GB2426982A

GB2426982A - Fence panel wedge

Info

Publication number: GB2426982A
Application number: GB0511530A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Harold Nolan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-07
Filing date: 2005-06-07
Publication date: 2006-12-13
Also published as: GB0511530D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for securing a fence panel in position in a slot of a supporting fence post, wherein the device is arranged to fit between the panel and the slot, the device comprising: a major portion arranged to taper from a first end to a second end, said major portion further comprising a pair of side portions bounding said tapering major portion such that said tapering major portion and said side portions surround the panel on three sides. Also disclosed is an associated method of use.

Description

Improvements in and relating to fencing The present invention relates to

fence panels of the type commonly fitted between two upright concrete fence posts, whereby the panels are accommodated into a slot provided on each supporting post. Such panels are known as lap panels or, more specifically, Waney lap panels.

Lap panels comprise a timber frame into which is fitted a plurality of overlapping thin panels of wood. Such panels are typically supplied complete and provide a cheap and relatively easy to assemble fencing system.

A typical prior art lap panel 10 is shown in Figure 1. The individual panel 10 comprises an outer rectangular frame 12 made up from individual straight members. The frame 12 typically comprises two layers of such frame members, there being sandwiched between them the overlapping thin panels 14, which form the majority of the area of the panel. The thin panels 14 are generally roughly cut slices of timber. Additionally, further horizontal or vertical frame members may be provided between the outer frame to give additional structural support.

Since the construction of lap panels 10 utilises relatively rough timber, there can be a significant variation in the dimensions of lap panels. In particular, the thickness of any given panel can vary quite widely.

This presents a problem in that when the panels are fitted into the supporting posts, variations in the panel thickness and, indeed, in the slot dimensions, can result in a loose fitting panel. This can result in a fence which rattles and shakes in windy conditions. This can be annoying and can result in accelerated degradation of the panel. Furthermore, a loose fence panel can be easily removed by simply lifting it from its supporting posts.

This can allow an opportunist thief easy access to a garden area that might otherwise be inaccessible. From here, the would-be thief may be able to gain access to the house or outbuildings.

Figure 2 shows a concrete supporting post 20, having two slots for receiving a fence panel 10 - one located on each of two opposite sides of the post. In one slot, a fence panel 10 is dimensioned such that a relatively tight fit of the panel 10 in the slot is achieved. The other fence panel 10' is thinner and so a tight fit is not obtained, which can result in the problems described previously.

An aim of embodiments of the present invention is to address problems inherent in prior art panel fencing systems, whether identified herein or not.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for securing a fence panel in position in a slot of a supporting fence post, wherein the device is arranged to fit between the panel and the slot, the device comprising: a major portion arranged to taper from a first end to a second end, said major portion further comprising a pair of side portions bounding said tapering major portion such that said tapering major portion and said side portions surround the panel on three sides.

Preferably, the device is further provided with a serrated face for engagement with the slot.

Preferably, the device is provided with a plurality of pre-weakened portions along its length such that the device may be shortened by striking the device near one of said portions to remove any excess which may protrude once the device has been inserted.

Preferably, the pre-weakened portions are achieved by reducing the thickness of the material.

Other preferred features of the invention will be apparent

from the description which follows.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a typical lap fencing panel; Figure 2 shows a plan view of a concrete post supporting two lap fencing panels having different thicknesses; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a partial cut out view of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figures 5a and 5b show end views of the apparatus of Figure 3 from opposite ends; Figure 6 shows a view of the fence-facing interior of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 7 shows how the apparatus of Figure 3 is positioned between a fence panel and a fence post; and Figure 8 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 3 in situ.

Figure 3 shows an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 is arranged to sit between the fence panel 10 and the slot 22 of the fence post 20.

The apparatus 100 comprises a major portion 110 having an essentially wedge-shaped profile i.e. it tapers gradually from one end 112 where it may have a thickness of a few centimetres, down to the other end 114, which may have a thickness of only a few millimetres. Figure 4 shows a partial cut-out side view of the device 100.

Bounded on each side, the major portion 110 comprises side members 120 which give the apparatus 100 an essentially U- shaped cross-section when viewed from end 114. The side members 120 are thin - of the order of only a few millimetres.

In use, the apparatus 100 is positioned between the fence panel 10 and slot 22 of the post 20. The panel 10 is first inserted into the slot 22 in the usual way. Once the panel is in place, the fixing apparatus 100 is positioned such that end 114 is inserted into the gap between panel 10 and slot 22. The U-shaped cross-section of apparatus 100 generally conforms to the profile of the slot 22, such that the apparatus may be forced downwards along part of the length of slot 22. In this way, the side members 120 act to more securely hold the panel 10 in position by taking up any slack in between the panel 10 and the post 20.

Furthermore, the major portion 110 of the apparatus 100 provides additional fixing in a direction transverse to that provided by side members 120. In effect, apparatus forces the panel 10, along its length, towards the adjacent post 20. This double securing action can alleviate the problems associated with poorly fitting fence panels 10.

Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, the flat side 130 of the apparatus 100, which, in use, contacts the fence post 20, may be provided with a plurality of serrations 135, which are configured in an orientation which permits the apparatus to be relatively easily inserted in a first direction, i.e. downwards between panel 10 and post 20, but difficult to move in the opposite direction. This feature ensures a better grip for the apparatus when in use and also provides additional security by rendering the panel with which it is used, more difficult to remove from its supporting posts.

Alternative arrangements, such as textured surface can also be provided for improving the frictional relationship between the apparatus 100 and the fence post 20.

Figure 5a shows a view along the device from end 114, and Figure 5b shows a view along the device from the opposite end 112. These views clearly show the tapering nature of the device 100.

Figure 6 shows a view of the interior of the U-shaped section of the device which contacts the fence panel 10.

The face of the major portion 110 is provided, in this instance, with an embossed pattern which serves to increase the frictional contact between the apparatus and the panel 10. The example pattern is merely illustrative and other patterns may be used. Indeed, a smooth surface may be provided.

The apparatus may be manufactured from one of a range of different materials. A preferred choice is a plastics material, which offers ease of manufacturability by an injection moulding process, combined with low cost. This also offers a certain amount of pliability whilst also offering the mechanical strength needed. The use of a plastics material is by no means essential, however, and embodiments of the invention may also be constructed from wooden, metallic or other materials.

The surface finish of the selected material can be configured so that it closely resembles the appearance of the fence panel i.e. it can be given an artificial texture akin to the rough finish of the wood used for the fencing panels. Additionally or alternatively, the device 100 may be provided in a form suitable for painting or staining to match the fence panel or it may even be provided in a range of different colours.

When installing fence panels 10 into posts 20, not every panel will require the use of a device 100. However, if a panel is found to be loose, it is advisable to install a device at each end of the panel such that a secure fit is achieved at each end. To ensure a satisfactory fit, a device 100 should be partially introduced into the gap at each end and each device should be slowly driven into position, using a hammer or mallet, so that approximately equal lengths of device are engaged at each end. Figure 7 shows a view of a device 100 being inserted into a fencing system between panel 10 and post 20.

In some cases, an excess length of device 100 will protrude from the top of the post 20. In such cases, once a secure fit has been established, any excess can be simply removed using a saw.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with a plurality of pre-weakened portions along its length. These pre-weakened portions may be positioned at regular intervals along the length of the apparatus and consist of a slight reduction in the thickness of the material at that point. In this way, the device 100 maintains the requisite degree of strength to be driven into position as previously described, but can be simply reduced in length to remove any excess protruding after insertion. To remove the excess, the device is driven into position as before and once completely in place, the protruding portion can be struck sharply with a hammer in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion such that the device will break along a line of weakness.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a device 100 after it has been successfully installed, and shows how the device 100 bounds the three sides of panel 10 which are inserted into the post 20.

Although, embodiments of the invention have been described with particular reference to lap fencing panels and concrete fence posts, the skilled man will immediately realise that such features are not limiting and other forms of fence panel and posts will benefit from embodiments of the invention.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

* * * I. * * I. * S I IS * a * * * S I * I * I S * S S55 5. S S S CLAIMS

1. A device for securing a fence panel in position in a slot of a supporting fence post, wherein the device is arranged to fit between the panel and the slot, the device comprising: a major portion arranged to taper from a first end to a second end, said major portion further comprising a pair of side portions bounding said tapering major portion such that said tapering major portion and said side portions surround the panel on three sides.

2. The device of claim 1, being further provided with a serrated face for engagement with the slot.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, being provided with a plurality of preweakened portions along its length such that the device may be shortened by striking the device near one of said portions to remove any excess which may protrude once the device has been inserted.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the pre-weakened portions are achieved by reducing the thickness of the material.

5. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein when viewed from the second end, the device has a substantially ti-shaped cross-section.

6. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is composed of one or more of: a wooden material, a plastics material and a metallic material.

* S. * . as * . a * . , a a a. * I 5 a a * * a. V * a * a * * a., a *- a a

7. A method of securing a fence panel in position, using a device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising the steps of: introducing the device into a gap between the fence panel and associates fence post; and driving the device into said gap.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of repeating the method at the other end of the fence panel.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8 comprising the step of removing any excess portion of the device protruding from the gap.

10. The method o claim 9 wherein the step of removing the excess portion comprises striking the excess portion so that the device breaks along a line of weakness.

11. A device as hereinbefore described, having particular attention to the accompanying figures.