US20050082518A1 - Fencing system - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides a fencing system (10) comprising a plurality of spaced apart parallel extending upright posts (12); a plurality of horizontally extending bearers (14); and a plurality of parallel extending uprights (16). First connecting means (18) connects the bearers (14) to the posts (12) and second connecting means (20) connects the uprights (16) to the bearers (14). Each post (12) defines an elongate channel12.1, and is provided with a cover12.2connected to the post (12) by a fourth connecting means (22), for closing the channel12.1. Posts (12) located in a central region of the fencing system (10) are adapted to receive a supporting insulator (24), for supporting an electrified conductor (26). A carrier (28) is connected to corner posts (12) by third connecting means and includes a carrier (28) with connecting formations28.2for connecting to an insulator (30) for carrying electrified conductors (26).

Description

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to a fencing system.
• South African patent number 99/0156 discloses a method of joining an upright to a bearer. Both the upright and the bearer are of channel sections and comprise a web with a flange along each edge of the web, the flanges diverging from one another in the direction away from the web. This method includes the steps of forming two spaced slots in the bearer, the slots being at an angle with respect to one another, forcing said flanges of said upright towards one another to decrease the size of the gap between them, inserting the flanges into said slots and releasing the flanges so that they spring apart.
• A disadvantage of the above fence is that, owing to the configuration of the connection, the upright is relatively easily removed from the bearer.
• South African patent number 2000/0700 discloses a method of constructing a fence. This method includes the steps of erecting a plurality of spaced-apart posts by anchoring the bases of the posts in concrete footings in the ground; connecting bearers to the posts by aligning openings in the bearers with corresponding openings in the posts; and feeding locking clips through the aligned openings to lock the bearers to the posts. A series of upright or substantially upright bars are then connected to the bearers by aligning openings in the bars with corresponding openings in the bearers and feeding locking clips through the aligned openings to lock the bars to the bearers.
• A disadvantage of the above fencing system is that the use of separate locking clips is cumbersome in that one has to ensure that an equal amount of clips and uprights are provided at the erection site, and if one of the clips should be damaged, a shortage of clips is experienced at the site.
• WO01/00951 discloses a method of constructing a fence. The method includes the steps of erecting a plurality of spaced-apart posts by planting the bases of the posts in concrete footings in the ground, and connecting bearers to the posts by feeding projections on the bearers into openings in the posts and interlocking the bearers with the posts by locating portions of the posts below the openings within slots in some of the bearer projections so as to form a structure having an upper bearer and a lower bearer between each pair of adjacent, spaced-apart posts. A series of upright or substantially upright bars are then connected to the bearers by feeding the bars into openings in the bearers and deforming a portion of each bar so as to lock the bars to the bearers.
• One of the disadvantages of the above fence is that it is relatively expensive to manufacture as the amount of material and machining required to manufacture the horizontal bearers are excessive.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
• It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fencing system with which the aforesaid disadvantages can be overcome or at least minimised, and to provide a useful alternative to the known fences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to the invention there is provided a fencing system comprising:
• • at least one post;
  • at least one bearer;
  • at least one upright;
  • first connecting means for connecting the bearer to the post; and
  • second connecting means for connecting the upright to the bearer,
    the fencing system being characterised in that the first and second connecting means each comprises a male formation for mating with a female formation, at least a portion of either the male or the female formations being deformable after the mating, to lock the bearer to the post and the upright respectively.
• The post, bearer and upright may be of sheet material that are punched and bent to form elongate channel defining members, having parallel extending flange formations.
• The male formation of the first connecting means may be located on either one of the bearer or the post and the female formation may be located on the other one.
• The male formation of the second connecting means may be located on either one of the upright or the bearer and the female formation may be located on the other one.
• Preferably the male formation of the first connecting means comprises a flat planar spigot extending from each end of the bearer, and the female formation of the first connecting means comprises a complementary shaped slot for receiving the planar spigot.
• Further according to the invention, the male formation is provided with a resilient portion extending out of its plane for providing a clip lock, the arrangement being such that the portion is forced into the plane when the planar spigot is inserted into the slot and further such that the resilient portion deforms out of the plane after insertion, to restrict withdrawal of the male formation.
• The male formation of the second connecting means may comprise a portion of the bearer deformed out of its plane, and the female formation of the second connecting means may comprise a complementary shaped opening for receiving the male portion defined by the upright.
• The arrangement may be such that the male formation is inserted into the opening and deformed to restrict withdrawal of the male formation. The arrangement may further be such that the male formation is obscured by the upright.
• Preferably the male formation is deformed using a tool, which is designed specifically for reaching the male formation after being inserted into the opening.
• Further according to the invention, the fencing system includes a carrier for electrified conductors and a third connecting means for connecting the carrier to the post.
• Preferably the carrier is of sheet material and defines connecting means in the form of a slot through which the male formation of the bearer extend, in addition to extending through the female formation in the post, the arrangement being such that the carrier is trapped between the end of the bearer and the post.
• The carrier may further be provided with a connecting formation for connecting to an insulator for carrying the electrified conductors.
• The post may further be provided with a fourth connecting means for connecting to a supporting insulator for supporting said electrified conductor.
• The fourth connecting means may be in the form of an opening in the post and the supporting insulator may be provided with a resilient clip device, which is inserted and retained in the opening.
• It will be appreciated that the fencing system preferably comprises a plurality of said posts, bearers and uprights that are connected to each other as hereinbefore described.
• The posts and bearers may define channel formations or conduits for receiving electrical cables for lighting and the like.
• The post may, for example be in the form of a first elongate channel formation which is provided with a cover for closing the channel formation.
• According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a fence, including the steps of:
• • providing a fencing system according to the first aspect of the invention:
  • securing the posts in parallel extending spaced apart upright position;
  • connecting the bearers to the posts in spaced apart horizontally extending condition by inserting the male formations into the female formations and deforming either the male or female formations; and
  • connecting a plurality of uprights to the bearers in spaced apart parallel extending position by inserting the male formations into the female formations and deforming either the male or the female formations.
• The method may include the further step of securing the carriers to the posts and the insulators and supporting insulators to the carriers and the posts respectively.
• The method may include the further steps of connecting electrified conductors to the insulators and the supporting insulators respectively.
• The method may include the further step of disposing insulated electrical conductors along the inside of the posts and the bearers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will now be described further, by way of non-limiting examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled fencing system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention constructed in accordance with a method of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an upper part of a post, one end of a bearer and a supporting insulator, of the fencing system ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is an assembled view ofFIG. 2, showing the end of an additional bearer and supporting insulator, with an electrified conductor in position;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views ofFIGS. 2 and 3 respectively;
• FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an upper part of a corner post, showing end portions of two bearers extending transverse to each other as well as a carrier for an electrified conductor;
• FIG. 6 is an assembled view ofFIG. 5, with an insulator and electrified conductor in position;
• FIG. 7 is a plan view ofFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carrier ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 9A is a perspective explosive view of a central part of the bearer ofFIG. 1 and an upper part of an upright;
• FIG. 9B is an assembled view ofFIG. 9A;
• FIG. 10A is a front view of male formations defined on the central portion ofFIG. 9A of the bearer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 10B is the same view asFIG. 10A, with the formations deformed, and indicating an upright in dotted lines;
• FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate further embodiments of male and female formations according to the invention, both in pre-deformed and deformed states;
• FIGS. 12A and 12B are the same views as that ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, showing an insulator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of part ofFIG. 12A; and
• FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fencing system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• Referring toFIG. 1, a fencing system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is generally designated byreference numeral10.
• Referring further particularly to FIGS.2 to7 and9, thefencing system10 comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel extendingupright posts12; a plurality of horizontally extendingbearers14; a plurality of parallel extendinguprights16; first connectingmeans18 for connecting thebearers14 to theposts12; and second connectingmeans20 for connecting theuprights16 to thebearers14. Theposts12,bearers14, and theuprights16, are stamped and bent from sheet metal and each define an elongate channel bordered by two opposite parallel extending flanges.
• The first and second connecting means (designated byreference numerals18 and20) generally each comprises a male formation for mating with a female formation, the male formations being deformable after the mating, to lock thebearers14 to theposts12 and theuprights16 respectively. The male and female formations come in various forms shapes and sizes as described in more detail below.
• The male formation of the first connectingmeans18 is in the form of a pair of planar spigots18.1 extending from each end of eachbearer14, and the female formation of the first connectingmeans18 comprises a complementary shaped slot18.2 for receiving the planar spigot18.1. The planar spigot18.1 is provided with a resilient portion18.1.1 extending out of the plane of the spigot18.1 for providing a clip lock. The arrangement is such that the portion18.1.1 is forced into said plane when the spigot18.1 is inserted into the slot18.2 and further such that the resilient portion18.1.1 deforms out of said plane after insertion, to restrict withdrawal of the spigot18.1 from the slot18.2.
• Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the male formation of the second connectingmeans20 comprises two planar spigots20.1 that are deformed out of the plane of the sheet metal of thebearer14, and the female formation of the second connectingmeans20 comprises complementary shaped slots20.2 stamped into the sheet metal of theupright16 for receiving the spigots120.1.
• The arrangement of the second connectingmeans20 is such that the spigots20.1 are inserted into the slots20.2 and deformed, as illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B, to restrict withdrawal thereof. The arrangement is further such the spigots20.1 are obscured by theuprights16 and that a special tool (not shown) is required to reach and deform the spigots20.1.
• Referring to FIGS.2 to7, each post12 defines a first elongate channel12.1, and is provided with a cover12.2 for closing the channel12.1. The cover12.2 is connected to thepost12 by a fourth connecting means22 comprising planar spigots22.1, which border an opening22.2 stamped into the cover12.2. As illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the spigots are inserted into the channel12.1 and deformed to engage behind the flanges12.3 bordering the channel12.1. The opening22.2 is therefore exposed and adapted to receive a supporting insulator24 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3), for supporting an electrifiedconductor26. The supportinginsulator24 is provided with a resilient clip device (not shown), which is inserted and retained in the opening22.2. The above arrangement is particularly suitable forposts12 located in a central region of thefencing system10 intermediate corner regions, where thebearers14 extend in-line with each other.
• Referring further to FIGS.5 to8, thefencing system10 further includes acarrier28 for the electrifiedconductors26. This arrangement is more suitable for acorner post12 where thebearers14 extend at right angles relative to each other. Thecarrier28 comprises an elongate metal sheet provided with a side flange28.1 having connecting formations28.2 (FIG. 8) for connecting to aninsulator30. Thecarrier28 is further provided with slots28.3 through which the spigots18.1 are inserted prior to being inserted into the slots18.2 of theposts12. Thecarrier28 is thus trapped between the end of thebearers14 and theposts12. Thecarrier28 is connected to thepost12 by a third connecting means.
• Theposts12 andcarriers28 are provided withholes34 through which insulated conductors (not shown) can be fed, to extend along the inside of the channels defined by theposts12 and thebearers14. Such conductors can be used to provide lights (not shown) disposed on top of theposts12 with electrical power.
• In use, theposts12 are secured in parallel extending spaced apart upright positions. Thebearers14 are connected to theposts12 in spaced apart horizontally extending positions as hereinbefore described, while trapping thecarrier28 at the corner posts12. Theinsulators30 are further connected to thecarrier28. Theuprights16 are connected to thebearers14 as hereinbefore described in spaced apart parallel extending positions and the supportinginsulators24 connected to the intermediate posts12. The electrifiedconductors26 are connected to theinsulators24 and30.
• The applicant has found that it is relatively economical to manufacture a fencing system according to the invention and that it can be erected in a relatively shorter time. Another advantage is that no welding is required. The fencing system can be provided in modular form and transported to a remote area where is can be erected.
• It will be appreciated that variations in detail are possible with a fencing system according to the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, referring toFIGS. 1A and 11B, further embodiments of male and female connecting means according to the invention, both in pre-deformed and deformed state are generally designated byreference numerals20A and20B. Many other configurations are of course possible, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular formations described herein.
• Further for example, in FIGS.12 to13, aninsulator24A according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Theinsulator24A comprises two tubular portions of a plastics material, which are inserted from opposite directions throughholes34A provided in thepost12A. The two portions of theinsulator24A engage in a friction fit and an electrical wire (not shown) is fed through theinsulator24A so that the wire is retained and insulated relative to the post.
• Yet further for example, referring toFIG. 14, an alternative embodiment of thecarrier28A is illustrated. Thecarrier28A is provided with a pair of planar spigots18.1A for connecting to complementary shaped slots18.2A defined in thepost12A. The spigots18.1A are each provided with a resilient portion18.1.1A extending out of the plane of the spigot18.1A for providing a clip lock. Thecarrier28A further defines a connecting formation in the form of a hole28.2A to which an electrical wire or insulator (not shown) could be connected.
• Similarly, other appliances such as lights, alarm sensors and display boards could be connected to the posts using a similar clip lock arrangement.

Claims (21)

1. A fencing system comprising at least one post; at least one bearer; at least one upright; first connecting means for connecting the bearer to the post; and second connecting means for connecting the upright to the bearer, the fencing system being characterised in that the first and second connecting means each comprises a male formation for mating with a female formation, at least a portion of either the male or the female formations being deformable after the mating, to lock the bearer to the post and the upright respectively.

2. A fencing system according toclaim 1 wherein the post, bearer and upright are of sheet material that are punched and bent to form elongate channel defining members, having parallel extending flange formations.

3. A fencing system according toclaim 1 wherein the male formation of the first connecting means is located on either one of the bearer or the post and the female formation is located on the other one.

4. A fencing system according toclaim 1, wherein the male formation of the second connecting means is located on either one of the upright or the bearer and the female formation is located on the other one.

5. A fencing system according toclaim 1, wherein the male formation of the first connecting means comprises a flat planar spigot extending from each end of the bearer, and the female formation of the first connecting means comprises a complementary shaped slot for receiving the planar spigot.

6. A fencing system according toclaim 5 wherein the male formation is provided with a resilient portion extending out of its plane for providing a clip lock, the arrangement being such that the portion is forced into the plane when the planar spigot is inserted into the slot and further such that the resilient portion deforms out of the plane after insertion, to restrict withdrawal of the male formation.

7. A fencing system according toclaim 1, wherein the male formation of the second connecting means comprises a portion of the bearer deformed out of its plane, and wherein the female formation of the second connecting means comprises a complementary shaped opening for receiving the male portion defined by the upright, the arrangement being such that the male formation is inserted into the opening and deformed to restrict withdrawal of the male formation and the arrangement being further such that the male formation is obscured by the upright.

8. A fencing system according toclaim 4 which includes a carrier for electrified conductors and a third connecting means for connecting the carrier to the post.

9. A fencing system according toclaim 8 wherein the carrier is of sheet material and defines connecting means in the form of a slot through which the male formation of the bearer extend, in addition to extending through the female formation in the post, the arrangement being such that the carrier is trapped between the end of the bearer and the post.

10. A fencing system according toclaim 9 wherein the carrier is further provided with a connecting formation for connecting to an insulator for carrying the electrified conductors.

11. A fencing system according toclaim 10 wherein the post is provided with a fourth connecting means for connecting to a supporting insulator for supporting said electrified conductor.

12. A fencing system according toclaim 11 wherein the fourth connecting means is in the form of an opening in the post and the supporting insulator is provided with a resilient clip device which is inserted and retained in the opening.

13. A fencing system according to any one of theclaim 1 comprising a plurality of the said posts, bearers and uprights that are connected to each other.

14. A fencing system according to any one of theclaim 1 wherein the posts and bearers define conduits for receiving electrical cables for lighting.

15. A fencing system according toclaim 14 wherein each post is in the form of a first elongate channel formation which is provided with a cover for closing the channel formation.

16. A method of constructing a fence, including the steps of providing a fencing system according toclaim 7; securing the posts in parallel extending spaced apart upright position; connecting the bearers to the posts in spaced apart horizontally extending condition by inserting the male formations into the female formations and deforming either the male or female formations; and connecting a plurality of uprights to the bearers in spaced apart parallel extending position by inserting the male formations into the female formations and deforming either the male or the female formations.

17. A method of constructing a fence according toclaim 16 which includes the further steps of securing the carriers to the posts and securing the insulators and supporting insulators to the carriers and the posts respectively.

18. A method of constructing a fence according toclaim 17 which includes the further steps of connecting electrified conductors to the insulators and the supporting insulators respectively.

19. A method of constructing a fence according toclaim 18 which includes the further step of disposing insulated electrical conductors along the inside of the posts and the bearers.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

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