AU2009202587A1

AU2009202587A1 - Temporary Fencing Support Base

Info

Publication number: AU2009202587A1
Application number: AU2009202587A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2009-06-25
Publication date: 2010-01-14

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: WILLIAMS, Anthony; MITCHELL, Cameron; & ZHAO, Yi INVENTION TITLE: Temporary Fencing Support Base The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - TEMPORARY FENCE SUPPORT BASE 5 Field of the Invention The current invention relates to temporary fencing and accessories in particular to a support base which provides a means for supporting a fence in an upright position. Whilst the invention may be adapted for other temporary constructions needing 10 support, for convenience it shall be described herein in terms of a support base for supporting temporary fencing. Background to the Invention Temporary fencing is commonly used for various reasons at a variety of locations. 15 These fences can often be used in places that provide stability problems and result in the fence falling over. High winds can also provide sufficient force to cause a fence to fall over, Support posts that are partially embedded in the ground can be used for temporary 20 fences. These posts simply are pushed into the ground, or placed in a hole that is then backfilled, with suitable length remaining above the ground to hold and support the fence. Preparation to use this type of fence can be time consuming and require much labour to dig the holes. Further, at some locations, such as city streets, this method is not suitable as the ground is formed of either paved road or cement 25 footpaths which will not allow poles to be driven down or holes to be dug. Finally, the ground that is dug up or disturbed can have an environmental effect if there are a large amount of holes required. Some temporary fence poles come with a footing at their base. These are often in 30 the form of two elongated metal strips which are in the formation of a cross to provide stability, although other configurations that provide stability are also used. These footings often fall as they are not weighted enough to prevent a fence from being blown over in windy conditions, 35 To overcome windy conditions, some fences can be supported using separate bases that are in the form of hollow footings that can have a ballast liquid/solid poured into them to provide extra weight. This may result is a footing that can only be used once if the ballast liquid is cement, particularly if the dried cement results in the footing -3 warping due to overfilling with cement. In addition, this method is time-consuming to fill the bases with the ballast selected. Even more time is lost if the ballast liquid requires a curing time as well. 5 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the Invention there is provided a support base which provides a 10 means for supporting a fence in an upright position through the use of stackable, interlocking modular units that can be connected together in multiple arrangements. The present invention provides a temporary fencing support base that includes: at least one modular unit which is complementary in shape to provide stackability; at 15 least one aperture for receiving a fence post/support; and at least one locking means whereby the support base provides a means for supporting a fence in an upright position through the use of stackable, interlocking modular units that can be connected together in multiple arrangements. 20 It is preferred that a first type of modular unit is a substantially rectangular member which commonly forms the base portion for the support base. It is preferred that the base portion is constructed such that there is at least one raised portion provided on the top surface of the base portion and at least one 25 indentation provided on the bottom surface. It is further preferred that there are two "U" shaped indentations formed around the side raised portions on each side end of the top surface and two complementary downwardly extending feet portions which are integrally formed with the bottom 30 surface of the base portion on each side end. It is preferred that positioned centrally on the base portion, on a central raised portion, is at least one aperture which is adapted to receive a fence post therein and maintain it in an upright position. 35 It is preferred that a second type of modular unit is a substantially square member which commonly forms the weight member for the support base.

-4 It is further preferred that the weight portion includes a raised portion on the top surface and the bottom face includes an indentation that can receive a raised portion from another weight member or side raised portion of a base portion to allow 5 interchangeable stacking arrangements between the modular units. It is further preferred that the raised portion on the weight member has a ring indentation surrounding it that extends to the edge of the top surface of the weight member which is adapted to receive at least one, two foot portions provided on either 10 side of the weight member. it is preferred that the locking means includes a locking tab. The locking tab is in the form of an elongated tab member which is connected to and extends outwardly from the side raised portion, 15 It is further preferred that provided on the inner side walls of the foot members at the bottom of the base portion is a groove which is adapted to receive a locking tab member therein in a snap-fit connection. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood specific embodiments will be described by way of non-limiting illustration with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective top view of a two tier temporary 25 fencing support base in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention using a rectangular member and two square members of similar widths to the rectangular member; Figure 2 is a side view of the two tier temporary fencing support base of Figure 1; 30 Figure 3 is a side view of an inverted form of the two tier temporary fencing support base of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective under view of the inverted two tier temporary fencing support base of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective top view of a two tier temporary 35 fencing support base in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention using two overlying rectangular members of similar widths; -5 Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the avoidance of tiltability of a two tier temporary fencing support base in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective top view of a three tier temporary fencing support base in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention using 5 two overlying rectangular members and two square members of similar widths to the rectangular members Figure 8 is a diagrammatic perspective top view of a three tier temporary fencing support base in accordance with a forth embodiment of the invention using a rectangular member and two sets of two overlying square members of similar widths 10 to the rectangular member; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the three tier temporary fencing support base showing the receipt of fence pole through all to lock structure together; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the avoidance of tiltability of a three tier temporary fencing support base in accordance with the invention; 15 Figure 11 is an overhead plan view of one form of a square member of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the square member of Figures 11; Figure 13 is an overhead plan view of one form of a rectangular member of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 in accordance with the invention; 20 Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second form of a rectangular member of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 in accordance with the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a third form of a rectangular member of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 in accordance with the invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of one form of a square member of the 25 embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 in accordance with the invention; Figures 17 to 20 are perspective upper view and detail and perspective under view and detail of a further form of a rectangular member of the embodiments of Figures I to 10 in accordance with the invention; Figures 21 and 22 are plan top view and under view of a further form of a 30 rectangular member of the embodiment of Figure 14 in accordance with the invention; Figures 23, 24 and 25 are plan top view, side view and under view of a further form of a rectangular member of the embodiment of Figure 15 in accordance with the invention; and 35 Figures 26 to 29 are first side view and top view and adjacent second side view and under view of a further form of a square member of the embodiment of Figure 16 in accordance with the invention.

-6 Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides a support base which provides a means for supporting a fence in an upright position through the use of stackable, interlocking modular units that can be connected together in multiple arrangements. 5 The invention shall be described herein in terms of a support base designed to support temporary fencing. However, it is envisaged that the support base may also be applicable to providing support for any other suitable temporary item/structure. The support base of the disclosed embodiment is made of a solid material which 10 does not require filling with a solid or liquid substance such as sand or water or the like. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be used. It is envisaged that the shape, style, dimensions and/or features of the temporary support base and/or its components may be varied to suit different fences and/or other applications. 15 The invention has provided a least one modular unit. A first type of modular unit is a substantially rectangular member which commonly forms the base portion for the support base, It is envisaged that the shape and dimensions of the base portion may be varied as desired. The height of the base portion should be sufficient to surround 20 and hold a suitable portion of a fencing post received therein. The base portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The base portion is constructed such that there is at least one raised portion provided on the top surface of the base portion and at least one indentation provided on the bottom surface. The 25 raised portion(s) and indentation(s) are adapted to be complementary in shape to provide stackable modular units. In a preferred embodiment, there are two "U" shaped indentations formed around the side raised portions on each side end of the top surface. Provided on the bottom 30 surface are two complementary downwardly extending feet portions which are integrally formed with the bottom surface of the base portion on each side end which are adapted to be received on the U-shaped indentation of another base portion or a weight member positioned underneath to allow for stacking of the modular units. 35 Positioned centrally on the base portion, on a central raised portion, is at least one aperture which is adapted to receive a fence post therein and maintain it in an upright position. The apertures may be circular or any other suitable shape for receiving the -7 fence post/support therein. Depending on the construction and type of temporary fencing used it is envisaged that one or more secondary apertures may also be provided to receive and hold additional fencing supports or structures. 5 The base portion has provided a locking means. The locking means includes a locking tab. The locking tab is in the form of an elongated tab member which is connected to and extends outwardly from the side raised portion. In a preferred embodiment, there is a locking tab provided on each side of the side 10 raised portion for engaging with and locking an adjacent foot member in place, Provided on the inner side walls of the foot members at the bottom of the base portion is a groove which is adapted to receive a locking tab member therein in a snap-fit connection. 15 A second type of modular unit is a substantially square member which commonly forms the weight member for the support base. The weight members are designed to be stackable on the base portion at either end creating a trough between the stacked weight members to ensure they do not slide- It Is envisaged that the shape and dimensions of the weight member may be varied at desired. The height and 20 dimensions of the weight member may vary to provide different weight options for the support base. The weight member includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The weight member is constructed such that there is at least one raised portion provided in the 25 top surface of the base portion and at least one indentation provided on the bottom surface. The raised portion(s) and indentation(s) are adapted to be complementary in shape to provide stackable modular units. The weight portion includes a raised portion on the top surface and the bottom face 30 includes an indentation that can receive a raised portion from another weight member or side raised portion of a base portion to allow interchangeable stacking arrangements between the modular units. The raised portion on the weight member has a ring indentation surrounding it that extends to the edge of the top surface of the weight member. 35 The weight member includes at least one, or two foot portions provided on either side of the weight member which are adapted to be received over the indentations of a -8 weight member or base portion positioned underneath. The indentations allow for the weight portion to be stacked on/or below other weight portions, or at the end of the base portion. 5 The weight member has provided a locking means. The locking means includes a locking tab. The locking tab is in the form of an elongated tab member which is connected to and extends outwardly from the side raised portion, In a preferred embodiment, there is a locking tab provided on each side of the side raised portion for engaging with and locking an adjacent foot member in place. Provided on the 10 inner side walls of the foot members at the bottom of the weight member is a groove which is adapted to receive a locking tab member therein in a snap-fit connection. In practice, the modular units can be stacked in numerous arrangements to provide a suitable support base for a temporary fencing, suiting various fencing constructions 15 and ground surfaces conditions including flat, sloped, gravel, sand etc. The possible arrangements may include, but not be limited to, the following: " Base member(s) stacked on base member(s); " Weight member(s) stacked on base member(s); 20 N Base member(s) stacked on weight member(s). When the raised portion of one base portion/weight member is inserted into the indentation of another base portion/weight member and the respective locking tabs and groove located on the inside wall of the foot portion are aligned, the tabs will click 25 into the grooves releasably securing the two units together. When stacking a weight member onto one side of a base portion, the recess of the weight portion mostly covers the side raised portion of the base portion and again the tab will click into the groove located on the inner side wall of the foot portion of the 30 weight member. If stacking a weight member onto a weight member, a user will place the indentation of one of the weight members over the raised portion of the other weight member ensuring the groove and the tab is aligned. When fully inserted, the locking tab will click into the groove located on the inside of 35 the foot portion of the top weight member. The weight member can also be attached to the bottom of a base portion by inserting the raised portion of the weight member -9 into an indentation provided on one side of the base portion recess until the tab and groove click together. It is envisaged that the locking means will be designed such that the tab will slide into 5 the groove in a snap fit connection so that it will remain locked unless sufficient force is supplied to release the tab member. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that any other suitable locking means may also be adopted. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a temporary fencing 10 base support, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. In particular it should be understood that the drawings show features that might not have been described but these are clearly understandable from the drawings. These 15 features are included within the intent and scope of the invention but are examples of embodiments and need not be essential features of the invention. Further, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and such are included in the scope 20 of the invention as defined in the claims hereafter.

Claims

1. A temporary fencing support base that includes: a. at least one modular unit which is complementary in shape to provide stackability; 5 b. at least one aperture for receiving a fence post/support; and c. at least one locking means whereby the support base provides a means for supporting a fence in an upright position through the use of stackable, interlocking modular units that can be connected together in multiple arrangements. 10

2. A temporary fencing support base according to claim 1 wherein a first type of modular unit is a substantially rectangular member which commonly forms the base portion for the support base. 15

3. A temporary fencing support base according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the base portion is constructed such that there is at least one raised portion provided on the top surface of the base portion and at least one indentation provided on the bottom surface. 20

4. A temporary fencing support base according to claim 1, 2 or 3 including two "U" shaped indentations formed around the side raised portions on each side end of the top surface and two complementary downwardly extending feet portions which are integrally formed with the bottom surface of the base portion on each side end. 25

5. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein positioned centrally on the base portion, on a central raised portion, is at least one aperture which is adapted to receive a fence post therein and maintain it in an upright position. 30

6. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims including a second type of modular unit is a substantially square member which commonly forms the weight member for the support base. 35

7. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weight portion includes a raised portion on the top surface and the bottom face includes an indentation that can receive a raised portion - 11 from another weight member or side raised portion of a base portion to arlow interchangeable stacking arrangements between the modular units.

8, A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding 5 claims wherein the raised portion on the weight member has a ring indentation surrounding it that extends to the edge of the top surface of the weight member which is adapted to receive at least one, two foot portions provided on either side of the weight member, 10

9. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking means includes a locking tab.

10. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking tab is in the form of an elongated tab member 15 which is connected to and extends outwardly from the side raised portion.

11. A temporary fencing support base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein provided on the inner side walls of the foot members at the bottom of the base portion is a groove which is adapted to receive a locking 20 tab member therein in a snap-fit connection.

12. A support base which provides a means for supporting a fence in an upright position through the use of stackable, interlocking modular units that can be connected together in multiple arrangements. 25

13. A temporary fencing support base substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.