WO2006111728A1

WO2006111728A1 - A kit for assembling a fence

Info

Publication number: WO2006111728A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/001404
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Ponting
Original assignee: Corus Uk Limited
Priority date: 2005-04-18
Filing date: 2006-04-18
Publication date: 2006-10-26
Also published as: GB0507787D0; GB2425317A

Abstract

A kit for assembling a fence comprising a plurality of elongate members assembling means for connecting the elongate members to form one or more fence panels, at least two end posts and means for mounting a fence panel between two end posts.

Description

A KIT FOR ASSEMBLING A FENCE

The invention relates to a kit for assembling a fence, a fence assembled from such a kit and an end channel, an end post, a top or bottom channel, an elongate member and a panel for use in such a kit.

It is known to erect a fence using a panel system. However, the individual elements of such systems are large and heavy, and are therefore difficult to transport. Moreover, assembling those elements can be complicated. Accordingly, the average home owner will usually employ a skilled tradesperson to erect such a fence

It is an object of the invention to provide a kit for assembling a fence which can be transported in the back of a hatchback car, and which can be assembled by the average home owner.

Accordingly, the invention provides a kit for assembling a fence comprising a plurality of elongate members having means for connecting the elongate members to form one or more fence panels, at least two end posts and means for mounting a fence panel between two end posts.

The largest and heaviest element of a panel system is the fence panel itself. Providing the fence panel in the form of a plurality of elongate members means that it becomes much easier to transport the panel. It also means that each fence panel can be assembled into any desired size, thereby removing the need for any cutting of panels, and so simplifying assembly. Moreover, it has the added advantages of making it easier to package the kit so as to minimise storage space, and to repair the fence panel.

The mounting means may comprise two end channels for receiving the two side edges of a fence panel, each end channel being mountable on an end post. Each end channel may comprise an elongate slot, whereby the end channel can be mounted on an end post at a selected height. This allows for the position of the fence panel on the end post to be altered to compensate for sloping ground levels.

Each end post may comprise a plurality of holes for receiving a fastener for mounting an end channel on the end post. This allows for different fence configurations.

The kit may comprise a top and/or a bottom channel for receiving the top and bottom edges of a fence panel, respectively. These top and bottom channels may be used to align the elongate members. They may also be used to align adjacent fence panels.

The top and/or bottom channels may be curved in the direction of the plane which is vertical to the axis of the channel. Having a vertically curved top and/or bottom channel means that the top and/or bottom edges of the fence panel may be curved so that the fence panel does not have to be rectangular in shape.

One or more of the means for connecting the elongate members may be able to accommodate movement when connected, whereby at least one fence panel is bendable into a curve. By this means, it becomes possible to erect a fence having a circular or undulating shape.

At least one top and/or bottom channel may be curved in the direction of the plane which is lateral to the axis of the channel. The top and/or bottom channels will then hold the fence panel in its curved position.

The bottom channel may comprise one or more drainage holes to allow rainwater to drain from the channel. The kit may comprise a base panel which is mountable between two end posts in the space beneath the bottom channel. This base panel may be used where it is desired that there will be no gap between the base of the fence and the ground.

The base panel may comprise means for attaching the base panel to the drainage holes of the bottom channel. Using the drainage holes for this purpose simplifies the construction.

The base panel may comprise means for attaching the base panel to the ground. This strengthens the construction.

The attaching means may comprise a tab having an aperture therethrough . and a stake for insertion through the aperture. This provides a simple construction.

At least one of the end posts may be substantially hollow. This reduces the weight of the end posts. It also allows an electricity supply cable to be accommodated in the end post.

The end post may comprise a light and it may also comprise a sensor for controlling the light. Power may be supplied to the light and sensor via a cable accommodated in an end post. Alternatively, or in addition, power may be supplied to the light and sensor via a cable accommodated in a top or bottom channel.

The means for connecting the elongate members are preferably interlocking means.

The kit may be made from any suitable material. For example, the kit may be made from metal or plastic. By way of example, a number of embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, of which :-

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a fence assembled from a kit according to the invention;

Figures 2a to 2f show a number of embodiments of elongate members for use in the fence shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the end post and end channel of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a finial for use with the end post of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a means for mounting an end post for use in the fence shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a means for mounting an end post for use in the fence shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows one of the top channels, the bottom channel and the fence panel of Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom channel and base panel of Figure 1 in a first position;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom channel and base panel of Figure 1 in a second position;

Figure 10 shows the other of the top channels of Figure 1;

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of a top channel for use in the fence shown in Figure 1; and Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a fence assembled from a kit according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a fence assembled from a kit according to the invention. The kit comprises a plurality of elongate members 1 which are connected to form two separate fence panels 2, each of which is mounted between two end posts 3. The top and bottom edges of each fence panel 2 are received in top and bottom channels 4, 5. The two side edges of each fence panel 2 are received in two end channels 6.

As shown in Figures 2a to 2f, the elongate members Ia-If are connected to one another by interlocking means 7a-7f, each comprising a projection 8a-8f and a groove 9a-9f. The elongate members Ia-If are connected by placing one elongate member Ia-If above another elongate member Ia-If and then sliding one elongate member Ia-If onto the other elongate member Ia-If so that the interlocking means 7a-7f interlock.

As each fence panel 2 is made from a plurality of elongate members Ia-If, each panel 2 can be made to the desired width. This means that non-standard widths, such as those found at garden boundaries can usually be accommodated without necessitating any cutting of panels, thereby simplifying assembly.

Elongate members Ia-If are 1800mm in length, but can be manufactured to be any desired length.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2a is extruded from a plastics material, and is substantially rectangular in cross-section. This embodiment has a cellular construction so that it is substantially hollow.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2b is extruded from aluminium, and is substantially planar. The two embodiments shown in Figure 2c are roll formed from a sheet of metal such as steel. One embodiment is substantially planar and the other embodiment is curved.

Figure 2d shows an embodiment which is also made from a roll formed metal sheet and which is curved, but in this case the curves are asymmetric.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2e is made from two roll formed metal sheets, which have been fastened together and then filled with a polymeric foam.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2f is made from wood and has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

The interlocking means shown in Figures 2a to 2f can . accommodate movement when connected, and so are suitable for producing a straight or curved fence.

Elongate members Ia-If have aesthetic appeal on either side. This means that the fence panel 2 will be attractive on both sides, this being a particularly important factor when neighbours have paid equal amounts to have a fence erected.

The end post 3 shown in Figure 3 comprises a hollow tube made from steel. The end post 3 includes two screw-threaded holes 10, one at either end of the post 3. The end channel 6 shown in Figure 3 comprises two planar side walls 12 and a curved intermediate wall 13. Two elongate slots 14 are formed one above the other in the intermediate wall. The end channel 6 is also made from steel. The end channel 6 is mounted on the end post 3 by passing two set screws 15 through the two elongate slots 14 and fastening the screws 15 in the threaded holes 10. The elongate slots 14 allow the end channel 6 to be mounted on the end post 3 at a selected height, thereby allowing for compensation for sloping ground levels. The side edge of a fence panel 2 is placed in the end channel 6, which includes two pairs of aligned holes 16 so that the fence panel 2 can be fastened in place.

Figure 4 shows a finial 17 for use with the end post 3 of Figure 3. The finial 17 comprises a light 18. The end post 3 comprises a security sensor 19 for turning the light on when movement is detected. As the end post 3 is hollow, an electricity supply cable can be accommodated in the end post for supplying power to the light 18 and the security sensor 19. A plug may also be included in the end post 3, if desired, for supplying power to garden tools or a mower.

The end post 3 can be fixed into the ground with concrete. Alternatively, the end post 3 may be fixed into the ground with a surface mounting 20 or a ground spike 21 (see Figures 5 and 6).

As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the top and bottom channels 4, 5 each comprise a straight hollow steel tube 22 having an opening 23 on one edge. Two planar flanges 24 which extend along the length of the tube 22 project outwardly from each edge of the opening 23. Two aligned holes 25, one of which is threaded, are formed in each flange 24 at either end of the channels 4, 5. As the top and bottom channels 4, 5 are hollow, an electricity supply cable can be accommodated therein so that a single cable can be used for the whole fence.

Once a fence panel has been mounted between two end channels 6, a top channel 4 is positioned so that the top edge of the fence panel 2 is received in its opening 23, and a bottom channel 5 is positioned so that the bottom edge of the fence panel 2 is received in its opening 23. The top and bottom channels 4, 5 are used to align the elongate members 1. Once the top and bottom channels 4, 5 are in position, the fence panel 2 is fastened in place by four screws 26, one at each corner of the fence panel 2, each of which passes through the two aligned holes 25 at either end of the top and bottom channels 4, 5.

The bottom channel 5 includes a number of drainage holes 27 formed in its base to allow rainwater to drain from the bottom channel 5.

The base panel 28 is formed from a sheet of metal or plastic, and is sized so that it will fill the space between two end posts 3, beneath the bottom channel 5. The base panel 28 has the same aesthetic appeal on either side, which means that both sides are equally attractive.

The base panel 28 comprises a plurality of tabs 29 on its upper edge for connecting the panel 28 to the drainage holes 27 in the bottom channel 5 as shown in Figure 8.

The base panel 28 also includes a number of tabs 30 on its lower edge. Each tab 30 comprises an aperture 31 therethrough, the tab 30 being fastened to the ground by means of a stake 32 which is inserted through the aperture 31 as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of a top channel 33 which is curved in the direction of the plane which is vertical to the axis of the channel 33. This top channel 33 can be used together with elongate members 1 of differing lengths in order to produce a fence panel 2 having a curved upper edge as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of a top channel 34 , which is curved in the direction of the plane which is lateral to the axis of the channel 34. This top channel 34 may be used together with a curved bottom channel (not shown) and the elongate members Ib-Ie shown in Figures 2b to 2e to produce a curved fence panel 2.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a fence assembled from a kit according to the invention in which the elongate members 1 have been pierced to create a fence panel 2 having the appearance of a trellis.

The fences described herein may be pre- or post-painted to protect the metal. As the fence is made from steel, one or more magnets may be incorporated therein and ancillary items such as bird feeders, bird baths and garden gnomes may be attached magnetically to the fence.

Claims

1. A kit for assembling a fence comprising a plurality of elongate members assembling means for connecting the elongate members to form one or more fence panels, at least two end posts and means for mounting a fence panel between two end posts.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means comprises two end channels for receiving the two side edges of a fence panel, each end channel being mountable on an end post.

3. A kit according to claim 2, wherein each end channel comprises an elongate slot, whereby the end channel can be mounted on an end post at a selected height.

4. A kit according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each end post comprises a plurality of holes for receiving a fastener for mounting an end channel on the end post.

5. A kit according to any preceding claim, comprising a top and/or bottom channel for receiving the top and bottom edges of a fence panel, respectively.

6. A kit according to claim 5, wherein the top and/or bottom channels are curved in the direction of the plane which is vertical to the axis of the channel.

7. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the means for connecting the elongate members can accommodate movement when connected, whereby at least one fence panel is bendable into a curve.

8. A kit according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein at least one top and bottom channel is curved in the direction of the plane which is lateral to the axis of the channel.

9. A kit according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the bottom channel comprises one or more drainage holes.

10. A kit according to any of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a base panel which is mountable between two end posts in the space beneath the bottom channel.

11. A kit according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the base panel comprises means for attaching the base panel to the drainage holes of the bottom channel.

12. A kit according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the base panel comprises means for attaching the base panel to the ground.

13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the attaching means comprises a tab having an aperture therethrough and a stake for insertion through the aperture.

14. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the end posts is substantially hollow.

15. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the end posts comprises light.

16. A kit according to claim 15, wherein said end post comprises a sensor for controlling said light.

17. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for connecting the elongate members are interlocking means.

18. A kit substantially as described herein or as shown in the drawings.

19. A fence assembled from a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18.

20. An end channel for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the end channel comprising an elongate slot, whereby the end channel can be mounted on an end post at a selected height.

21. An end post for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the end post being substantially hollow.

22. An end post according to claim 21, the end post comprising a light.

23. An end post according to claim 22, the end post comprising a sensor for controlling the light.

24. An end post according to any of claims 21 to 23, the end post comprising a plurality of holes for receiving a fastener.

25. A top or bottom channel for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the channel being curved in the direction of the plane which is vertical to the axis of the channel.

26. A top or bottom channel for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the channel being curved in the direction of the plane which is lateral to the axis of the channel.

27. A channel according to claim 25 or claim 26, the channel comprising one or more drainage holes.

28. An elongate member for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the elongate member comprising means for connecting two elongate members.

29. An elongate member according to claim 28, wherein the means for connecting the elongate members can accommodate movement when connected.

30. An elongate member according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the means for connecting the elongate members are interlocking means.

31. A base panel for use in a kit according to any of claims 1 to 18, the base panel being mountable between two end posts in the space beneath the bottom channel.