Improvements in and Relating to Fixing Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fixing apparatus, to to kits of parts suitable for assembly into fences and the like to methods of assembling fences and the like and to fences including fixing apparatus.

Background to the Invention

A typical fence is made up of posts fixed into the ground, with fencing elements coupled between the posts. The choice of type, size and material used for posts and fencing elements in a fence can be based on aesthetic, security and other considerations.

Over time, posts or fencing elements in a fence may degrade and require replacement, or the owner of the fence may want to replace the fence for aesthetic, security or other reasons. Such replacement may involve considerable work in removing the original posts and/or fencing elements, transporting the original and replacement posts and/or fencing elements, and installing replacement posts and/or fencing elements.

To reduce the work involved in fence installation and replacement, a number of modular fencing systems have been devised. One such system uses concrete fence posts with longitudinally extending slots cast therein. Pre-fabricated wooden fence panels of standard dimensions form the fencing elements. The posts are arranged with slots opposite one another, and the panels are dropped

into place therebetween. However, the range of panels available is limited, and the appearance of the finished fence is largely dependent on the quality of the pre-fabricated posts and fence panels. In addition, the panels themselves are generally difficult to transport.

Similar considerations may apply in a range of related fields such as construction of decking, cladding, furniture and the like.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least one disadvantage of known fencing apparatus and methods of assembling fences and the like, and to provide a convenient arrangement for fixing first and second elements such as fence posts and fencing elements in place with one another.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixing apparatus for fixing a second element in place therewith, the fixing apparatus comprising a reception space for receiving the second element, said reception space bounded by at least one side wall portion and said fixing apparatus further comprising a moveable projection extending from an initial position at least partially across the reception space, wherein insertion of the second element into the reception space moves the projection from the initial position to a fixing position in which movement of the second element within the reception space is inhibited by a force exerted on the second element by the projection, said force causing the

second element to bear on a side wall portion of the reception space.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts including the fixing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a structure, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a fixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention;

(b) providing a second element;

(c) inserting the second element into a reception space of the fixing apparatus, thereby moving the projection from a position of extending at least partially across the reception space to a position in which movement of the second element within the reception space is inhibited by a force exerted on the second element by the projection, said force causing the second element to bear on a side wall portion of the reception space.

Suitably, the structure is a fence.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is a provided a fence assembled according to the method of the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence assembled from the components of a kit according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to the present invention there are provided apparatus and methods as set forth in the appended claims. Further exemplary features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

Brief Introduction to the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an end perspective view of part of a fence structure including a fixing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the fixing apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an end perspective view of a second element partially inserted in a reception space of a the fixing apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a side view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention engaging a second element with a V-shaped recess;

Figure 5 shows a side view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention engaging a second element comprising a deformable portion;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention engaging a second element of fibrous and/or grained material;

Figure 7 shows a side view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a side view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figures 9-11 show a sides view of a second element being inserted into a fixing element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows an end perspective view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows an end perspective view of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, formed integrally with a structural member;

Figure 14 shows an end perspective view of the fixing apparatus of Figures 1-3 coupled to an intermediate element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows an end perspective view of the fixing apparatus and intermediate element of Figure 14 in place with a fence post;

Figure 16 shows a fence including the fixing apparatus, intermediate element and fence post of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a plan perspective view of a stack of fixing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 18 and 19 show perspective views of a fixing apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a fence 1 comprising fixing apparatus 10, a first element 11 in the form of a fence post, and second elements 12 in the form of fencing elements. In the example embodiment of Figure 1 the second elements 12 comprise wooden battens.

The fixing apparatus 10 is coupled to the first element 11 by fixing means 21, and can receive the second elements 12, one each into a series of reception spaces 24 comprising part of second fixing means 22. The second fixing means 22 further comprises a moveable projection 26.

The second elements 12 are suitably self-supporting rigid elements, generally rectangular in cross-section. The second elements 12 are fabricated with external dimensions

that allow them to be received in a reception space 24. In the example embodiment shown, the second elements 12 fit snugly in a reception space 24, so that once in place it is not possible to rotate the second elements 12 or to easily move them.

Insertion of a second element 12 into a reception space 24 causes the second element 12 to bear on the projection 26 such that the projection 26 moves to a position in which retraction of the second element 12 from the reception space is inhibited. More specifically, in the example embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the projection 26 comprises a tab initially formed to partially obstruct the entrance to the reception space 24. The tab in this embodiment is a sheet metal tab. Insertion of the second element 12 into the reception space 24 initially bends the projection 26 to move it aside and allow the second element 12 to enter the reception space 24. Figure 3 shows a second element 12 partially inserted into a reception space 24 with the projection 26 being moved by engagement with the second element 12. Elasticity in the base 27 of the projection 26 urges the free end 28 of the tab 26 towards and into contact with the second element 12 to assume a fixing position. Once the second element 12 and projection 26 have adopted this configuration, retraction of the second element 12 from the reception space 24 is inhibited by engagement of the free end 28 of the projection 26 with the second element 12.

With the projection 26 in the fixing position a force is exerted on the second element 12. This force causes the second element 12 to bear on at least one of the side wall portions 29A, 29B which define the reception space 24. By

bearing on the side wall portions 29 under bias of the projection 26, friction between the second element 12 and the side wall portions 29 is increased, suitably to a level which inhibits movement of the second element 12 within the reception space 24. In the embodiments shown, the side wall portions 29 comprise edge portions of a sheet of material, and are therefore relatively thin. The relatively thin side wall portions 29 serve to concentrate the contact pressure, thereby further increasing the frictional force that inhibits movement of the second element 12 within the reception space 24. The relatively thin side wall positions are suitably chosen with width in the range 0.5-3mm.

In the example embodiments shown, the side wall portions 29 engage the second element 12 in a line-contact which is perpendicular to the axial direction defined by the second element 12. This serves to inhibit movement of the second element in the axial direction. Furthermore, the projection 26 engages the second element 12 in a line- contact parallel to the axial direction, so that in use movement perpendicular to the axial direction is also inhibited.

In the example embodiment of Figures 1-3, the second elements 12, although generally rectangular in cross-section, comprise a recess 30 formed in one face. The recess 30 provides a space for the projection 26 to extend into when the second element 12 has been fully inserted into the reception space 24. As previously described, elasticity in the base 27 of the projection 26 causes the projection 26 to move towards the second element 12, and in this embodiment into the recess 30 as

the second element 12 reaches a fully inserted position in the reception space 24. Any subsequent attempt to retract the second element 12 from the reception space 24 causes the free end 28 of the projection 26 to engage the second element 12 so that the projection 26 jams against an internal surface of the recess 30.

The first fixing means 21 comprises an opening in first and second side walls 29A, 29B, through which a screw, nail, bolt or other suitable fixing means can be passed to couple the fixing apparatus 10 to a first element 11 such as a fence post.

The embodiments of Figures 1-3 are examples only, and other embodiments and variations are also envisaged. For example, the second elements used with the fixing apparatus 10 may have no recess 30, or recesses of other shapes, e.g. generally rectangular. The second elements used with the fixing apparatus 10 may have a recess 30 formed at only specific positions along their length, rather than along their whole length.

In the example embodiment of Figures 1-3, the recess 30 is of a generally trapezoidal shape in cross-section. In other embodiments the projectio 26 engages with a second element comprising a recess 30 of generally V-shaped cross-section. Figure 4 shows such an arrangement.

The second element 12 may feature no recess 30. However, the second element may assist in the fixing by comprising a deformable portion which is in use deformed by engagement with the projection 26. For example, the second element may be made up of a structural portion 100

with a deformable portion 101 coupled thereto. An example of such a second element 12 is shown in Figure 5. A second element 12 of this nature may be manufactured in plasties materials by a co-extrusion process. Alternatively the deformable areas may be bonded in place, or formed on the structural position by a material treatment process. The deformable areas may extend over an entire face or over entire faces of the second element, or may be localised in the regions where the second element 12 is to be engaged by a projection 26.

In still further embodiments the projection 26 engages with a second element 12 may suitably comprising a fibrous or grained material, such as a wood or wood-based material. In these circumstances the material of the second element 12 is at least partially deformable, and the second element is formed so that alignment of the fibres and/or grain of the second element 12 with the part of the projection 26 which engages the second element 12 may further enhance the fixing ability of the fixing apparatus. The fibres and/or grain act as miniature recesses 30 to assist fixing. This effect may be enhanced by partial deformation of the second element 12 caused by engagement with the projection 26 making the fibre and/or grain structure more pronounced in the region of engagement between the projection 26 and the second element 12. Figure 6 shows such an arrangement.

As a further variation, the second elements used with the fixing apparatus 10 may have a generally symetrical cross-section, with a recess 30 formed on an opposed pair of faces. This variation can be used for aesthetic reasons, or with a suitable fixing apparatus comprising

two opposed projections at the entrance to the reception space. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the fixing apparatus has opposed projections 26, and the second element 12 has a V-shaped recess 30 in one face.

Other shapes of reception space can be used, with corresponding alterations to the shape of the second elements. Example embodiments may be used with second elements of generally square cross-section, or with other regular or irregular shaped cross-section.

It is desirable that the second elements are employed which in use resist rotation by bearing on interior portions of the reception space.

In the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the fixing apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of reception spaces 24 and corresponding projections 26 arranged equispaced from one another in a generally linear array. However, further embodiments are envisaged in which the fixing apparatus 10 is formed with a single reception space 24 and projection 26. Still further embodiments are envisaged in which the fixing apparatus comprises a plurality of reception spaces and corresponding projections arranged in a non-linear array, offset from one another in one or two dimensions, in regular or irregular spacings, or angled relative to one another. Figure 8 shows a fixing apparatus 10 comprising two projections per reception space, with those projections both extending from the same side of a reception space.

The fixing apparatus of Figures 1-3 can conveniently be formed by pressing or otherwise cutting a sheet of

metallic or similar material and then folding the cut work-piece to form the fixing apparatus. Stainless steel is a particularly suitable material, given its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, the fixing apparatus may comprise other materials, such as plastics materials, and may be formed using other techniques such as e.g. moulding.

An important consideration in forming the fixing apparatus is how to achieve the correct operation of the projection during insertion and subsequent attempted retraction of the second elements to/from the reception space. In the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the correct resistance to insertion of a second element, elasticity and resistance to removal of a second element are achieved by a choice of material and of projection thickness and width. Furthermore, it is desirable for the base 27 of the projection 26 to be offset from the reception space so that additional flex is built into the projection 26. Such additional flex facilitates bending of the projection 26, and allow the projection 26 to spring back elastically after insertion of a second element so that the free end 28 of the projection 26 strongly engages the second element 12. In other embodiments, elastic elements, pivots, bushings, bearings and the like may be used to enable movement of the projection.

To aid insertion of the second element into the reception space 24, the side walls 29 of the fixing element suitably comprise guiding means 103, as shown in Figures 9-11. These Figures show a second element being inserted into a reception space 24. The guiding means 103 comprise a widened opening of the reception space formed by

offsetting the edges of the side wall portions 29 relative to the reception space 24.

In some circumstances removal of the second elements from the fixing apparatus may be required. With the embodiments of Figures 1-3, a user may insert a screwdriver or other suitable tool between the projection

26 and the second element 12 to move the projection 26 away from the second element 12 thereby enabling the second element 12 to move past the projection 26 as the second element 12 is retracted from the reception space

24.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of fixing apparatus 2 comprising a projection 226 with base 227 and free end 228, a reception space 224, a first side wall 29A and a first fixing means 221. The fixing apparatus 2 of Figure 12 can be used in a similar manner to the fixing apparatus shown in Figures 1-3. However, to reduce the amount of material needed to form the fixing apparatus 2, one side wall only has been provided. The fixing apparatus 2 is formed with the projection 226 positioned so that only a small amount of movement of the projection 226 is necessary to allow insertion of the second element 12 into the reception space 224. This adaptation may be advantageous, as the amount of force needed to insert a second element 12 into the reception space 224 can be reduced. Furthermore, by forming the projection 226 so that only a small amount of movement is needed, it is unlikely that the base 227 of the projection 226 will in use be deformed past its elastic limit.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a third fixing apparatus 3 formed integrally with a structural member 30. The structural member 30 may be used as a fence post, or may be coupled to an existing fence post using first fixing means 321. The structural member 30 may suitably be formed with dimensions that enable the fixing apparatus 3 to be received in a slot of an existing fence post. In Figure 13, the fixing apparatus 3 comprises two sets of fixing means 222, arranged with one on either side of the structural member 30. The structural member 30 is a generally U-shaped channel member, formed with dimensions to fit in the slot of a standard fence post.

Figures 18 and 19 show a further example fixing apparatus 4. The fixing apparatus in use co-operates with a back plate 5. The back plate 5 is secured to a support, e.g. a wall using screws or the like and key-hole shaped apertures such as that indicated with reference numeral 51. The fixing apparatus 4 slots into opposed channels 52 of the back plate as shown in Figure 19. Once in place the apertures 53A and 53B align, and screws or the like are used to secure the fixing apparatus 4 to the back plate 5.

Figure 14 shows the fixing apparatus 10 of Figures 1-3 coupled to an intermediate element 600, ready to be slotted into place in an existing fence structure. The existing fence structure comprises fence posts 11 with opposed longitudinal slots 13 formed therein, and a base panel 15. The fence post 11 and base panel 15 were originally installed to support a fencing element in the form of a pre-fabricated wooden fence panel of standard dimensions .

The intermediate element 600 is formed as a generally rectangular frame structure, with dimensions chosen to allow the intermediate element 600 to fit into and be supported by the slots 13 in the fence posts 11. The intermediate element 600 comprises first opposed side members 601, and second opposed side members 602. The first opposed side members 601 in use extend vertically, and comprise a projection extending out of the plane of the intermediate element 600 to which a fixing apparatus can be coupled.

The projections form a first coupling portion of the intermediate element 600. Additional coupling portions 620 may be provided to allow further fixing apparatus to be coupled to the intermediate element 600.

The second opposed side members 602 serve to hold the first opposed side members 601 in spaced apart relationship. Furthermore, end portions 610 of the second opposed side members form a second coupling portion for engaging the fence posts 11, in particular for slotting into the slots 13 of the fence posts 11.

Figure 15 shows fixing elements 10 fixed to an intermediate element 600. The intermediate element 600 has been slotted into place in the slot 13 of the fence post 11. With the intermediate element 600 held safely in place, it is then a simple task to insert second elements 12 into each reception space of the fixing apparatus 10 to form a fence.

Figure 16 shows the fixing apparatus 10 and intermediate element 600 of Figure 15, but with a number of second elements 12 retained in the fixing apparatus 10 to form a fence 1000. The fence 1000 also includes a capping element 800 as an example accessory.

In alternative embodiments, a pre-fabricated wooden fence panel in-situ in a fence structure can be used as an intermediate element, with the fixing apparatus and second elements coupled onto and around the intermediate element to allow the fence to be given an updated look.

The apparatus and methods described herein enable rapid construction of a fence or other structure, and allow a sleek, aesthetically pleasing look to be achieved without the need for specialist joinery tools or skills. The apparatus described herein can be supplied in flat pack form as a kit for ease of transport. Figure 17 shows a convenient stack of the fixing apparatus Figures 1-3, and the reader will appreciate from the teaching herein that the second elements and various components of the intermediate element 600 can also be supplied in a convenient flat pack form. Using fixing apparatus with an intermediate element can allow easy integration with existing fence posts of standard dimensions. The apparatus can be used to provide a replacement or cladding for well known types of pre-fabricated wooden fence panel, as well as being suitable for use in the initial construction of a new fence. Fences or other items fixed in place with one another using the fixing apparatus can be easily disassembled for painting or other treatment, or alternatively can be constructed to make disassembly more difficult for increased security.

Although the apparatus and methods described herein find particular application in relation to fence structures, it will be appreciated that the apparatus and methods of the present invention may find more general application in other related fields, such as, for example the construction of cladding, decking, shelving, pergolas, furniture or the like.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel

one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.