Post Assembly
A post assembly, particularly for transparent glass or plastic fence barriers, the assembly including at least one post a having at least one opening and at least one locking member having an attachment means to attach the locking member relative to the at least one opening in the at least one post and an opening for receiving and securing a fence barrier member therein.
The present invention relates to post assemblies and in particular to a post assembly allowing more convenient attachment to a panel member and increased security.
BACKGROUND ARTGate post assemblies for fences are known in the art for a variety of uses, one of which is pool fencing. Whilst the invention of the present application is not limited to application in pool fencing, a discussion of pool fencing post assemblies is most useful in an appreciation of the prior art base in relation to the present invention.
Pool safety fencing has proven, over the past thirty years, to be the most practical and effective barrier against accidental pool drowning. Pool fence can be constructed of many different materials and many different arrangements of fencing barriers, one of which, at least partially transparent, polyester or glass mounted on aluminum or fiberglass support poles, has recently become particularly popular. The fence barrier is located into aluminium or plastic sleeves installed about the pool surrounds. The bottom border of the fence material may be flush or separated by a small distance from the surface of the ground or pool surround so as to prevent a child from pushing under.
As an example, various legislation and standards are in place in most jurisdictions which deal with the requirements of a complying swimming pool fence. For a swimming pool constructed on or after 1 Oct. 2003, a complying pool fence built in Queensland, Australia:
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- Must be at least 1.2 m in height and constructed so that it inhibits access by young children to the pool area;
- Cannot have horizontal members close than 900 mm;
- Cannot have vertical members greater than 1000 mm apart or any gap under the fence greater than 100 mm; and
- Must be constructed around swimming pools that are not fully enclosed by the walls of a building.
Normally the fence barrier panels are located and retained in position using spaced posts. The posts are normally embedded in the ground or other support surface at a particular distance equaling the length of the fence barrier member. The fence barrier member can then be slid into specially provided channels in the posts to locate the fence barrier panel. The fence barrier panel may or may not be attached to the post. If the post and fence barrier panel are fixed to each other, it generally involve bolts or screws or the lie extending through both components.
This method of fixture is not generally used when the fence barrier panel is a glass panel. These panels are normally fixed to the post using a curable silicon sealant or similar which is squeezed into the channel either before or after the panel and then cures. This method has disadvantages in that the fixture is not particularly strong and is also untidy for the person applying the sealant.
It would therefore be advantageous of a simple yet secure method or apparatus was provided to secure a fence barrier panel relative to a post, particularly for use in conjunction with glass fence barrier panels.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a post assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
In one form, the invention resides in a post assembly, particularly for transparent glass or plastic fence barriers, the assembly including at least one post having at least one opening and at least one locking member having
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- (a) an attachment means to attach the locking member relative to the at least one opening in the at least one post and
- (b) an opening for receiving and securing a fence barrier member therein.
Normally, the posts will be used in association with the fence barrier members to form a fence or perimeter with alternating posts and fence barrier members. There will typically be a gate located in the fence. These may be gate posts and configuration of gate posts may differ to the configuration of other posts.
Preferably, each fence barrier member will be a substantially planar member of assembly and will be secured between two posts. Generally, one post will be located on each end of the fence barrier member or assembly.
A lower portion of the posts will typically be securely located in or to the ground surface. Each post is generally hollow with an external periphery which is at least partially shaped in cross-section to correspond to the shape of a conventional post, such as circular. One or more rib members typically extend into or towards the centre of the post. It is to be appreciated that the posts may have any cross-sectional shape.
Each post includes at least one opening therein. Preferably, each opening is a channel, which typically extends over the full height of the post. The gate posts will typically have only a single opening and each other post in the perimeter will secure a pair of fence barrier members and will typically have a pair of openings. The gate posts are suitably inverted with respect to each other. This inversion of one gate post with respect to the other preferably orients the planar portion of both gate posts on the same side of the fence.
Each of the other perimeter posts will typically have a pair of channels spaced from one another. The gate posts may have more than one channel but may make use of a blank or filler member to fill the opening and give the appearance of a solid post, as the gate post generally only attaches one fence barrier member.
The openings in the perimeter posts will typically be spaced from one another above the periphery of the post. The posts may be manufactured with the openings separated from one another by a predetermined angle such as 90°, 180°, or an angle between 90° and 180° as this will allow the formation of a perimeter of virtually any shape by combining posts having various angles.
Each channel typically includes a pair of spaced apart side walls joined by a base wall. The side walls preferably converge toward each other as they extend towards the centre of the post. The channel typically receives an edge of a planar fence panel, and as suggested is particularly adapted to receive a planar glass or similar fence panel. Typically however, the channel receives the locking member as well in between the channel and the fence panel.
Each side wall of the channel is typically provided with transversely extending locking portions which suitably extend partially into the channel. The locking portions are preferably provided in pairs of portions on opposite side walls. There may be at least one pair and preferably at least two pairs. The pairs of locking portions are spaced over the length of the side walls.
There are also a pair of locating extensions adjacent the outer end of each of the side walls. The locating extensions are provided to assist with the location of a locking member in the channel.
Each post may also preferably includes at least one planar portion formed in the perimeter of the post. Each gate post typically includes at least one planar portion thereon adapted to receive gate mounting and/or securing fittings. The planar portion, as with the channel, preferably extends over the entire height of the post. The planar portion is typically provided parallel to the fence barrier which extends into the channel of the post for a straight fence. It may be positioned at an angle as desired for the shape of a particular fence. Preferably, the other perimeter posts apart from the gate posts may not possess a planar portion.
The portion is provided to give a flat surface on the gate post to facilitate the attachment of the gate fittings, including the hinges and latching assembly thereon. The planar portion is preferably associated with at least one shaped opening. There will typically be more than one and the openings are provided to engage correspondingly shaped portions provided on a cover member. The openings are provided over the length of the post.
The post assembly further includes at least one locking member. Each locking member is suitably shaped to be fitted into and be secured in the channel. The locking member is adapted to form a flush fit with the perimeter of the post.
Each locking member may be a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section. Each locking member may have an base wall from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls, the side walls each having a free end. The side walls suitably extend from the ends of the base wall approximately perpendicularly. This configuration defines a channel in the locking member between the sidewalls.
Each side wall preferably has a wedge-shaped extension located at or closely spaced from the free end of the side wall and extend outwardly from each sidewall. The wedge-shaped extensions may assist with locating the locking member in the channel and also provide a shaped portion that forms a flush fit with the perimeter of the post. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge-shaped extension may be a locking tab.
There also typically be at least one locking tab extending outwardly from each sidewall and spaced from the wedge-shaped extension. The locking tabs on each sidewall engage the locking portions of the side walls of the channel to maintain the locking member in position in the channel.
The locking members will typically be inserted into the channel in the post so that the base wall of the locking member is adjacent, not opposed to the base wall of the channel. This locates the locking member in the channel of the post with the channel of the locking member facing outwardly.
Each locking member will typically also include clamping or gripping means associated with at least one of the sidewalls of the locking member to engage with the fence barrier member. Typically, the clamping or gripping means will be located in the channel of the locking member, and most preferably, the clamping or gripping means will be located on one or both sidewalls of the locking member.
The clamping or gripping means will typically take the form of a resilient portion. Generally each sidewall of the locking member will have a resilient portion. The resilient portion preferably stands proud of a surface of the sidewall of the locking member, and most preferably, of an inner surface of the channel of the locking member. The resilient portion will generally be a rubber or rubber analogue, such as a resilient plastic material.
The locking member will typically be slid into position from the upper or lower end of the post. The locking tabs are positioned relative to the locking portions of the sidewalls of the channel and the locking member forcibly driven into the channel.
The post assembly may further include at least one spacing member. The spacing member is suitably shaped to be fitted into and be secured in the channel. The spacing member is adapted to form a flush fit with the perimeter of the post. When fitted, the spacing member may give the appearance of an uninterrupted perimeter to the post.
The spacing member may be a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section. The member may have an arcuate base wall from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls, the side walls each having a free end. The side walls are suitably spaced from the ends of the arcuate base wall to provide shoulder portions on the arcuate base wall.
Each side wall preferably has a wedge-shaped extension located at or closely spaced from the free end of the side wall. The wedge-shaped extensions may act as locking tabs, engaging the locking portions of the side walls of the channel to maintain the spacing member in position in the channel. Alternatively, the side walls may lack the wedge-shaped extensions and the spacing member may be fixed in position using fasteners extending through the base wall of the member.
The spacing member will typically be snap fitting into the channel but may also be slid into position from the upper or lower end of the post. The shoulder portions on the arcuate base portion may abut the locating extensions in the channel to prevent the spacing member being pressed too far into the channel and maintaining the arcuate base portion flush with the perimeter of the post.
There may further be at least one arm member extending from the base portion in the same direction as the side walls, from between the side walls. The arm member may be provided to support the planar fence panel. There will normally be two arm members provided to spread the load.
There may generally be one spacing member provided at the lower end of the post to space the bottom of the planar fence panel from the ground surface. The planar fence panel is then generally located on the spacing member in the channel. A second spacing member is then provided at the upper end of the post to secure the fence panel in position.
Posts according to the present invention may also be associated with at least one cover member provided. The cover member is adapted to be secured relative to the planar portion of the post. It is shaped to be fitted to and be secured about the planar portion. The cover member is adapted to form a flush fit with the perimeter of the post. When fitted, the cover member may give the appearance of an uninterrupted perimeter to the post.
The cover member may have a cutaway portion to allow a hinge to open and close through the cover member when in position. The cover member is suitably provided with correspondingly shaped portions to engage the openings associated with the planar portion. The cover member will typically be snap fitting into the channel but may also be slid into position from the upper or lower end of the post.
All portions and members of the post assembly, except the resilient means are preferably extruded and manufactured of metal or plastic but preferably of aluminium. Extruding the portions of the post assembly also means that the extension portions, locking tabs or portions and the like extend over the length of the extrusion as does the channels of the post and the locking member.
Each post may be provided with an attachment portion to enable attachment of a post cap at the upper extremity to prevent loss or removal of the cover and locking members from the planar portion and channel respectively, or to secure the members in position. The attachment portion will typically be an opening to engage a threaded member such as a screw which may extend through the post cap. The post cap may preferably have rounded edges to minimise or cover the possibly sharp edges of the upper extremity of the post.
In use, the post will be fixed in the ground using any appropriate mechanism. One or more spacing members may then be used to space the fence barrier panel from the ground surface. The fence panel can then be inserted into the channel in the post to rest on the spacing member. Once the fence panel is located in the channel in the post, the locking member is positioned in the channel of the post. The fence barrier panel is located in the channel of the locking member and the locking member positioned so that the locking portions of the locking member engage the locking portions in the channel of the post and the resilient portions engage the fence barrier panel. The locking member is then forcibly driven into the channel of the post, usually using a hammer or similar. The resilient portions of the locking member grip and hold the fence barrier panel and the locking portions of the post and locking member engage each other to hold the fence barrier panel relative to the post.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a post assembly is provided. The assembly of the present invention is particularly adapted for transparent glass or plastic planar panel fence barriers.
The assembly of the preferred embodiment includes at least one post. Normally, the posts will be used in association with the fence barrier members to form a fence or perimeter with alternating posts and fence barrier members. There is generally a gate located in the fence, and therefore, the preferred embodiment includes gate posts 10 and configuration of gate posts may differ to the configuration of other posts.
A preferred embodiment of a gate post 10 is illustrated in
There will generally be two gate posts 10 in each fence or barrier assembly, one gate post 10 located on each side of the gate allowing entry and egress to the area bounded by the fence or barrier in which the gate is located. The respective posts 10 of the gate post assembly are inverted with respect to each other. This inversion of one gate post 10 with respect to the other orients the planar portion of both gate posts 10 on the same side of the fence.
A lower portion of the gate posts 10 will be securely located in or to the ground surface. Each gate post 10 is hollow with an external periphery 13 and at least partially circular in cross-section. One or more rib members 14 extend into or towards the centre of the post 10.
Each gate post 10 has an channel-shaped opening 11 therein. The channel 11 extends over the full height of the post 10. The channel 11 includes a pair of spaced apart side walls 15 joined by a base wall 16. The side walls 15 converge toward each other as they extend towards the centre of the post 10. The channel 11 is provided to receive an edge of a planar fence panel (not shown), and as suggested is particularly adapted to receive a planar glass or similar fence panel.
Each side wall 15 of the channel 11 is provided with transversely extending locking portions 17 which extend partially into the channel 11. The locking portions 17 are provided in pairs, one locking portion 17 on opposite side walls 15. There are at least two pairs of locking portions 17 in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the Figures. The pairs of locking portions 17 are spaced over the length of the side walls 15.
There are also a pair of locating extensions 18 adjacent the outer end of each of the side walls 15. The locating extensions 18 are provided to assist with the location of a spacing member (illustrated in
Each gate post 10 also includes a planar portion 12 thereon to facilitate easy attachment of the gate hinges and latch fittings thereto. The planar portion 12, as with the channel 11, extends over the entire height of the post 10. The planar portion 12 is provided parallel to the fence barrier panel which extends into the channel 11 of the post 10 for a straight fence. It may be positioned at an angle as desired for the shape of a particular fence.
The planar portion 12 is associated with shaped openings 19 to facilitate attachment of a cover member (illustrated in
A preferred embodiment of a post 50 is illustrated in
As with the gate posts 10, the lower portion of the posts 50 will be securely located in or to the ground surface. Each post 50 is hollow with an external periphery 13 and is at least partially circular in cross-section. One or more rib members 14 extend into or towards the centre of the post 50.
Each post 50 has a pair of channel-shaped openings 11 therein. The channel 11 extends over the full height of the post 50. The channel 11 includes a pair of spaced apart side walls 15 joined by a base wall 16. The side walls 15 converge toward each other as they extend towards the centre of the post 50. The channel 11 is provided to receive an edge of a planar fence panel (not shown), and as suggested is particularly adapted to receive a planar glass or similar fence panel.
Each side wall 15 of the channel 11 is provided with transversely extending locking portions 17 which extend partially into the channel 11. Two locking portions 17 are provided in an opposed pair, one locking portion 17 on opposite side walls 15.
There are also at least two pairs of locating extensions 18 in the preferred embodiment illustrated in
Each post 50 may also include a planar portion 12 thereon to facilitate easy attachment of fittings thereto. The planar portion 12, as with the channel 11, extends over the entire height of the post 50. The planar portion 12 is provided parallel to the fence barrier panel which extends into the channel 11 of the post 10 for a straight fence. It may be positioned at an angle as desired for the shape of a particular fence.
The planar portion 12 is associated with shaped openings 19 to facilitate attachment of a cover member (illustrated in
The post assembly, regardless of whether it is a gate post 10 or simply a post 50 further includes at least one locking member 30 as illustrated in
Each locking member 30 is a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section having a base wall 31 from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls 32, the side walls 32 each having a free end. The side walls 32 extend from the ends of the base wall 31 approximately perpendicularly. This configuration defines a channel 33 in the locking member 30 between the sidewalls 32.
Each side wall 32 has a wedge-shaped extension 34 located at or closely spaced from the free end of the side wall 32 which extends outwardly from each sidewall 32. The wedge-shaped extensions 34 assist with locating and securing the locking member 30 in the channel 33 and also provide a shaped portion that forms a flush fit with the perimeter of the post 50. The wedge-shaped extension 34 is also one of two locking tabs 35 provided on each sidewall 32.
The other locking tab 35 also extends outwardly from each sidewall 32 and is spaced from the wedge-shaped extension 34. The locking tabs 35 on each sidewall 32 engage the locking portions 17 of the side walls 15 of the channel 11 to maintain the locking member 30 in position in the channel 11.
The locking member 30 is inserted into the channel 11 in the post 30 so that the base wall 31 of the locking member 30 is adjacent to the base wall 16 of the channel 11. This locates the locking member 30 in the channel 11 of the post 50 with the channel 33 of the locking member 30 facing outwardly.
Each locking member 30 includes a rubber or plastic clamping or gripping means 36 associated with the sidewalls 32 of the locking member 30 to engage with the fence barrier member. The clamping or gripping means 36 are located on an internal surface of each sidewall 32 of the locking member 30.
The gripping means 36 stands proud of the sidewall 32 of the locking member 30.
In use, the post 50 is fixed in the ground. One or more spacing members 20 are used to space the fence barrier panel from the ground surface. The fence panel can then be inserted into the channel 11 in the post 50 to rest on the spacing member 20 Once the fence panel is located in the channel 11 in the post 50, the locking member 30 is positioned in the channel 11 of the post 50. The fence barrier panel is located in the channel 33 of the locking member 30 and the locking member 30 positioned so that the locking portions 34, 35 of the locking member engage the locking portions 17 of the channel 11 of the post 50 and the gripping means 36 engage the fence barrier panel. The locking member 30 is then forcibly driven into the channel 11 of the post 50, usually using a hammer or similar. The gripping means 36 of the locking member 30 grip and hold the fence barrier panel and the respective locking portions of the post 50 and locking member 30 engage each other to hold the fence barrier panel relative to the post 50.
The post assembly further includes at least one spacing member 20 as illustrated in
The spacing member 20 is a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section. The member 20 has an arcuate base wall 21 from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls 22, the side walls 23 each having a free end. The side walls 22 are spaced from the ends of the arcuate base wall 22 to provide shoulder portions on the arcuate base wall 22.
Each side wall 21 has a wedge-shaped extension 23 located at or closely spaced from the free end of the side wall 21. The wedge-shaped extensions 23 act as locking tabs, engaging the locking portions 17 of the side walls 15 of the channel 11 to maintain the spacing member 20 in position in the channel 11.
The spacing member 20 will be snap fitting into the channel 11 but may also be slid into position from the upper or lower end of the post 10. The shoulder portions on the arcuate base wall 21 abut the locating extensions 18 in the channel 11 to prevent the spacing member 20 being pressed too far into the channel 11 and maintaining the arcuate base wall 21 flush with the perimeter 13 of the post 10, 50.
There is also at least one arm member 24 extending from the base wall 21 in the same direction as the side walls 22, from between the side walls 22. The arm member 24 provides support the planar fence panel. There are two arm members 24 provided to spread the load.
In use, there will generally be one spacing member 20 provided at the lower end of the post 10, 50 to space the bottom of the planar fence panel from the ground surface. The planar fence panel is then generally located on the spacing member 20 in the channel 11. A second spacing 20 is then provided at the upper end of the post 10, 50 to secure the fence panel in position.
There will further be at least one cover member 25 provided. The cover member 25 is adapted to be secured relative to the planar portion 12 of the post 10, 50. It is shaped to be fitted to and be secured about the planar portion 12. The cover member 25 is adapted to form a flush fit with the perimeter 13 of the post 10, 50. When fitted, the cover member 25 and the spacing member 20 give the appearance of an uninterrupted perimeter 13 to the post 10, 50.
The cover member 25 will have a cutaway portion (not shown) to allow a hinge to open and close through the cover member 25 when in position. The cover member 25 is provided with correspondingly shaped portions 26 to engage the shaped openings 19 associated with the planar portion 12. The cover member 25 will also be snap fitting into the channel 11 but may also be slid into position from the upper or lower end of the post 10, 50.
All portions and members of the preferred embodiment of the post assembly are extruded and manufactured of metal generally aluminium, except for the locking member which is typically of plastic and the resilient gripping means. Each post 10, 50 is provided with an attachment portion 27 to enable attachment of a post cap (not shown) at the upper extremity of the post 10 to prevent loss or removal of the cover and spacing members from the planar portion and channel respectively, or to secure the members in position.
In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A post assembly, particularly for transparent glass or plastic fence barriers, the assembly including at least one post having at least one elongate opening and at least one removable elongate locking member with an at least partially rigid body portion and having
- a. an attachment means to attach the locking member relative to the at least one elongate opening in the at least one post;
- b. an opening for receiving a fence barrier member therein; and
- c. resilient locking means located at least partially within the opening in the at least one locking member for securing the fence barrier relative to the locking member via friction lock.
2. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one elongate opening is a channel including a pair of spaced apart side walls joined by a base wall, the channel adapted to receive an edge of a planar fence panel.
3. A post assembly according to claim 2 wherein each side wall of the channel is provided with at least one transversely extending locking portion which suitably extends at least partially into the at least one opening.
4. A post assembly according to claim 3 wherein the locking portions are provided in pairs on opposite side walls.
5. A post assembly according to claim 2 also including a pair of locating extensions adjacent an outer end of each of the side walls to assist with the location of a spacing member in the channel.
6. A post assembly according to claim 1 further including at least one planar portion formed in the perimeter of the post.
7. A post assembly according to claim 1 further including at least one spacing member, shaped to be fitted into and be secured in the at least one elongate opening in the post.
8. A post assembly according to claim 7 wherein the spacing member is adapted to form a flush fit with the perimeter of the post.
9. A post assembly according to claim 7 wherein the spacing member is a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section, having an arcuate base wall from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls, the side walls each having a free end.
10. A post assembly according to claim 9 wherein each side wall has a wedge-shaped extension located at or closely spaced from the free end of the side wall to act as locking tabs to maintain the spacing member in position in the channel.
11. A post assembly according to claim 9 further including at least one arm member extending from the base portion in the same direction as the side walls, from between the side walls.
12. A post assembly according to claims 6, further including at least one cover member adapted to be secured relative to the planar portion of the gate post to form a flush fit with the perimeter of the post.
13. A post assembly according to claim 12 wherein the cover member has a cutaway portion to allow a hinge to open and close through the cover member when in position.
14. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the post has more than one opening spaced radially about the post.
15. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the locking member is a substantially U-shaped member in cross-section having a base wall from which extends a pair of spaced apart, planar side walls, the side walls each having a free end, defining a channel in the locking member between the sidewalls.
16. A post assembly according to claim 15 wherein the locking member includes at least one locking tab extending outwardly from each sidewall to engage with the at least one opening in the post.
17. A post assembly according to claim 15 wherein each locking member includes clamping or gripping means to engage with the fence barrier member.
18. A post assembly according to claim 17 wherein the clamping or gripping means is located in the channel of the locking member and includes a resilient portion which stands proud of a surface of the sidewall of the locking member.
19. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the locking member is forcibly driven into the opening in the post after insertion of an edge of a fence barrier panel to engage both the post and the fence barrier panel.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 10, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 15, 2010
Inventors: Mark John Milligan (Queensland), Glen David Battese (Queensland)
Application Number: 12/083,357
International Classification: E04H 17/20 (20060101);
