US3072385A

US3072385A - Portable fencing

Info

Publication number: US3072385A
Application number: US84166A
Authority: US
Inventors: Johnson Grady
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-01-23
Filing date: 1961-01-23
Publication date: 1963-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 1980-01-08

Description

Jan. 8, 1963 e. JOHNSON PORTABLE FENCING 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 23, 1961 IN VEN TOR.

GRADY JOHNSON ATTORNEYS Jan. 8, 1963 G. JOHNSON 3,072,385

PORTABLE FENCING Filed Jan. 23, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-1O 67 uvmvrox.

GRADY JOHNSON 77 ATTORNEYS United States Patent ()1 This invention relates to fencing constructions which are self-supporting, independent of the ground or other surface upon which they rest, and which therefore can be placed in any location where an enclosure is desired.

Conventional fencing constructions are generally sup-.

ported through mounting of the fence posts in the ground or other surface over which the fencing is erected, or in some cases by attaching the fencing fabric and/or the posts to adjacent buildings or similar structures against which the fencing abuts. In any event, such fencing is erected permanently, and normally becomes a fixture to the land, and any alteration in the fencing itself, or the space which is encloses, requires considerable expense and labor. It is also generally considered as a part of the real estate, and not personal property, except which it might be a trade fixture.

There are many instances when a portable self-contained fencing unit is useful. For example, on farms a portable fencing enclosure can be erected wherever desired to form an enclosed space on the ground providing a temporary pen for animals, or a temporary enclosure for produce. The same may be true in the case of temporary pens in stockyards or the like. Similarly, in rental housing units, where the occupant does not have an interest in the real estate, the occupant may desire to fence in a portion of the land to provide a protected play space for children, or for other reasons. A portable fencing enclosure, which can be erected and merely set upon the ground will serve such purposes Without permanent fixing to the ground. Furthermore, such fencing enclosures can be constructed, in accordance with this invention, as collapsible units which can be disassembled and moved, or stored in a minimum of space.

Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a novel portable fencing enclosure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fence enclosure which is self-contained and does not obtain its structural rigidity from the surface upon which it rests.

A further object of this invention is to provide a portable fencing construction including a'collapsible polygonal framework and a strip or strips of flexible fencing fabric which are Wrapped about the exterior of such framework and drawn taut about such framework to maintain the structure in assembled condition.

An additional object of the invention is to provide such a portable fencing construction which includes a gate for access to the interior of the space enclosed by the'fencing.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel tensioning apparatus for portable fencing constructions including a capstan arrangement which is mounted on the fencing structure.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG, 1 is a perspective view of a portable fencing enclosure in accordance with the invention; 7

FIG. 2 is a broken plan view on an enlarged scale of one of the posts incorporated in such structure;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a broken elevational view, with some parts shown in section, of a tensioning apparatus in the form of a capstan type of construction which is mounted on a corner post of the fencing enclosure;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

ice

FIG. 6 is an enlarged and broken sectional view taken on line 66 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a modified form of tensioning apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a broken sectional view taken on line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified type of portable fencing construction incorporating a gate; and

FIG. 10 is an elevational view, on an enlarged scale, of the gate used in the construction shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to the drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention, and referring particularly to FIGS. l-6, the portable fencing construction provided by this invention includes a plurality of posts 10 of conventional fencing material such as hollow pipe. In the case of a square or rectangular construction, these may conveniently be referred to as corner posts, although it should be understood that it is within the scope of this invention to provide fencing constructions which are circular or oval in configuration. Each post is provided with a plurality of strut connectors, and these are arranged in pairs at different elevations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 there is an upper pair of connectors 12 and a lower pair 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the connectors may be in the form of tubular sockets 15 welded or otherwise secured to the post 10. Of course, these connectors could also be in the form of plugs if desired, i.e., a male connector member rather than female.

The individual connectors in each pair extend in divergent relation to each other, and preferably extend generally at right angles to the center line of the post. The post, therefore, is normally situated in a vertical position on the ground or other surface to be enclosed, and struts 18 are engaged in the connectors and extend from post to post, forming with the posts a framework which defines the area to be enclosed by the fence. In the case of the straight struts the framework will be a ponygonal structure in which each side is quadrilateral, preferably rectangular as shown in FIG. 1. The struts are located near the top and bottom of the posts, and it is not necessary to provide any positive locking of the struts to the posts other than, for example, the plug and socket connectors such as shown in FIG. 3, where the struts 18 are received in the sockets 15. As mentioned, this relationship can be inverse, with plug-like connectors on the posts and sleeves on the struts to slip over such plugs. The framework, therefore, is completely and readily collapsible, and may be disassembled into a number of pieces which can be tied together ready for storage or transportation.

The fencing enclosure is completed by a strip of flexible fencing fabric 2%), preferably the well known chainlink fencing fabric which consists of intertwined rather heavy wires which form a metallic fencing material capable of being rolled for storage. This fabric is stretched taut about the exterior of the framework, contacting the outside of each post and contacting the struts along a substantial portion of their length. The fabric 20 completes the enclosure and also is maintained taut by suitable tensioning apparatus, thereby holding the entire framework in compression to maintain the enclosure in its assembled condition.

It is of course possible to use more than one strip 20 of fencing fabric, and it is also possible to anchor the ends of the strip to the posts after suitable tension has been applied thereto by conventional stretching tools. In many instances, however, this is not conducive to quick assembly and disassembly of the structure, and therefore, a preferred embodiment incorporate ones or two relatively long strips of fencing fabric which are drawn taut and maintained in tension by a novel capstan arrangement which is a part of the structure.

below the ends of the post 10. The rod and the two studs thus form a generally U-shaped mounting member which can rotate about the vertical axis of the post 10, within the limits formed by the struts when they are in position. The studs 27 provide a slide mounting for upper and lower sleeves 30 which are free to slide along the studs '27, and which are fastened to further sleeves 32 (FIG. 6) extending at right angles to the sleeves 30. A capstan shaft 35 extends through the sleeves 32, and the shaft is undercut as shown at 36 adjacent its upper and lower edges to fit around the inwardly extending part of the horizontal sleeves 30, thus forming an interlocking construction which maintains the parts in assembled relationship.

Between the sleeves 32, and around the shaft 35, is a main capstan sleeve or tube 38, and a plurality of dowels or pins 40 are inserted through the tube 38 and the shaft 35, locking the two together for simultaneous rotation. The upper end of the top sleeve 32, as shown at 42, preferably has a polygonal outer configuration. This may be attained, for example, by forming the sleeve 32 from hex stock to attain a hexagonal upper end at 42. Likewise, the shaft 35 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged head of similar polygonal configuration, and this may also be attained by forming the shaft from hex stock which is turned down along its length to the circular cross-section which fits inside the tube 38 and the sleeves 32. Over the

parts

42 and 45 there is a locking socket or sleeve which may be formed from a suitable so-called twelve point socket sleeve, for example of the kind normally found in socket wrenches, and capable of engaging the hexagonal heads in twelve different positions. This sleeve 50 can slide up on the head 45 until it engages the stop 51, and in the dotted line position (FIG. 6) the locking sleeve 50 is free from engagement with the end 42 on sleeve 32, permitting rotation of the capstan shaft, while in its lower or locking position, resting against the stop 52, the sleeve 50 extends across the meeting faces of the

parts

42 and 45, and locks the two together preventing rotation of shaft 35.

The fabric strip 20 can be engaged with the pins 40 on the capstan merely by hooking these pins through the fabric, and the fabric can then be placed about the exterior of the framework and brought back around the corner posts in which the capstan is mounted such that the other end of the fabric also may be engaged with the pins 40. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 5, and it will be understood that with such a construction there is no access through the sides of the fencing, but the interior of the enclosure may be reached by climbing over a side of the structure.

A suitable wrench or lever arm is then applied to the sleeve 50, with the sleeve in its raised position (dotted lines in FIG 6) and the capstan can be rotated to draw the fabric taut about the framework. The sleeve 50 is then dropped to engage also with the polygonal end 42 on the upper sleeve 32, and the capstan is locked to maintain the tension in the fencing fabric. When it is desired to disassemble the structure, the sleeve 50 can be released to relieve the tension, then one end of the fabric strip is unhooked from the capstan, and the same is rotated to wind the fabric into a roll about the capstan tube. At this time, the sleeves 30 will slide toward the outer end of the studs 27 as the roll of fabric increases in diameter. Once all the fabric is rolled up on the capstan the framework can be easily disassembled, and the capstan provides a convenient carrier for the roll of fabric, being retained on the corner post 10 to which it is assembled.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternate capstan construction which is usable particularly where it is for some reason undesirable to mount the capstan on a corner post. In this modified construction a pair of sleeves are provided which fit over the struts 18 of the framework. Each of these sleeves has an L-shaped arm 62 fastened thereto, and these arms in turn provide support for the sliding capstan sleeves 30a, which together with the remainder of the capstan construction may be exactly the same as that previously described. Therefore, the same reference numerals have been applied to these parts in FIGS. 7 and 8. As the fencing fabric is rolled onto the capstan tube 38, the sleeves 30a will slide outwardly 0n the arms 62 to accommodate the increase in size of the roll.

In some instances it may be desirable to incorporate a gate construction in the collapsible portable fencing provided by this invention. A suitable arrangement for this purpose is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The gate construction is provided here as a substitute for one of the corner posts, and the struts extending to such gate construction may be shortened accordingly if desired. Of course, the gate can be included anywhere in the framework, as convenient.

The gate includes a rectangular framework made up of side pieces 65 and U-shaped top and bottom pieces 67 which connect into the side pieces as shown generally by the dotted plug arrangement 68 in FIG. 10. The gate frame can be fabricated as a unitary assemblage if desired. The side pieces 65 each are provided with a plurality of pegs or pins 70, and these pins provide anchorage for two strips of fencing fabric which are engaged with the opposite gate pieces 65 respectively, and which are wrapped about the exterior of the framework and connected to the same type of capstan construction as previously described, designated by the general reference numeral 72 in FIG. 9. A conventional gate 75, including a frame 76 which is hinged at 77 to one of the gate frame pieces 65 is provided and preferably covered with a piece of similar fencing fabric fastened permanently to the gate frame 76. Any conventional gate lock construction, indicated generally at 78, may be used to hold the gate closed.

Obviously, the fencing construction shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may likewise be disassembled readily and the gate frame itself disassembled into pieces, with only the gate remaining connected at its hinges 77 to the one gate frame side piece 65 if so desired.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A portable fencing enclosure comprising a plurality of corner posts, struts extending between said corner posts forming a polygonal framework in which each side is a collapsible quadrilateral structure and having substantial strength in compression, at least one length of flexible fencing fabric wrapped about the exterior sides of said framework, tensioning means mounted on said framework and connected to said length of fencing fabric, and means operable on said tensioning means to draw said fabric taut about said framework.

2. A portable fencing enclosure comprising a plurality of corner posts, struts extending between said corner posts forming a rectangular framework in which each side is a collapsible quadrilateral structure having substantial strength in compression, flexible fencing fabric fastened to said framework and wrapped about the entire exterior sides of said framework, tensioning means connected between the other end of said length of fencing fabric and said framework, and means operable on said tensioning means to draw said fabric taut about said framework.

3. A portable fencing enclosure, comprising a plurality of corner posts each having spaced laterally extending connectors on two sides thereof, struts engaged with said connectors and extending between said posts to form therewith a self-supporting polygonal framework having a plurality of side frames joined at said posts, an elongated strip of flexible fencing fabric wrapped about the exterior sides of said framework and resting against substantially the full extent of said struts to form an enclosure closed on all sides, and tensioning apparatus connected between the ends of said fabric strip and operative to draw said fabric strip taut about said framework maintaining the resultant fencing enclosure in assembled condition.

4. A portable collapsible fencing enclosure adapted to rest upon a surface and to define a space on said surface closed on all sides, comprising a plurality of posts each having pairs of strut engaging connectors extending laterally therefrom, said pairs of connectors being at separate locations along the length of said posts and each connector of a pair extending at a substantial angle with respect to the other connector of that pair, struts adapted to engage with said connectors and to extend generally horizontally between the posts with the posts arranged generally vertically forming a self-supporting space enclosing framework, an elongated strip of flexible fencing fabric, said strip being wrapped about the sides of said framework and connected at one end to said framework, and tensioning apparatus connected between the other end of said fabric strip and said framework and operative to draw said strip tau-t about the sides of said framework.

5. A portable collapsible fencing enclosure adapted to rest upon a surface and to define a space on said surface closed on all sides, comprising a plurality of posts each having pairs of strut engaging connectors extending laterally therefrom, said pairs of connectors being at separate locations along the length of said posts and each connector of a pair extending at a substantial angle with respect to the other connector of that pair, struts adapted to engage with said connectors and to extend generally horizontally between the posts with the posts arranged generally vertically forming a space enclosing framework, an elongated strip of flexible fencing fabric, said strip being wrapped about the sides of said framework and connected atone end to said framework, and a capstan mounted on said framework and connected to said fabric strip and operative to draw said strip taut about said framework.

6. A portable collapsible fencing enclosure adapted to rest upon a surface and to define a space on said surface closed on all sides, comprising a plurality of posts having connectors thereon for engagement with framework struts at at least two different locations lengthwise of the post and the connectors at each location extending in divergent directions, struts engaged with said connectors and extending generally horizontally between the posts with the posts arranged generally vertically forming a space enclosing self-supporting framework adapted to rest upon a surface without direct connection thereto, an elongated strip of linked wire flexible fencing fabric, said strip being wrapped horizontally about said framework covering the sides thereof, and tensioning apparatus mounted on said framework including a rotatable capstan connected to apply tensioning force to said strip for stretching said strip about said framework forming a self-supporting enclosure.

7. A portable fencing enclosure comprising a plurality of corner posts, at least two struts extending between said corner posts forming a framework in which each side is a collapsible structure having substantial strength in compression, a gate frame formed in said framework including sides connected to pairs of said struts, a gate member mounted in said gate frame, flexible fencing fabric fastened to the exterior sides of said framework and extending entirely about the exterior sides of said framework from one side of said gate frame to the opposite side of said gate frame providing an enclosure to which access is provided by said gate member, tensioning means connected between said fabric and said framework, and means operable on said tensioning means to draw said fabric taut about said framework maintaining said framework as a self-supporting structure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 415,382 Darnell Nov. 19, 1889 2,475,416 Williams July 5, 1949 2,690,326 Kranick Sept. 28, 1954 2,760,760 Pitz -Aug. 28, 1956

Claims

1. A PORTABLE FENCING ENCLOSURE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF CORNER POSTS, STRUTS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID CORNER POSTS FORMING A POLYGONAL FRAMEWORK IN WHICH EACH SIDE IS A COLLAPSIBLE QUADRILATERAL STRUCTURE AND HAVING SUBSTANTIAL STRENGTH IN COMPRESSION, AT LEAST ONE LENGTH OF FLEXIBLE FENCING FABRIC WRAPPED ABOUT THE EXTERIOR SIDES OF SAID FRAMEWORK, TENSIONING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAMEWORK AND CONNECTED TO SAID LENGTH OF FENCING FABRIC, AND MEANS OPERABLE ON SAID TENSIONING MEANS TO DRAW SAID FABRIC TAUT ABOUT SAID FRAMEWORK.