AU2012201349A1 - A Barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier includes an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base. A plurality of palings are mounted onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base. o T"

Description

I A BARRIER FIELD OF THE INVENTION [00001] The invention relates to a barrier, and to a method of erecting a barrier. [00002] In one application, the barrier, in accordance with the invention, is used as a pool fence. It will therefore be convenient hereinafter to describe the invention with reference to this example application. However, the barrier can also be used in other applications, for example to form barriers for patios, decks, balconies, or the like. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [00003] There is an ongoing need for the development and improvement of barriers, including pool fences, balustrades and various barriers for patios, decks and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00004] The invention provides a barrier, which includes: an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base; and a plurality of palings that are mounted onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base. [00005] The paling mounting formations may be formed for mounting the palings in an orientation in which elongated minor edges of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base. Instead, or in addition, the paling mounting formations may be formed for mounting the palings in an orientation in which major faces of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base. [00006] The elongated base may include at least one elongated base rail that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart in a lengthwise direction of the elongated rail.

2 [00007] The paling mounting formations of the at least one base rail may include spaced apart recesses which are shaped and sized to receive operatively lower ends of the palings. Instead, the paling mounting formations may include mounting inserts that are received in complementary apertures defined by the elongated base rail. The mounting inserts may be shaped and sized to receive the operatively lower ends of the palings. [00008] In another embodiment, the at least one elongated base may include two elongated base rails that are parallel and spaced apart. A lower one of the base rails may include the mounting formations, and an upper one of the base rails may have apertures that register with associated mounting formations in the lower one of the base rails. The palings may pass through the apertures to be received by the mounting formations of the lower one of the base rails. [00009] The barrier may include foot members for supporting the lower one of the base rails proximate the ground, and may include spacers for spacing the base rails apart. The foot members and the spacers may be shaped to complement each other and may define bolt holes that register, so that bolts are able to pass through both the foot members and the spacers, in use, to anchor the barrier and to secure the two base rails together and with respect to the ground or a substrate. [000010] The palings may be in the form of elongated rectangular glass panes. [000011] The barrier may include another elongated rail for mounting towards operatively upper ends of the palings. The elongated rail may have apertures that are spaced apart so as to receive upper end portions of the palings. [000012] The barrier may also include a gate assembly which may include two opposing posts at either side of an access opening defined by the barrier. The gate assembly may include a rectangular frame having two parallel spaced apart bottom rails and palings that are mounted on the bottom rails.

3 [000013] The gate assembly may include a locking arrangement and/or an automatic closer for the gate assembly. [000014] The invention also provides a barrier which includes: at least two elongated base rails that are parallel and spaced apart one above the other, a lower one of the base rails having a plurality of paling mounting formations and an upper one of the base rails having apertures that register with the paling mounting formations; and a plurality of palings that are mounted on the elongated base rails in a manner in which end portions of the palings protrude through the apertures so that ends of the palings cooperate with the paling mounting formations, thereby to support and brace the paling at their end portions. [000015] Instead, the apertures and the paling mounting formations may be formed for supporting and bracing the end portions of the palings in a manner in which the palings are in an orientation in which elongated minor edges of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base. [000016] The mounting formations on the lower one of the base rails may also be in the form of apertures so that the base rails are substantially identical. It will be appreciated that this simplifies erection of the barrier and is cost-beneficial. [000017] The invention also provides a kit for a barrier, the kit including: an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base; and a plurality of palings that can be mounted onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base. [000018] The base may include any one or more optional features as herein defined, described and illustrated. [000019] The palings may include any one or more of the optional features as herein defined, described, and illustrated.

4 [000020] The invention also provides a method for erecting a barrier, which includes the steps of: providing an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base; and mounting a plurality of palings onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base. [000021] The base may be assembled from at least one elongated base rail that includes spaced apart recesses which are shaped and sized to receive operatively lower ends of the palings. Instead, the paling mounting formations may be formed with mounting inserts, the method including the step of positioning the inserts in complementary apertures defined by the elongated base rail, the mounting inserts being shaped and sized to receive the operatively lower ends of the palings. [000022] In another embodiment, the method may include assembling a base with two elongated base rails that are parallel and spaced apart, in which a lower one of the base rails may include the mounting formations, and an upper one of the base rails may have apertures that register with associated mounting formations in the lower one of the base rails. The palings may be passed through the apertures to be received by the mounting formations of the lower one of the base rails. [000023] The method may include mounting the base on foot members for supporting the lower one of the base rails proximate the ground, and may include spacing the two base rails with spacers. The method may include providing foot members and spacers that are shaped to complement each other and which define bolt holes. The foot members and the spacers may be arranged in a manner in which bolts are able to pass through both the foot member and the spacer, in use, to anchor the barrier and to secure the two base rails with respect to each other and the ground or substrate. [000024] The method may include providing palings formed from elongated rectangular glass panes.

5 [000025] The method may include mounting another elongated rail towards operatively upper ends of the palings. For that purpose, the elongated rail may have apertures that are spaced apart to receive upper end portions of the palings. [000026] The method may include providing a gate assembly for the barrier, which may include two opposing posts at either side of an access opening defined by the barrier. The wing or gate assembly may include a rectangular frame having two parallel spaced apart bottom rails and palings that are mounted on the bottom rails. [000027] The method may include providing a locking arrangement and/or an automatic closer for the wing or gate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [000028] A barrier, in accordance with the invention, may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafter to describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. It is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description or the appended claims. [000029] Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a barrier, in accordance with the invention. [000030] Figure 2 shows a schematic front elevation view of part of the barrier. [000031] Figure 3 shows a schematic top plan view of the part of the barrier in Figure 2. [000032] Figure 4 shows a schematic top plan view of a foot member and a spacer that form part of the barrier.

6 [000033] Figure 5 shows a schematic section view of a mounting formation that forms part of the barrier. [000034] Figure 6 shows a schematic front elevation view of another embodiment of a barrier, in accordance with the invention. [000035] Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of the barrier in Figure 6. [000036] Figure 8 shows a schematic front elevation view of another embodiment of a barrier, in accordance with the invention. [000037] Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of the barrier in Figure 8. [000038] Figure 10 shows a schematic section plan view of the barrier in Figure 8 taken along line I-1. [000039] Figure 11 shows a schematic section plan view of the barrier in Figure 8 taken along line Il-Il. [000040] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a barrier, in accordance with the invention. The barrier 10 in this embodiment forms a fence, such as a fence for a swimming pool area. However, it is to be understood that the barrier 10 can have a number of other applications. [000041] The fence 10 includes an elongated base, generally indicated by reference numeral 12 that has a plurality of paling mounting formations 14 that are spaced apart along the elongated base 12. The fence 10 further includes a plurality of palings 16 that are mounted onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations 14, so that the palings 16 are spaced apart along the elongated base 12. [000042] The elongated base 12 includes an elongated base rail 18 that has the plurality of paling mounting formations 14 that are spaced apart along the elongated rail 18.

7 [000043] The paling mounting formations 14 of the base rail 18 include spaced apart recesses that are shaped and sized to receive operatively lower ends of the palings 14. The recesses are formed from an insert 22 in the form of a socket that is snugly received in apertures 24 in the base rail 18. As can be seen in the drawings, the insert has barb-like formations or ridges to retain the insert in position. [000044] Particularly, the apertures 24 are in the form of slots that extend transversely across the base rail 18, and which are spaced apart along the base rail 18. [000045] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the lower end portions of the palings 16 are received in the recesses of the sockets 22, long edges of the palings face transversely away from the base rail 18. [000046] The elongated base 12 also includes another elongated base rail 20 that is parallel to and spaced apart from the base rail 18. The lower base rail 18 includes the mounting formations 14, and the upper base rail 20 has apertures, in the form of transverse slots 26, that register with associated mounting formations 14 in the lower base rail 18. It follows that the operatively lower end potions of the palings 16 can pass through the slots 26 of the upper base rail 20 to be received by the mounting formations 14 of the lower base rail 18. [000047] It will be appreciated that the base rails 18, 20 can be substantially identical. This serves to simplify manufacturing and erection, since sorting the rails 18, 20 is obviated. [000048] The fence 10 further includes spaced apart foot members 28 for supporting the lower base rail above the ground. [000049] The fence 10 also includes spacers 30 for spacing the lower base rail 18 and the upper base rail 20. [000050] The foot members 28 and the spacers 30 are shaped to complement each other and are tubular, generally oval sections which define bolt holes 41 towards their ends. The base rails 18, 20 also define bolt holes, so that the foot member 28 and 8 the spacer 30 can be aligned with each other and located so that all the bolt holes are in register. This allows bolts to pass through both the foot members and the spacers, in use, to anchor the fence to the ground and to secure the two base rails. [000051] A threaded rod, bar or the like extends through the bolt holes and into the ground and can be fixed in place with a settable compound which can be in form of a compound such as that known as Chemset TM or the like. Instead, self-tapping batten screws or the like can be received through the bolt holes and driven into plugs set in concrete or timber, as required. Nuts, which can be dome-headed nuts 23, are threaded onto the rods or bolts to secure the upper rail 20 onto the spacers 22 and in position with respect to the lower rail 18. The rails 18, 20 are secured with their respective apertures, or slots, 24, 26 in alignment. Thus, the palings 14 are simply slotted into position as part of a method of erecting the barrier 10. [000052] The foot members 28 and the spacers 30 have relatively short lengths in comparison to the palings 14, so that the upper and lower base rails 18, 20 are relatively close together and positioned towards lower ends of the palings 14. [000053] The base rails 18, 20 are formed from aluminium- or steel-alloy flat bars or the like and the palings 14 are in the form of elongated rectangular glass panes. [000054] The rectangular glass panes 14 can be formed from toughened glass and can have polished aris edges. It is to be understood that the palings need not be of glass. For example, they can be of a plastics material, a polished metal or another material capable of serving as a fence material. The palings 14 are selected so that the overall effect is one of a louvre or finned arrangement. [000055] The fence 10 also includes a closure or gate assembly 29. The gate assembly 29 is mounted on hinges 31 between two opposing end posts 33 at either side of an access opening defined by the fence 10. The end posts 33 can be in the form of square tubing or can be in any other suitable form and are mounted in or on the ground. [000056] The gate assembly 29 includes a rectangular frame 32 that is formed from flat bar, or the like, and also includes two parallel spaced rails 18, 20. Glass panes 14 9 are mounted onto the rails 18, 20 of the gate assembly 29 in a manner similar to that described above. [000057] To this end, the fence 10 includes a locking arrangement 34 for securing the gate 29 in its closed position. The locking arrangement 34 can be a magnetic latch or the like. Also, the gate 26 can include an automatic closer (not shown). [000058] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, another embodiment of a barrier 40 is shown. The barrier 40 is substantially similar to the barrier 10 as described above, but in addition includes another rail 42 that has slots for mounting the rail over upper end portions of the palings. These slots are substantially identical to the slots or apertures in the rails 18, 20. Also the rail 42 is fastened between posts or the like. Instead, the rail can be a friction fit on the palings 14. Still further, the palings 14 can be adhered to the rail 42 with a suitable adhesive. [000059] The rail 42 can be substantially identical to the rails 18, 20. As before, this serves to simplify manufacturing and erection, since sorting the rails 18, 20 is obviated. [000060] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, another embodiment of a barrier 50 is shown. The barrier 50 is similar to the barrier 10, but the mounting formations are orientated in such a way that the palings 14 are mounted with their major faces facing transversely away from the rails. [000061] The gaps between adjacent palings 16 provide a substantial flow passage for air. Also, by spacing the palings 16, the surface area of the barrier that is exposed to objects that may be flung into the barrier is reduced. This reduces the risk of damage to the palings, particularly if they are of glass. [000062] The various components may have various dimensions depending on their application. However, in one example, each of the palings 16 can have a length of between about 1000 mm and 1400 mm. The width of each paling 16 can be between about 60 mm and 100 mm, for example about 80 mm. It will be appreciated that the slots in the rails 18, 20 are dimensioned accordingly. The foot members may be dimensioned to support the lower rail 18 between about 4 mm and 8 mm, for example, 6 mm above 10 the ground or substrate. The spacers 30 can be dimensioned so that a gap between the rails 18, 20 is between about 80 mm and 120 mm, for example 100 mm. The rail 41 can be positioned between about 70 mm and 30 mm, for example 50 mm from the top edges of the palings 16. Each of the rails 18, 20, 42 can be of aluminium or another suitable metal that is anodized or powder coated. The rails can be defined by flat bars with a width of between about 80 mm and 120 mm, for example 100 mm and a thickness of between about 4 mm and 8 mm, for example 6 mm. [000063] Where minor edges of the palings are transversely oriented with respect to the rails, the slots in the rails can be spaced so that a gap between the palings is between about 60 mm and 100 mm, for example 80 mm. In the other orientation, the gap can be similar, in one example, about 76 mm. [000064] The barrier 10 can be formed from modular units that are sized and shaped to facilitate transport, handling, and ease of assembly. [000065] Further, using base rails, for example two base rails, with aligned slots or apertures, enables a sufficiently secured base for supporting and bracing the palings at their end portions without having to jeopardize the integrity of the palings by way of drilling, excessive clamping of their long edges, or the like. It follows that advantageously comparatively brittle materials, such as glass or ceramics can be used for forming the palings. Furthermore, the use of the base rails obviates the need for clamps and other devices that engage the palings. As a result, desirable materials that are usually difficult to breach or otherwise engage can be used without jeopardizing their integrity. [000066] In this specification, the word "paling" is not to be regarded as limited to an elongated post, plank or the like with a pointed end. Instead, it should be regarded as any suitable, elongate element of the type used in a vertical orientation in fences and the like. It includes, but is not limited to an elongate element with a pair of major faces and a pair of minor faces. [000067] Accordingly, as permitted by law, the subject matter defined in the Summary and the claims includes and covers all equivalents of that subject matter and 11 all improvements to that subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [000068] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non claimed subject matter as essential to the claimed subject matter. [000069] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description of the drawings, drawing figures, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any part of the summary, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; c. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and d. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [000070] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

12 [000071] It will thus be realized that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such 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 the invention as is herein set forth.

Claims (11)

1. A barrier which includes: an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base; and a plurality of palings that are mounted onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base.

2. A barrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the paling mounting formations are formed for mounting the palings in an orientation in which elongated minor edges of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base.

3. A barrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the paling mounting formations are formed for mounting the palings in an orientation in which major faces of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base.

4. A barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongated base includes at least one elongated rail that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated rail.

5. A barrier which includes: at least two elongated base rails that are parallel and spaced apart one above the other, a lower one of the base rails having a plurality of paling mounting formations and an upper one of the base rails having apertures that register with the paling mounting formations; and a plurality of palings that are mounted onto the elongated base rails in a manner in which end portions of the palings protrude through the apertures so that ends of the palings cooperate with the paling mounting formations, thereby to support and brace the paling at their end portions.

6. A barrier as claimed in claim 5, in which the apertures and the paling mounting formations are formed for supporting and bracing the end portions of the palings in a manner in which the palings are in an orientation in which elongated minor edges of the palings face transversely away from the elongated base. 13

7. A method of erecting a barrier, the method including the steps of: providing an elongated base that has a plurality of paling mounting formations that are spaced apart along the elongated base; and mounting a plurality of palings onto the elongated base with the paling mounting formations, so that the palings are spaced apart along the elongated base.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, which includes the step of assembling the base from two elongated base rails, such that the base rails are parallel and spaced apart, a lower one of the base rails including the mounting formations and an upper one of the base rails having apertures that register with associated mounting formations in the lower one of the base rails.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, which includes the step of passing the palings through respective apertures to be received by the mounting formations of the lower one of the base rails.

10. A barrier substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

11. A method of erecting a barrier, substantially as herein described.