Support system

Abstract

 A support device (2) for insertion into the ground, with an upstanding portion (8) for positioning above the ground which portion (8) extending into a cavity (18) formed in a hollow fencepost (4) to support the same and allow the orientation of the fencepost (4) to be adjusted.

Description

[0001] The invention to which this application relates is a support system which can be used to support further objects such as posts and particularly although not necessarily exclusively posts for supporting fencing panels.

[0002] Typically in fencing, panels are supported between posts. Conventional fence posts are erected in a number of ways. For example, concrete posts are supported by first pouring concrete into a hole to provide a foundation for the post which is supported therein. Fence panels can then be connected thereto and between adjacent posts to provide a fence resistant to wind and other forces. However, it is not always convenient to mix concrete at a particular location.

[0003] Fence posts can of course be hammered into the ground directly, although the support provided by this method is typically weaker as it may be difficult to insert a post to a suitable depth, such that the posts and/or fence panels connected thereto can be pushed over relatively easily.

[0004] Alternatively, metallic spikes, with tapered fins to mitigate insertion into the ground and a base with a recess for receiving a wooden post therein, can be driven into the ground, and the post can be inserted into the base and affixed thereto thereafter. Typically the fins extend to the tip of the spike to allow the spike to be inserted into the ground more easily, but a disadvantage of this is that once the spike is inserted, the fins prevent the orientation of the spike from being altered. As the base and wooden post are typically square in cross-section to allow engagement of the same to achieve a good fit, if adjacent spikes are inserted such that the opposing faces of the respective bases and hence fence posts placed therein are not parallel, the resulting fence will not be completely straight and/or will be under strain due to the angular difference between the posts.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the conventional metallic spike is that the walls of the base typically extend only a short distance, such that only a small portion of the end of the post is held inside the base. Thus, the other end of the post may be capable of movement, particularly in adverse conditions or if the post is not a close fit with the base, which may weaken the support.

[0006] An aim of the present invention is to provide a support device for objects such as posts which overcomes the above disadvantages.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support system including a support device and an elongate member, said support device including a locating portion for placement into a supporting body, and an upstanding portion, characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion is provided to extend within a cavity formed in the elongate member to support the same.

[0008] In one embodiment the elongate member is rotateable around the upstanding portion.

[0009] Typically the external surface of the upstanding portion contacts with the elongate member to support the same.

[0010] In one embodiment the elongate member is a fencepost.

[0011] The advantage of the invention is that the upstanding portion extending within the fencepost or other elongate member provides better support for the same than conventional support devices, and allows the orientation of the elongate member to be adjusted as required as described below.

[0012] Typically the supporting body is the ground, but it will be appreciated that any supporting body or surface can be used..

[0013] In one embodiment the locating portion and upstanding portion are formed as a contiguous member.

[0014] In one embodiment the locating portion and/or upstanding portion are tubular structures. Typically the tubular structures are circular and/or rectangular in cross-section.

[0015] Typically a plurality of fins are mounted on the external surface of the locating portion.

[0016] Typically the fins stabilise the support device and help prevent the same from falling over when part of the same is inserted into the ground or other support body.

[0017] Typically the fins are mounted radially and extend longitudinally along at least a part of the locating portion. Typically the fins are spaced apart from each other substantially equidistantly.

[0018] In one embodiment the fins taper towards the distal end of the locating portion. In an alternative embodiment the fins have a substantially constant width along their length.

[0019] Typically the fins are spaced from the distal end of the locating portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, three fins are radially mounted on the external surface of the locating portion and taper towards one end of the locating portion.

[0021] In one embodiment the fins are detachably mounted and different fins can be mounted on the locating portion to suit the condition of the support body as required.

[0022] In a further embodiment the support device includes a telescopic portion or other extending means. Typically the upstanding portion is extendable.

[0023] Typically the support device is made of metal or other tough material.

[0024] In one embodiment the elongate member is or contains a tubular structure for receiving the support device therein. In one embodiment the elongate member is a hollow fencepost.

[0025] In one embodiment the tubular structure is circular in cross-section. In a further embodiment the tubular structure is rectangular in cross-section.

[0026] Typically the upstanding portion is circular in cross section and the tubular structure of the elongate member is rectangular or other shape in cross section to provide a good interference fit therebetween and allow the orientation of the elongate member to be adjusted as required by rotating the same around the tubular structure.

[0027] Thus the support device is inserted into the ground and the elongate member is then fitted over the upstanding portion, which supports the elongate member in position. If the elongate member is not aligned correctly, it can be rotated with respect to the support device.

[0028] In one embodiment the support device is fixed to the elongate member by securing means including any or any combination of screws, nails, adhesive, and/or the like.

[0029] Typically the elongate member includes a plurality of internal struts for increasing the rigidity and/or strength of the member.

[0030] In one embodiment the outer surface of the elongate member is provided with guide means on one or more faces. Typically the guide means are elongate channels provided on opposite faces. Typically the channels extend substantially along the length of the elongate member. Typically the channels are wider internally than at the opening to the channel.

[0031] In one embodiment the edge of a fence panel can be inserted into the channel at the end of the elongate member, and the diameter of the panel edge is typically narrower than the widest part of the channel but wider than the opening such that the edge of the fence panel is gripped by the elongate member when inserted in the channel.

[0032] In one embodiment the fence panel is secured to the elongate member by screws, nails, adhesive, and/or the like.

[0033] Typically the elongate member is extruded from a composite or plastic material such as UVPC.

[0034] Typically the elongate member is provided with a cap to prevent material entering the same.

[0035] Typically the elongate member is supported in a substantially vertical plane.

[0036] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a support system including a support device and an elongate member, said support device including a locating portion for placement into a supporting body, and an upstanding portion, characterised in that the elongate member is rotateable with respect to the upstanding portion.

[0037] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a support device including an upstanding portion, and a locating portion for placement into a supporting body, characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion is provided to extend within a cavity formed in an elongate member to support the same

[0038] In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided fencing apparatus comprising:

at least one support device having an upstanding portion;

at least one elongate member for receiving at least a part of a fence panel;

characterised in that each elongate member is provided with an internal cavity for receiving an upstanding portion therein to support said elongate member.

[0039] In one embodiment the support device includes a member for insertion into the ground or a supporting body to secure the device in position. The said member may include one or more fins to support the device in the ground.

[0040] In one embodiment the elongate member includes one or more channels for receiving an end of a fence panel.

[0041] In one embodiment the fencing includes a plurality of fence panels with said support devices securing said elongate members at spaced intervals and said elongate members in turn supporting the fence panels to form the fence.

[0042] In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided fencing apparatus comprising:

at least one support device having an upstanding portion;

at least one elongate member for receiving at least a part of a fence panel;

each elongate member being supported by an upstanding portion;

characterised in that each elongate member is rotateable with respect to the supporting upstanding portion.

[0043] In a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a fence comprising:

one or more support devices at least partially inserted into a supporting body at spaced locations;

a portion of each support device supporting an elongate member, said elongate member provided with guide means;

one or more panels, at least one edge of each panel inserted into the guide means of one or more elongate members;

characterised in that the elongate member is provided with a recess for receiving said portion of the support device.

[0044] Typically the inner walls of the recess engage the outer surface of the portion of the support device.

[0045] Typically the support devices are provided with one or more fins suitable for insertion into the supporting body.

[0046] In a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a fence comprising the steps of:

inserting one or more support devices at least partially into a supporting body at spaced locations with an upstanding portion exposed;

engaging an elongate member with an upstanding portion;

attaching the edge of a fence panel to at least one edge of each elongate member;

characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion is placed into the elongate member to allow engagement of the same.

[0047] In one embodiment the elongate members are provided with one or more guide means for receipt of an edge of a fence panel.

[0048] Typically the opposite edges of the fence panel are inserted into the guide means of adjacent support devices.

[0049] In one embodiment the orientation of the elongate member is adjusted to ensure the panels are correctly aligned.

[0050] In one embodiment the elongate member is secured to the support device to secure the orientation of the same.

[0051] In one embodiment a plurality of fins are mounted on the support device.

[0052] Typically the guide means are channels in the outer surface of the elongate member.

[0053] Typically the guide means is integral with the elongate member. Typically the elongate member is formed by an extrusion process.

[0054] Specific embodiments of the invention are now described wherein:-

Figure 1 illustrates a support device for a fencepost according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a cross section along line II-II' of Figure 1

Figure 3 illustrates a cross section along line III-III' of Figure 1

[0055] With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a support device 2 and an elongate member 4. The support device comprises a metal tube 8, the upper part of which forms an upstanding portion when the lower part of the tube is inserted into the ground. The lower part of the tube is provided with fins 6 which taper towards and are spaced from the end 10 of the tube 8.

[0056] In this example the tube 8 has a diameter of 38mm, and is provided with three fins 6 welded onto the outer surface, such that the wide edge of the fins is spaced 400mm from the end of the tube. The wide edge of the fins in this example has a length of 100mm, and the length of the hypotenuse is 180mm in this example. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above dimensions are not limited to those indicated, and can be varied to be suitable for fitting any tube inside a hollow article as described below.

[0057] The elongate member 4 is a hollow UVPC fencepost in this example, with an internal tubular structure 18 running along the length of the fencepost 4, which fits over the top of and receives the upstanding portion of the metal tube 8. The fencepost is provided with a cap 20 to prevent rain or other material entering the tubular structure 18. The fencepost is also recessed externally to form channels to allow a fence panel to be gripped.

[0058] With reference to Figure 2, there is illustrated a cross-section of the metal tube 8 and fins 6, which shows that the tube is hollow and circular. This allows the tube 8 to be inserted easily into the ground by hammering the upper end, and if an obstruction is encountered during insertion, in contrast to a square tube the orientation of the circular tube is unaffected - a square tube has corners which may be twisted out of alignment by the obstruction.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a cross-section of the fencepost 4, which illustrates the tubular structure 18 running along the length of the fencepost, the inner surface of which frictionally engages the outer surface of the metal tube 8 when the fencepost 4 is placed over the tube 8. Guide means in the form of channels 12 in opposite sides of the fencepost 4 allow the edge of a fence panel (not shown) to be inserted therein. As the edge is wider than the opening 14 of the channel 12, the fencepost retains the panel in place. The fencepost is provided with struts 16 to provide strength and rigidity to the fencepost.

[0060] In use, a person hammers the metal tube 8 into the ground, until the fins 6 are beneath the surface. As the fins are spaced from the end 10 of the tube, and the tube is hollow, resistance to insertion is minimised. As the fins enter the ground, resistance to insertion increases due to the increased surface area, and the tube is stabilised in an upright position. The radial orientation is irrelevant as the tube is circular.

[0061] The user then places the fencepost over the portion of the tube remaining above the ground. As the metal tube 8 is circular and the inner tubular structure 18 is rectangular, the fencepost can be rotated to the correct orientation over the metal tube 8 to ensure the fence is aligned. The fencepost can then be screwed to the metal tube 8 to maintain the alignment thereafter.

[0062] Fence panels can then be inserted into the channels 12, at the top thereof, to form a fence. No further fixings are necessary to hold the fence panels in position as the fenceposts grip the panel, although the panels can be screwed into place for additional securement. Caps 20 are then placed on top of the fenceposts 4 to prevent rain or other material entering the same.

[0063] Thus a simple and quick way of erecting a fence is provided which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0064] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention may also include further additional modifications made to the device which does not affect the overall functioning of the device.

Claims

1. A support system including a support device (2) and an elongate member (4), said support device (2) including a locating portion (10) for placement into a supporting body, and an upstanding portion (8), characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion (8) is provided to extend within a cavity formed in the elongate member (4) to support the same.

2. A support system according to claim 1 wherein the external surface of the upstanding portion contacts with the elongate member to support the same.

3. A support system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the elongate member is rotateable around the upstanding portion.

4. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the support device includes a locating portion for insertion into the ground or other supporting body.

5. A support system according to claim 4 wherein the locating portion and upstanding portion are formed as a contiguous member.

6. A support system according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the locating portion and/or upstanding portion are tubular structures.

7. A support system according to any of claims 4-6 wherein a plurality of fins (6) are mounted on the external surface of the locating portion.

8. A support system according to claim 7 wherein the fins are mounted radially and extend longitudinally along at least a part of the locating portion.

9. A support system according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the fins are spaced from the distal end of the locating portion.

10. A support system according to any of claims 7-9 wherein the fins are detachably mounted and different fins can be mounted on the locating portion to suit the condition of the support body as required.

11. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the upstanding portion includes a telescopic portion or other extending means.

12. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is or contains a tubular structure (18) for receiving the support device therein.

13. A support system according to claim 12 wherein the upstanding portion is circular in cross section and the tubular structure of the elongate member is rectangular in cross section to provide an interference fit therebetween and allow the orientation of the elongate member to be adjusted as required by rotating the same around the tubular structure.

14. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member includes a plurality of internal struts (16) for increasing the rigidity and/or strength of the elongate member.

15. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the outer surface of the elongate member is provided with guide means on one or more faces.

16. A support system according to claim 15 wherein the guide means include one or more elongate channels extending substantially along the length of the elongate member, each channel being wider internally than at the opening to the channel such that fence panels inserted therein are gripped thereby.

17. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is extruded from a composite or plastic material.

18. A support system according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is a fencepost.

19. A support system including a support device (2) and an elongate member (4), said support device (2) including a locating portion (10) for placement into a supporting body, and an upstanding portion (8), characterised in that the elongate member (4) is rotateable with respect to the upstanding portion (8).

20. A support device (2) including an upstanding portion (8), and a locating portion (10) for placement into a supporting body, characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion (8) is provided to extend within a cavity formed in an elongate member (4) to support the same.

21. Fencing apparatus comprising:

at least one support device (2) having an upstanding portion (8);

at least one elongate member (4) for receiving at least a part of a fence panel;

characterised in that each elongate member (4) is provided with an internal cavity for receiving an upstanding portion (8) therein to support said elongate member (4).

22. Fencing apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the support device includes a member for insertion into the ground or a supporting body to secure the device in position.

23. Fencing apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said member includes one or more fins to support the support device in the ground.

24. Fencing apparatus according to any of claims 21-23 wherein the elongate member includes one or more channels for receiving an end of a fence panel.

25. Fencing apparatus according to any of claims 21-24 wherein there is provided a plurality of support devices supporting elongate members at spaced intervals, which elongate members support one or more fence panels to form a fence.

26. Fencing apparatus comprising:

at least one support device (2) having an upstanding portion (8);

at least one elongate member (4) for receiving at least a part of a fence panel;

each elongate member (4) being supported by an upstanding portion (8);

characterised in that each elongate member (4) is rotateable with respect to the supporting upstanding portion (8).

27. A fence comprising:

one or more support devices (2) at least partially inserted into a supporting body at spaced locations;

a portion of each support device (2) supporting an elongate member (4), said elongate member (4) provided with guide means (12);

one or more panels, at least one edge of each panel inserted into the guide means (12) of one or more elongate members (4);

characterised in that the elongate member (4) is provided with a recess for receiving said portion of the support device (2).

28. A fence according to claim 27 the inner walls of the recess engage the outer surface of the portion of the support device.

29. A fence according to claim 27 or 28 wherein at least one support device is provided with one or more fins suitable for insertion into the supporting body.

30. A method of erecting a fence comprising the steps of:

inserting one or more support devices (2) at least partially into a supporting body at spaced locations with an upstanding portion (8) exposed;

engaging an elongate member (4) with an upstanding portion (8),

attaching the edge of a fence panel to at least one edge of each elongate member (4);

characterised in that at least part of the upstanding portion (8) is placed into the elongate member (4) to allow engagement of the same.

31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the opposite edges of a fence panel are inserted into guide means provided on adjacent support devices.

32. A method according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the orientation of an elongate member is adjusted to ensure a panel is correctly aligned.

33. A method according to any of claims 30-32 wherein the elongate member is secured to the support device to secure the orientation of the same.

34. A method according to any of claims 30-33 wherein the elongate member is formed by an extrusion process.

35. A support device according to any preceding claim.

Drawing