60. It will be appreciated that when the second 15 portion 60 is assembled to the first portion 10, this nesting or partial surrounding of the second portion 60 by first portion 10, substantially prevents movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in two mutually orthogonal directions parallel to the undersides 20 of the portions. It follows that assembly of the first and second portions into a fence base can only be effected by movement of the second portion relative to the first in a direction perpendicular to the undersides of the two portions.

Second portion 60 is also provided with side by side apertures 84 and 8 6 disposed along the transverse centre line 67 of central body portion 78. Apertures 84 and 86 communicated with cylindrical formers 88 and 90 respectively, which extend downwardly from the underside of the upper surface of central body portion 78 to a point level with the underside 68. However unlike the cylindrical formers 28 and 30 of first portion 10, the formers 68 and 90 are open at their lower ends.

Pairs of apertures 84 and 8 6 and their respective formers 88 and 90 are positioned so as to be aligned vertically with respective apertures 24 and 2 6 and their corresponding formers 28 and 30 when second portion 60 is assembled first portion 10. The apertures and formers are also adapted to accept the insertion of tubular steel stiles 5 (shown in dashed outline in Fig. 4) of adjoining fence panels. Thus, when second portion 60 is assembled with first portion 10 in use, the ends of stiles 5 of adjoining fence panels, pass through both second portion 60 and first portion 10.

Again with reference to Figs. 4, 11 and 12, each of outwardly extending portions 64 and 66, is provided with centrally positioned apertures 69 and 70, each of which communicates with respective cylindrical formers 71 and 7 3 extending approximately the length of portions 64 and 66. Apertures 69 and 70 and formers 71 and 73 are coaxial and of a diameter so as to allow insertion of a length of reinforcing rod extending from one outer end portion 64 to the other 66.

In a further preferred arrangement of this embodiment as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17, the shells of first portion 10 and second portion 60 are configured as previously described. In this embodiment however, both first portion 10 and second portion 60 are provided with apertures 96, 98 and 92, 94 respectively and associated formers, 95, 97 and 91, 93. For both first portion 10 and second portion 60, apertures are formed in the upper surfaces 18 and 78 respectively with their respective formers depending from the underside of each upper surface.

The positioning of the apertures and formers is such that those of second portion 60 are in alignment with respective ones of first portion 10 when the two portions are assembled together, as can be seen in Figure 17. Thus in this embodiment, securing pegs 13 can be inserted to pass through both the second portion 60 and first portion 10 and driven into a supporting ground surface. Furthermore, the positioning of the passages so formed by the aligned apertures and associated formers, is adjacent to projections 20 to 22 such that cross bars 15 of pegs 13, overlap projections 20 and 22 as shown in Figure 16, thereby in effect securing second portion 60 to first portion 10.

In manufacture, having injection moulded or otherwise formed the shells 12 and 72, these are inverted and each may optionally be provided with a length of reinforcing rod passing from apertures 52 to 54 and from 69 to 70 5 respectively. Concrete or some other suitable settable material is then poured into the respective shells until completely filled. After setting of the settable material the portions may be inverted and are ready for use.

Second Preferred Embodiment 10 With reference to Figures 18 to 24, in this preferred embodiment, a fence base 100 again comprises a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. Each portion 102 and portion 104 is a composite of an outer shell 106 and 108 respectively, and a settable material 110, such as concrete 15 for example, as best seen in Figure 20.

With reference to Figures 21 and 22, the shell 106 of first portion 102 is in the form of a generally rectangular prism, provided with a generally rectangular section through aperture 112. Shell 108 of second portion 104, 20 shown in Figures 23 and 24, is also in the form of a generally rectangular prism and sized and shaped so as to form a close sliding fit with through aperture 102 as best seen in Figures 18 and 20.

The shell 106 of the first portion 102 is defined by 25 the outer opposing side walls 114 and 115, and opposing end walls 116 and 117, together with the upper surface 118 around the through aperture 112, and the internal walls of the aperture 112. The lower edges of these substantially-vertical outer side, end, and internal walls are coplanar and form a lower perimeter edge 120 defining an open 5 underside of the first portion shell 106.

Thus when the shell 106 is filled with a settable material 110 as seen in Figure 20, the lower perimeter edge 120 bounds an exposed surface 110 of the settable material. This exposed surface is in contact with a supporting ground 10 surface (not shown) when the fence base 100 is in use.

With reference again to Figures 21 and 22, first portion 102 is provided with a channel or trench 130 and 131 at each opposite end 132 and 133 in upper surface 118, extending from each outer end 132 and 133 into through 15 aperture 112.

Similarly, as shown in Figures 23 and 24 the shell 108 of the second portion 104 is defined by opposing side walls 122 and 123, and opposing end walls 124 and 125, together with upper surface 12 6. The lower edges of these 20 substantially vertical walls are also coplanar and form a lower perimeter edge 128 defining an open underside of the second portion shell 108. This second portion 104 thus also exposes a surface of settable material 110 at its underside when filled with that material.

Second portion 104 is provided with two projecting elements 136 and 137 at opposing ends 124 and 125. The upper surfaces 138 and 139 of projecting elements 136 and 137 are flush with the upper surface 126 of the second portion shell 108, and are sized so as to substantially fill trenches 130 and 131 of first portion 102 as a close 5 sliding fit when second portion 104 is fully inserted into through aperture 112 of first portion 102. In effect first portion 102 then at least partially surrounds second portion 104.

In this embodiment also, assembly of the first and 10 second portions can only be affected by movement of one portion relative to the other in a single direction perpendicular to the undersides of the two portions. When assembled, movement of one portion relative to the other in two mutually orthogonal directions parallel to the 15 undersides, is substantially prevented.

When so assembled, the upper surface 118 of first portion 102 and the upper surface 126 of second portion 104 are substantially flush. As well, the exposed surfaces of the settable material 110 of the first and second portions 20 1 02 and 104, are then substantially coplanar so that in use, with the portions assembled, these surfaces are in contact with a supporting ground surface.

Projecting elements 136 and 137 of second portion 104 are preferably hollow shells, open at their outer ends for 25 moulding purposes. Provided within each of these shell structures are strengthening webs 140 and a horizontal former 142 extending the length of the projecting elements and communicating with the interior of the shell 108. These formers 142 are axially aligned so that a piece of reinforcing rod of a suitable length (not shown) may be 5 inserted through them and assist in securing the settable material within the shell 108. In addition, the projecting elements 136 and 137 serve as handles for grasping the second portion 104.

Second portion shell 108 is provided with a pair of 10 formers 144 and 145 extending from upper surface 12 6 towards the plane defined by perimeter edge 128, and form passages 146 and 147 through the settable material. Preferably, formers 144 and 145 are cylindrical, sized to accept the standard tubular stiles of commonly used 15 temporary fence panels, and are arranged side by side athwart the longitudinal centreline of the second portion 104. Preferably also, formers 144 and 145 are closed at their lower ends to avoid inadvertent ingress of settable material.

A further pair of smaller section formers 150 and 151 is provided, extending from the upper surface 12 6 of shell 108 to the plane defined by the lower perimeter edge 128, and are disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of the generally rectangular prism of second portion 104. Each 25 one of the pair, forms a passage 107 and 109 through the settable material, adapted to accept lengths of suitable pegs, for example lengths of reinforcing bar (not shown). These may be driven through the formers into the supporting ground surface when the fence base has been assembled and is in position for use, to secure the fence base on loose 5 and/or sloping surfaces.

It will be appreciated that to gain maximum effect of theses securing pegs, the formers 150 and 151 should be spaced as far apart as possible, thus making it an advantage to make the second portion 104 as long as 10 possible. To maintain approximately equal volumes of the settable material in the first portion and the second portion, the other diagonally opposite corners 154 and 155 of the second portion (and the corresponding corners of the aperture 112 in the first portion), may be truncated as 15 shown in Figures 15 to 21.

Referring again to Figures 21 and 22, the ends 132 and 133 of first portion 102 are provided with recesses 156 and 157 respectively, open at the underside of the portion and extending part way upwardly towards the trenches 130 and 20 131. These recesses form handholds for lifting and handling of the first portion 102 (or of the first and second portions assembled together if desired) . The spaces 160 within the shell 106 of the first portion 102, between the outer and inner end walls and between the upper extent of 25 the handhold recesses and trenches, fill with settable material, forming "bridges" between the plugs of settable material along each side of the first portion, thereby-securing the material within the shell 106.

Third Preferred Embodiment With reference now to Figure 25, a third preferred embodiment of a fence base 210 of the present invention comprises a first portion 212 and a second portion 214. Both first and second portions 212 and 214 again comprise a composite of an outer shell, and a settable material 215 10 such as concrete (as best seen in Figure 32) . The shells 216 and 218, shown in Figure 26, of both portions 212 and 214 include at least opposing end portions, opposing side portions and an upper portion, and are open at their respective undersides as can be seen in Figures 2 6, 28 and 15 30.

In this preferred embodiment, first portion 212 is provided with a rectangular section through aperture 132 and forms an outer block adapted to slide over, and locate around, the second or inner portion 214. When so assembled, 20 the respective undersides (and exposed settable material when filled) of both first and second portions 112 and 114 are in contact with, and supported on, a ground surface (not shown), with first portion 212 effectively surrounding second portion 114.

Thus, as can be seen in Figure 26, the configuration of the shell 216 of first portion 212, and the shell 218 of second portion 214 is such that when assembled the respective lower perimeter edges 220 and 222 of shells 216 and 218 respectively are substantially coplanar. Also when so assembled the respective upper surfaces 224 and 226 of 5 first portion 212 and second portion 214 are preferably, though not necessarily, flush as can be seen in Figure 25.

With reference now to Figures 27 and 28, at least the opposing side portions 128 and 130 of the through aperture 232 of shell 216, preferably slope or taper inwardly 10 somewhat from the lower edges 220 to upper surface 224. Thus the opening of aperture 232 at the underside of shell 216 is larger than the opening of the aperture at upper surface 224. Similarly, with reference to Figure 29, opposing side portions 234 and 236 of shell 218 of second 15 portion 214, also slope or taper inwardly from the lower edges of the shell to its upper surface 226, with the slope of opposing portions of both shells 216 and 218 being equal.

The arrangement of the sizes of the through aperture 20 232 of the shell 216 of first portion 212 and the external dimensions of the main central portion of the shell 218 of second portion 214, is such that the second portion 214 nests within through aperture 232 as a snug fit, with the respective opposing side portions and end portions of the 25 aperture and the second portion closely abutting.

In effect, the tapering of both the opposing sides of the second portion 214 and the opposing sides of the through aperture in the first portion 212, is arranged so that downward movement of the first portion 212 is limited by the contacting surfaces of the sloping sides of the two portions.

It will be appreciated that the opening of the through aperture 232 at the lower edges 220 is larger than the perimeter 225 of upper portion 226 of second portion 214, so that when assembling for use, the first portion 212 is easily fitted over the second portion 214.

In this embodiment also, assembly of the first and second portions into a fence base can only be effected by movement of one relative to the other in a single direction perpendicular to the undersides of the two portions. Moreover, when assembled, movement of the second portion 214 relative to the surrounding first portion 212 is substantially prevented in two mutually orthogonal directions parallel to the undersides of the portions. As well, movement vertically upwards of the second portion relative to the first portion is impossible without such motion lifting the fence base assembly as a whole.

With reference again to Figures 25 to 28, shell 216 of first portion 212, is provided at its opposing ends 240 and 242 with recesses 244 and 246 respectively. Recesses 244 and 24 6 extend upwardly from the underside of shell 16 and extend inwardly from the outer surfaces of opposing end portions 240 and 242 to communicate with through aperture 232. Openings 244 and 24 6 provide handholds for lifting first portion 212.

It may be noted at this point that the spaces left between the top portions of openings 244 and 24 6 and the underside of upper portion 224, are filled with the settable material when this is poured into an inverted shell 216, thereby interconnecting the volumes of settable 10 material in the two opposite sides of the shell.

Turning now to Figures 29 and 30, the shell 218 of second portion 214 is provided with two projections 250 and 252 extending outwardly from end portions 254 and 256 respectively. Each projection 250 and 252 comprises a 15 rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs 251 and formers 253 and 255 (only former 253 is visible in Figures 29 and 30) . Each former element 253 and 255 of projections 250 and 252, communicates with the internal surfaces 258 and 260 of opposing end portions 254 20 and 256 respectively (as can be seen in Figure 30). Cylindrical formers 253 and 255 are coaxial so as to allow a length of reinforcing or similar rod (not shown) to be inserted through them to extend from one projection to the other. This rod acts to secure the settable material within 25 the main central portion of shell 218.

Preferably, as a further means of securing the settable material within the respective shells 216 and 218, the edges 220 and 222 of each shell may be provided with a series inwardly projecting ledges (not shown).

With reference to Figures 25, 26, 29 and 30, the location of projections 250 and 252 on opposing end portions 254 and 256 is such as to allow first spaces 263 and 2 65 between the undersides 2 62 and 2 64 and the edges 222 when second portion 214 is resting on a supporting 10 surface, sufficient so that, the fingers of each hand can be accommodated underneath the respective projections 250 and 252 for lifting the component.

As best seen in the assembled view of Figure 25, the width of projections 250 and 252 is such as to fit within 15 the openings 244 and 246 of shell 216 of first portion 112 as a sliding fit. The height of projections 250 and 252 is such that second spaces 270 and 272 (272 not visible in Figure 25) are left between the upper surfaces 266 and 268 and the tops of openings 244 and 246 of shell 216 of first 20 portion 212. These spaces are sufficient to allow the insertion of the fingers of the hands of a user for lifting the first portion 212 for assembling and disassembling the fence base 200.

Referring again to Figures 29 and 30, shell 218 of 25 second portion 214 is provided with a first pair of formers 280 and 282 depending substantially perpendicularly from the underside 283 of upper portion 226. Formers 280 and 282 are preferably cylindrical and communicate with a pair of apertures 284 and 286 in upper portion 226 to provide passages through the settable material 215. Formers and 5 apertures have a diameter adapted to receive inserted the lower ends of stiles of adjacent fence panels.

First pair of formers 280 and 282 are preferably positioned side by side, centrally in shell 218 and transverse to the long axis 225 of the fence base 200. The 10 separation between the axes of formers 280 and 282 is equal to the separation of the axes of a pair of adjoining temporary fence panel stiles when the panels are linked together by clamping brackets 6 shown in Figure 1 and as commonly employed in the industry for that purpose. 15 Preferably, first pair of formers 280 and 282 extend for the depth of second portion 214 so that their lower ends are substantially coplanar with the lower edges 222 of shell 218. Preferably also, the lower ends of formers 280 and 282 are closed, each with small aperture 283 for 20 drainage.

Shell 218 of second portion 214 is further provided with a second pair of formers 288 and 290 located adjacent diagonally opposite corners of the main portion of shell 218. Second pair of formers 288 and 290 also depend 25 substantially perpendicularly from the underside 283 of upper portion 26 and also extend sufficient for their lower ends to be coplanar with the lower edges 222 of shell 218. Second pair of formers 288 and 290 communicate with apertures 292 and 294 in upper portion 226 and are open at their lower ends. Preferably formers 288 and 290 are 5 cylindrical but of a significantly smaller diameter than the diameters of first pair of formers 280 and 282.

Formers 288 and 290 are adapted to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod 296 and 298 or similar as shown in Figures 31 and 32. These lengths of rod 10 can be driven into a supporting ground surface to assist in securing the fence bases and supported fence panels against wind and lateral loads, or when fence bases are located on soft or sloping ground.

Rods 2 96 and 2 98 may further be provided with cross 15 bars 2 97 and 2 99 as shown in Figure 31, or the rods bent into an "L" shape so that the cross bar or foot of the "L" extends over the surface of upper portion 224 of first portion 212 to secure both first and second portions 212 and 214 to the supporting ground surface.

In an alternative arrangement, second pair of apertures 294 and 296 and formers 288 and 290, similar to those described above, are located adjacent diagonally opposite corners of second portion 212, as shown in Figure 33.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment In this fourth preferred embodiment of a fence base according to the invention, and with reference to Figures 34 to 36, a fence base 300 again comprises a first portion 312 and second portion 314. Both first portion 312 and second portion 314 are comprised of an outer shell 316 and 318 respectively adapted for filling with a settable material as for the previously described embodiments above.

Shells 316 and 318 are open at their respective undersides 317 and 319, with lower edges 320 and 322 respectively defining exposed surfaces of the settable material. When the two portions 312 and 314 of the fence base 300 are assembled in use, these exposed surfaces of settable material are in contact with the supporting ground surface. Lower edges 320 and 322 may be provided with inwardly projecting ledges (not shown) as previously described, to aid in retaining the settable material such as concrete within the respective shells 312 and 314.

With particular reference now to Figure 35, shell 316 of first portion 312 is of hexagonal form in plan view, with two opposing sides 324 and 32 6 considerably shorter than the remaining sides. The upper surface of shell 316 comprises a middle section 328 parallel to the underside 317, and two flanking sections 329 and 330 sloping away from the middle section 328 to opposing sides 324 and 32 6 respectively.

First portion 312 in this embodiment also is provided with a rectangular section through aperture 332 extending from upper surface 334 of middle section 328 to the plane defined by lower edges 320. The sides of the shell 316 5 defining the aperture 332 slope outwardly, so that the opening of the aperture at the upper surface 334 of middle section 328 is smaller than the opening of the aperture at the underside 317 of shell 316.

Thus in this embodiment, as in the first three 10 embodiments above, assembly of the first and second portions into a fence base can only be effected by movement of one relative to the other in a single direction perpendicular to the undersides of the two portions. Similarly, when assembled, movement of the second portion 15 314 relative to the surrounding first portion 312 is substantially prevented in two mutually orthogonal directions parallel to the undersides of the portions. As well, movement vertically upwards of the second portion relative to the first portion is impossible without such 20 motion lifting the fence base assembly as a whole.

Opposing sides 324 and 326 are each provided with a recess 335 and 336 respectively (only one of which is visible in Figure 35), which provide handholds for grasping and lifting first portion 312.

Shell 316 is further provided with formers extending from apertures 338 and 340 in the upper surface of shell 316. Preferably, these formers are cylindrical, and provide passages extending from the upper surface to the plane defined by the lower edges 320. The formers are of a diameter adapted to accept inserted lengths of rod, as for 5 the previously described embodiments above, for securing the fence base to a supporting ground surface.

With reference to Figure 36, second portion 314 is of a generally rectangular form with outwardly sloping sides. The slope of the sides and the dimensions of second portion 10 314 are such that second portion 314 is a close fit within the through aperture 332 of first portion 312. When so located, the undersides 317 and 319 respectively of first portion 312 and second portion 314 are substantially flush, with first portion 312 in effect surrounding second portion 15 314.

With adjacent surfaces of the through aperture of the first portion and the sloping sides of the second portion closely abutting or in contact, the two portions act as a single mass. The second portion 314 is effectively secured 20 within first portion 312 so that lateral, vertical and moment forces (as shown in Figure 34) acting on fence panels 360 and hence on second portion 314 are resisted by the combined mass of the two portions.

Opposing sides 342 and 343 of second portion 314 are 25 provided respectively with recesses 344 and 345 (only recess 344 is visible in Figure 36) to provide handholds for the grasping and lifting of second portion 314. Recesses 344 and 345 are provided with horizontal formers 34 6 extending for the depth of the recesses. Formers 34 6 are coaxial so that prior to the filling of shell 318 with 5 settable material, a length of reinforcing rod (not shown) may be inserted to span the length of shell 318, as an aid to retaining the settable material within shell 318.

Shell 314 is further provided with a pair of formers 348 and 350 extending from apertures 349 and 351 10 respectively in upper surface 352. Formers 348 and 350 are preferably cylindrical with a diameter adapted to accept insertion of the lower ends of tubular stiles of a temporary fence panel as described above. Formers 348 and 350 preferably extend to the plane defined by lower edges 15 322 and may be closed at their lower ends with a small drain hole, as also previously described and shown for example in Figure 30.

Preferred combined weight of an assembled fence base 20 of each of the above embodiments is in the range of 36 to 40Kg. By arranging the configuration of the shells of the two portions to have approximately equal volumes, the weight of each portion falls within acceptable limits for handling by one person, thus reducing the risk of strain 25 injury often associated with the lifting of unitary temporary fence bases.

Manuf acture Shells of the first and second components of any of the above described embodiments may be injection moulded 5 from a suitable polymer at one or more moulding facilities. At this facility the formed shells may be filled with the settable material, typically concrete, but in at least some preferred arrangements one moulding facility is central to a large geographic area and provides empty shells to 10 various distributed filling facilities. This has the advantage of having to transport only the light-weight empty shells over long distances with the heavy filled fence base assemblies only requiring transport to a holding depot or fence erection site over relatively shorter 15 distances.

In Use In use, the fence base portions of the present invention may be transported as assemblies of first and second portions to a site for erection of a temporary 20 fence. At this point first and second portions may be separated to allow lifting of individual portions, thus avoiding the strain and injury risks associated with single type fence bases.

The second portions of the present invention are then 25 positioned at intervals along the proposed fence line, followed by placing first portions over the second. Stiles of fence panels are then inserted into the central apertures and formers and securing rods driven through the passages of the pair of smaller diameter formers if required.

It will be appreciated that the splitting of a temporary fence base into two portions, allows the combined mass of the assembled fence base to exceed that possible in a single type base, so that a further advantage of this arrangement is greater support stability of the fence. 10 Preferred dimensions of the first portion and second portion herein described when filled with concrete, will result in weights of 20-22 Kg for the first portion and 16-18 Kg for the second portion.

A particular advantage of the fence base of the third 15 and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention, is that the snug nesting arrangement due to the abutting opposing sloping surfaces of the through aperture and of the main central part of the second portion, allows the assembly to effectively behave under lateral loads and 20 moments as a single mass. This can be understood from the fact that any tilting of the second or inner portion is virtually instantly transmitted to the first or outer portion because of the close contact between adjacent surfaces of the assembled portions, so that the tilting 25 movement is resisted by the combined mass of the two portions.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A fence base for support of temporary fence panels; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second portion; each of said first portion and said second portion comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; at least a portion of each of said first portion and said second portion being in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use; and wherein said second portion is substantially surrounded by said first portion.

2. The fence base of claim 1 wherein said first portion and said second portion form a generally rectangular prism when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

3. The fence base of claim 1 or 2 wherein each said shell of said first portion and said second portion includes a lower perimeter edge; said lower perimeter edge defining an open base portion exposing a surface of said settable material; said surface of said settable material in contact with an area of contact of said supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use. 61 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

The fence base of claim 3 wherein said shell of at least one said portion is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers extending from an upper surface of said portion towards said area of contact; said formers defining passages through said settable material for the insertion therein of stiles of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence.

The fence base of claim 3 or 4 wherein said shell of at least one said portion is provided with at least one smaller section former extending from an upper surface of said portion towards said area of contact; said at least one smaller section former defining a passage through said settable material for insertion therethrough of a peg adapted to secure said portion to said ground surface.

The fence base of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein said first portion comprises an outer portion provided with a generally rectangular, section through aperture extending from an uppermost surface to said area of contact with said supporting ground surface. 62 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

7. The fence base of claim 6 wherein said outer portion is in the form of a generally rectangular prism.

8. The fence base of any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein said second portion comprises an inner portion in the form of a generally rectangular prism; said inner portion adapted for nested assembly within said through aperture of said outer portion.

9. The fence base of claim 8 wherein said shell of said inner portion is provided with said pair of said stile accepting formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

10. The fence base of claim 8 or 9 wherein said shell of said inner portion is provide with a pair of said smaller section formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface; respective ones of said pair of smaller section formers disposed at a first pair of diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular prism.

11. The fence base of any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein a second pair of diagonally opposite corners of said 63 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 inner portion are truncated; corresponding diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular section aperture of said outer portion truncated in like manner so as to maintain a close sliding fit between said inner portion and said outer portion.

12. The fence base of any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein respective dimensions of said shell of said inner portion and said shell of said outer portion are selected to provide an approximate equal volume for said settable material.

13. The fence base of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein each opposite end of said outer portion is provided with a recess; said recess open at said area of contact; said recess forming a handhold for handling said outer portion.

14. The fence base of any one of claims 6 to 13 wherein each opposite end of said outer portion is provided with a trench through an upper surface of said outer portion; each said trench extending from an outer surface of said end to said generally rectangular section through aperture. 64 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

15. The fence base of claim 14 wherein each corresponding opposite end of said inner portion is provided with a projecting element; each said projecting element adapted for nested engagement with each respective said trench of said outer portion; each said trench and said projecting element arranged so that when said inner portion is inserted into said aperture, said upper surface of said inner portion is substantially flush with said upper surface of said outer portion, and said lower perimeter edge of said inner portion is substantially flush with said lower perimeter edge of said outer portion.

16. The fence base,of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein a space is provided between the lower surface of said trench and the upper extent of said recess; said space communicating with the interior of said shell of said outer portion so as to assist in retention of said settable material.

17. The fence base of claim 15 or 16 wherein each said projecting element is provided with a horizontal former extending the length of said projecting element and in communication with the interior of 65 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 said inner portion; one said horizontal former axially aligned with the other so that a length of reinforcing bar may be inserted therethrough; said bar adapted to assist retention of said settable material within said inner portion.

18. A method for forming a fence base for supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including the steps of: (a) providing shells for each of two portions of said fence base; (b) filling each shell with a settable material; (c) assembling one of said portions to the other so that said shells of said portions are nested together; one of said second portions at least partly surrounding the other, and wherein at least an exposed surface of said settable material of each portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use.

19, A method for providing fence bases for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: 66 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 (a) moulding shells for each of a first portion and a second portion of said fence base at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at each said distributed location, (d) providing said fence bases comprising a composite of said shells and said settable materials to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first portion and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when a said fence base is in use, and wherein said first portion at least partially surrounds said second portion, when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

A method for preventing strain injury in a user handling a fence base for support of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) providing said fence base in two portions, 67 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 (b) arranging a first said portion and a second said portion to be of approximately equal weight, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first portion and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use, and wherein said second portion is at least partly surrounded by said first portion when said first portion and said second portion are assembled together for use.

21. A fence base for support of panels of a temporary fence; said fence base comprising an assembly of a first portion and a second portion; said first portion including a through aperture; said through aperture providing for said first portion to be placed over said second portion so that said first portion at least partly surrounds said second portion.

22. The fence base of claim 21 wherein when said first portion is placed over said second portion adjacent surfaces of respective said portions are in contact so that said second portion is secured within said first portion; said first portion and said second portion then acting as a single mass to resist 68 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 lateral, vertical and moment forces applied to said second portion by said panels.

23. The fence base of claim 22 wherein the underside of each of said first and said second portion is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence base is in use.

24. The fence base of any one of claims 22 to 23 wherein each said first and second portion comprises a composite of a shell and a settable material; said shell of each said portion having an open underside defined by edges; the edges of said first portion shell substantially coplanar with the edges of said second portion shell when said first and second portions are assembled together for use.

25. The fence base of claim 24 wherein said shell of said first portion includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; said through aperture of said first portion defined by opposing side portions and opposing end portions; said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture extending from an opening in said upper portion to lower edges defining an opening coplanar with said underside of said first portion. 69 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

26. The fence base of claim 25 wherein at least said opposing side portions of said through aperture slope inwardly from said lower edges towards said upper portion such that said opening defined by said lower edges at said underside is larger than said opening of said through aperture in said upper portion.

27. The fence base of claim 25 or 26 wherein said shell of said second portion includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; and wherein at least said opposing side portions of said shell slope inwardly from said lower edges to said upper portion of said shell; said slope equal to said slope of said opposing side portions of said through aperture; and wherein said opposing side portions and said opposing end portions closely abut corresponding said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture when said first and second portions are assembled for use.

28. The fence base of any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein said shell of said first portion includes a pair of handholds in said opposing end portions of said shell; each one of said pair of handholds comprising 70 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 an opening bounded by opposing side portions and a top portion; each said opening extending inwardly from a said opposing end portion to a respective opposing end portion of said through aperture; said handholds open at said underside of said shell and extending upwardly towards said upper portion.

29. The fence base of claim 28 wherein spaces formed between said top portion of said handholds and said upper portion are filled with said settable material; said settable material in said spaces forming bridging connections between settable material formed at opposing sides of said first portion; said bridging connections acting to retain said settable material within said shell of said first portion.

30. The fence base of any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein said lower edges of said shells of said first and said second components are provided with inwardly extending ledges; said ledges providing retaining elements for said settable material.

31. The fence base of any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein said upper portion of said first portion and said upper portion of said second portion are 71 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 substantially flush when said first and second portions are assembled for use.

32. The fence base of any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein said shell of said second portion is provided with a pair of projections; one of said pair of projections extending outwardly from each of said opposing end portions of said shell; each of said projections comprising a rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs and a tubular element; said cylindrical formers of said pair of projections communicating with internal surfaces of respective said opposing end portions; said cylindrical formers coaxial one with another.

33. The fence base of claim 32 wherein said cylindrical formers are adapted for insertion therethrough of a length of reinforcing or similar rod; said rod extending from one said projection to another so as to provide a retaining element for said settable material within said shell of said second portion.

34. The fence base of claim 32 or 33 wherein said projections are of a width so as to locate between said opposing side portions of said handholds of said shell of said first portion as a sliding fit; said projections located on said opposing end 72 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 surfaces so as to allow a first space below said projections when said second portion is supported on a surface, and a second space between said projection and said top portions of said handholds when said first and second portions are assembled for use; each of said spaces sufficient for insertion of the fingers of a user for lifting said first and second portions.

35. The fence base of any one of claims 27 to 34 wherein said shell of said second portion includes a first pair of cylindrical formers providing passages through said settable material; said first pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion to a level coplanar with said underside of said second portion; each of said pair of formers communicating with respective ones of a first pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

36. The fence base of claim 35 wherein said first pair of apertures of said first pair of formers are disposed centrally in said upper portion of said shell; said apertures transverse to a longitudinal axis of said fence base; said first pair of apertures and said first pair of formers spaced 73 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 a apart and. sized so as to accept inserted therein pair of stiles of adjacent panels of a temporary fence.

37. The fence base of any one of claims 27 to 36 wherein said shell of said second portion includes a second pair of formers providing passages through said settable material; said second pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion, to a level coplanar with said underside of said second portion; each of said second pair of formers communicating with a respective ones of a second pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

38. The fence base of claim 37 wherein said second pair of apertures of said second pair of formers is disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of said upper portion of said shell; said second pair of apertures and said second pair of formers sized so as to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing or similar rod; said reinforcing rod acting to secure said fence base to a supporting ground surface.

39. The fence base of claim 38 wherein each length of said reinforcing or similar rod is provided with a 74 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 cross bar or is bent into an "L" shape; said cross bar or a foot portion of said "L" shape extending over said upper portion of said first portion so as to secure said first portion to said second portion.

40. A fence base for a temporary fence; said fence base including a first portion and a second portion; said first portion formed with a through aperture so as to at least partly surround said second portion when said fence base is assembled for use; and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said second portion taper inwardly from an underside to an upper portion of said second portion, and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said through aperture of said first portion taper outwardly from an upper portion of said first portion to its underside; the arrangement being such that when said first portion is placed over said second portion said sloping opposite sides of said first portion and said second portion are in close abutting contact.

41. A method of supporting a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence base; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second portion; wherein said second portion is at least partially enclosed within a through aperture 75 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 provided in said first portion; the arrangement being such that undersides of both said first portion and said second portions are in contact with a supporting ground surface when in use, and wherein stiles of temporary fence panels are inserted into passages extend through said second portion, thereby supporting said panels.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein each of said first portion and said second portion are a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell.

43. The method of claim 41 or 42 wherein said method includes the steps of: (a) moulding shells for said first and second portions at a central moulding facility, (b) transporting said shells to a settable material filling facility, (c) filling said shells with said settable material, (d) transporting said portions to a site for erection of a temporary fence, (e) placing at least two of said second portions along a temporary fence line, 76 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 (f) placing a first said portion over each of said second portions, (g) erecting panels of said temporary fence by insertion of the lower ends of stiles of adjacent fence panels into a pair of said passages provided in said second portions.

44. The method of any one of claims 41 to 43 wherein said second portion and said through aperture of said first portion are provided with respective sloping opposing side portions such that an underside of said second portion is larger than the opening of said through aperture in an upper portion of said first portion; said respective sloping opposing sides of each of said through aperture and said second portion closely abutting when said fence base is assembled for use, the arrangement being such that said fence base acts as a single mass when lateral, vertical and moment forces are applied to said fence base.

45. A method of supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence base; said fence base including a first or inner portion and a second or outer portion; said method including the steps of firstly, placing said inner portion on a supporting 77 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008 ground surface, and secondly, of placing said outer portion over said inner portion such that said inner portion is at least partially surrounded by said outer portion; inserting stiles of said panels of a temporary fence through passages provided in said inner portion.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein said outer portion is provided with a through aperture extending from an upper surface of said outer portion to an underside of said outer portion; said through aperture having at least one pair of opposing sides sloping so that the opening of said through aperture at said upper surface is smaller than the opening of said through aperture at said underside; said inner portion having at least one pair of opposing sloping surfaces such that the upper portion of said first portion is smaller than its underside.

47. The method of claim 45 or 46 wherein when said first portion is placed over said second portion, said opposing sloping sides of said second portion being in close abutting contact with said opposing sloping sides of said through aperture. 78 Received at IPONZ on 17 July 2008

48. A method of assembling a fence base for a temporary fence; said fence base comprising a first portion and a second portion; said method including the steps of; (a) placing said second portion on a supporting ground surface along a fence line, (b) placing said first portion over said second portion, and wherein said first portion has a through aperture so that when said first portion is placed over said second portion, said first portion at least partly surrounds said second portion. 79