GB2434381A - Demountable fence - Google Patents

Abstract

A demountable fencing panel <B>3</B> can be moved between an in use vertical position and a stored position beneath an outdoor flooring system. The fencing panel <B>3</B> may be stored beneath a flooring panel when not in use, when in use the flooring panel may hold the fencing panel <B>3</B> in its vertical position. The fencing panel <B>3</B> may be raised by a spring or motorised mechanism when the flooring panel is lifted. A lock may be provided to prevent unauthorised lifting of the flooring panel. A tool may be provided to aid lifting of the flooring panel. Interchangeable finish panels may be provided for both flooring and fencing <B>3</B> panels.

Description

<p>I</p>

<p>OUTDOOR FLOORING SYSTEM WITH DEMOUNTABLE SAFETY FENCE</p>

<p>This invention relates to a mechanical outdoor flooring system that incorporates a safety fence, either stowed away or locked in vertical position.</p>

<p>There is a requirement for demountable safety fences in various environments to prevent young children gaining access to potentially hazardous areas, such as play areas or unattended outdoor swimming pools.</p>

<p>It is desirable to demount the fence so that such areas can operate without unsightly obstruction when in use, but be made safe when unattended or when young children are in the vicinity.</p>

<p>According to the present invention there is provided a system that integrates a demountable safety fence (designed to conform to EN 1930-Child Care Articles -Safety Barriers) into a modular outdoor flooring system. The fence panel is stored under the flooring surface when not in use, and locked in the vertical position by the flooring panel when erect.</p>

<p>A tool is used to unlock and lift the flooring surface to gain access to the fence panel, and a spring assist mechanism is provided to aid the user in lifting the flooring surface and erecting the fence panel. The flooring surface and fence panel are mounted to the same chassis, and act as a single mechanical device. The lock is incorporated into the flooring panel to prevent children from lowering the fence when unsupervised.</p>

<p>The flooring surface and fence panel materials are interchangeable with various other materials suited to purpose or desired aesthetic. A fence panel can be replaced with a safety gate to allow access to the enclosure for adults.</p>

<p>One specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Fig I Shows the complete system with the fence stowed away beneath the Flooring Surface (1). The Lifting Point I Lock (8) and lifting tool (9) are shown. Dimension (a) is 1350 mm, (b) is 1350 mm and (c) is 65 mm.</p>

<p>Fig 2 Shows the complete system part way through deployment of the fence with the Flooring Surface (1) lifted clear, exposing the chassis assembly beneath. The Flooring Spring Assist Mechanism (2), Fence Panel (3), Fence Frame (4), Chassis Arms (5) Chassis (6) and Fence Spring Assist Mechanism (7) are indicated.</p>

<p>Fig 3 Shows the system part way through deployment of the fence with the Fence Panel (3) and Fence Frame (4) rising with spring assist.</p>

<p>Fig 4 Shows the Fence Frame (4) being locked in vertical position by the Chassis Arm (5), which supports the Flooring Surface (1), as it is lowered back into position. The Flooring Surface (1) is not shown in this view so that the mechanism can be seen.</p>

<p>Fig 5 Shows the whole system with the fence locked in its vertical position.</p>

<p>Fig 6 Illustrates the whole system with one alternate Flooring Surface and Fence Panel material by way of example.</p>

<p>The Flooring Surface (1) is attached to the Chassis Arms (5) to form a single hinged panel. This panel pivots around an axis at the rear of the Chassis (6), and has a Flooring Surface Lock (8) to keep it from being lifted. This prevents access to the mechanism when the fence is stowed, and prevents the fence being demounted by anyone without the lifting tool.</p>

<p>To erect the fence, a tool is used to unlock and lift the Flooring Surface (1) up from its horizontal position. Once the Flooring surface (1) is raised, the Fence Frame (4) and Fence Panel (3) rise with either sprung or motorised assistance, to aid the user in bringing the fence into its vertical position.</p>

<p>With the fence up, the Flooring Surface (1) is lowered to wedge the fence in its vertical position. The Flooring Surface (1) is then locked down to the Chassis (6) to secure the fence.</p>

<p>To stow the fence, the same process is reversed.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>CLAIMS: 1. A fence system that stows away beneath outdoor flooring

   panels.</p>

   <p>2. A fence system as claimed in claim 1, which is provided as self contained, modular units for the construction of larger fences.</p>

   <p>3. A fence system as claimed in claim I and 2, which uses the integrated flooring panel to hold the fence in its vertical position.</p>

   <p>4. A fence system as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3, with spring or motorised assist mechanism, to raise the fence when the flooring surface is lifted.</p>

   <p>5. A fence system as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, with a lock to prevent the flooring panel being raised without a key.</p>

   <p>6. A fence system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, which is provided with a tool to aid lifting of the flooring panel from its horizontal position.</p>

   <p>7. A fence system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, that has interchangeable fence panel styles, finishes and materials.</p>

   <p>8. A fence system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, that has interchangeable flooring panel styles, finishes and materials.</p>

   <p>9. A fence system substantially as described herein with reference to fig I to 6 of the accompanying drawings.</p>