FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fence assembly. The invention also relates to a fence assembly that includes a gate assembly and to a gate assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In various applications, such as agricultural or domestic applications, it can be desirable to assemble a fence using readily available components and with minimum, if any, modification to those components. Furthermore, such assembly should be capable of being carried out with basic skill levels, not requiring specialised installers. This can be particularly useful in agricultural applications, where it might become necessary quickly to erect a fence assembly and, possibly, a fence assembly that incorporates a gate assembly.

Certain items that might be suitable for fencing of the type having spaced railings between posts can be impractical to use. Examples are standard galvanised steel I- beams and concrete sleepers. Such items have high structural integrity and a high resistance to environmental degradation. In addition, they can provide a fence that has significant aesthetic value. In particular, they can impart an “industrial” appearance to a fence, which can be aesthetically pleasing. However, such items or articles can be difficult to work with because they are heavy and do not lend themselves to drilling and shaping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence assembly that comprises: at least one fence post, the, or each, fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of two flanges interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines two, opposed channels; at least one fence railing, an end portion of the, or each, fence railing being positioned in at least one of the channels; and a mounting mechanism that is operatively engaged with one of the flanges and operable to drive the at least one fence railing against the other of the flanges to mount the at least one fence railing in an operative position on the, or each, fence post. The mounting mechanism may include at least one flange bracket fastened to one of the flanges, the, or each, flange bracket including a railing mount that extends outwardly with respect to the fence post to overlie a side of the fence railing and a bearing mechanism that is arranged on the railing mount and operable to bear against that side of the fence railing.

The mounting mechanism may include a jacking mechanism interposed between the, or each, fence railing and one of the flanges, and operable to bear against the fence railing to drive the fence railing against the other of the flanges.

The mounting mechanism may include a number of flange brackets, at least one of the flange brackets being a single-flange bracket that includes a flange mount that is fastenable to one of the flanges, the railing mount extending from the flange mount.

The flange mount may include an inner section and an outer section, the outer section spaced from and extending past the inner section. The inner and outer sections may define a slot in which an edge of the flange can be received, with the outer section overlying the flange and defining a number of threaded openings for receiving, respectively, threaded fasteners so that the single-flange bracket can be fastened to the flange by driving the fasteners into engagement with the flange.

The bearing mechanism may include one or more threaded openings defined in the railing mount so that a threaded fastener can be driven through the railing mount to bear against the fence railing.

The mounting mechanism may include a number of flange brackets, at least one of the flange brackets being a double-flange bracket that includes a flange mount, which is fastenable to one of the flanges of the fence posts, the railing mount extending from the flange mount and a further mount extending from the flange mount, so that the flange mount is interposed between the railing mount and said further mount.

The flange mount may include opposed inner sections and an outer section spaced from and interconnecting the railing and further mounts so that the inner sections and the outer section define opposed slots in which respective, opposed longitudinal edges of the first flange can be received. The outer section may overly the flange and may define a number of threaded openings for receiving, respectively, threaded fasteners so that the double-flange bracket can be fastened to the flange by driving the fasteners into engagement with the flange. One of a hinge assembly and a latch assembly for a gate may be mountable on said further mount.

The jacking mechanism may include a jacking plate and a threaded shank that extends from the jacking plate, a jacking nut being threaded onto the shank and the shank, and the jacking nut being dimensioned so that, when the jacking plate bears against the fence railing, the jacking nut can be rotated so that it is displaced away from the jacking plate to bear against said one of the flanges.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence assembly that comprises: a gate that includes a frame, the frame having first and second operatively vertical frame members; two fence posts positioned on respective opposite sides of a gate opening, each fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines an inner channel facing into the gate opening and an oppositely facing outer channel; a number of fence railings, end portions of the fence railings being positioned in each outer channel; and a mounting mechanism that is operatively engaged with one of the flanges of each fence post and operable to drive each fence railing against the other of the flanges to secure the fence railings in an operative position relative to the fence posts, the mounting mechanism being configured to mount one of a hinge assembly and latch assembly of the gate to each fence post.

The mounting mechanism may include a number of flange brackets fastened to one of the flanges of each fence post, each flange bracket including a flange mount that is fastenable to one of the flanges, a railing mount that extends from the fence post to overlie a side of a fence railing and an opposed further mount, one of the hinge and latch assembly for the gate being mountable on the further mount, the mounting mechanism including a bearing mechanism that is arranged on each railing mount and operable to bear against that side of the fence.

The flange mount may include opposed inner sections and an outer section spaced from, and interconnecting the railing and further mounts so that the inner sections and the outer section define opposed slots in which respective, opposed longitudinal edges of the first flange can be received with the outer section overlying the flange and defining a number of threaded openings for receiving, respectively, threaded fasteners so that the flange bracket can be fastened to the flange by driving the fasteners into engagement with the flange.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a gate assembly that comprises: a gate that includes a frame, the frame having first and second opposed, operatively vertical frame members; first and second fence posts positioned on respective opposite sides of a gate opening; a hinge assembly mounted to the second fence post and pivotally securing the second fence post to the second frame member so that the gate can swing between an open position to allow passage through the gate opening, and a closed position to inhibit passage through the gate opening; and a latch assembly mountable to the first fence post, the latch assembly configured for latching to the first frame member when the first frame member swings into the closed position and strikes the latch assembly.

The frame members may be circular cylindrical, and the hinge assembly may include two hinge members that are fastened to each other to define a pivot zone, the second frame member being received through the pivot zone to pivot with respect to the second fence post, allowing the gate to swing between the open and closed positions.

The latch assembly may include a static latch member that is fixed to the first fence post and an active latch member that is pivotally mounted on the static latch member, the active latch member being pivotal between an open position in which the first frame member can be received between the static and active latch members and a closed position in which the first frame member is releasably locked between the static and active latch members.

Each fence post may include two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of a first flange and a second flange interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines an inner channel facing into the gate opening and an opposed, outer channel.

The gate assembly may include a number of flange brackets that are fastened to the first flange, the latch assembly being mounted on one flange bracket on the first flange of the first fence post and the hinge assembly being mounted on one flange bracket on the first flange of the second fence post. A pintle and gudgeon assembly may be mounted on one flange bracket on the first flange of the second fence post for pivotal connection of a lower end of the second frame member to the second fence post.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence assembly that comprises: a first fence post and a second fence post spaced from the first fence post, each fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of a first flange and a second flange interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines an inner channel facing the other fence post and an opposed, outer channel; a number of fence railings, end portions of the fence railings being positioned in each outer channel a number of flange brackets fastened to the first flange of the fence posts, each flange bracket including a railing mount that extends outwardly with respect to the fence post to overlie a rear side of a fence railing; a bearing mechanism arranged on the railing mount of each flange bracket and operable to bear against a rear side of the fence railing; and a jacking mechanism interposed between a front side of each fence railing and the second flange and operable to bear against a front side of each fence railing, such that the bearing mechanisms and the jacking mechanisms are operable to secure the end portions of the fence railings in the outer channels.

A number of the flange brackets may be single-flange brackets that include a flange mount, the railing mount extending from the flange mount, which is fastenable to the first flange of the fence posts.

The flange mount may include an inner section and an outer section, the outer section spaced from and extending past the inner section, the inner and outer sections defining a slot in which the first flange can be received, with the outer section overlying the first flange and defining a number of threaded openings for receiving, respectively, threaded fasteners so that the single-flange bracket can be fastened to the first flange by driving the fasteners into engagement with the first flange.

The bearing mechanism may include one or more threaded openings defined in the railing mount so that a threaded fastener can be driven through the railing mount to bear against the rear side of the fence railing. A number of the flange brackets may be double-flange brackets that include a flange mount, which is fastenable to the first flange of the fence posts, a railing mount extending outwardly from the flange mount and a hinge mount extending inwardly from the flange mount, so that the flange mount is interposed between the railing mount and the hinge mount.

The flange mount may include opposed inner sections and an outer section spaced from, and interconnecting the hinge and railing mounts so that the inner sections and the outer section define opposed slots in which respective, opposed longitudinal edges of the first flange can be received with the outer section overlying the first flange and defining a number of threaded openings for receiving, respectively, threaded fasteners so that the double-flange bracket can be fastened to the first flange by driving the fasteners into engagement with the first flange.

A hinge assembly for a gate may be mountable on the hinge mount.

The jacking mechanism may include a jacking plate and a threaded shank that extends from the jacking plate, a jacking nut being threaded onto the shank and the shank, and the jacking nut being dimensioned so that, when the jacking plate bears against the fence railing, the jacking nut can be rotated so that it is displaced away from the jacking plate to bear against the second flange.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence assembly that comprises: a gate that includes a frame, the frame having first and second operatively vertical frame members; a first fence post and a second fence post positioned on respective opposite sides of a gate opening, each fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of a first flange and a second flange interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines an inner channel facing into the gate opening and an opposed, outer channel; a number of fence railings, end portions of the fence railings being positioned in each outer channel; a number of flange brackets fastened to the first flange of the fence posts, one or more of the flange brackets being single-flange brackets that include a railing mount that extends outwardly with respect to the fence post to overlie a rear side of a fence railing and one or more of the flange brackets being double-flange brackets that include the railing mount and a hinge mount that extends inwardly with respect to the fence post, a hinge assembly for the gate being mountable on the hinge mount; a bearing mechanism arranged on the railing mount of each flange bracket and operable to bear against a rear side of the fence railing; and a jacking mechanism interposed between a front side of each fence railing and the second flange and operable to bear against a front side of each fence railing, such that the bearing mechanisms and the jacking mechanisms are operable to secure the end portions of the fence railings in the outer channels.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a gate assembly having a gate that includes a frame, the frame having first and second opposed, operatively vertical frame members, a first fence post and a second fence post positioned on respective opposite sides of a gate opening, a hinge assembly and a latch assembly that is configured for latching to the first frame member when the first frame member strikes the latch assembly, the method including the steps of: mounting the hinge assembly to the second fence post and pivotally securing the second fence post to the second frame member with the hinge assembly so that the gate can swing between an open position to allow passage through the gate opening, and a closed position to inhibit passage through the gate opening; and mounting the latch assembly to the first fence post so that the first frame member can swing into the closed position and strike the latch assembly.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a fence assembly having a first fence post and a second fence post spaced from the first fence post, each fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of a first flange and a second flange interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines an inner channel facing the other fence post and an opposed, outer channel, and a number of fence railings, the method including the steps of: positioning end portions of the fence railings in each respective outer channel; fastening a number of flange brackets to the first flange of the fence posts, each flange bracket including a railing mount that extends outwardly with respect to the fence post to overlie a side of a fence railing, a bearing mechanism arranged on the railing mount of each flange bracket; and operating the bearing mechanism to bear against the side of the fence railing to mount the fence railings in the outer channels.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a fence assembly having at least one fence post, the, or each, fence post including two opposed, longitudinally extending flanges, in the form of two flanges interconnected by a web such that each fence post defines two, opposed channels, and a mounting mechanism that is operatively engaged with one of the flanges, the method including the steps of: positioning an end portion of at least one fence railing in at least one of the channels; and driving the at least one fence railing against the other of the flanges with the mounting mechanism to mount the at least one fence railing in an operative position on the, or each, fence post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a gate assembly, in accordance with the invention, as part of an embodiment of a fence assembly, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 A shows detail of a support assembly for supporting a fence rail of the fence assembly.

Figure 2 shows part of the gate assembly incorporating a latch assembly latched to a vertical frame member of a gate of the gate assembly.

Figure 3 shows part of the gate assembly incorporating a hinge assembly pivotally connected to a vertical frame member of the gate assembly.

Figure 4 shows a further view of the part of figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a pintle and gudgeon assembly of the gate assembly.

Figure 6 shows the latch assembly of figure 2.

Figure 7 shows the hinge assembly of figure 3.

Figure 8 shows a pintle assembly of the pintle and gudgeon assembly of figure 5.

Figure 9 shows a further example of a hinge assembly for the gate assembly.

Figure 10 shows a further example of a pintle assembly for the gate assembly.

Figure 11 shows a single-flange bracket for securing a fence rail to support posts of the gate assembly.

Figure 12 shows a double-flange bracket for securing a fence rail and a gate to support posts of the gate assembly. Figures 13A to 13E show operational stages of the latch assembly of figure 2.

Figure 14 shows a further example of a hinge assembly pivotally secured to a vertical frame member of the gate.

Figure 15 shows the hinge assembly of figure 14 in a released condition to facilitate mounting of the vertical frame member to the gate.

Figure 16 shows the hinge assembly of figure 14.

Figure 17 shows a fence rail engaged with the single-flange bracket of figure 11 .

Figure 18 shows another view of the fence rail of figure 17 engaged with the singleflange bracket of figure 11 .

Figure 19 shows a jacking mechanism engaged with the fence rail.

Figure 20 shows the jacking mechanism.

Figure 21 shows a support assembly secured to a fence post for supporting a fence rail in position prior to securing the fence rail to the fence post.

Figure 22 shows a method of use of the support assembly.

Figure 23 shows a second vertical frame member of a gate of a further embodiment of the gate assembly, in accordance with the invention, pivotally mounted to a fence post.

Figure 24 shows a bottom of the second vertical frame member of figure 23 pivotally mounted to the fence post with a gudgeon mount.

Figure 25 shows a hinge assembly for pivotally securing the vertical frame member of figure 23 to the fence post.

Figure 26 shows a plan view of the hinge assembly of figure 25.

Figure 27 shows the gudgeon mount of figure 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In figure 1 , reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of a gate assembly, in accordance with the invention, of an embodiment of a fence assembly 12, also in accordance with the invention. The gate assembly 10 includes a gate 14. The gate 14 includes a frame 16 with vertical frame members in the form of a first vertical frame member 18 and a second vertical frame member 20. The vertical frame members 18, 20 are interconnected with an upper frame member 22 and a lower frame member 24. The gate 14 can be a conventional gate of the type used in agricultural and domestic applications. Thus, the frame members 18, 20, 22, 24 can be of cylindrical tubular steel section.

Commonly, the cylindrical tubular steel section is of galvanised steel to make the frame members resistant to corrosion. An area defined by the frame members 18, 20, 22, 24 is spanned by a lattice of galvanised wire 26.

The gate assembly 10 includes a latch assembly 30, mounted to a fence post in the form of a first vertical fence post 28, for latching the first vertical frame member 18 to the first vertical fence post 28. The gate assembly 10 also includes a hinge assembly

32, mounted to a second vertical fence post 34, and a pintle and gudgeon assembly

33, mounted to the second vertical fence post 34, both the hinge assembly 32 and the pintle and gudgeon assembly 33 being for hinged connection of the second vertical frame member 20 to the second vertical fence post 34. The first and second fence posts 28, 34 are positioned on respective opposite sides of a gate opening 29.

Each fence post 28, 34 has two opposed flanges in the form of a first longitudinal flange 36 and a second, opposed longitudinal flange 38. An elongate longitudinal web 40 (figures 2 and 3) interconnects the flanges 36, 38. Thus, the first fence post 28 defines an outer channel 42 and an opposed inner channel 44 opening into the gate opening 29. Likewise, the second fence post 34 defines an outer channel 46 and an inner channel 48 (figure 3) opening outwardly with respect to the gate opening 29. End caps 50 are mounted on respective upper ends of the posts 28, 34.

The gate assembly 10 and fence assembly 12 include a mounting mechanism that includes a number of flange brackets including single-flange brackets 54, shown in detail in figure 11 , that are fastened to the first flange 36. The single-flange bracket 54 includes a flange mount 56 and a railing mount 58. The bracket 54 is fastened to the first flange 36 so that the railing mount 58 extends outwardly with respect to the fence post 28, 34 to overlie a side of a fence railing (described below). The flange mount 56 includes an inner section 59 and an outer section 60, the outer section 60 spaced from and extending past the inner section 59. The sections 59, 60 define a slot 61 in which an edge of the first flange 36 of the fence posts 28, 34 can be received, with the outer section 60 overlying the first flange 36. The railing mount 58 defines two threaded openings 62, the use of which is described in further detail below. The outer section 60 defines a number of threaded openings 64 for receiving two or more threaded fasteners 66 so that the single-flange bracket 54 can be fastened to the first flange 36 by driving the fasteners 66 into engagement with the first flange 36. It will be appreciated that this obviates the need for drilling holes into the fence posts 28, 34, or providing the fence posts 28, 34 with pre-formed openings. Thus, conveniently, a conventional, unmodified steel I-beam can be used for the fence post 28, 34.

The latch assembly 30 includes a mount plate 68 (figure 6) with two or more openings 70 that can be brought into register with two or more of the threaded openings 64 so that the latch assembly 30 can be fastened to the flange mount 56 with the fasteners 66, so mounting the latch assembly 30 to the single-flange bracket 54.

The latch assembly 30 includes a latch mechanism 72 that is configured to latch onto the first frame member 18 when the frame member 18 engages the latch mechanism 72. The latch mechanism 72 is configured so that it can be manipulated to release the frame member 22. In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 72 includes a static latch member 74 fixed to the mount plate 68. The latch mechanism 72 includes an active latch member 76 that overlies and is pivotally connected to the static latch member 74. The latch members 74, 76 are oriented so that the active latch member 76 pivots in an operatively horizontal plane. The active latch member 76 is pivotal between an open position in which the first vertical frame member 22 can be received between the static and active latch members 74, 76 and a closed position in which the vertical frame member 22 is locked between the latch members 74, 76. The active latch member 76 has a striker portion 78 and a closure portion 80. The active latch member 76 is pivotally connected to the static latch member 74 intermediate the striker portion 78 and the closure portion 80. This pivotal connection can be achieved in various ways. In this example, this is achieved by a bolt and nut assembly 82 with a shank 83 of the assembly 82 extending through both the static and active latch members 74, 76. The bolt and nut assembly 82 can be adjusted so that pivotal movement of the active latch member 76 relative to the static latch member 74 is dampened by friction. Thus, when the active latch member 76 is manipulated into an open condition, the active latch member 76 is inhibited from swinging back into a closed position. Thus, when the gate 14 is open, the active latch member 76 can remain in an open condition ready for closure of the gate 14 In this embodiment, the gate 14 is positioned so that the first vertical frame member 22 overlies the first flange 36 of the fence post 28, when the gate 14 is closed. The latch members 74, 76 are pivotally connected to each other so that when the active latch member 76 is in the open position, the striker portion 78 is in front of the first flange 36 of the fence post 28. Thus, when the gate 14 pivots into a closed position, the first frame member 22 strikes the striker portion 78 and the active latch member 76 pivots into the closed position. The active latch member 76 is shaped to define an over-centre mechanism so that, once the active latch member 76 pivots into the closed position, the frame member 22 is locked between the static and active latch members 74, 76, requiring manual manipulation of the active latch member 76 to release the frame member 22. Corresponding ends of the static latch member 74 and the closure portion 80 define openings 84 to allow the latch members 74, 76 to be locked to each other with a suitable locking mechanism, such as a padlock (not shown), when the closure portion 80 overlies the static latch member 74 in the closed position.

Operation of the latch mechanism 72 is shown in figures 13A to 13E. In this example, the latch assembly 30 is configured for mounting directly onto the flange. However, the principle of operation is the same. In figure 13A, the active latch member 76 is in the open position and the first vertical frame member 18 is at an entrance defined by the latch members 74, 76. In figure 13B, the frame member 22 strikes the striker portion 78 and the closure portion 80 begins to move into the closed position. In figure 13C, the active member 76 pivots further towards the closed position under the action of the frame member 22. In figure 13D, the active member 76 is pivoted into an over-centre position in which the frame member 22 is retained in a zone defined by the static and active latch members 74, 76. In figure 13E, the openings 84 are brought into register with each other so that the latch members 74, 76 can be locked together.

The gate assembly 10 and the fence assembly 12 include a mounting mechanism that includes number of double-flange brackets 86. Detail of the double-flange bracket 86 is shown in figure 12. The double-flange bracket 86 includes a mount, in the form of a hinge mount 88, a railing mount 90, and a flange mount 92 interposed between the hinge and railing mounts 88, 90. Instead of the hinge mount 88, the bracket 86 can include a further railing mount 90 where railings are secured or mounted between two of the fence posts 28, 34. The flange mount 92 includes opposed inner sections 94.1 , 94.2 and an outer section 96 spaced from, and interconnecting the hinge and railing mounts 88, 90. Thus, the inner sections 94.1 , 94.2 and the outer section 96 define opposed slots 98.1 , 98.2 in which respective, opposed longitudinal edges of the first flange 36 of the fence posts 28, 34 can be received with the outer section 96 overlying the first flange 36. That is achieved by sliding the double-flange bracket 86 onto the first flange 36, with the end cap 50 removed in a method of erecting the fence assembly 12. The outer section 96 defines a number of threaded openings 100 for receiving a number of threaded fasteners 102 so that the double-flange bracket 86 can be fastened to the first flange 36 by driving the fasteners 102 into bearing engagement with the first flange 36. The railing mount 90 defines two threaded openings 104, the use of which is described in further detail below. It will be appreciated that the hinge mount 88 extends inwardly from the flange mount 92. The hinge mount 88 defines two threaded openings 105.

The hinge assembly 32 is shown in further detail in figure 7. The hinge assembly 32 includes a rear mount plate 106 and a front mount plate 108. The plates 106, 108 each define two corresponding openings 110. The openings 110 also correspond with the openings 105 in the hinge mount 88 of the bracket 86. Thus, the hinge mount 88 can be clamped between the rear and front mount plates 106, 108 with suitable fasteners received through the openings 105, 110. For example, shanks 112 of nut and bolt fasteners 113 can be received through the openings 105, 110 to secure the hinge assembly 32 to the double-flange bracket 86 and thus the second fence post 34.

The hinge assembly 32 includes two hinge arms 115.1 , 115.2 that are shaped to enclose the second vertical frame member 20. The hinge arm 115.1 is fixed to the rear mount plate 106 and the hinge arm 115.2 is fixed to the front mount plate 108. The hinge arms 115 are shaped so that, when the mount plates 106, 108 are secured to the hinge mount 88, the hinge arms 115 together define a pivot zone 111 in which the second frame member 20 can be received, to pivot with respect to the second fence post 28. Thus, the second vertical frame member 20 can be pivotally secured to the second fence post 34 when the hinge mount 88 is clamped between the rear and front mount plates 106, 108.

The gate assembly 10 includes a pintle and gudgeon assembly 114 (figure 5) for pivotally mounting a lower end of the second frame member 20 to the second fence post 34. The pintle and gudgeon assembly 114 includes a pintle assembly 116 (figure 8). The pintle assembly 116 includes a mounting plate 118. The pintle assembly 116 also includes a carrier 120. The carrier 120 includes an operatively vertical section 122 that is fastened to the mounting plate 118. An operatively horizontal section 124 extends generally orthogonally with respect to the section 122. A pintle 126 extends upwardly from the section 124.

The mounting plate 118 and vertical section 122 define two openings 128 that can register with the openings 105 in the hinge mount 88 so that the pintle assembly 116 can be fastened to the hinge mount 88 with nut and bolt fasteners 123.

Thus, the second frame member 20 of the gate 16 can be pivotally secured to the second fence post 34 with two of the double-flange brackets 86, the hinge assembly 32 and the pintle and gudgeon assembly 114.

In the above example, the second frame member 20 of the gate 16 is mounted in an offset manner in relation to the second fence post 34. It is envisaged that it may be desirable for the second frame member 20 to be inward of the second fence post 34, that is, positioned in the gate opening 29.

Thus, in a further embodiment, there is provided a hinge assembly 130 (figure 9) which includes first and second clamp plates 132, 134. The clamp plates 132, 134 each define two openings that can register with the openings 105 in the hinge mount 88 of the double-flange bracket 86 when the hinge mount 88 is received between the clamp plates 132, 134. Thus, the hinge mount 88 can be clamped between the clamp plates 132, 134 with nut and bolt fasteners 136.

The hinge assembly 130 includes a first hinge member 138 extending generally orthogonally from the first clamp plate 132 and a second hinge member 140 extending generally orthogonally from the second clamp plate 134. The hinge members 138, 140 are shaped so that, when the hinge mount 88 is clamped between the plates 132, 134, the hinge members 130, 140 define a pivot zone 142 in which the second frame member 20 can be pivotally received. For example, the hinge members 138, 140 define partially circular profiles so that, when brought together in opposed orientations, they can define the pivot zone 142 to be partially circular cylindrical.

In figure 10, reference numeral 144 shows a pintle assembly for use with the hinge assembly 130. In this embodiment, the vertical section 122 of the carrier 120 is fixed to first and second clamp plates 146, 148. The clamp plates 146, 148 each define two openings that can be brought into register with the openings 105 in the hinge mount 88 of the double-flange bracket 86 when the hinge mount 88 is received between the clamp plates 146, 148. Thus, the hinge mount 88 can be clamped between the clamp plates 146, 148 with nut and bolt fasteners 150.

The vertical section 122 of the carrier 120 is fixed to edges of the clamp plates 146, 148 so that the horizontal section 124 is generally aligned with the hinge mount 88.

Thus, in this embodiment, the second vertical frame member 20 can pivot about a line that is inward of the second fence post 34, in the gate opening 29, as opposed to offset with respect to the second fence post 34 as is the case with the hinge assembly 32 and pintle assembly 116.

Figures 14 to 16 show another example of a hinge assembly 152 for the gate assembly 10.

The hinge assembly 152 includes a mounting plate 154 that is fastenable to the first flange 36 of the second fence post 34, via openings 155 in the mounting plate 154 that accommodate suitable fasteners 157. The mounting plate 154 can also be fastened to the single-flange bracket 54, with the fasteners 66 received through the openings 155, or to the double-flange bracket 86, with the fasteners 102 received through the openings 155, depending on the required position of the hinge assembly 152. This facilitates connection to structural steel components, such as I-beams, without the need to drill holes in the I-beams.

The hinge assembly 152 can also be mounted to other forms of fence post such as round or square/rectangular timber, concrete, or steel posts by using fasteners received through the openings 155.

Thus, the hinge assembly 152 can be used without a bracket 54, 68 and with the pintle and gudgeon assembly 114 to pivotally mount the gate 14, via the second frame member 20, to the second fence post 34.

The hinge assembly 152 includes a lower arcuate hinge member 156 that is fastened to the mounting plate 154. An upper arcuate hinge member 158 is fastenable to the lower arcuate hinge member 156 to partially overlie the lower hinge member 156.

The hinge members 156, 158 are shaped so that, when fastened together, they define a generally circular cylindrical pivot zone 160 in which the second frame member 20 of the gate can be received so that it can pivot with respect to the second fence post 34. The hinge members 156, 158 define corresponding openings 162 (figure 15) at their respective ends so that they can be fastened together with suitable fasteners 164. Each of the hinge members 156, 158 defines a partially circular profile so that they can be brought together in opposed orientations to define the circular cylindrical hinge zone 160 in which the frame member 20 is received.

The fence assembly 12 includes fence railings in the form of concrete railings 166. The concrete railings 166 can be in the form of concrete sleepers. Concrete sleepers are ideal for outdoor conditions and have significant structural integrity. It follows that the use of concrete sleepers results in a fencing assembly that is substantially weather resistant. Furthermore, concrete sleepers are readily available and are generally low in cost. Fence railings usually require drilling or pre-formed openings for fasteners that extend into or through the fence railings to fasten the fence railings to the fence posts. It will be appreciated that it may be impractical to drill into concrete sleepers so that the concrete sleepers can be fastened to the fence posts. Furthermore, where the fence posts are in the form of structural steel posts such as the I-beams described above, it may also be impractical to drill through such posts. Thus, the invention extends to a mechanism for securing the concrete railings 166 to the fence posts 28, 34. The mechanism described herein can also be used to secure other forms of railings to the fence posts 28, 34, such railings not necessarily being limited to concrete railings.

In figures 17 to 20, there is shown the concrete railings 166 secured to the fence posts 28, 34 using the single-flange bracket 54.

The mounting mechanism includes a bearing mechanism 159 (figure 17) that is arranged on the railing mount 58 of each bracket 54 to be operatively engaged with one of the flanges 36, 38 and operable to drive the fence railing 166 against the other of the flanges to mount the fence railing 166 in an operative position on the fence post 28, 34.

The bearing mechanism 159 includes the two threaded openings 62 defined by the railing mount 58, as described above. The bearing mechanism 159 includes a shank 170 of a bolt 172 that can be threaded through each opening 62. With an end portion 167 of the railing 166 positioned in the outer channel 42 of the fence post 28, 34, (figure 17) the bolts 172 can be rotated so that a free end of the shank 170 bears against a rear side 169 of the railing 166. Generally, where conventional concrete sleepers are used, the railing 166 has a thickness that is less than a width of the channel 42. The bearing mechanism 159 can include any threaded fastener received through each opening 62. For example, instead of the bolt 172, a threaded shank with a head for manipulation without a tool can be received through each opening 62. This may be useful for those situations where the required connection of the railing to the fence post is temporary. Thus, the bolts 172 can be rotated to drive the railing 166 into bearing engagement with the flange 38.

Instead of the bearing mechanism 159, a jacking mechanism 168 can be interposed between the railing 166 and the second flange 38 and is operable to bear against a front side 173 of the railing 166 (figure 19) to drive the end portion 167 into bearing engagement with the flange 36. The jacking mechanism 168 includes a jacking plate 174 and a threaded shank 176 that extends from the plate 174. A jacking nut 178 is threaded onto the shank 176. The shank 176 and the jacking nut 178 are dimensioned so that, when the jacking plate 174 bears against the front side 173 of the railing 166, the jacking nut 178 can be rotated so that it is displaced away from the jacking plate 174 to bear against the second flange 38 of the fence post 28, 34. Thus, the bolts 172 and the jacking nut 178 can be rotated so that the railing 166 is secured in position between the shanks 170 and the jacking plate 174. Thus, the railing 166 can be secured to the fence post 28, 34 without the need for drilling openings into the railing 166 or the fence post 28, 34.

Given the weight of the railings 166, it is desirable that the railings 166 be supported in position while the railings 166 are secured to the fence posts 28, 34.

Thus, there is provided a support assembly 180 (figures 1 A, 21 and 22) for supporting the railing 166 while the railing 166 is secured in position. The support assembly 180 includes a support member 182. The support member 182 includes an operatively vertical support plate 184 and an operatively horizontal support plate 186 that extends generally orthogonally from the support plate 184. A threaded shank 188 extends from the support plate 184, below the support plate 186. A jacking nut 190 is threaded onto the shank 188. The shank 188 and the nut 190 are dimensioned so that the support plate 184 can be brought to bear against the first flange 36 while the nut 190 can be driven, with a suitable tool 192, as shown in figure 22, to bear against the second flange 38 so that the support member 182 can be secured against the first flange 36. In that position, the railing 166 can be supported on the support plate 186 while the railing 166 is secured between the flanges 36, 38, as described above.

As can be seen in figure 1 , the double-flange bracket 86 is also used to secure the railings 166 to the second fence post 34. Bolts 193 can be threaded through the openings 104 to bear against the railing 166, as with the single-flange bracket 54. The bolts 193 can be used with the jacking support 168 and the support assembly 189, in the manner described above, with reference to the single-flange bracket 54.

In the example of figure 1 , three fence railings 166 are secured to each of the fence posts 28, 34. The fence railings are in the form of an upper fence railing 166.1 , an intermediate fence railing 166.2 and a lower fence railing 166.3. One of the doubleflange brackets 86 is used to secure the hinge assembly 32 and the upper fence railing 166.1 to the second fence post 34 and another of the double-flange brackets 86 is used to secure the pintle and gudgeon assembly 33 and the lower fence railing 166.3 to the second fence post 34. One of the single-flange brackets 54 is used to secure the intermediate fence railing 166.2 to the second fence post 34. One of the single-flange brackets 54 is used to secure the upper fence railing 166.1 and the latch assembly 30 to the first support post 28. Two of the single-flange brackets 54 are used to secure the intermediate fence railing 166.2 and the lower fence railing 166.3 to the first support post 28.

In figures 23 to 26, reference numeral 194 generally indicates another example of a gate assembly. In the gate assembly 194, the first flange 36 faces inwardly. In other words, the fence posts 28, 34 of the gate assembly 194 are at substantially 90° relative to their orientation in the gate assembly 10.

The gate assembly 194 includes a hinge assembly 196 that is configured for slipping over the first flange 36 for mounting to the second fence post 34. To that end, the hinge assembly 196 includes a base plate 198. The base plate 198 defines an opening in the form of a generally T-shaped slot 200 to accommodate the first flange 36 and the web 40, allowing the hinge assembly 196 to be slid into a suitable position on the fence post 34. The hinge assembly 196 is configured to be fastened or secured to the fence post 34 in that position. In this example, a number of grub screws or bolts 202 are threaded into an operatively inner edge 199 of the base plate 198 to extend into the slot 200 so that they can engage the first flange 36 and retain the hinge assembly 196 in position. A mounting plate 203 is fixed to an outer edge 204 of the base plate 198 to be oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the base plate 198.

The mounting plate 203 is pivotally mounted to the second frame member 20. To that end, a generally U-shaped hinge member 206 is fastenable to the mounting plate 203. Two opposed flanges 208 with arcuate free edges 210 are fastened to the mounting plate 203. The hinge member 206 is interposed between the flanges 208 so that the hinge member 206 and the flanges 208 define a pivot zone 211 in which the second frame member 20 is pivotal.

The gate assembly 194 includes a gudgeon mount 212. The gudgeon mount 212 includes a gudgeon support plate 214. The plate 214 defines a T-shaped slot 216 to accommodate the first flange 36 and the web 40, allowing the gudgeon mount 212 to be slid into a suitable position, below the hinge assembly 196. A number of grub screws or bolts 217 are threaded into an outer edge 218 of the plate 214 to extend into the slot 216 so that they can engage the first flange 36 and retain the gudgeon mount 212 in position.

The plate 214 defines a pintle opening 222 to receive a pintle (not shown) extending from a lower end of the second frame member 20.

In use, the gudgeon mount 212 is slid down into a suitable position and secured using the grub screws 217. Then, the hinge assembly 196 is slid into a suitable position and secured using the grub screws 202. The lower end of the second frame member 20 is positioned on the gudgeon mount 212 with the pintle extending through the opening 222. The hinge member 206 is then fastened to the mounting plate 202 so that the gate 14 is pivotally secured to the second fence post 34.

It is envisaged that the flange brackets 54, 86 and the bearing and jacking mechanisms described herein can be used for securing a variety of different structural components to the posts 28, 34. These can include different forms of fence railings, panels, such as concrete panels, and end fixings for bracing or fencing connections.

It will be appreciated that the gate assembly 10, 194 does not require any modification for it to be mounted between the fence posts 28, 34. Furthermore, the fence posts 28, 34 can be conventional steel I-beams which are readily available and particularly suited for being mounted in a concrete footer or driven into the ground. Thus, the gate assembly 10, 194 is particularly suited for relatively simple erection using a conventional gate and conventional I-beams.

Furthermore, the gate assembly 10 and fence assembly 12 are particularly suited for making use of fence railings in the form of concrete sleepers. Concrete sleepers are readily available, have a high structural integrity and are weather-resistant. Also, as will be appreciated from figure 1 , the various components are not visible from one side of the fence assembly 12. Thus, the fence assembly 12 can be aesthetically pleasing, providing a popular “industrial look”.

The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description.

Throughout this specification, reference to any advantages, promises, objects or the like should not be regarded as cumulative, composite, and/or collective and should be regarded as preferable or desirable rather than stated as a warranty.

Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising," (and variants thereof) or related terms such as "includes" (and variants thereof)," are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers.

Words indicating direction or orientation, such as, but not limited to, “front”, “rear”, “back”, etc, are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non-operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

The term “and/or”, e.g., “A and/or B” shall be understood to mean either “A and B” or “A or B” and shall be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.

Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.