SUPPORT FOR BARRIER FENCING

Abstract

A mounting means for supporting barrier fencing having a mesh structure. The mounting means includes an elongate mounting member and retaining means. The retaining means includes a plurality of integrally formed, spaced apart retaining members wherein the retaining members are fixed in position along the elongate axis of the mounting member and the retaining members are arranged to enable the mesh structure of the fencing to align and cooperate with the retaining members so that the fencing extends along the length of the mounting member. Barrier fencing can be assembled or dismantled quickly using the mounting means. The mounting means are reusable and there is no waste generated from discarded zip ties or wire.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support for fencing. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for supporting temporary plastic barrier fencing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic barrier fencing is generally used to temporarily cordon off areas on constructions sites and on the roads, railways and footpaths to restrict public access when repair work is being carried out. The fencing material is typically made from polypropylene, and is usually highly coloured for good visibility. Plastic barrier fencing may be in the form of a woven mesh manufactured from recycled plastic or extruded flat plastic lattice style netting.

The plastic barrier fencing is usually supported by a number of spaced steel posts, such as star pickets. These posts are usually inserted in the ground, and the fencing is attached to the erected posts using zip or cable ties, pieces of wire or other non-reusable securing methods.

A disadvantage of this method is that it is time consuming since at least two or three ties will be required to secure the plastic mesh to each post. The ties over time wear and break allowing the barrier fencing to move away from the post. The ties break as a result of high winds blowing the fencing and consequently applying breaking forces to the ties. In short, because the plastic fencing is only connected to the posts at a few points, the fencing can pull away from the posts or tear fairly easily in windy conditions.

The ties can also crease and tear the plastic fencing material. Furthermore, it is difficult and time consuming to remove the plastic mesh from the posts without damage. The method is also both uneconomical and ecologically unsound since the ties cannot be reused. This can lead to unnecessary material waste and waterways pollution. When disassembling the barrier fences, the attaching ties are usually cut from the posts and the sharp edged plastic or wire parts are discarded on the ground. The discarded pieces of sharp edged plastic and wire can potentially pose a hazard to workers, the public and to wildlife.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide temporary fence supports that overcome at least in part one or more of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly resides in mounting means for supporting barrier fencing having a mesh structure; said mounting means includes

an elongate mounting member;

retaining means which includes a plurality of integrally formed, spaced apart retaining members; wherein in use the retaining members are fixed in position along the elongate axis of the mounting member and the retaining members are arranged to enable the mesh structure of the fencing to align and cooperate with the retaining members so that the fencing extends along the length of the mounting member.

Preferably there are at least two retaining members spaced apart along the elongate mounting member.

Preferably the mesh fencing is secured to the mounting member in a substantially vertical orientation.

Preferably the retaining means is adapted to secure the fencing flush against the mounting member.

The mounting member is preferably a post such as a star picket or a sleeve for positioning over a post or upright.

In one preferred form the retaining means includes a plurality of integrally formed spaced apart retaining members and a securing rod. Preferably the retaining members include guides. In one embodiment the guides project through the holes in the mesh structure of the barrier fencing and allow the positioning of the securing rod with the guides to secure the mesh with the guides.

In another embodiment, the guides include a plurality of loops or short tubes wherein the securing rod can pass there through. In another embodiment the guides include a plurality of channeled protrusions where a securing rod can be positioned within the channels.

In a preferred embodiment the guides include a vertical elongate groove and a vertical short tube adjacent the lower end of the elongate groove.

In an alternative embodiment, the retaining means is a plurality of teeth arranged vertically in a spaced relationship along the elongate axis of the support. The teeth are preferably adapted to grip lattice or woven fencing. Preferably the teeth have a concave profile to cooperate with the securing rod.

In another preferred form, the retaining means is a plurality of integrally formed spaced apart retaining members wherein the retaining members are preferably barbs or hooks which cooperate with the mesh of the barrier fencing to secure the fencing in position. In one embodiment there is a plurality of a pair of hooks, where one hook of the pair is inverted with respect to the other hook of the pair.

Preferably the retaining means secures the top and bottom sections of the fencing to the mounting member. Preferably the retaining means are located in spaced relationship across substantially the full width of the fencing.

In one embodiment the mounting member is integrally formed with the mounting means.

In an alternative embodiment the mounting member is operationally attachable to the mounting means. When the mounting member is operationally attachable to the mounting means, the mounting member is preferably in the form of a sleeve which is of suitable dimensions and is adapted to fit over an erected post, such as a star picket or other type of temporary post.

Preferably when in position on the post or picket, the lower end of the sleeve rests on the ground. Preferably the mounting means is slightly taller than the vertical height of the barrier fencing.

Preferably the upper and lower guides on the sleeve are angled to enable them to hold the barrier fencing in position before it is secured to the mounting member.

When the retaining means includes a securing rod, preferably an end of the securing rod is adapted so the upper end of the rod may be secured in place by inserting it into the top of the mounting means for safety. Preferably the end of the securing rod is adapted to cooperate with the upper end of a star picket or other type of post to prevent the mounting member from rotating about the post. Preferably the upper end of the securing rod is bent to form a hook or U-shape. In another form the upper end of the securing rod is adapted to clamp the upper edge of the fencing to the upper end of the mounting member.

In another preferred embodiment the securing rod includes one or more fasteners along its length. The one or more fasteners cooperate with the mounting means to secure the barrier fencing to the mounting means. In a preferred form, each of the one or more fasteners is a rigid tube section engagable within the vertical elongate groove. The rigid tube section is adapted to clamp the barrier fencing to the mounting means when the rigid tube section engages the vertical elongate groove.

In a further embodiment, the retaining means include a plurality of paired vertically orientated opposing hooks located in spaced relationship along the height of the mounting member. Preferably each pair of hooks includes an upward pointing supporting hook and a downward pointing locking hook, the two hooks being located in horizontal alignment on the mounting member. Preferably each upwardly pointing supporting hook is longer than the corresponding downwardly pointing locking hook.

This embodiment may be used with lattice barrier fencing. Preferably the paired hooks are arranged along the elongate axis of the mounting means with spacing to correspond with the aperture spacing in the lattice barrier fencing.

When the mounting member is a sleeve intended for use with a star picket or other form of steel post, preferably the mounting member is made from a softer material than steel to reduce the likelihood of injury to members of the public if they come in contact with the mounting means.

In one embodiment the mounting means is adapted to be driven into the ground. In this embodiment preferably the mounting means is constructed of steel or a similar suitably strong material and may be driven into the ground. In one aspect the mounting means may be in the form of a U-shaped steel rod. One leg of the U shape is longer and is adapted to be driven into the ground. The second leg is adapted to cooperate with barrier fencing. Preferably the second leg includes a plurality of spaced teeth, books or barbs to cooperate with and secure barrier fencing to the mounting means. The mounting means may include a pointed lower end to allow it to be driven into the ground. Side plates may be attached towards the lower end of the mounting means to enable it to be pushed into the ground by the installers own body weight.

In a further embodiment, the mounting means may include a free-standing support. A free-standing support may be useful in situations where it is difficult or undesirable to create holes in a surface to erect a steel post or star picket. Free-standing mounting means may be constructed by affixing a plate, platform or conical support to the lower end of mounting means as defined above.

Preferably the mounting means of the present invention are manufactured or painted in a high visibility colour or fluorescent material for safety. Preferably the mounting means are fitted with reflective tape or other reflective devices to improve night time visibility.

Preferably the mounting means are fitted with protective caps. Where a securing rod is used, preferably the protective cap is adapted to fit over the end of the securing rod. Alternatively a protective cap may be adapted to cooperate with the top end of the securing rod to secure it in position. Preferably a protective cap is adapted to friction fit with the top of the mounting means. Preferably a protective cap may be adapted to friction fit with the inside of the mounting means. Alternatively a protective cap may be adapted to friction fit over the top end of the mounting means.

Preferably, there is a plurality of mounting means spaced apart from each other enabling a length of barrier fencing to be fixed in position.

In another aspect the invention broadly resides in a system for fixing barrier fencing wherein a plurality of mounting means as described above are spaced apart and serve to position and secure the barrier fencing.

The barrier fencing can be made of a plastic mesh, plastic lattice, hessian or wire mesh such as chicken wire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatic views of a first preferred embodiment of the fence support including guides mounted on a star picket and secured in place by a securing rod;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation showing construction of temporary fencing using the fence support of FIG. 1 and plastic lattice barrier fencing;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a second preferred embodiment of the fence support where the retaining means include teeth and guides;

FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate the securing of plastic mesh fencing to the fence support of the second preferred embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a third preferred embodiment of the fence support including hook attachments and shown mounted on a star picket;

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate the securing of plastic lattice fencing to the fence support of the third preferred embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the fence support including teeth and a lower guide mounted on a star picket;

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate the securing of plastic mesh fencing to the fence support of the fourth preferred embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the fence support including an elongate channel and a lower guide mounted on a star picket;

FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate the securing of plastic mesh fencing to the fence support of the fifth preferred embodiment of FIG. 16; and

FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross sectional views of the fence support of the fifth embodiment illustrating the mechanism of securing the mesh fencing to the fence support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a fence support 10 for use with plastic lattice barrier fencing according to a first preferred embodiment. The fence support 10 includes a tubular sleeve 11 and is of suitable internal dimensions to allow it to be mounted on a star picket 14 or other suitable post. The tubular sleeve 11 has a plurality of vertical cylindrical guides 12 attached in a spaced arrangement along the outside surface of the sleeve 11. The guides 12 are adapted to accommodate a vertical securing rod 15. The securing rod 15 is bent at one end to form a U-shaped hook 17 which, when in position in the fence support, can cooperate with the upper end of the star picket 14 to prevent the sleeve 11 from rotating on the star picket. The main leg 16 of the securing rod 15 is of slightly smaller diameter than the internal diameter 13 of the guide 12.

With reference to FIG. 2 there is illustrated fence construction using plastic lattice barrier fencing 18 and fence supports 10 mounted on a star picket 14. The top edge of the lattice fencing is placed below the uppermost vertical guide 12 with the second guide 12 placed in the uppermost aperture 19 of the fencing 18. The position of each vertical guide 12 corresponds with the spacing of the apertures 19 of the lattice fencing 18 such that each guide 12 fits through an aperture 19 to support the fencing 18. The fencing 18 is secured in place on the fence support 10 by threading the main leg 16 of the securing rod 15 vertically downwards through the guides 12 to clamp the lattice fencing 18 against the support 10.

The upper and lower surfaces of the guides 12 may be angled to allow them to hold the plastic fencing 18 before it is secured to the fence support 10.

For safety, the upper end of the securing rod 15 is bent into a U-shape to enable the upper end 17 to be placed in the upper open end 20 of the fence support 10. The securing rod end 17 may also cooperate with the upper end of the star picket 21 to prevent the fence support 10 rotating about the star picket 14 on which it is mounted.

A temporary fence is constructed by stretching the length of plastic fencing 18 to other fence supports 10 and repeating the clamping process to secure the plastic fencing to each sequential support.

When it is necessary to dismantle the temporary fence, the lattice fencing 18 is simply released from the fence support 10 by removing the securing rod 15 from the guides 12.

The shape of the sleeve 11 is of circular cross section, but other shapes such as square, rectangular or triangular may be used.

The guides 12 may be cast or extruded with the sleeve 11.

With reference to FIG. 3 there is shown a fence support for plastic barrier fencing in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fence support 30 includes a tubular sleeve 31 adapted for use with plastic lattice barrier fencing or plastic mesh fencing. The fence support 30 is of suitable internal dimensions to allow it to be mounted on a star picket 35. The tubular sleeve 31 has a line of teeth 32 attached in a vertically spaced arrangement along the outside surface of the sleeve 31. The teeth 32 are shaped to enable them to grip the plastic barrier fencing. Additionally the teeth 32 are concave in profile in a vertical direction to allow them to accommodate a securing rod. There are guides 33 and 34 at the upper and lower ends of the line of teeth 32 to accommodate a securing rod. The guides 33 and 34 and teeth 32 may be manufactured by casting or extruding a line of guides along the length of the sleeve 31. The line of guides is then modified by cutting a plurality of teeth 32 from all but the two end guides 33 and 34. Guides 33 and 34 remain at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve 31.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown the fence support 30 of FIG. 3 mounted on a star picket 35. The cooperation between the fence support 30 and a securing rod 37 is illustrated. The securing rod 37 is of slightly smaller diameter than the guides 33 and 34. In use the securing rod 37 is threaded vertically through the upper guide 34 and the lower guide 33, allowing it to lie along the line of concave vertically orientated depressions in the teeth 32.

The securing rod 37 is bent at one end to form a U-shaped hook 39 which can cooperate with the upper end of the star picket 35 to prevent the sleeve 31 from rotating. The main leg 38 of the securing rod 37 is of slightly smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the guides 33 and 34.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 there is illustrated the construction of a temporary barrier using the fence support 30 of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 and plastic mesh barrier fencing 40. The plastic mesh fencing 40 is secured on the fence support 30 mounted on a star picket 35. The plastic mesh fencing 40 is secured in place on the fence support 30 by threading the main leg 38 of the securing rod 37 vertically downwards through the upper guide 34. The plastic fencing 40 is inserted in the vertical space between the upper guide 34 and lower guide 33, and the rod leg 38 is then inserted through lower guide 33 to clamp the plastic fencing 40 against the teeth 32 to secure the fencing 40 in place.

A temporary fence is constructed by stretching the length of plastic fencing to other supports and repeating the clamping process to secure the plastic fencing to each sequential support. For safety the upper end of the securing rod 37 is bent to enable the upper end 39 to be placed in the upper open end 36 of the fence support 30. The securing rod end 39 may also cooperate with the upper end of the star picket 35 to prevent the fence support 30 rotating about the star picket 35 on which it is mounted.

When it is necessary to dismantle the temporary fence, the plastic mesh fencing 40 is simply released from the fence support 30 by removing the securing rod 37 vertically upwards from guides 33 and 34, and easing the mesh 40 free from the teeth 32.

With reference to FIG. 8 there is shown a fence support 50 according to a third preferred embodiment. The fence support 50 includes a tubular sleeve 51 and is adapted for use with plastic lattice barrier fencing. The sleeve 51 is slightly taller than the height of the plastic fencing, and of suitable internal dimensions to allow it to be mounted on a star picket 54. The tubular sleeve 51 has a plurality of paired hooks 52 and 53 attached in a vertically spaced arrangement along the outside surface of the sleeve 51 for cooperating with the lattice fencing. The pairs of hooks 52 and 53 are spaced to correspond with the apertures of plastic lattice fencing. The paired hooks 52 and 53 are located side by side along the length of the sleeve. The pairs of hooks are vertically orientated and directionally opposed. Hook 52 points upwards and is slightly longer than downwardly pointing hook 53.

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate the construction of a temporary barrier using the fence support 50 of FIG. 8 and plastic lattice barrier fencing 55. The lattice fencing 55 is secured on the fence support 50 mounted on a star picket 54. The lattice fencing 55 is secured by attaching the upper edge 56 of the lattice fencing 55 over the uppermost upwardly facing hook 52a to support the fencing 55. The horizontal fencing edge 56 is then looped under the corresponding downwardly facing shorter hook 53a to lock the fencing 55 into position to prevent it from being removed from the hook 52a if buffeted by the wind. The paired hooks 52 and 53 are spaced at intervals along the length of the sleeve 51 to correspond with the spacing of the apertures 57 of the plastic lattice fencing 55. The attachment operation is repeated with each pair of hooks 52, 53 along the fence support 50 until the fencing is secured all the way along. The smaller the horizontal distance of the hooks from the sleeve 51, the more tightly the fencing is held against the fence support 50.

FIGS. 12 to 15 illustrate a yet further embodiment of a fence support in accordance with the present invention. The fence support 60 is suitable for use with plastic mesh barrier fencing, and is similar to the fence support 30 of FIGS. 3 to 7, except that the fence support 60 does not have a vertical upper guide. The fence support 60 includes a tubular sleeve 61 adapted for use with plastic mesh barrier fencing. The fence support 60 is of suitable internal dimensions to allow it to be mounted on a star picket 64. The sleeve 61 has a line of teeth 62 attached in a vertically spaced arrangement along the outside surface of the sleeve 61. The teeth 62 are adapted to enable them to grasp the plastic barrier fencing. Additionally the teeth 62 are concave in a vertical direction to allow them to accommodate a vertical securing rod 65. There is a vertical cylindrical guide 63 at the lower end of the line of teeth 62 to accommodate a securing rod 65. The fence support 60 is mounted on an erected star picket 64. The securing rod 65 is of slightly smaller diameter than the guide 63. In use the securing rod 65 is threaded through guide 63. The plastic mesh fencing 67 is placed above the guide 63 and against the sleeve 61 to allow it to be gripped by the teeth 62. The securing rod 65 is then clamped against the sleeve 61, allowing it to lie along the line of concave depressions in the teeth 62 to secure the fencing 67 to the fence support 60.

The securing rod 65 is bent at one end to form a hook 66 which is adapted to clip onto the top of the sleeve 61 to allow the top end of the rod 65 to maintain close contact with the fencing 67 and the sleeve 61 to clamp the upper edge of the fencing 67 to the top of the support 61 and thus provide a secure grip.

FIGS. 16 to 21 illustrate further embodiment of a fence support in accordance with the present invention. The fence support 70 is suitable for use with a variety of types of barrier fencing materials including plastic mesh, plastic lattice and hessian.

The fence support 70, as shown in FIG. 16, includes a tubular sleeve 71 of suitable internal dimensions for mounting on a star picket 74. When mounted on an erected star picket 74, the lower end of the sleeve 71 rests on the ground. There is an elongate vertical groove 72 on the outside surface of the sleeve 71. The groove 72 has a “C” shaped cross section. There is a vertical cylindrical guide 73 at the lower end of the groove 72 to accommodate a securing rod 75.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show the fence support 70 mounted on an erected star picket 74. The securing rod 75 is of slightly smaller diameter than the internal dimensions of the guide 73. The securing rod 75 may be used with or without a locking tube 78. Higher clamping forces are obtained when a locking tube 78 is used and this is beneficial in high winds or when the barrier fencing is erected and is to be used and not disturbed for a long period. The securing rod 75 has a hook 76 at one end and has a cylindrical locking tube 78 that surrounds the securing rod 75. The locking tube 78 has a similar radius to the internal radius of the groove 72. The hook 76 forms a clamping section with the free end returning back on the rod 75. The locking tube 78 can be fixed or moveable along the length of the securing rod 75 or removed from the securing rod 75.

In use, the securing rod 75 is engaged with the guide 73 and the barrier fencing 77 is held against the sleeve 71. The hook 76 is clamped over the top edge of the sleeve 71 and the locking tube 78 is pressed firmly into the groove 72 to engage with the groove 72 and hold the fencing 77 tightly against the sleeve 72.

The locking tube 78 is made of a hard non-deformable material, such as a hard plastic, so that it snaps into the vertical groove 72 on the sleeve 71.

Fence support 60 or fence support 70 can be used to support electric fence tape providing that the securing rod 65 (or 75) does not contact the ground to cause the live electric fence to earth.

For increased safety, a fence support in accordance with the present invention may be manufactured in, or painted with, a high visibility colour. It may also have reflective tape or other reflective devices attached to improve night time visibility. A fence support can be manufactured from fluorescent plastic material to improve visibility in poor light conditions such as at night. The fence supports can be manufactured from UV stabilized material to avoid degradation in sunlight.

A fence support may be made from a softer material to protect the members of the public against injury they may sustain should they come into contact with a star picket steel post. Protective caps may be used to fit the fence supports. These protective caps may be adapted to fit over the top of the fence supports, and may include a hole to accept securing rods where they are used. Alternatively the protective caps may be adapted to fit over both a fence support and a securing rod. The protective caps may be friction fitted with the inner or outer surface of the fence support. Where the protective caps fits over the fence support, guides may be provided in the cap to allow it to fit around any of the retaining means.

The fence support may include a suitable pointed shape to allow it to be driven into the earth in a similar manner to that of a star picket or other regular steel post. It may be hammered into the earth or side plates may be attached close to the base so that fence support can be pushed into the earth using the installer's own body weight. A flat fixed or removable plate may be attached to the bottom of the fence support to enable it to remain vertical without additional support. The fence support may have a fixed or removable weighted base.

The fence support of the present invention may be used to support a variety of mesh fencing materials including plastic mesh fencing (woven material, lattice netting), hessian and chicken wire.

Advantages

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the barrier fencing support is that the retaining means provide multiple attachment points and support for the barrier fencing and reduce the stress on the fencing material to prevent damage. It allows quick and easy means of attaching the fencing to the support, together with quick dismantling and less waste.

Fencing can be assembled or dismantled quickly using the fencing supports of the present invention. The fence supports are reusable and there is no waste generated from discarded zip ties or wire.

The fencing supports can accommodate both lattice and mesh type fencing, such as plastic barrier fencing and plastic mesh fencing, in addition to hessian, chicken wire and electric fence tape. Additional securing means are not required.

When the fencing support is in the form of a sleeve to be used in conjunction with a steel post, such as a star picket, the sleeve may be made in a softer material than steel to reduce the chance of injury if a pedestrian were to collide with the fencing. The fencing supports may also be brightly coloured, be made of fluorescent plastic material, or have reflective material applied, to increase visibility.

Variations

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A mounting means for supporting barrier fencing having a mesh structure, said mounting means includes

an elongate mounting member;

retaining means which includes a plurality of integrally formed, spaced apart retaining members; wherein in use the retaining members are fixed in position along the elongate axis of the mounting member and the retaining members are arranged to enable the mesh structure of the fencing to align and cooperate with the retaining members so that the fencing extends along the length of the mounting member.

2. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the retaining means is adapted to secure the fencing flush against the mounting member.

3. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the retaining means secures the top and bottom sections of the fencing to the mounting member.

4. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the retaining means are located in spaced relationship across substantially the full width of the fencing.

5. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the retaining means includes a plurality of integrally formed spaced apart retaining members and a securing rod.

6. A mounting means according to claim 5 wherein an end of the securing rod is adapted so that when the securing rod is in position on the mounting means, the upper end of the rod can be secured by inserting it into the top of the mounting means for safety.

7. A mounting means according to claim 5 wherein the securing rod includes one or more additional fastening means along its length, said fastening means cooperate with the mounting means to secure the barrier fencing to the mounting means.

8. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the mounting means is a sleeve for positioning over a post or upright.

9. A mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the mounting means is manufactured or painted in a high visibility colour or fluorescent material.

10. A system for fixing barrier fencing wherein a plurality of mounting means according to claim 1 are spaced apart and serve to position and secure the barrier fencing.