US20190177998A1 - Fence panel assembly and components therefor - Google Patents
Fence panel assembly and components therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190177998A1 US20190177998A1 US16/102,047 US201816102047A US2019177998A1 US 20190177998 A1 US20190177998 A1 US 20190177998A1 US 201816102047 A US201816102047 A US 201816102047A US 2019177998 A1 US2019177998 A1 US 2019177998A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- post
- slats
- slat
- fence
- fence assembly
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/20—Posts therefor
- E04H17/21—Posts therefor with hollow cross sections
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/20—Posts therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/1404—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using building blocks, e.g. from concrete or stone
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
- E04H17/1447—Details of connections between rails and posts
- E04H17/1465—Details of connections between rails and posts the rails being supported within blind or through holes of the posts
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- E04H2017/1465—
Abstract
An elongate slat for a fence panel module is described, the elongate slat including opposed long sides extending between opposed first and second ends, and one or more recesses or projections for coupling disposed along at lease one of the opposed long sides for coupling with other elongate slats. A fence panel assemble is also described which includes a plurality of elongate slats; a pair of posts, each post having at least one slat-receiving opening on one face; and a quick-release fastener disposed substantially within the post; wherein the plurality of elongate slats extend between the slat receiving openings on the posts.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/AU2017/050122, filed on Feb. 13, 2017, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2016900479, filed Feb. 12, 2016, Australian Patent Application No. 2016900657, filed Feb. 24, 2016, and Australian Patent Application No. 2017900043, filed Jan. 9, 2017, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention relates to components for a fence panel, components for gates, a fence panel assembly itself, and a gate assembly. The fences are for enclosing and/or dividing garden spaces and the like, while of course the gates are for providing access between, to and from, fenced areas. In particular applications, the invention relates to a modular fence panel assembly able to interconnect with like modular fence panels. In other applications the invention relates to modular gate panels.
- Fences are used to mark the boundary of a property and to provide privacy for persons within the boundary. Gates provide access to and from fenced areas.
- A known fence type comprises a series of planar fence infill panels disposed between upright posts set into the ground. For example, concrete posts may be embedded in the ground at spaced apart intervals; wooden panels would be secured between spaced-apart posts. The fence panels may be produced from a wide range of materials, including wood, metal or plastics, and are selected according to usage environment, desired aesthetic and cost.
- Modular fence panel assemblies are known and each one typically comprises a pair of posts and a plurality of slats. In order to construct the modular fence panel, the posts are first secured to the ground or an existing upright post, and the slats secured therebetween. Each post may include a plurality of apertures spaced therealong for receiving the slats, and each slat is inserted into an aperture in each post.
- This kind of modular assembly allows a fence panel to be cost effectively manufactured and conveniently packaged in a kit of parts (known as ‘flat packed’), but it is common for such an assembly to suffer from a number of drawbacks. For example, a modular fence panel assembly can lack rigidity and therefore be damaged or deformed by strong winds. This lack of durability is not only unnecessarily costly but can also negatively impact upon security for the property. Furthermore, known fence panel assemblies are often unattractive and considered unsuitable for high value properties.
- Known slats and fence panel assemblies themselves can be difficult and time consuming to assemble on site. Furthermore, the slats and fences can lack flexibility during the assembly process, such that the fence can take longer than anticipated and sometimes does not fit the envelope intended.
- Known gates tend to sag over time and are also difficult and time consuming to assemble, and can require a high degree of manual skill. Known gates can also lack flexibility in the assembly process, such that in many cases they do not fit in the intended envelope.
- Known slats themselves in a modular fence panel can lack rigidity and/or beauty.
- Accordingly, the present technology seeks to provide a solution that ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages present in the prior art, or which provides another alternative to the prior art approaches.
- In one broad form the present technology provides an elongate slat for a fence panel module which has one or more recesses, projections, or elements disposed along its long sides for coupling with other elongate slats. The recesses or projections or elements can be fastening elements attached to, or integral formations along, the sides.
- In another broad form the present technology provides a fence panel module which includes one or more elongate slats releasably fastened at their ends in apertures on opposed posts. The fastening arrangement is such that there is at least one quick release fastening element substantially disposed within the post, configured to hold at least one of the slats against a portion of the post.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate slat for a fence panel module, the elongate slat including
-
- opposed long sides extending between opposed first and second ends, and
- one or more recesses or projections or elements disposed along at least one of the opposed long sides for use in coupling with other elongate slats.
- In one embodiment the opposed long sides are disposed along the sides of slat faces.
- In one embodiment the coupling elements are brace members as described herein.
- In one embodiment a projection in use cooperates with another projection by use of an intermediate element.
- In one embodiment the intermediate element is a spacer with apertures for receiving two coupling elements, one at each end.
- In one embodiment the spacer includes a rebate or relief at one end to relieve one wall to allow a coupling formation into the end via the rebate in the side wall.
- In accordance with one aspect there is provided a spacer with a rebate cut or relief in one wall so that a projection may be introduced into the end of the spacer from one side. Preferably the spacer includes a central aperture. Preferably the central aperture is of non circular cross section so that the spacer cannot rotate about its central axis.
- In one embodiment the recesses or projections or elements are coupling formations disposed into each of the opposed long sides, such that a first coupling formation on one side is formed to cooperate with a second coupling formation on the other long side, such that when the elongate slats are stacked one atop the other, the one or more cooperating coupling formations on the long sides couple with one another for support of the slats along the long side.
- The first and second coupling elements may each include a coupling recess open at an outer end. One recess may be slightly narrower than the other so that one coupling element may fit at least partially within the recess of the other.
- In one embodiment the first and second coupling recesses include one brace arm so as to define one wall of the recess. The brace arm of one coupling recess may have a notch or rebate or tab so as to fit with a brace arm of the other coupling recess to couple therewith.
- In embodiments the coupling elements are configured to receive a reinforcing element in the recess for strengthening the slats against forces normal to the slat. The reinforcing element could be a bar or cylinder or batten of about the same cross-section as the recess, to couple and strengthen the recesses together. This arrangement works generally because the slats are inhibited from vertically separating when installed.
- In embodiments the coupling elements on opposed faces are identical and abut along open edges so as to provide a substantially seamless join. In use there is no interengagement of abutting coupling elements in those embodiments (without a reinforcing bar disposed in the recess), but the brace arm still provides some increased strength against forces normal to the slat.
- In one embodiment the elongate slat includes a planar face.
- In some embodiments the elongate slats have acoustic attenuation elements. In one embodiment the acoustic attenuation formations include profiles on the faces.
- In one embodiment the profile on the elongate face could run transversely across the slat (between the long sides) or longitudinally along the slat (between the ends) or a combination of both.
- In these embodiments the profile is sinusoidal. In other embodiments the profile is sawtooth, square-wave, or includes local spots and depressions, or indeed, the profile could be any kind of profile, being an impression of an animal, fish, person, abstract pattern or like profile. The profile may provide sound absorbing properties.
- In some embodiments the acoustic attenuation elements are cuts in the faces of the elongate slats. In some embodiments the cuts are disposed along the length, but in most cases the cuts will be a pattern or picture in a tryptich or quartich form, or generally polyptych, disposed across multiple elongate slats.
- In one embodiment the elongate slat is a single-walled element. In some embodiments the slat is a rectangular or square hollow section. In embodiments the elongate slat is extruded from aluminium or plastic but in some embodiments it may suit an application to be roll-formed or press-braked from a flat sheet of steel or other suitable material.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence post including:
-
- at least one slat-receiving opening on one face for receiving at least a portion of an elongate slat therein;
- a quick-release fastener disposed substantially within the post and configured to turn about an actuation axis so as in use to hold an elongate slat against a portion of the slat-receiving opening.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence panel assembly comprising:
-
- a plurality of elongate slats;
- a pair of posts, each post having at least one slat-receiving opening on one face; and
- a quick-release fastener disposed substantially within the post;
- wherein the plurality of elongate slats extend between the slat-receiving openings on the posts.
- In one embodiment there is a single slat-receiving opening which extends along the post from a top to a bottom. The post in this embodiment is in the form of a channel. The channel may be extruded or folded, or rolled.
- In one embodiment the channel has an opening in a centre of the face.
- In one embodiment the quick release fastener includes a fastener element which is cam-shaped or generally non-circular in cross-section so that it needs only to be turned about an actuation axis less than one full rotation to move between a free position and a fastened position. In one embodiment the cam is an ovoid shape.
- For example, if the fastener element was ovoid in shape, it would only need to be turned less than 90° to move between the unlocked position, and the locked position.
- In one embodiment the post includes a following recess for guiding the fastener element between the unlocked and the locked positions.
- In one embodiment the following recess includes an elongate aperture generally shaped as an inverse to that of the ovoid cam.
- According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a fence panel assembly comprising a plurality of slats, a pair of posts, each post having a plurality of apertures extending therein, each aperture dimensioned to receive one of the slats, a pair of rails, each rail having an engaging portion at each end thereof, the engaging portion dimensioned to fit within an aperture, and a plurality of connectors, each connector adapted to engage one of the engaging portions, wherein each of the plurality of slats and rails are arranged between the pair of posts and received in one of the apertures, and wherein each connector engages a respective engaging portion.
- Other aspects are disclosed.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIGS. 1A andFIG. 1B are perspective views of a first fence panel assembly; -
FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the first fence panel assembly shown partially assembled; -
FIGS. 4A to 4C are detail perspective views of the first fence panel assembly showing a brace member braced between slats; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are detail perspective views of the first fence panel assembly showing a rail spaced apart from a post; -
FIG. 6 is front view of a second fence panel assembly; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of component parts of the second fence panel assembly; -
FIGS. 8A to 8C are perspective views of two of the component parts alone and connected together; -
FIGS. 9A to 9F are perspective views of the second fence panel assembly in various stages of assembly; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and top views of a locking mechanism for the first or second fence panel assembly; -
FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of an elongate slat; -
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a fence panel assembly with four slats as shown inFIG. 11 in a stacked formation between spaced apart posts; -
FIG. 13 is a section view (or plan view) of a fence post showing a follower recess for receiving a quick release locking element in the form of a cam; -
FIG. 14 is a guide cap for fitment into the end of a slat, which facilitates fitting of the slat into a fence post aperture; -
FIG. 15 are several views of a gate rail extrusion cap; -
FIG. 16 is an end elevation (or cross section) view of a gate rail extrusion which can receive the gate rail extrusion cap; -
FIG. 17 is a detail end elevation view of a base edge ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 18 is a detail end elevation view of a top edge ofFIG. 11 , which is configured to interengage with the base edge shown inFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 shows three views of an oval shaped spacer for engagement with elliptical brace members generally shown inFIG. 4 ; and -
FIG. 20 is a quick release locking element shown outlined inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 21 is an end elevation view of an elongate slat and an elevation (or cross section) view of bracing sections. -
FIG. 22 are plan views of a post connector. -
FIGS. 1A and 1B show afence panel assembly 1. The assembly comprises a pair ofposts 2 and a plurality ofslats 3 secured therebetween. At least some of theslats 3 are braced by abrace member 4 extending from one side, thereby forming a rigid panel. Thebrace member 4 may be affixed to theslats 3, such as by welding, or in other ways such as by clamping theslats 3 together, and by being selectively adjustable in length, in any one of the ways being to further enhance the rigidity of the panel. Typically arail 5 is also secured between theposts 2 and engages atop end 6 of eachpost 2, to brace between posts 2. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show thefence panel assembly 1 during two stages of construction.FIG. 2 illustrates an initial stage where some of theslats 3 are engaged withrespective apertures 7 extending into theposts 2. Eachaperture 7 is dimensioned to receive one of theslats 3. Twobrace members 4 are secured to each of theslats 3, and each brace member is disposed at about 25% of the way along the length of the slat, from each end. This typically involves eachslat 3 having a brace aperture extending therethrough and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of thebrace member 4. When theslats 3 engage theposts 4, the brace apertures align thereby allowing thebrace member 4 to be inserted through all of the brace apertures to brace theslats 3. - Optionally, at least some of the
slats 3 may be arranged together such that the brace apertures are aligned and thebrace member 4 engaged therein prior to securing theslats 3 to eitherpost 2, thereby forming asub-panel 8. Some sub-panels may be three slats high, others two, others four. This is one advantage of some embodiments of the technology: that some sub panels can be pre-fabricated in jigs and then transported to site and assembled quickly into the stiles on site to form a fence panel. To pre-fabricate sub-panels, the slats are placed in jigs and then, any one of the following processes is undertaken: -
- Held in place in jigs, and then spacers are welded into place;
- Held in place in jigs, and then a bracing rod is extended through brace apertures is welded into place
- Some tabs are punched from one long side of the slat, or otherwise formed so as to fit into cooperating brace apertures on adjacent slats when they are fitted into a sub panel.
- Further optionally, the
brace member 4 may be affixed to eachslat 3, such as by welding or adhesive, or may be selectively adjustable in length, such as by comprising a threaded section and a nut, thereby allowing the brace to clamp theslats 3 together. Whereslats 3 are clamped together, spacers (not shown) may be added betweenslats 3 to ensure a consistent separation distance therebetween is maintained. -
FIG. 2 shows some of theslats 3 spaced apart from theposts 2 and connected to each other by twoother brace members 4, thereby forming thesub-panel 8. This allowsmultiple slats 3 to be connected to each other and then inserted into thestile apertures 7, thereby streamlining the assembly process. In order to ease the sub-panel into the stile apertures, a guide cap as shown inFIG. 14 is used and fitted into an end of each slat, and the chamfers helps to ease in the slats into thestile apertures 7. - Alternatively, each
post 2 may include a channel (shown inFIG. 13 ) dimensioned to receive aslat 3 and into which theslats 3 are slid and retained. In this embodiment, eachslat 3 may have a brace aperture extending in one long side thereof, and a brace member (not shown) affixed to and extending from an opposed side. When theslats 3 are slid into the channel, thebrace member 4 extending from oneslat 3 is aligned with the brace aperture extending into anadjacent slat 3, thereby allowing each brace member to engage a brace aperture in theadjacent slat 3 and brace theslats 3. This arrangement therefore allows theslats 3 to be progressively stacked on top of one another and braced, as theslats 3 are inserted into the channel. Further alternatively, the brace member is not affixed to one side of theslat 3 and instead, is a separate connector (not shown) adapted to engage twoadjacent slats 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of connectors can be engaged withslats 3 as they are stacked in the channel, thereby allowing progressive bracing of theslats 3. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a subsequent stage of construction, where thesub-panel 8 is arranged between theposts 2, prior to theslats 3 being inserted into theapertures 7. - The
fence panel assembly 1 may be interconnected with other like panel assemblies (not shown) in order to form a larger fence area. For example, one or more of theposts 2 may be ‘double-sided’ and define a further plurality oflike apertures 7, typically in an opposed side to the first plurality ofapertures 7 and aligned therewith, thereby allowing a further plurality oflike slats 3 to be connected thereto. In this embodiment, only threeposts 2 are therefore required to form two fence panels. - For example, the
fence panel assembly 1 may be installed between two brick piers (not shown) spaced apart from one another a distance greater than the length of theslats 3. In this scenario, afirst post 2 having a single set ofapertures 7 is secured to each pier, and a second post 200 (not shown) having two sets oflike apertures 7 arranged in opposed sides of the post 200 is secured halfway between the piers. A first plurality ofslats 3 is connected between one side of the second post 200 and one of thefirst posts 2, and a second plurality ofslats 3 is connected between the other side of the second post 200 and the otherfirst post 2. When installed in this way, thefence panel assembly 1 is therefore extended in length to form two panels between the two piers. In this scenario, therail 5 may be dimensioned to extend between all threeposts 2, 200 and brace therebetween. -
FIGS. 4A to 4C show twodifferent spacers brace member 4 with anotherbrace member 4, or therail 5. Whilst thespacers brace members 4, it will be appreciated that eitherspacer brace member 4. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B show afirst spacer 9 being affixed to one end of afirst brace member 4. Thefirst spacer 9 defines anaperture 11 dimensioned to receive an end of asecond brace member 4. Thefirst spacer 9 is typically used where twosub-panels 8 are constructed and secured betweencommon posts 2, whereby thefirst spacer 9 connects between alignedbrace members 4 in theadjacent sub-panels 8. This ensures a consistent distance is achieved between theadjacent sub-panels 8 and provides a secure mechanical connection betweenbrace members 4, thereby enhancing the rigidity of thefence panel assembly 1. - The
second spacer 10 is affixed to one end of abrace member 4 and has aprotrusion 12 extending therefrom. Therail 5 typically has an aperture extending therein for receiving theprotrusion 12. Thesecond spacer 10 is typically used when therail 5 is secured between theposts 2 above theslats 3 to ensure a consistent distance is achieved between thetop-most slat 3 and therail 5 and to provide a secure mechanical connection therebetween, further enhancing the rigidity of thefence panel assembly 1. - It may be that the cross section of
brace member 4 varies. In some embodiments the cross section ofbrace member 4 may be circular; in other embodiments the cross section ofbrace member 4 may be non-circular. The reason for thebrace member 4 to be non-circular is so as to facilitate assembly. In one embodiment, the non-circular cross-section brace member may be ovoid. When thebrace member 4 is non-circular in section, a cooperating spacer may be provided to facilitate assembly. One cooperatingspacer 109 is shown inFIG. 19 . The cooperatingspacer 109 is shown to have abase aperture 113 and an upper, rebatedaperture 111 so that thesecond brace member 4 can slide into position into abight 112 and be then held in position on theadjacent slat 3. - Assembly of one panel sub assembly (of, say, four slats) and another panel sub assembly (of, say, three slats), into a pair of end posts, with a rebated
spacer 109, would be done by: -
- 1. Sliding the four-
slat sub-panel 8 intorespective apertures 7 on thepost 2; - 2. Placing rebated spacers on the top slat of the
sub-panel 8, on thebrace members 4, so that the rebate openings align to one end of the slat sub-panel; - 3. Sliding the three-
slat sub-panel 8 along the four-slat sub panel two sub-assemblies so that they enter therespective apertures 7, while keeping thebrace members 4 on the base long wall of the three-slat sub-panel 8 above the rebatedspacer 109; - 4. Lower the three-
slat sub-panel 8 down and slide the three-slat sub-panel 8 back along the four-slat sub-panel 8 so that thebrace members 4 on the three-slat sub-panel 8 engage the rebate and abut the end of thebight 112. The two sub-panels are now braced by thebrace elements 4.
- 1. Sliding the four-
- Advantageously, this assembly process is faster and more convenient than known processes.
-
FIGS. 5A and 5B show therail 5 being secured to eachpost 2. Therail 5 has apost engaging portion 13, 14 arranged at either end thereof. Typically, the post engaging portion comprises one or more protrusions arranged to frictionally engage thepost 2. -
FIG. 6 shows an alternativefence panel assembly 20 comprising a pair ofposts 21 having a plurality ofslats 22 connected therebetween. A pair ofrails 23 are connected to respective ends of theposts 21. Therails 23 are secured to theposts 21 by a plurality of connectors (not visible) to form a rigid frame. Theassembly 20 may therefore be used as a free-standing structure, such as for a gate. -
FIG. 7 shows thefence panel assembly 20 disassembled in kit form. In addition to the components described above, theassembly 20 further comprises fourpost connectors 24 and fourrail connectors 25. Eachpost 21 is at least partially hollow and includes a plurality ofapertures 26 dimensioned to receive the ends of one of theslats 22. -
FIG. 8A shows one of therail connectors 25 in isolation. Therail connector 25 has arail engaging portion 27 typically dimensioned to frictionally engage a hollow portion of one of therails 23. Therail connector 25 also comprises apost engaging portion 28 dimensioned to be received by one of theapertures 26. Thepost engaging portion 28 further comprises anaperture 29 dimensioned to receive a portion of thepost connector 24. Whilst therail connector 25 is shown as separable from therail 23 it will be appreciated that therail connector 25 may be an integral part of therail 23. -
FIG. 8B shows one of thepost connectors 24 in isolation. Thepost connector 24 has ahead 30 shaped to fit within thepost 21 and ashaft 31 extending therefrom. Theshaft 31 is arranged to engage theaperture 29 in therail connector 25 to secure an associatedrail 23 to apost 21. This relationship is illustrated inFIG. 8C . Thepost connector 24 further comprises one ormore projections 32 extending from thehead 30, theprotrusions 32 arranged to guide theconnector 24 within thepost 21 and therefore assist alignment of theshaft 31 with theaperture 29. -
FIGS. 9A to 9F show various stages of constructing thefence panel assembly 20. - In
FIG. 9A , one of therail connectors 25 is shown being inserted into an end of one of therails 23. - In
FIG. 9B , therail connector 25 is engaged with one of theapertures 26 in one of theposts 21 and one of thepost connectors 24 is positioned for insertion into thepost 21. Theshaft 31 is slightly offset from theaperture 29 so as to increase friction. - In
FIG. 9C , thepost connector 24 is shown being inserted into thepost 21. - In
FIG. 9D , the post connector is shown inserted in thepost 21. Thehead 30 of theconnector 24 is shown spaced apart from an end of thepost 21, thereby allowing a cap (not shown) to also be secured to thepost 21, or a bearing hinge (not shown) to be secured therein. - In
FIG. 9E , tworails 23 are engaged with onepost 21. - In
FIG. 9F , theslats 22 are inserted into theapertures 26 in onepost 21 and positioned for insertion into theapertures 26 in theother post 21. Once theslats 22 and the exposedrail connectors 25 are inserted into theapertures 26, thepost connectors 24 are inserted into either end of thepost 21 and engage therespective rail connectors 25, thereby completing the construction of thefence panel assembly 20. - A fence panel may be assembled this way, or a gate panel may be assembled in a very similar way. Some gates require a stiffer gate rail extrusion which is shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 and described in detail hereinbelow. The gate rail extrusion includes keys and cooperating keyways in the gate rail connector to increase stiffness as shown and described. In the embodiments shown, the gate can be assembled without welding on site, which is advantageous and easy, and the dimensions of the gate can be slightly varied because of the play in the gate stiles, so that the gate (and the fence panel, for that matter) can be flexible in dimension and the installer has some flexibility to overcome topographical and other site issues. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B show a quick-release fastening or locking mechanism 40 adapted to be used with eitherfence panel assembly bar 41 having at least a portion defining a cam-shaped or elliptical cross section. The lockingbar 41 is inserted into one of theposts post slats bar 41 is then rotated within the void until the cam-shaped portion urges against at least some of theslats post slats post - To assist with the rotation of the locking
bar 41, ahandle 42 adapted to engage thebar 41 may be provided. Engaging thehandle 41 in an end of thebar 41 and manually rotating thehandle 42 thereby allows sufficient torque to be exerted to urge thebar 41 between theslats post bar 41 may define a hexagonal socket (not shown) and thehandle 42 define a complementary hexagonal portion dimensioned to fit within the socket, thereby allowing thehandle 42 to engage thebar 41 and facilitate rotation thereof. To further assist with this rotation, a base (not shown) may be provided at an end of thepost bar 41 and guide its rotation. For example, thebar 41 may have a shaft (not shown) extending from an end which is received in a complementary aperture in the base, in order to correctly position thebar 41 relative to theslats -
FIGS. 11 to 14 show another embodiment of the present invention. During discussion of this new embodiment, numerals like those used during discussion of other embodiments will be used, to describe like features. - Generally shown at 101 there is shown a fence panel assembly.
- Shown at 103 is an elongate slat which includes opposed
long sides elements 104 disposed along at least one of the opposedlong sides - The opposed
long sides FIGS. 11 and 12 are couplingformations 104 disposed into each of the opposedlong sides first coupling formation 164 on one side is formed to cooperate with a second coupling formation 165 on the other long side, such that when theelongate slats 103 are stacked one atop the other such as shown inFIG. 12 , the one or more cooperatingcoupling formations 164, 165 on the long sides couple with one another for support or bracing of the slats along the long side. - The first and
second coupling elements 164, 165 each include a coupling recess open at an outer end. One recess may be slightly narrower than the other so that one coupling element may fit at least partially within the recess of the other. - The first and second coupling recesses 164, 165, include one
brace arm notch 185 or 186 or rebate or tab or ridge shown clearly inFIGS. 17 and 18 so as to fit with a brace arm of the other coupling recess to couple therewith. - The
coupling elements 104 are configured to receive a reinforcing element (not shown) in the recess for strengthening the slats against forces normal to the slat. The reinforcing element could be a bar or cylinder or batten of about the same cross-section as the recess, to couple and strengthen the recesses together. This arrangement works generally because the slats are inhibited from vertically separating when installed by being retained with a rail on the top of the panel, or just by being locked against the side of thefence post 102, which provides a certain vertical retention force for the slat ends. - The
coupling elements 164, 165 in some embodiments are identical and abut so as to provide a substantially seamless join. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 , the profile shape is two sinusoidal pitches and the slats join at the same portion on the sinusoidal waveform so that the join seems to be seamless. - Coupling
elements FIGS. 17 and 18 are shown, one (265 on the bottom edge) as a hollow cylinder with a groove along an outside wall to interengage and lock with the above mentioned tab orridge 264 disposed on distal ends of arms 266, 267. - The
elongate slats 103 have decorative or acoustic attenuation elements, in the form ofprofiles 170 on the faces. Theprofile 170 on the elongate face is sinusoidal. The decorative or acoustic attenuation elements arecuts 175 disposed along the length and shown extending the pattern across four slats, in a quartich form. - The
elongate slat 103 is extruded from aluminium or plastic. - The
elongate slat 103 can be of any particular construction—rolled, or extruded or a combination of the two, or some other injection or other moulding process. In embodiments shown inFIG. 21 , theelongate slat 103 is a combination of a rolledcentre section 167 fashioned out of 1.6 mm steel and upper and lower bracingsections section 204 includes acoupler 209 for coupling two slats together thecoupler 209 including twoslat receivers section 304 is a termination brace for providing an upper or lower terminating slat with a foot for abutting an upper or alower rail 5. The terminating brace provides more strength than would otherwise be present with a rolled wave steel section. - There is shown in
FIG. 13 afence post 102 for receiving theslats 103. The fence post includes at least one slat-receivingopening 107 on one face for receiving at least anend portion elongate slat 103 therein. A quick-release fastener 141 is disposed substantially within thepost 102 and is configured to turn about an actuation axis 180 (parallel with the post 102) so as in use to hold anelongate slat 103 against a portion of the slat-receiving opening. The quick release fastener shown in detail onFIG. 20 has a hexagonal bore so as to receive an Allen key to move it along the following surface between the unlocked and locked positions. - There is shown in
FIG. 13 a single slat-receiving opening which extends along thepost 102 from a top to a bottom. Thepost 102 in this embodiment is in the form of a channel, extruded, folded, or rolled. - The
quick release fastener 141 holds theslat 103 against the aperture orchannel opening 107 by friction. There is no piercing of theslat 103. - The
fastener 141 is a fastener element which is cam-shaped or generally non-circular in cross-section so that it needs only to be turned about an actuation axis less than one full rotation to move between a free position and a fastened position. The cam shown at 141 is an ovoid shape which only need be turned less than about 90° to move between the unlocked position, and the locked position (shown inFIG. 13 ). - The post shown at 102 in
FIG. 13 shows a followingrecess 185 for guiding thefastener element 141 between the unlocked and the locked positions. The followingrecess 185 includes an elongate aperture generally shaped as an inverse to that of the ovoid cam. -
FIG. 14 shows a guide cap shown at 190 which fits into a slat which has a rectangular hollow section. It helps to guide the end of theslat 3 into anaperture 7. -
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a section view of agate rail 105 and agate rail connector 125 which are cooperating sections. The internal section ofgate rail 105 is complex, and includeskeyways 195 andkeys 196 so as to increase strength of interengagement. -
FIG. 19 shows aspacer 109 with slots formed therein. An advantage of thesespacers 109 is that thefirst sub-panel 8 can be fully inserted in toposts 2 on both ends of thesub panel 8. Then, thespacers 109 can then be placed on an oval rod/brace 4 which oval brace cooperates with the oval slot in the spacer. Thus, thespacer 109 is configured to be disposed over thebrace 4 with its cooperating central slot positioned to receive theadjacent sub panel 8 sliding in from one end. In use theoval brace 4 prevents the spacers turning, as they might on a simple round brace, thus keeping the slot located in the most useful position for supporting the sub panels 108. - Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention facilitates construction of fences and gates with a minimum of skill and tools.
Claims (19)
1. A fence assembly comprising:
at least one pair of partially hollow posts;
at least one pair of rails;
one or more fence panel modules, each module comprising a plurality of slats vertically joined together by a brace member;
each of the posts having a plurality of apertures extending therein, dimensioned to receive an end of each of the plurality of the slats, or an engaging portion of each end of the rails;
wherein each of the engaging portions of the rails is secured within a respective aperture of the post by a rail connector.
2. A fence assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of slats includes opposed long sides extending between opposed first and second ends; and
the brace member is formed by each slat further comprising one or more projections that are attached to the opposed long sides, or are integral formations along the long sides, and extend from the opposed long sides for fastening to, coupling with or spacing from, other elongate slats in the fence panel module.
3. A fence assembly of claim 2 wherein a projection on one panel module is configured to cooperate with another projection on another panel module by use of an intermediate element.
4. A fence assembly of claim 3 wherein the intermediate element is a spacer with apertures for receiving two projections, one at each end.
5. A fence assembly of claim 4 wherein the spacer includes a rebate or relief at one end to relieve one wall to allow a projection into the end via the rebate in the side wall.
6. A fence assembly of claim 4 wherein the spacer includes a central aperture.
7. A fence assembly of claim 2 wherein the projection is of non-circular section.
8. A fence assembly of claim 6 wherein the central aperture is of non-circular cross section to cooperate with the projection so that the spacer is inhibited from rotating about its central axis.
9. A fence assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the slats has acoustic attenuation elements integral with or mounted thereto.
10. A fence assembly of claim 9 wherein the acoustic attenuation elements are one of more of formations include profiles on a face of the slat and cuts in one or more of the faces of the slats.
11. A fence assembly of claim 1 wherein each slat is a single-walled element.
12. A fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the slat is a rectangular or square hollow section.
13. A fence assembly of claim 2 wherein each of the one or more fence panel modules comprises at least two slats vertically arranged and each including a brace aperture positioned on the opposed long sides, and where the brace member is engaged therein.
14. A fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the rail connector comprises a rail engaging portion adapted to frictionally engage a hollow portion of the rail; and a post engaging portion dimensioned to be received by one of the plurality of apertures extending in the post.
15. A fence assembly of claim 15 wherein the post engaging portion further comprises an aperture dimensioned to receive a portion of a post connector therein.
16. A fence assembly of claim 15 wherein the post connector comprises a head shaped to fit within the hollow post and a shaft extending therefrom arranged to engage the aperture of the post engaging portion of the rail connector thereby securing the rail to the post.
17. A fence assembly of claim 16 wherein the post connector further comprises one or more projections extending from the head, arranged to guide the post connector within the hollow post and align the shaft with the aperture of the post engaging portion of the rail connector.
18. A fence assembly of claim 1 further including a quick-lock fastener configured to be disposed substantially within the hollow post and being configured to turn less than one full turn about an actuation axis so as to hold the plurality of slats in a fence panel module against the respective plurality of apertures.
19. A fence post including:
at least one slat-receiving opening on one face for receiving at least a portion of an elongate slat therein;
a quick-lock fastener configured to be disposed substantially within the post and configured to turn less than one full turn about an actuation axis so as to hold a plurality of slats in a fence panel module against a portion of the slat-receiving opening.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2016900479 | 2016-02-12 | ||
AU2016900479A AU2016900479A0 (en) | 2016-02-12 | Fence Panel Assembly | |
AU2016900657A AU2016900657A0 (en) | 2016-02-24 | Fence Panel Assembly | |
AU2016900657 | 2016-02-24 | ||
AU2017900043A AU2017900043A0 (en) | 2017-01-09 | Fence Panel Assembly and Components therefor | |
AU2017900043 | 2017-01-09 | ||
PCT/AU2017/050122 WO2017136901A1 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2017-02-13 | Fence panel assembly and components therefor |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2017/050122 Continuation WO2017136901A1 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2017-02-13 | Fence panel assembly and components therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190177998A1 true US20190177998A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
Family
ID=59562865
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/102,047 Abandoned US20190177998A1 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2018-08-13 | Fence panel assembly and components therefor |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190177998A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2017218903A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017136901A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210381271A1 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2021-12-09 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | System and method for vertical and horizontal in-fill installation |
US11277978B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2022-03-22 | Stephen Fitzwater | Vinyl raised bed garden planter kit with modular extension option |
USD957686S1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2022-07-12 | Ningbo Evergreen Garden Tools Co., Ltd. | Fence panel |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE1028133B1 (en) | 2020-03-09 | 2021-10-06 | Valcke & Zoon Nv | SCREEN ASSEMBLY FOR DRAWING UP A GARDEN SCREEN |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6460829B1 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2002-10-08 | Kroy Building Products, Inc. | Fence system with variable position rail |
CA2538195C (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-01-09 | Andre Thibodeau | Set of tabs for chain link fence |
US20090152524A1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-06-18 | Christopher Charles Keller | Fence stabilization system |
PL68326Y1 (en) * | 2011-05-25 | 2016-04-29 | Wido Profil Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością | Decorative acoustic panel |
NL2007950C2 (en) * | 2011-12-12 | 2013-06-13 | New Timber B V | GARDEN SCREEN AND WALKING DECK. |
-
2017
- 2017-02-13 AU AU2017218903A patent/AU2017218903A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-02-13 WO PCT/AU2017/050122 patent/WO2017136901A1/en active Application Filing
-
2018
- 2018-08-13 US US16/102,047 patent/US20190177998A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11277978B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2022-03-22 | Stephen Fitzwater | Vinyl raised bed garden planter kit with modular extension option |
US20210381271A1 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2021-12-09 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | System and method for vertical and horizontal in-fill installation |
US11891832B2 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2024-02-06 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | System and method for vertical and horizontal in-fill installation |
USD957686S1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2022-07-12 | Ningbo Evergreen Garden Tools Co., Ltd. | Fence panel |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2017218903A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 |
WO2017136901A1 (en) | 2017-08-17 |
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