Fencing System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fencing or balustrade system, and in particular, but not exclusively to security fencing systems and poolside fencing systems.

BACKGROUND

There is an ever growing demand for robust fencing systems particularly for improved security of properties, and to keep the public safe, for example fences to keep children out of swimming pools or to keep people away from cliffs or the edges of buildings and bridges. Picket type fences are particularly suitable for these applications as they can be difficult to- climb over. Fences having long vertical pickets with widely spaced rails are not easily climbed as they do not provide convenient stepping points. In addition the tops of the pickets can be pointed to make the fences more difficult to scale.

While picket fences can be made from wood, they can be more durable if made from other materials such as steel, aluminium or plastic. A problem with these other materials however is in assembling the fences. While nails can be used with wood, other fastening systems must be used with steel, aluminium or plastic. And in addition, the fastening systems need to be tamper proof if the fence is to be suitable as a security or safety fence.

While steel and aluminium fences can be welded, this construction method is not always convenient, particularly in the field. In addition, welding can destroy protective coatingSj such as galvanising, meaning that welded sections of fence often require re-protection, for example galvanising after assembly.

. Prefabrication is not always convenient as many fences need to be customised to suit a particular location, for example to follow the contour of the land on which the fence is situated. For this reason the fastening method needs to be versatile enough to allow the pickets to be fastened to the rails at a range of angles. For example if the fence line runs up a slope, the rails need to generally follow the contour, but the pickets should ideally always be vertical, for the sake of appearance and to ensure that the fence remains difficult to scale.

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In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, Jααo.wnJto the public, part of common general knowledgej-or.known to be ■5.. ..relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fencing system and method of . assembling a fence which will at least go some way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. 0 STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect,- the invention consists in a fencing system having one or more rails that are generally aligned with a length of the fencing system, the or each rail having an internal passageway . along its length, the fencing system further including a plurality of upright members that are adapted to be connectable to the or each rail, and the fencing5 system further including at least one elongate locking member that is configured to fit within the internal passageway and to pass through an opening or channel in each upright member to secure each upright member to the or each rail, and the locking member and/or the opening or channel in each upright member is configured to allow the upright members to be connected to the or each rail at a range of angles. . . - ^{• •} - 0 Preferably the upright members fit through holes or slots provided at locations along the length of the or each rail.

Preferably the body of each upright member passes through the or each rail, or one or both ends of the upright member pass into the or each rail.

Optionally the upright members are connected to a side of the or each rail, and each upright5 members include one or more studs, bosses or similar protrusions that is/are adapted to fit into the holes or slots in the rails and to engage with the locking member.

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Preferably_the or ^ach .opening or channel in each upright member is larger on a first side of the .upright member than it is on a second side of the upright member. ^' .

Optionally the locking member has a reduced cross section, or is waisted, at a number of locations along its length, and the spacing of the waisted locations is the same as the spacing 5 of adjacent upright members.

Preferably the holes or slots on each rail, through which the upright members can pass, are larger on a first edge of the rail than they are on a second edge. -

Preferably the holes or slots on each rail, through which the upright members can pass, are sized on the first edge of the rail to match the size of the upright members, and are elongated 10. on the second edge in comparison to the holes or slots on the first edge.

Preferably the fencing system further includes a spacer member that is configured to support the locking member within the internal passageway.

Preferably the spacer member comprises a top slide member slidably joined to a bottom slide cover wherein the top cover member has legs which are slidably seated on raised guide 15 blocks on the bottom slide cover and the top slide member is slidably joined to an upright member or picket.

Preferably the top slide member has clipping means to allow it to be located with the upright member.

Preferably each spacer member is slotted to allow an upright to. pass there though. 0 Preferably spacer members in use can be removably interconnected in an end to end relationship when in use in a rail

Preferably the locking means in use is seated on the bottom cover and is between the top slide member and bottom slide cover of each, spacer member and is located within and through the rail. 5 Preferably, there is an aperture in either the top slide member or bottom slide cover for the locking means in use to pass through

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Preferably_a, section of fence that is constructed using the fencing -system is supported at each end by a post or other support structure.

Preferably the ends of the or each rail fit into cavities in the posts or other support structure . , and access into the internal passageway of the or each rail is closed off when the ends of the -5 or each rail are inserted into the cavities.

In a second aspect,. the invention consists in a fencing system comprising one or more rails that are generally aligned with a length of the fencing system, -and a plurality of upright

. members or pickets, the upright members being connected to the or each rail by a mechanical fastening system that is internal to the rails, the mechanical fastening system being adapted0 to allow the _. upright members to be connected to the or each rail at a range of angles.

Preferably the mechanical fastening system includes one or more elongate locking member that is/are configured to fit within an internal passageway that runs along the length of the or each rail.

Preferably the or each upright member includes an opening or channel through which the5 elongate locking member can pass.

, Preferably the upright members fit through holes or slots provided at locations along the length of the or each rail.

Preferably the body of each upright member passes through the or each rail, or one or both ends of the upright member pass into, the or each rail. 0 Optionally the upright members are connected to a side of the or each rail, and each upright members include one or more studs, bosses or similar protrusions that is/are adapted to fit into the holes or slots, in the. rails and to engage with the locking member.

Preferably the or each opening or channel in each upright member is larger on a first side of the upright member than it is on a second side of the upright member. 5 Optionally the locking member has a reduced cross section, or is waisted, at a number of locations along its length, and the spacing of the waisted locations is the same as the spacing of adjacent upright members.

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Preferably- the holes... or slots on each rail, -through which the upright members can pass, ^" are . larger on a first edge of the rail than they are on a second edge. ; ^" "

-Preferably the holes or slots on each rail, through which- the upright members can pass, are - sized on.the first edge of the rail to match the size of the upright members, and are elongated _ 5. ^■ - on the second edge in comparison to the holes or slots on the first edge.

Optionally the mechanical fastening system includes internal clips, and/or protrusions on the upright members that are configured to allow the upright members to pass into the rails, but to prevent them being removed from the rails. ^■

Preferably the fencing system further includes a spacer member that is configured to support 10 the locking member within the internal passageway; -

Preferably the spacer, member comprises a top slide member slidably joined to a bottom slide cover wherein the top _τ slide member has legs which are slidably seated on raised guide blocks pn the bottom slide cover and the top slide member is slidably located to an upright member or picket.

15 Preferably the top. slide member has clipping means to allow it to be located with the upright member. . .

-Preferably each spacer member is slotted to allow an upright to pass there though.

Preferably spacer members in use can be removably interconnected in an end to end type relationship when in use in a rail

20 Preferably the locking means in use is seated on the bottom slide cover and is between the . top slide member and bottom slide cover of each spacer member and is located within and through the rail.

Preferably, there is an aperture in either or both the top or bottom cover members for the locking means in use to pass through

25 Preferably a section of fence that is constructed using the fencing system is supported at each end by a post or other support structure.

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... Preferably the _. ends; of the, or each rail fit into -cavities in the -posts- or other support structure and access into the internal passageway of the or each rail-is closed off when the ends of the or each rail are inserted into the cavities.

In a third aspect, the invention- consists in a -fence incorporating at least one fencing system" ^" -- substantially as specified herein. ^• - - ^' • .

In _: a fourth-aspect, the indention consists in a method- of assembling a fence as disclosed above, the fence having upper and lower rails with upright members or pickets and spacer ■ members wherein the method includes the following steps of: ^{' ~ •}

-assemble each top slide member onto a bottom slide cover for several spacer members

- j oin spacer members together

-feed in and slide spacer member assemblies inside top rail until rail slots are located and straddled

-feed in and slide spacer member inside the lower rails until rail slots are located and straddled

-insert uprights/pickets down through the upper and then lower rails

-feed in locking means in both upper and lower rails.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

DESCRIPTION

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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JE ¹ IGURE 1 is; _. a side elevation view of a fencing system according to the pre'sent . invention, with the rails of the fencing system in a horizontal orientation,

- FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the fencing system with the rails inclined at an angle,

FIGURES 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are left side elevation, front elevation, right side

. elevation and top plan views respectively of a first example of-a picket of the fencing system, ..

FIGURES 4a, 4b and 4c are left side elevation, front elevation and right side elevation views respectively of a second example of a picket of the fencing system,

FIGURES 5a, 5b and 5c are top plan elevation, front elevation and end elevation views respectively of a first example of a rail of the fencing system,

FIGURES 6a and 6b are top plan elevation and front elevation views respectively of . a second example of a rail of the fencing system,

FIGURES 7a, 7b and 7c are top plan elevation, front elevation and end elevation . views respectively of a first example of an internal spacer of the fencing system,

FIGURE 8 is, a front elevation view of a locking wire or bar of the fencing system,

FIGURES 9a and 9b are cross sectional views of a joint of a first example of the fencing system with the rail shown horizontal, and at an inclined angle, respectively,

FIGURES 10a and 10b are left side elevation and front elevation views respectively of a third example of a picket of the fencing system, ^{" "} .

FIGURE 11 is a front elevation view of a locking bar or plate of the fencing system,

FIGURES 12a and 12b are cross sectional views of a joint of a second example of the fencing system with the rail shown horizontal, and at an inclined angle, respectively,

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-FIGURES 13a and 13b are top plan elevation and end elevation views respectively of a third example of a rail of the fencing system,- . . .. -

. FIGURE- 14 -is a. cross sectional side elevation view of the fencing system ^" showing optional internal tubes, . .

_; 5 FIGURES 15a, 15b and 15c are top plan elevation, front elevation and end elevation

■ views respectively of a second example of an internal spacer of the fencing system,

FIGURES 16a and 16b are cross sectional views of a joint of a fourth example of the fencing system with the rail shown horizontal, and at ah inclined angle, respectively,

FIGURES 17a, 17b and 16c are cross sectional views of a joint of a fourth example 10 - . of the fencing system, showing a cross section view AA, a cross sectional view BB with the rail shown horizontal, and the cross sectional view BB with the rail shown at an inclined angle, respectively,

FIGURES 18a and 18b are front elevation views of a balustrade system with the balustrade rails shown horizontal, and at an angle, respectively, and

15 FIGURES 19a and 19b are cross sectional views of two joints in the balustrade system with the picket or upright shown ending within, a rail, and with the upright passing though a rail, respectively.

FIGURE 20 is a cross sectional view of four uprights/pickets and rails in the balustrade system with the picket or uprights shown protruding beyond the rail.

2Q FIGURE 21 is a cross sectional close up view of a joint in the balustrade system as shown in figure 20. ^•

FIGURES 22 is a top plan view of the system shown in figure 20.

FIGURE 23 is an end view of the system as shown in figure 20.

FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of several joints in the balustrade system with the 25 picket or upright shown ending within an upper rail, and with the upright passing though a lower rail, respectively.

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- FIGUBE 25ds a cross sectional view of system as shown in figure 24 with the picket or upright shown, ending within a rail, and with the Upright passing though a rail, respectively.

-FIGURE 26_ is a close up cross sectional view of a joint in the balustrade system with , 5 - the picket or upright shown ending within a rail, and with the upright passing though a rail, respectively.

. FIGURE 27- is a cross sectional top plan view of the system as shown in figure 25.

FIGURE 28 is a: close up top plan view of spacer member and the locking member as shown in figure 27.

10. FIGURE 29 is. a cross sectional view of the top of a picket and rail joint in the balustrade system of figures 24-28.

FIGURE 30 is a cross sectional view of the bottom of a picket and rail joint in the balustrade system of figures 24-28." . -

FIGURE 31 is a cross sectional end view through one picket of the joints of figures 15 29 and 30.

FIGURE 32 is a cross sectional end view through between pickets of the joints of figures 29 and 30.

FIGURE 33 is a cross sectional bottom plan view of the bottom slide cover for the spacer member. 0 FIGURE 34 is a cross sectional side view of the bottom slide cover for the spacer member.

FIGURE 35 is cross sectional end view of the bottom slide cover for the spacer member.

FIGURE 36 is a cross sectional top view of the bottom slide cover for the spacer 5 member.

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FIGURE 37 is. a. cross sectional top plan view of the top slide of the spacer member. ^•

FIGURE 38 is a cross sectional side view of the top slide of the spacer member.

FIGURE _. 39 is a cross sectional end view of the tojp slide of the spacer member.

FIGURE 40 is a cross sectional bottom view of the ^" top slide of the spacer member:

-FIGURE 41 is a cross sectional bottom plan view of the bottom of the rail with the picket holes shown as in figure ^' 20. - ; ^"

. FIGURE 42 is a cross sectional side view ^" of the rail shown as in figure 20.

FIGURE 43 is a cross sectional end view of the rail of the system as shown as in figure 20. ^{~ . . . .}

FIGURE 44 is. a cross sectional top plan view of the rail with the picket holes shown as in figure 20.

FIGURE 45 is a cross sectional front view of the picket as shown as in figure 20.

FIGURE 46 is a cross sectional side view of the picket showing slots at. the joint for a rail as shown as in figure 20.

FIGURE 47 is a cross sectional top view of a picket.

FIGURE 48 is a cross sectional back view, of a picket the same as figure 45.

Figures.1 and 2 illustrate a fencing system (10) according to the present invention. In the example shown the fencing system (10) comprises two rails (11) that run along the length of

-the fencing system (1-0) and a number of upright members (13) or pickets. The assembly of the rails (11) and pickets (13) can be supported by posts (not shown) at suitable intervals. The fencing system (10) can be assembled without any external or visible fastening systems as shown in the figures. In addition the fencing system (10) can be constructed with the upright members (13) or pickets connected perpendicular to the rails (11) as shown in figure I ₅ or with the upright members (13) or pickets connected at a range of angles to the rails (11), one such orientation being shown in figure 2.

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- The present invention includes an internal mechanical -fastening system ^" that allows the range of-angles between -the. upright members (13) or pickets and the rails (11) to be achieved. A number of examples of the internal mechanical fastening systems are described below.

FIRST EXAMPLE

5 With reference to .Figures 3 to 9, a first example of a fencing system (21) is shown and . . described. The fencing, system (21) includes two rails _. (233 that are generally aligned with a length of the fencing system (21). The rails (23) in this example are made from rectangular hollow, section tubes having an internal passageway (24) along their length. The fencing system (21) also includes a number of upright members or pickets (25) that are connectable0 to the rails (23). . . ^" _. - .- _, . ... _. . _.

. Figures .3 and 4 show two versions of pickets (25). Figure 3 shows a picket (25a) that has a

^• round cross sectional profile, and figure 4 shows a picket (25b) that HSfe a rectangular cross sectional profile. Figures .5 and 6 show two versions of the rails (23). Figure 5 shows a rail

. . (23a) that is configured. for the round pickets (25a), and figure 6 shows a rail (23b) that is5 configured for the rectangular pickets (25b). -

• .- The rail. (23a) includes round holes (27) in its top edge (29), and elongate holes (31) With rounded ends in its bottom edge (33). Similarly the rail (23b) includes rectangular holes (35) in its top edge (37), and longer rectangular holes (39) in its bottom edge (41). In each case the holes in the bottom edges, (33) and (41), are longer than the holes on the top edges, (29)0 - and (37), in the direction of the length of the rails (23). : v - - ^•

The pickets (25) have holes or openings (43) through which a locking member (45) can pass to securely connect, the pickets to the rails (23).. In this case the .pickets (25) are made of tubular or hollow material and therefore the pickets have separate holes on their left and their

. right sides. It can be seen in figures 3 and 4 that the left side holes (43a) are larger or longer5 than the right side holes (43b), which in this case are simply circular holes.

Figure 8 shows the elongate locking member (45) which is configured to fit within the internal passageway (24) and to pass through the openings (43) in each upright member (25) to secure each upright member (25) to each rail (23).

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. -Figures 9a and ψo show.how the upright members (25) are connected to the rails (23) and how they are held securely, in place by the locking member (45). In this example the body of the upright members (25) are fitted through the holes or slots, (27), (31), (35) and/or (39), which are provided at generally equally spaced locations along the length of the rails (23). ^• -

^■ _ 5 - It can be seenλat the openings (43) in. each upright member (25) are configured to allow the upright members (25) to be connected to the rails (23) at a range of angles. Since the left side holes (43a) are elongated relative to the right side holes (43b), the locking member (45) is able to pass through. the upright members (25) even when they are not orientated perpendicular to the rails (23).

, 10 As noted earlier, the holes or slots, (27), (31), (35) and/or (39), in each rail (23), through, which the upright members (25) pass, are larger on the bottom edge (29) or (37) of the rail

, , (23) than they are on the top edge (33) or ^' (41), and this is to accommodate the upright members (25) even when they are not orientated perpendicular to the rails (23). -

_. . . . Preferably the holes-.or. slots, (27) or (35), in -the top edge, (29) or (37), of each rail <23), are

15 sized to generally match the size of the upright members (25), and the holes or slots, (31) or

(39), in the bottom edge, (33) or (41), are elongated in comparison. The elongated holes or slots, (3l) or (39), in the. bottom edge, (33) or (41), allow the upright members (25) to be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle. And the closely matched size of the holes or slots,

(27) or (35), in the top edge, (29) or (37), minimises or prevents sideways movement of

20 rattling of the upright members (25) relative to, or within, the rails (23).

. Similarly, it is preferable that the right side holes (43b) in the upright members (25) are sized to generally match the size of the locking member (45), and the left side holes (43a) in the upright members (25) are elongated in comparison. The elongated holes (43a) allow the upright members (25) to be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the locking 25 member (45). And the closely matched size of the right side holes (43b) minimises or prevents up or down movement or rattling of the upright members (25) relative to the locking member (45).

It can be seen in the figures that the fencing system (10) can further include a spacer member (47) (see figures 7 and 9) that is configured to support the locking member (45) within the

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_; - internal passageway (24). -While the spacer member (47) ^" could take a number of forms, iff the example shown the- spacer (47) is made from a strip of sheet jnetal that is folded in a concertina fashion, and which is sized to match the internal dimensions of the internal

-passageway (24) in the rails (23) - compare figures 5e and 7c/ The ^" spacer (47) has holes-

_.,. 5 (49) along its length that are sized to accommodate the locking member (45), which in this example is in the form of a wire or rod.

, The. concertina or zigzag shape of the spacer (47) is configured to allow it to fit within the rails (23), but not to interfere with the installation or orientation of the-upright members (25)

,- ^• ■ within the rails (23). And the spacer (47) can hold the locking member (45) in a relatively

10 fixed position within internal passageway (24) of the rail (23). This in turn holds the upright members. (25) in a relatively fixed position, preventing or minimising up and down

. "movement of the upright members (25) relative to the rails (23).

^' . ^* The fencing system (1.0) is assembled by first inserting. the spacer (47) into the rail (23), then inserting the upright members (25) into the rail (23), and then inserting the locking member

.15 ^" (45)~into the internal passageway (24) of the rails (23) through the holes (49) in the spacer (47). Once assembled the upright members (25) are held in place and either end of the assembled section of fence can be skewed up or down relative to the other end ( ^" refer to figure 2) to. suit the gradient of the land that the section of fence is situated on.

A section of fence (51) that is constructed using this fencing system (10) can be supported at

20 each, end by a post or other structure. And preferably the ends of the rails (23) fit into

. cavities in the posts; or other support structure, and access into the internal passageway (24) of the rails (23) is closed off when the ends of the rails (23) are inserted into the cavities.

Such a construction provides a substantially tamper-resistant fence.

. In the section of fence (51) shown the uprights (25) are shown offset by approximately

25 twenty, degrees from perpendicular to the rails (23). It is envisaged that the fencing system

(10) .described herein could be used to construct a handrail for stairways (51) in which the uprights (25) can be offset by at least forty five degrees from perpendicular to the rails (23) by offsetting the holes in the top and bottom of the rails.

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Figure.-14 shows an optional- additional anti-tamper feature. The section ^" of fence (51) shown- in Figure 14 also includes sections of circular cross section tubes (53) fitted into the internal passageway (24) of the rails (23), and circular cross section tubes or bars (55). The circular

. cross section tubes (53Xcan.be fitted into -spaces formed within the zigzag shaped spacer

.- _. 5 _• (47), and the circular cross section tubes or bars (55) can be fitted into the upright members

- ^" .(25) between the locking members (45) and above and belowthe locking members (45).

, The circular cross section tubes (53) and the circular cross section tubes or bars (55) can help to make- the fencing system (10) more tamper resistant because they can rotate within the rails (23) or uprights (25). if an attempt is made to cut through the rails (23) or uprights (25).. 10 . using a hacksaw for. example. The rotation of the tubes or bars (53) or (55) can help by making it difficult to cut .through them. ^{■ • ■ "■} - _ ^" -

SECOND EXAMPLE

A second example of a fencing system (61) is shown and described with reference to Figures 10 to 13. This second example of a fencing system (61) is similar to the first example (21) in 15 most aspects except as noted herein. - . ^"

^■■■ - The second example of a fencing system (61) can use the- same rails (23) as ^" used in the first

. example (21). While the second example of a fencing system (61) can use similarly configured upright members as those used in the first example (21), it can also use upright members (63) of the type shown in figure 10. The upright members (63) are similar to the

20 upright members (25) except that the upright members (63) have openings, holes or slots

(65) that can be uniform right through, or on both sides of, the upright members (63).

This is because a different style of locking member (67) is used. It can be seen in figure 11 that the locking member (67) does not have a uniform cross section along its length, and it has a reduced cross section, or is waisted, at a number of locations along its length. The 25 spacing of the waisted sections (69) is the same as the spacing of adjacent upright members (63), or of the holes, (27) or (35), in the rails (23).

In this example the locking member (67) is in the form of a ^" relatively thin bar, ^" having a rectangular cross section. The depth of the bar matches the height of the internal passage

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way (24) within- the. rails (23). In this way up- arid down movement of the upright members - ■ (63) relative to jhe rails (23) can be minimised. - - ^• - - ^{: . ■.} - -

Figures- 12a and 12b show how the locking member (67) is configured to _. allow the upright members (63) to be connected to the rails (23) at a range of angles. As noted above, up and ^" .5 down movement of- the upright members (63) can be minimised by matching the size of the

"non-waisted" parts (71) of the locking member (67) to the openings (65) in the upright .. members (63).\ The adjacent waisted sections (69) however allow the upright members (63) ^" to pivot about the non-waisted sections (71),. allowing the upright members (63) to be oriented-at a range of angles relative to the rails (23).

10 While the second example of a fencing system (61) does not require the use of a spacer (47), clearly a similar arrangement could be used, for example where the rails (23) were relatively .. deep and where it was not convenient to match the full depth of the internal passageway (24) with the depth of the locking member (67). - -

It is- worth noting^ that while the above examples show upright members (25) and (65)"that 15 are made from hollow section material, the upright members (25) and (65) could also be made from solid material.

. Clearly- a section of ^" fence, or a fence could be constructed Using the second example of a fencing system (61) as with the first example of a fencing system (21).

THIRD EXAMPLE

20 . A third example of a fencing system -(81) can be constructed using an alternative rail ^" (73). The alternative rail (73) is a two piece rail in which an upper part (85) of the rail (73) is able to slide longitudinally relative to a lower part (87) of the rail (73). The third example of a fencing system (81) can be the same as the first and the second examples (21) arid (61) in most respects, except as noted herein.-

25. The alternative rail (73) can have holes (89) in its top edge and its bottom edge that are the same size, and which are configured to match the size and shape of the upright members (25) or (65). The upright members (25) or (65) can be held within the rails (73) by the same method used in the first or the second examples (21) and (61). However, instead of

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: providing .for a range of ^orientations of the upright members (25)ξ.όr (65) relative to the fail (73) by having elongated holes in one edge ^" of the rail, in this example the range of orientations of the upright members (25) or (65) relative to the rail (73) is provided by alϊαwing.the lower part (87) of the rail (73) to move or slide relative to the upper part (B5). ^" -

»J5< Again, a section of fence, - or a fence could be constructed using ¹ . the third example of a ^" - fencing system (81) as with the first and second examples of a fencing system (21) and (61).

FOURTH EXAMPLE

..... A fourth example of a- fencing system (91) is shown in figures 15a, 15b and 15c. The fourth example of a fencing system (91) includes a second example of an internal spacer (93). The

10 spacer (93) includes a hole (95) which extends from one end of the spacer to its opposite end, and through which a locking member (45) can pass, to lock the picket (25) to the rail (23) in

. ■ ^{" '} a similar manner to that described in the first example above. ..

In this example however, the spacer (93) is in the form of a block which has an opening

- which extends from its top surface to its bottom surface. The size and shape of the opening 15. at the top surface is similar to that of the cross sectional profile of the picket (25). And the size and shape of the opening at the bottom surface is elongated in comparison. This allows . the picket (25) to. fit through the . spacer at a range of angles. Figures 16a and 16b show the rail (23) horizontal, and at an inclined angle, respectively.

- The spacer (93), can include protrusions or other features which allow it to be held in place 20 within -the rail (23) during assembly of the fencing system (91). And in an alternative configuration, a number of spacers (93) can be linked together to facilitate simpler installation into the internal passageway (24) of a rail (23).

FIFTH EXAMPLE

A fifth example of a fencing system (101) is shown in figures 17a, 17b and 17c. In the fifth 25 example of a fencing system (101) an upright or picket (103) does not have an opening through it, but rather has a channel (105) on one side. The width of the channel at one end is narrower, than the width of the channel at its other end. The narrow end is sized and shaped to be similar to that of a locking member (107), and the other end is elongated in

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- _„ comparison. As with the other, examples, this allows the picket (103) to-be aligned at a range ... of angles relative to the EaiL(23). . Figures 17b and 17c show the rail (23) horizontal, and at ^" an inclined angle, respectively.

The channel (105) can be formed in the side of the picket (103), or alternatively could be 5 formed in an insert which is connected to the picket(l 03). - •

In this example the locking member (107) has a "T" shaped profile, one leg of the "T" forming the locking member (.107) which is adapted to engage with the channel (105), and the remainder of the profile being configured to fill the space between the inside wall of the rail ^' (23) and the outer wall of the picket (103) so that the locking member (107) cannot move 10 away from the channel (105) and become disengaged from it.

SIXTH EXAMPLE

Figures 18a and 18b show views of a balustrade system (111). The construction of the . ; . balustrade. system (111) can be similar to either of the fencing systems described in the ^' foregoing examples, except as noted.below.

15 In figure 19a it can be seen that the top end of the upright or picket (113) ends within atop rail (115), the top rail (115) only having openings (117) along its bottom edge. In figure 19b a lower rail (119) is shown configured similar to the rails (23) of the foregoing examples, except that the centrelines of the holes in the top and bottom edges are offset relative to each other. The offset allows the picket (113) to be aligned at a higher range of angles relatfve to

20 perpendicular to the length of the rail (119).

Similarly, and for the same reason, the centrelines of the holes on each side of the picket (113 J can be offset relative to each other. . ^■

SEVENTH EXAMPLE

Figures 20-48

_: 25 These figures show another fencing system 200 variation in the ^" spacer member (201) as used in previous examples, to adjustably hold or locate a rail member (202) to an upright member (203) (which can also be. described as a picket member or picket) which is especially useful

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when the ground is sloping and or the rails ^" need to be sloping or -angled with respect to ■ ^■ „ • vertical pickets ,(203). A locking means (204) like before is alsolused in this variation.

. As shown there are several pickets (203) being held by the rail (202). Each picket (203) _. is a hollow cross sectional elongate member having an in use top end (205), lower end (206) and

5 - sides (207)r(210) (see _. -fig -47).- Each rail (202) is also a hollow cross ^" sectional elongate

. member.. Though the profile is shown as being a standard box section other cross sections are also possible such as rectangular, round or other shapes.

Figure 21 shows ,a_close up view of one_spacer member (201) in use _. with the rail (202) and one picket (203) _. whereby each spacer member (201) includes a top slide member (215)

10 which is . operatively adapted and constructed to interfit with a bottom slide coveϊ (216) which are both adapted to slidably interfit with a rail member (202) and picket (203), Each picket (203) can have a $ap member (217) which can be used to. prevent or reduce any moisture from entering- the hollow picket interior (218) _: and provide some aesthetics. -Each . _. cap member (217) can have a variety of fastening means to enable -removable fitting to the

15 top of a picket (203). - ..

. Figure 22. shows a plan view of the upper rail member with the spacer member (201) and

„.- lacking means. (204) in place while figure 23 shows the picket bisecting the rails .(202). In a variation of the general fence shape (200) of figures 20 to 23 there is. a fence (220) which has no protruding pickets above the upper rail, members (202). . The other- components as

20. previously used are also used .such as the rails (202), pickets or uprights (203) and spacer member (201). The main difference is that there is no separate cap. (217) as the. upper rail now performs this function as is more clearly shown in figures 29 and 31. _.

The spacer member (201) is more clearly shown in detail in figures 33 to 40. Top slide member (215) as in figures 37-40 is shaped having a generally planar elongate body member

25 (221) .with legs (222) extending at right angles from one side of the planar body thereof. As shown there are two legs (222) being positioned at the ends of the elongate body (221). The legs (222) are shaped in a decreasing thickness downwardly away from body (221) with each .- leg (222) being generally planar in extent and ending with a recesse ^' d portion (223) therebetween at the end of the legs forming two feet (224) as shown in figure 39. Extending

30 in -the same plane as the body are two downwardly extending tabs (225) which extend in the

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. . , . same direction as and, are parallel to the legs (222) but are .not- as long or downwardl-y- _ ; _V extending, asjhe legs (222.) but these tabs (225) do have tab feet (226) which are in the form of horizontally extending protruding portions. Body (221) also has aperture (227) which is ^' ... centrally located and sized to allow an upright therethrough. .

,5 - The bottom slide cover _; (216) is shown in figures 33-36 and comprises an elongate planar

; _{. ,} - _. , ^: body member (230) having ends with extending tab portions (231)-and (232). Tab portion _r , ; _λ _ . (231). has an aperture (233) therein and tab (232) has a protruding portion (234). Body (230) also has in use drainage cavities (235) (236) (formed as slots or pockets with at least one

- ^{•' ~} -í ^'" _ drainage aperture) which straddle a central line from the ^' tab (232) and aperture (231) and are

^• - ^■ -10 symmetrically located on the body (230) and are also parallel with the tabs (231) and (232).

; . . ^■ ; ^' - Also body (230), has a centrally located aperture (240) longitudinally between the paired seat

■ -.., ^{■ ■} members (235) & (236) as shown in figure 36. In use the central line of body (230) is ^" also

-- .' ^■ -, shaped and adapted having two upper surfaces or raised guide blocks (241) (fig 36) to allow

. . the locking means (204) tb be seated thereon along the entire length but not continuously of

15 the body of the bottom slide cover (216). Each, upper surface (241) comprise elevated

. .portions which can be punched out or formed accordingly as raised guide blocks.

These raised guide blocks (241) which can include a surface having an innerwardly shapped ; . ^' , bedding curve;. also serve to locate the feet (224) of the top slide member (215) by having. . notches _. (241a) on each side that allow the ^" feet (224) to inner edge abut slidably thereinto 20 . with the recessed portion (223) directly but spaced there from to form an aperture shape for the locking means. - - ^"

Rails (202) are shown in figures 41-42 with 41 showing the rails (202) having a top slot

(245) to enable a picket (203) there throμgh while figure 42 (side elevation view) and 43

(end view) shown the rail as a square profiled hollow elongate member. In figure 44 (plan

25 view) there is shown a rail with just the picket therethrough whereby any bottom slot (246)

. ^' which is linked with the upper slot to allow a picket (203) there through, would be covered up by the bottom slide cover. In figure 46, there are aligned slots (247) and (248) in the picket are shown which are designed to allow the locking means there through and the tabs

^" (231 ), (232) from the bottom slide cover (216) there through. ^"

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- As shown in figure 21. the -interaction of the spacer member (201) with rail(s) (202) and . picket(s) (203) is shown whereby í.the bottom slide cover (216) slidably fits inside the rail ^' positioned and aligned with the slot (240) aligning with the top and bottom of the rail with

.. the portions (241) pointing ^" upwards in use. Each bottom slide cover (216) is attached to an

5 end adjoining bottom slide cover (216) in an end to end type relationship via each tab (234) with aperture (233) _. which form a continuous line there-along said rail (202). Top slide member (215) is also positioned inside the rail member abutting the inner upper surface of the rail with tabs (225) slidably abutting the outside surface of a picket member (203) to hold and position said picket, As mentioned above feet (223) and (224) of the top slide member

10 ^" (215) are seated over raised guide block (241) of the bottom slide cover and are slidably located in notches (241a). This allows them to slide but be held within.the seat to allow for sloping ground and or angle rails with respect to vertical pickets.

Following this assembly of the spacer members (201) into the inside of the rails followed by

; inserting the pickets, the locking means (204) which for example can be a rod is passed

-15 through the picket slot (247) (see fig 22, 24, 27-32) (which such slot- can be any shape such

. as circular, or slotted) and into recess {223) or slot as formed between the top slide member

(215) and bottom slide cover (216) as shown in figures and being seated on raised guide block (241) of the bottom slide cover (216).

..._ The rails are oriented .with the larger -slot facing downwards in use whereby each spacer

20 member (201) is slid in to have its apertures aligning with.upper and lower rail slots to allow

. a picket to be located vertically there through. The larger rail slot is designed to allow the spacer members (201) to slidably move with respect to the rail if the rail is position or located at some angle to the horizontal. The pickets also have apertures (247) and (248) being oriented in a certain way to allow interfitting with the rail and spacer members (201).

25 Aperture (247) and slot are shown as separate holes ^" but this is only on one side or face of the

- picket. On the other face (opposite thereto) which is aligned with the first set of holes, the circular aperture (247) is now formed as a vertical slot which intersects and joins with the horizontal slot (248) to form a T slot (not shown). When the picket is downwardly inserted into the rail/spacer member, downward tabs (225) and (226) slidably locate into both aligned

30 horizontal slots (248) of each picket and the locking means (204) can then be inserted to go through- circular slot (247) and through and along the space member (201) and out through

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v, '. the_ other, aligned face of. the picket which will ^" - be the vertical slot of the T slot which -is shaped.to allow the rail therethrough. - ^* > ^" : ^{' '} " ' ^: - ^"" - " ^•

_ v- - - In-summary as well as the various means which allow, for the sloping or angled rails, such as , . , the rails having larger slots on a bottom side and. the pickets with the T slot on one side, there 5 , is also the aspect of _. relative ^" sliding- that can occur and is designed for, between the top ^" slide ^" member (215) and bottόm slide cover (216). - -

_^ .As shown in- the .figures the spacer member (201) and locking means ^" (204) can be used whenever the rail intersects with a picket. - ^" - T - V

: As a method of installation (usually once the end posts or end supports are-ih) by carrying 10 out the following general steps: -_

-assemble each top, slide. member (215) onto a bottom slide coyer (216) for several, spacer members . . ^' .. : . . • .- _{. .} ■ ' . .

- join spacer members in end to end type relationship together

-feed in and slide spacer members inside top rail until rail slots are located and ^" 45 straddled/aligned. ^" _. ^~ . . .

.;,:;, . -feed in and slide ^" spacer block assemblies inside bottom rails until rail slots are located and straddled/aligned. . ^{• '} .

-insert uprights/pickets down through the upper and then lower rails

-feed in locking means in both upper and lower rails. ^" - - ^: ;

20 These steps can be varied like for example by sliding the spacer members and/or locking .means in both the top and bottom rails at the same time or in separate consecutive steps.

In the above installation method the pickets are inserted through the smaller upper slot (246) of each rail to downwardly exit through the larger top rail slot (245 j. ^"

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; VARIATIONS

Aspects of the present invention have been described in seven examples, however it should / . -be- appreciated that further modifications and additions ntay be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

5.λ Also, in the five examples described herein the uprights or pickets (203) are shown and

: described as being fitted through the rails (202). In a variation to examples one and two the

: _. upright, members , (203) could be connected to a side of the rails (202). And each upright

- member.. (203) could include one or more studs, bosses of similar protrusions that are adapted to fit into holes or slots in the rails (202) and to engage- with the internal locking member in a

10 ^{: "} similar manner to the way the body of the uprights engage as"describ ^' ed in examples one and two. . - . .

As a..further variation to the fencing systems described in examples one to three the mechanical fastening system could include internal clips, for example spring clips, and/or --- . protrusions on the upright members (203) that are configured to allow the upright members

- ,15 to pass into the rails (202), but to prevent them being removed from the rails (202). Such fastening systems could be used in place of the locking members described, but the other features described could still be used to allow the uprights (203) to be oriented at a range of angles relative to the rails (202). _τ . .. _{. ..}

In the examples described above the sections offence that are made using the fencing system 20 are shown having two rails (202). It is envisaged that in .alternative configurations the . sections of fence could have a single rail (202), or more than two rails (202).

The examples illustrated herein, are shown in a form in which many of the parts could be

. produced- from sheet .steel, /or example galvanised sheet.. The rails _. (202) and the uprights

(203) can be made from rolled rectangular hollow sections for example. However clearly

25 . other materials .and production methods could be used, for example rails (202) and uprights

(203) made from aluminium extrusions, or from extruded or injection moulded plastics materials, . ■ •

In the above examples the uprights (203) are described having left and right sides which in some cases differ between the left and the right. However, clearly the parts or features could

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-be reversed so that features that- are herein described as being on the left can be ^" on the right; and vice versa. Similarly, _. the iparts of features that have been described; as being on the top or the bottom could be reversed. Having said this, it is considered advantageous to have elongated holes or slots in the rails ^" (202) on the bottom edge rather than the top for improved

5 visual appearance of a fence constructed using the system.

^• As a _. further variation, an _. anti-tarnpef strip could be inserted into each rail (202) to at least partially close off the elongated holes in the rails (202). For example, a strip which has a series of holes in it that more closely match the profile of the pickets (203) can be inserted into the rails prior to inserting the pickets (203), the strip being placed adjacent to the edge of. 10 the rail- (202) that contains the elongated holes. The strip can float lengthwise within the rail so that it does not prevent the picket (203) being aligned at a range of angles relative to the rail (202), but at the same time the strip can restrict or block access into the interior of the . rail .(202) via the elongate holes. This wouldn't be required in example 5 as the bottom slide cover performs this function. . .

15 In another variation the. pickets (203) or rails (202) can be fabricated in one piece as shown or in parts whereby for example the rail (202) can have one face such as the bottom face having the larger slot (245) therein being formed as a separate, member like an elongate strip., plate member including the a larger slot spaced there-along which can have re-entrant edge flanges which allow it to be slide into similar flanges in a larger channel member (having the

20.. smaller slot (246)) to form the box section. This also allows for the bottom face, and large -.-. slot to be positioned to align with a picket (203) as required in sloping ground.

All the components of the fencing system can be fabricated and/or coated from galvanised steel or plastics or any material combination that fits it use. The rails (202) and pickets (203) . can be lead end burred or rounded to allow for better slidable insertion together and less 25. chance of accident through cuts etc

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DEFINITIONS -

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as . ''comprises'V.and "comprising", are -not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES

Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides a fencing system which can be constructed in the field, and to suit the contour of the, land on which the fence is situated, without the need for welding or the use of external fasteners. ^{" '" '} .. _ .

The ability to construct the fence without welding means that any protective coatings on the

^" parts of the fence are not damaged during the construction process. In addition the ability to

^" construct the. fence without the use of external fasteners means that the fence cannot be

■j:. easily tampered with. The hidden fastening system means that the fence can look smart.

Freighting and storage of the product is also easier and potentially more cost effective ^" as the product can be stored and freighted in it's knocked jdown form therefore taking up less space and being less prone to damage.

In summary the fencing system can have some of the following advantages:

. 1. Easy to knockdown

. . 2. Allows for angled or sloping ground

3. Allows for angled rails with respect to pickets

4. . Joint between rails and pickets not sloppy .

5. Able to be quickly assembled

6. Modest manufacturing cost

7. Easy to store and transport because of ability to be disassembled

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8. Few separate parts with no screws or separate fastening means required

9. No fastening tools required during assembly -

10. Tamper proof with better security

11. Less storage space required.

12. Easy to replace any components -

13. Less damage occurs during freighting or transport _.

14. Does not rattle

15. Reduced likelihood of debris, dust or insects being able to enter fencing j όints

: . 16. ; Bottom slot or larger slot of rail is always covered by the spacer member which also keeps the joints secure.