A fencing post

Abstract

 A fencing post (10) comprises two extruded plastics material outer members (12) which are joined together by a double 'L' steel section member (14) to define two slots (16, 18) adapted to receive the ends of each one of a pair of fencing panels (not shown).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to fencing posts. In particular, the invention relates to fencing posts of the type which include one or more slots in which an end of a fencing panel can be located. When erecting a fence a line of such fencing posts is laid out with the fencing posts at equal distances apart. Fencing panels can then be located between respective slots in adjacent fencing posts.

[0002] Fencing posts formed from metal such as U-section or H-section steel, and those fabricated from plastics materials are known. The metal fencing posts whilst being sturdy and long-lasting are not pleasing to the eye. Plastic fencing posts whilst being more pleasing to the eye are less sturdy and long-lasting.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a fencing post which is both pleasing to the eye and sturdy and long-lasting.

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a fencing post comprising two outer relatively weak members which are joined together by a relatively stronger structure.

[0005] The two outer members can comprise extruded plastics box section members.

[0006] The connecting means can comprise a steel section member or members.

[0007] The steel section member or members can comprise a double L-section or two L-section members joined together, or two channel-section members joined together, or a hollow box section.

[0008] The two outer relatively weak members can be joined together in such as way as to create at least one slot to receive an end of a fencing panel.

[0009] In another arrangement, the two relatively weak outer members can be joined together to form a pair of adjacent channels so as to receive an end of each one of a pair of adjacent fencing panels.

[0010] The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one form of fencing panel according to the present invention;

Figures 2, 3 and 4 shows in plan three further versions of a fencing panel according to the present invention.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a fencing post (10) comprising two identical outer members (12) which are formed from an extruded box section plastics material.

[0012] The two outer members are joined together by a double L-section steel member (14) so that the fence post is generally H-section in plan so as to provide two slots (16, 18). In use, an end of each one of two adjacent fencing panels (not shown) can be located in the slots (16, 18).

[0013] The outer members (12) are relatively weak compared with the steel section (14) so that the steel section (14) provides a majority of the strength of the fencing posts whilst the outer members (12) improve the appearance of the fencing post.

[0014] Figures 2, 3 and 4 show different versions of the structural member which connects the outer members (12) together.

[0015] In Figure 2, the means connecting the outer members (12) together comprises two L-shaped steel sections (20, 22).

[0016] The section (20, 22) can be connected together by any usual method e.g. riveting, welding or bolting.

[0017] In Figure 3, the means connecting the members (12) together comprises two U-shaped steel sections (24, 26) which again are joined together by any conventional means.

[0018] In this arrangement it will be appreciated that in use when being erected a fencing panel does not contact the surface of either of the outer members (12) since those surfaces are protected by the respective flanges of the U-sections (24, 26).

[0019] In Figure 4, the outer members (12) are connected together by a hollow box steel section (28) and in this arrangement the fencing post is more suitable for lighter duties since a fencing panel when erected will contact the inner faces of both members (12).

[0020] The means connecting the two outer members (12) together can be attached to the outer members by any suitable means e.g. bolting, or even by the use of adhesives.

[0021] If necessary parts of, or all of the steel sections connecting the members (12) together can be coated so as to reduce corrosion.

[0022] The outer members can be of any appropriate shape or colour and need not be in the form illustrated.

[0023] Similarly, the means connecting the two outer members (12) together can be of any appropriate shape provided that either one or two slots are formed to receive an end of a fencing panel or ends of a pair of adjacent fencing panels.

Claims

1. A fencing post comprising two outer relatively weak members which are joined together by a relatively strong structure, the two outer members and the relatively strong structure defining at least one slot arranged to receive an end of a fencing panel.

2. A post as claimed in claim 1 which is generally H-shaped in section including two slots adapted to receive an end of each of one of a pair of fencing panels.

3. A post as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the outer members are formed from extruded plastics members.

4. A post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the relatively stronger structure comprises a steel section member or members.

5. A post as claimed in claim 4 in which the steel section member or members comprise a double L-section, or two L-section members, or two channel-section members, or a hollow box section member.

Drawing