A fence assembly and panel

Abstract

 A fence assembly (1) comprises stanchions (2) supporting panels (3). Each panel (3) comprises a panel member (5) of expanded metal mesh material with horizontal reinforcing members (16) coupled thereto. The reinforcing members (16) are coupled by coupling members which are formed by bending alternate portions (15) of the panel member (5) outwardly of opposite side faces (6) and (7) of the panel member (5). The coupling members (18) form engagement openings (20) for receiving the reinforcing members (16). Clamping screws (30) secure overlapping reinforcing members (16) of adjacent panels (3) to mounting brackets (28) which are in turn clamped to the stanchions (2) by the clamping screws (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel of the type comprising a panel member defining a pair of opposite side faces and coupling means for coupling a reinforcing member to the panel member with the reinforcing member extending along the panel member. The invention also relates to a fence assembly comprising the panel member.

[0002] Fence assemblies of the type comprising a panel of rigid or semi-rigid material, for example, panels of expanded metal mesh material in general, comprise a plurality of upright stanchions located at spaced apart intervals secured to the ground. The panels extend between respective adjacent pairs of stanchions and are secured thereto. Where a relatively rigid fence assembly is required, each panel comprises a panel member mounted in a frame comprising a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending horizontal top and bottom members joined by vertical members at each end of the panel member. The panel member is secured to the frame by screws or welding. In general, where the panel member is of expanded metal mesh material, the panel member is generally welded to the horizontal and vertical members of the frame. The frame is then secured to the stanchions. While such a construction of fence assembly provides a relatively rigid and robust structure, such a fence assembly is relatively expensive and time consuming to produce and assemble. Firstly, the panel has to be constructed by cutting a panel member of expanded metal mesh or other material to size. Secondly, a frame must be constructed, and thirdly, the panel member has to be welded or otherwise secured to the frame. The panel is then secured to the stanchion, by welding or other securing means, such as, for example, screws or the like. In cases where the panel member has to be assembled on site, in general, welding equipment is required on the site. It will be appreciated therefore that known fence assemblies of this type are relatively expensive, inconvenient and time consuming to construct. Similar problems arise with panels of other materials, whether perforated or not. Other examples of perforated materials are weld mesh and the like. An example of an unperforated material is sheet metal or the like.

[0003] Security panels for windows, doors and the like, for example security grills are typically constructed from a panel member mounted in a frame. The panel member may be of a perforated or unperforated sheet material. Commonly such security panels are constructed from expanded metal mesh material surrounded by a frame. The panel member is generally welded to the frame. The frame is then in turn nounted to the masonry of the buildings surrounding the window or door by suitable mounting brackets. Such security panels, suffer from substantially similar problems as panels of the type already discussed for fence assemblies.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a panel which overcomes these problems. Such a panel would be suitable for use in a fence assembly, as a security panel, or for other similar type purposes. There is also a need for a fence assembly which overcomes the problems of known fence assemblies.

[0005] The present invention is directed towards providing such a panel, and the invention is also directed towards providing a fence assembly.

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a panel comprising a panel member defining a pair of opposite side faces, and coupling means for coupling an elongated reinforcing member to the panel member with the reinforcing member extending along the panel member, wherein the coupling means comprises at least two spaced apart coupling members formed by bending respective portions of the panel member at spaced apart locations outwardly of one side face thereof to form respective engagement openings for receiving the reinforcing member.

[0007] The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a panel in which the coupling means for coupling the reinforcing member to the panel member are formed integrally with the panel member without the need for any additional materials or components. This provides many advantages, particularly, on site where the panel is being assembled for use as a panel in a fence assembly, as a security grill for a window, door or the like in that the panel can be readily easily assembled by inserting the reinforcing member or members through the engagement openings of a panel. This construction of panel also facilitates ease of construction of a fence assembly. The panel when assembled from a panel member and reinforcing member or members is particularly robust, since the panel member cannot readily easily be separated from the reinforcing member.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of coupling members are formed on respective opposite side faces of the panel member by bending alternate adjacent portions of the panel member outwardly of respective opposite side faces thereof, adjacent coupling members on opposite side faces of the panel member defining each engagement opening.

[0009] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a particularly strong and robust panel in that the panel member itself would have to be effectively destroyed before the panel member could be removed from the reinforcing members.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention each coupling member is relieved at opposite side edges thereof from the panel member, the relieved side edges of each coupling member extending transversely of the reinforcing member.

[0011] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides for a relatively simple and straightforward construction of fence assembly which is particularly strong and robust in use.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention the panel member is of mesh material, alternate portions of the mesh material defining interstices of the mesh adjacent the position of the reinforcing member being bent outwardly on respective opposite side faces of the panel member for forming the coupling members.

[0013] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively low cost construction of the panel which is relatively strong and robust in use.

[0014] Further, manufacture of the panel is relatively simple and inexpensive. Where the panel is of expanded metal mesh material a particularly strong robust panel is provided.

[0015] Preferably, the panel defines a pair of end edges at opposite ends of the side faces, and at least one reinforcing member is provided coupled to the panel member by the coupling means, the reinforcing member extending between the end edges of the panel member.

[0016] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively strong panel while at the same time a panel which is relatively inexpensive to construct, and which can readily easily be assembled for use in a fence assembly or, as a security panel.

[0017] Additionally the invention provides a fence assembly comprising at least two spaced apart upright fence posts, and a panel mounted to and extending between the fence posts, the panel being a panel according to the invention.

[0018] The advantages of the fence assembly according to the invention are many. The invention provides a fence assembly which can readily easily be constructed, which is strong and robust, and which is relatively inexpensive. A particular advantage of the fence assembly is that it can be constructed on site without the need for welding apparatus or other apparatus and devices which might not always be readily available on a construction, or other site, particularly, sites in relatively remote location and the like.

[0019] Preferably, each fence post comprises a stanchion and at least one mounting bracket for mounting the panel to the stanchion, the mounting bracket comprising a ring member extending around the stanchion and having a bore extending transversely through the ring member for accommodating a clamping screw for engaging the stanchion with a clamping action, and for securing the panel to the ring member.

[0020] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively simple and low cost arrangement for assembling the fence assembly together, which at the same the provides a relatively strong fence assembly.

[0021] Advantageously, the clamping screw secures the reinforcing member to the mounting bracket.

[0022] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it further facilitates in providing a relatively low cost, while at the same time, a relatively strong and robust fence assembly.

[0023] Alternatively, at least some of the fence posts are provided by respective stanchions, each stanchion comprising a pair of longitudinally extending channel members, each channel member having a pair of side webs extending longitudinally thereof and outwardly on respective sides thereof, the side webs of the respective channel members of each stanchion cooperating with each other for receiving the reinforcing members of the panel therebetween for securing the panel to the stanchion.

[0024] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides relatively strong robust fence assembly which is relatively simple and easy to manufacture and construct.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention each channel member is formed of expanded metal mesh material.

[0026] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a fence assembly with a stanchion which is relatively strong, while at the same time being relatively light weight and of relatively low cost.

[0027] Additionally, the invention provides a method for producing a panel according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of forming a method for producing a panel as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the method comprising the steps of forming coupling means for coupling an elongated reinforcing member to the panel member, the coupling means being formed by bending at least two portions of the panel member at spaced apart locations outwardly of one face thereof to form respective coupling members so that the coupling members form engagement openings for receiving the reinforcing members.

[0028] The advantages of the method according to the invention are many. In particular, the method is a relatively simple method, and can be readily easily implemented for producing a panel. In particular, where the panel is of expanded metal mesh material, the method is particularly simple and straightforward.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the step of inserting a reinforcing member through the engagement openings.

[0030] The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively easily assembled and constructed panel.

[0031] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof given by way of exemple only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fence assembly according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a panel also according to the invention of the fence assembly of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of portion of the panel of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a sectional end view of the portion the panel of Fig. 3 on the line IV - IV of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the fence assembly of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a partly sectional plan view of the portion of the fence assembly of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fence assembly according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of portion of the fence assembly of Fig. 7, and

Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view of portion of the fence assembly of Fig. 7.

[0032] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 6 thereof, there is illustrated a fence assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The fence assembly 1 comprises a plurality of fence posts, namely, stanchions 2 located at spaced apart intervals supporting respective panels 3 also according to the invention therebetween. For convenience only three stanchions 2 and two full panels 3 are illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0033] Each panel 3 comprises a panel member 5 of semi-rigid mesh material, in this case, expanded metal mesh material. Each panel member 5 defines opposite side faces 6 and 7 which terminate in top and bottom edges 9 and 10, respectively, and end edges 11. A plurality of interstices 14 are formed in the panel members 5 by portions 15 of the panel member 5. Three parallel spaced apart horizontal elongated substantially rigid reinforcing members 16 of circular cross section tubular steel extend horizontally along each panel member 5 for reinforcing thereof. Coupling means couple the reinforcing members 16 to the panel members 5. In this embodiment of the invention the coupling means are provided by coupling members 18 formed by bending alternate portions 15 forming the interstices 14 along each reinforcing member 16 outwardly of opposite side faces 6 and 7 of the panel member 5. Adjacent coupling members 18 on opposite side faces 6 and 7 of each panel member 5 define engagement openings 20 for receiving the reinforcing members 16. By virtue of the fact that the portions 15 forming the coupling members 18 define the interstices 14 adjacent the reinforcing member 16, the side edges 22 extending transversely of the reinforcing member 16 of each coupling member 18 are relieved from the panel member 5 to permit outward bending of the portion 15 forming the coupling member 18 relative to the panel member 5. Portions 25 of each reinforcing member 16 extend outwardly of the end edges 11 of the panel member 5 and are partly flattened for mounting the panels 3 to the stanchions 2. A hole 26 is provided in each portion 25 for mounting the reinforcing members 16 to the stanchions 2.

[0034] Each stanchion 2 is of tubular steel of circular cross section. Three mounting brackets 28 comprising ring members 29 of circular cross section extend around each stanchion 2 for mounting the reinforcing members 16 to the stanchions 2. Each ring member 29 is of circular cross section and is of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the stanchions 2 to facilitate sliding of the ring members 29 on the stanchions 2. A clamping screw 30 through a threaded bore 31 extending transversely through each ring member 29 secures each mounting bracket 28 in position on its corresponding stanchion 2 and also secures the corresponding reinforcing members 16 to the mounting bracket 28. Each clamping screw 30 engages the holes 26 in corresponding overlapping pairs of reinforcing members 16 of adjacent panels 3 for securing adjacent panels 3 to a stanchion 2. Washers 32 retain the reinforcing members 16 on the screws 30. The clamping screws 30 are of length so that when each pair of reinforcing members 16 is tightly secured to a ring member 29 by the clamping screw 30, a free end 33 of the clamping screw 30 engages the stanchion 2 with a clamping action, thereby tightly securing the mounting bracket 28 onto and in position on the stanchion 2. In general, each clamping screw 30 deforms a portion 34 of the stanchion 2 on being tightened in the mounting bracket 28, and the ring member 29 of the mounting bracket 28 is also deformed at 35 on tightening of the clamping screw 30 as illustrated in Fig. 6. Each panel member 5 may be of any desired shape and size. However, in practise, it is envisaged that each panel member 5 will be 2½ M long by 2½ M high or 2 M long by 1½ M high. For further security, alternate portions 36 formed by the portions 15 along the top edge 9 of the panel members 5 are bent outwardly of the side faces 6 and 7 to prevent unauthorised climbing over each panel 3.

[0035] In use, the stanchions 2 are secured in the ground by suitable fixing means at appropriately spaced apart intervals corresponding to the length of the panels 3. In certain cases, it is envisaged that the stanchions 2 may be placed in holes in the ground and secured therein by back filling the holes with soil, or hard core or indeed concrete or a mixture of all three. Alternatively, a mounting plate (not shown) may be provided at the end of the stanchions 2 for securing the stanchions 2 to the ground by suitable fixing means, for example, masonry bolts, screws, nails or the like. Three mounting brackets 28 are placed on each stanchion 2. Three reinforcing members 16 are coupled to the each panel member 5 by threading the reinforcing members 16 through the engagement openings 20 formed by the coupling members 18. The panels 3 with the portions 25 of the reinforcing members 16 extending at each end 11 of the panel member 5 are offered up to the stanchions 2. Clamping screws 30 with washers 32 are passed through the holes 26 of adjacent overlapping pairs of reinforcing members 16 and in turn through the bores 31 and tightened onto the ring members 29. The clamping screws 30 are tightened until the overlapping reinforcing members 16 are tightly secured to the mounting brackets 28 and the free end 33 of each clamping screw 30 tightly clamps the mounting bracket 28 to the stanchion 2.

[0036] Referring now to Figs. 7 to 9 there is illustrated a fence assembly according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The fence assembly 40 is substantially similar to the fence assembly 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this case, the panels 3 are identical to the panels 3 of the fence assembly 1 and are supported between stanchions 41. Each stanchion 41 comprises a pair of channel shaped members 42 of expanded metal mesh material of semi-circular cross section which define elongated open mouths 44 extending longitudinally of the respective channel members 42. Side webs 45 formed integrally with each channel member 42 by bending the channel member 42 at 46 extend longitudinally the length of the channel members 42 and sidewardly outwardly therefrom adjacent the open mouth 44. The channel members 42 of each pair forming a stanchion 41 are arranged so that the open mouths 44 of the channel members 42 communicate and the side webs 45 of each pair of channel members 42 co-operate with each other to sandwich the portions 25 of the reinforcing members 16 of adjacent panels 3 therebetween for securing the panels 3 to the stanchions 41. Fastening means provided by screws 47 nuts 48 and washers 49 secure the panels 3 to the stanchions 41. The screws 41 are engaged through interstices 50 in the side webs 45 and the holes 26 in the reinforcing members 16. The nuts 48 on the screws 47 secure the reinforcing member 46 between the side webs 45.

[0037] In use, stanchions 41 formed by pairs of channel members 42 are secured in the ground by suitable fixing means at spaced apart intervals corresponding to the lengths of the panels 3. The stanchions 41 may be placed in holes and secured therein by back filling, or alternatively, may be provided with mounting plates (not shown) and suitably secured to the ground. The channel members 42 of each stanchion 41 are mounted in place so that the spacing between the side webs 45 of the channel members 42 is just sufficient to receive the portions 25 of the reinforcing members 16 therebetween. The reinforcing members 16 are coupled to the panel members 5 to form the panels 3, which are offered up to the stanchions 41 with the portions 25 of the reinforcing member 16 between the side webs 45 of the stanchions 41. The screws 47 are passed through appropriate interstices 50 in the side webs 45 and through the holes 26 in the reinforcing members 16. Nuts 48 on the screws 47 with the washers 49 are tightened thereby securing the panels 3 to the stanchions 41 and securing the channel members 42 of each stanchion 41 together.

[0038] The coupling members 18 formed by the portions 15 may be formed in the panel members 5 by any suitable means. Typically, it is envisaged that a tool comprising an anvil and die mounted in a break press would be used. The anvil and die would be so constructed as to press alternate portions 15 of the panel member 5 outwardly of opposite faces 6 and 7 of the panel member.

[0039] While each panel has been described as comprising a single panel member of expanded metal mesh reinforced by three reinforcing members, any number of reinforcing members may be provided. Indeed, it is envisaged that reinforcing members extending vertically of the panel member may be provided and would similarly be coupled to the panel member as the horizontal reinforcing members. Needless to say, the reinforcing members may be provided extending in any direction relative to the panel member. Needless to say, if desired the panels may be supplied with or without reinforcing members. Where a panel is supplied without reinforcing members, the reinforcing members may be supplied separately and assembled to the panel member on site.

[0040] It is also envisaged that a plurality of panel members arranged end to end may be mounted on the same pair of reinforcing members. Needless to say, while the panel member has been described as comprising three horizontally reinforcing members, any number of horizontal reinforcing members may be provided, indeed in certain cases a single reinforcing member may be provided.

[0041] While the reinforcing members have been described as being of tubular steel of circular cross section, any other suitable substantially rigid reinforcing members may be provided. It is also envisaged that other means of fixing and fastening the panel members to the stanchions may be used. Needless to say, other suitable stanchions may be provided. It is also envisaged that the panel members may be secured to the stanchions by U-bolts or the like.

[0042] While each panel member has been described as being constructed of expanded metal mesh material, any other suitable material may be used. While it is convenient to use a mesh material, it is envisaged that the panel members may be provided of a non mesh material, for example, a plain sheet of material, such as for example, a sheet of sheet metal, steel or the like. Where the panel member is constructed from a sheet of sheet metal material, the portions forming the coupling members would first have to be relieved from the sheet along side edges of the portions forming the coupling members to facilitate bending of the coupling members. The side edges would extend transversely of the reinforcing member. The portions forming the coupling members may be relieved from the panel member by forming a slit of other opening in the panel member on each side of the portion which would form the coupling member. The slits or openings would define opposite side edges of the portion to form the coupling member.

[0043] Where the panel member is of a mesh material, any other suitable mesh material may be used, for example, weld mesh, perforated metal or the like.

[0044] While the panel members have been described as comprising reinforcing members extending the length of the panel members and outwardly of the edge thereof, this is not necessary, and in certain cases, it is envisaged that the reinforcing members may terminate at the end edges of the panel members, and indeed in certain cases, the reinforcing members may be shorter than the panel members.

[0045] While the panel has been described for use in a fence assembly the panel member may be used for other purposes, for example, a window security grill or the like.

Claims

1. A panel (3) comprising a panel member (5) defining a pair of opposite side faces (6, 7), and coupling means (18, 20) for coupling an elongated reinforcing member (16) to the panel member (5) with the reinforcing member (16) extending along the panel member (5), characterised in that the coupling means (18, 20) comprises at least two spaced apart coupling members (18) formed by bending respective portions (15) of the panel member (5) at spaced apart locations outwardly of one side face (6, 7) thereof to form respective engagement openings (20) for receiving the reinforcing member (17).

2. A panel as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that a plurality of coupling members (18) are formed on respective opposite side faces (6, 7) of the panel member (5) by bending alternate adjacent portions (15) of the panel member (5) outwardly of respective opposite side faces (6, 7) thereof, adjacent coupling members (18) on opposite side faces (6, 7) of the panel member (5) defining each engagement opening (20).

3. A panel as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that each coupling member (18) is relieved at opposite side edges (22) thereof from the panel member (5), the relieved side edges (22) of each coupling member (18) extending transversely of the reinforcing member (17).

4. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the panel member (5) is of mesh material, alternate portions (15) of the mesh material defining interstices (14) of the mesh adjacent the position of the reinforcing member (17) being bent outwardly on respective opposite side faces (6, 7) of the panel member (5) for forming the coupling members (18).

5. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the panel member (5) defines a pair of end edges (11) at opposite ends of the side faces (6, 7), and at least one reinforcing member (16) is provided coupled to the panel member (5) by the coupling means (18, 20), the reinforcing member (16) extending between the end edges (11) of the panel member (5).

6. A fence assembly (1, 40) comprising at least two spaced apart upright fence posts (2, 41), and a panel (3) mounted to and extending between the fence posts (2, 41), characterised in that the panel (3) is a panel (3) according to any preceding claim.

7. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that each fence post (2) comprises a stanchion (2) and at least one mounting bracket (28) for mounting the panel (3) to the stanchion (2), the mounting bracket (28) comprising a ring member (29) extending around the stanchion (2) and having a bore (31) extending transversely through the ring member (29) for accommodating a clamping screw (30) for engaging the stanchion (2) with a clamping action, and for securing the panel (3) to the ring member (29).

8. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 7 characterised in that the clamping screw (30) secures the reinforcing member (16) to the mounting bracket (28).

9. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that at least some of the fence posts (2, 41) are provided by respective stanchions (41), each stanchion comprising a pair of longitudinally extending channel members (42), each channel member (42) having a pair of side webs (45) extending longitudinally thereof and outwardly on respective sides thereof, the side webs (45) of the respective channel members (42) of each stanchion (41) cooperating with each other for receiving the reinforcing members (16) of the panel (3) therebetween for securing the panel (3) to the stanchion (41).

10. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that each channel member (42) is formed of expanded metal mesh material.

11. A method for producing a panel as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the method comprising the steps of forming coupling means (18, 20) for coupling an elongated reinforcing member (16) to the panel member (5), the coupling means (18, 20) being formed by bending at least two portions (15) of the panel member (5) at spaced apart locations outwardly of one face (6, 7) thereof to form respective coupling members (18) so that the coupling members (18) form engagement openings (20) for receiving the reinforcing members (16).

12. A method as claimed in Claim 11 characterised in that the method comprises the step of inserting a reinforcing member (16) through the engagement openings (20).

Drawing