1

TITLE

Rapid Deployment High Security Electric Fencing BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for temporarily securing an area. In particular although not exclusively the present invention relates to a system and method of deploying a high security fence.

Discussion of the Background Art

Temporary fencing has been utilised across a variety of applications such as construction, event planning (e.g. crowd flow control, waste disposal, parking etc), maintenance (e.g. temporarily sectioning off areas of footpath, roadway etc from the general public during repair and maintenance work). Typically such fencing is constructed from a series of panels having a substantially rectangular frame constructed form steel tubing or the like and which is in-filled with mesh, hoardings or siding etc. In order to create a length of fence line the lower ends of the stiles of the panels are inserted into sockets within a set of feet, such that the stiles of adjoining panels within the fence are adjacent one another. The upper ends of the adjacent stiles are then interconnected via a bracket to add rigidity to the resulting fence line. While such temporary fencing systems provide an effective low cost strategy for restraining the general public from gaining easy access to a given area they are not suited to applications where a higher degree of security is required. For example secured site such as some governmental buildings, correctional/processing facilities, defence bases and key components of infrastructure such as s power substations and generators etc typically require the construction of a fence line which has a greater degree of resilience than is presently capable from most current temporary fencing systems. In some instances additional security measures may be required in order to secure the site to a level beyond that provided by a standard or temporary perimeter fence. One example of such additional security measures is the use of high voltage electric fencing systems. Such high voltage electric fencing line are typically constructed from a series of horizontal, smooth, corrosion resistant, high tensile alloy wires, and positioned approximately 100mm apart. The wires pass through a set of specially designed insulators provided in a series through of mounting and straining posts, which are in turn fixed to the fence line. To complete the construction of the high voltage electric fence the wires are then tensioned to between 25 to 35 kilograms to ensure that a constant spacing between the electric and parmentier fence is maintained. Most standard temporary fencing systems do not provide adequate support for the mounting of such a high voltage fencing line.

Accordingly it would advantageous to provide a temporary or semi-permanent fencing system which provides for a greater degree of security than that of presently available under temporary fencing systems of the prior art. It would also be advantageous to provided a temporary or semi-permanent fencing system which can be utilised with additional security measures such as high electric fencing line in accordance with all relevant regulations governing the use of such security measures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular fence panel including:

a frame;

a barrier disposed on the frame's external face;

a set of wires arranged within the frame's internal periphery and adjacent the frame's interior face a predetermined distance from said barrier.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular electric fencing system the system including:

a plurality of modular fencing panels each panel including: 11 001298

a frame;

a barrier disposed on the frame's external face; and

a set of wires arranged within the frame's internal periphery and adjacent the frame's interior face a predetermined distance from said barrier;

an energiser unit coupled to the sets of wires within each of the plurality of panels; and

wherein the plurality of panels are interconnected to form a fence line such that an electrical circuit is formed by the energiser and each set of wires within each panel within the plurality of panels.

Suitably the frame is formed from Right Hollow Section (RHS) aluminium members having a width of 125mm and a thickness of 60mm. Preferably the frame includes at least two substantially vertical members and at least two horizontal members which are arranged to define a closed shape most preferably a rectangle. Each of the members may also be provided with a plurality of apertures to allow for the interconnection of the panel with an adjacent panel or support structure

Preferably the set of wires are arranged between the interior walls of the substantially vertical members of the frame. Alternatively the set of wires may be are arranged between the interior walls of the horizontal members of the frame. Preferably each wire in the series of wires is connected to the frame via a tensioning assembly. Each tensioning assembly may include a ratchet tensioning block or the like. Suitably the tensioning block is connected to the frame via a high tensile spring coupled to a hook secured to at least one frame member. Preferably a portion of the hook is secured within a wall of the at least one frame member.

Suitably the set of wires are arranged between the members of the frame such that there is approximately 100mm spacing between each of the wires within the set. Preferably each wire within the set is brought to a tension within the range of 5 to 20 kilograms; 10 to 15 kilograms; 25 to 30 kilograms; 30 to 35 kilograms. 2011/001298

The barrier may be a wire security mesh, a hoarding, siding or the like. Preferably the barrier is a security mesh is 358 welded mesh (prison mesh) having a mesh sizing of 75mm by 12.7mm. Preferably the set of wires are electrified by connection to an electric fence energiser unit. In such instances selected wires within the set of wires may be electrically connected to form different zones within the panel. Preferably the wires are interconnected in series with the energiser unit. The energiser unit may provided a high voltage output and a low voltage output. The low voltage output maybe utilised in cases where authorised people can be exposed to the set of wires e.g. during daily operations within the secured area without risk of receiving a high voltage sock. When the are is vacated the set of wires may be connected to the high voltage output to provided an additional security. In the case where the panels are interconnected to form a fence line they are preferably fastened together by a series of plates attached to the vertical member of the frame. Suitably the plates are attached to the panels via a suitable fastener inserted through the plate and into a corresponding aperture provided in the panel. The support structure may include a hard surface such as concrete footing, concrete slab, jersey wall, K-Rail or the like. In such instances the panels may be secured directly to the hard surface by a suitable fastener. In cases where the panels are utilised where there isn't a suitable support i.e. uneven or soft ground etc the panels may be mounted to a set of support feet. The feet may be constructed from a steel plate having a centrally upstanding leg for insertion into the apertures provided in the panels. The feet may the be retained in position by means of a locking pin or the like.

The panels may be stacked along the vertical plane of the fence line to provided additional or variation in hight of the fence (e.g. transitions between lower and higher ground etc). In such instances the lower horizontal rail of the upper panel is secured to the upper horizontal rail of the lower panel. The two panels may then be secured U2011/001298

5 together by the insertion of a suitable fastener between the upper and lower rails of the adjoining panels.

To provide additional support to a fence line constructed form the plurality of panels each panel may be fitted with a brace. The brace may include a foot, a centrally disposed leg and an arm attached to the upper end of the leg. Preferably the arm extends upwardly from the leg at angle between 15° to 90°. The end of arm may be secured directly to the panel via a suitable fastener. The fencing system may also include an alarm module coupled to each of the plurality of panels and the energiser unit. The alarm module may include CCTV, security lighting, vibration/motion detectors and other alarm monitoring or annunciation equipment. In remote applications the alarm module may be a solar powered monitoring station which can be hard wired or wireless linked to additional communication infrastructure. The alarm module may be linked to a central monitoring station via mobile communication network e.g. GSM, GPRS, Satellite , CDMA network. The alarm module may also provide a short range communication facility such as Bluetooth, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11 η connectivity to allow for monitoring data to be readily downloaded to a laptop, PDA, smart-phone or other portable communications device.

In the case where each panel is coupled to the alarm module, the alarm module may provide services for the determination of the location of the panel or section of fence for which alarm condition has been produced. In such instances an addressing system may be utilised to identify each panel installed in the fence line.

Throughout the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises". BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modular fencing panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a section of the modular panel of Fig 1 ;

FIG 3 is a detailed view of the mounting arrangement of high tensile wires to the modular panel of Fig 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a subsidiary modular panel for use with the modular panel of Fig 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible configuration for the interconnection of the modular panels of Fig 1 to form sections of a fence line;

FIG. 6 is a is a schematic diagram one possible configuration of a perimeter fence line construed from the modular panels of Fig 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a modular fencing panel according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible configuration for the interconnection of the modular panels Fig 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting a modular connector for electrically interconnecting adjoining modular panels.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Fig 1 there is illustrated a modular fencing panel 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the modular panel 100 includes a frame composed of two substantially vertical members (stiles) 101a, 101b and two horizontal members (rails) 101c, 101d. Each of the members 101a, 101 b , 101c, 101d may also be provided with a plurality of apertures 102 to allow for the interconnection of the panel with an adjacent panel or support structure. To complete the panel's construction a security mesh 103 (shown here in partial section in the interests of clarity) such as steel mesh, chain wire etc is fixed to the external face 105 of the panel 100, while a series of horizontal, smooth, corrosion resistant, high tensile alloy wires 104 forming the electric fence line are positioned adjacent the internal face 106 of the panel. In this particular example the each of the members 101a, 101b , 101c, 101d are formed from lengths of RHS aluminium having a width of 125mm and a thickness of 60mm. As the stiles 101a, 101b and rails 101c, 101d are formed from aluminium the security mesh 103 can be secured to the external face 105 of the panel 100 in a variety of ways such as a series of screw clamps, rivets or other such suitable fasteners. Alternatively the mesh 103 could be welded directly to the external surface of the panel 100. As shown the series of high tensile wires 104 are mounted between the internal walls 107 of the stiles 101a, 101b adjacent the interior face 106 of the panel and a predetermined distance from the security mesh 103. A more detailed view of the arrangement of the mesh and high tensile wires with respect to the panel's frame is shown in Fig 2.

As illustrated in Fig 2, the high tensile wires 104 are mounted a predetermined distance from the security mesh 103. In this example there is approximately 100mm between the security mesh 103 and the high tensile wires 104 carrying the charge which complies with the relevant Australian standards governing the use of such high voltage fencing. In this instance each of the high tensile wires are attached via a ratchet tensioning block 108 to a mounting hook 109 (not shown) secured through the inner wall of the stiles via a series of holes 110 positioned approximately 100mm apart.

Fig 3 is an expanded view of the region (§) and shows the mounting arrangement for the high tensile wires in further detail. As illustrated one end of the mounting hook 109 is inserted into the inner cavity of the RHS aluminium stile 10 a, 101b via hole 110. In order to prevent damage to the inner wall 105 of the stile 101a, 101 b during tensioning of the wire 104, sleeve 111 is provided. The opposing end of the mounting hook 109 is provided with an eyelet for receipt of spring 112 of the ratchet tensioning block 108. As the ratchet 108 is turned to tension the wire 104 the section of the mounting hook 109 within the stile 101a, 101b is brought into engagement with the interior surface of the inner wall 107. As the wire is bought to the appropriate tension any additional strain on the mounting hook 09 is born through spring 112. By arranging the high tensile wires (i.e. each wire is wholly contained within the interior portion of the panel) forming the electric fence component of the panel multiple loop (zone) configurations can be utilised within a single panel. Moreover it is possible to change the zoning between each panel. The potential randomisation of zoning between each panel and within the panel itself provides an additional level of security, as it makes exceedingly difficult if not impossible for a would be intruder to readily distinguish between the high voltage lines and low voltage detection lines. In addition the use of zoning allows the electric fencing system to be easily tied into with CCTV, security lighting and other alarm monitoring or annunciation system. Fence alarm and zone alarm outputs from each panel can be used to trigger or operate all forms of alarm monitoring, annunciation or signalling systems. In remote applications the fence and zone alarm outputs can be tied into a stand alone solar powered monitoring station which can be hard wired or wireless linked to additional communication infrastructure. In the event a zone or fence alarm is triggered a signal is sent back to the remote monitoring station. On receipt alarm the station can then notify appropriate security personnel by sending a message over a mobile communication network e.g. GSM, GPRS, Satellite to a central monitoring station. The remote monitoring station may also provide a short range communication facility such as Bluetooth, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11η connectivity to allow for monitoring data to be readily downloaded to a laptop, PDA, smart-phone or other portable communications device. It is also possible to determine the location of the panel or section of fence which produced the alarm by utilising an addressing system to identify each panel installed in the fence line.

With reference to Fig 4 there is illustrated a subsidiary panel 200 for use in conjunction with the panel of Fig 1. The panel of Fig 4 is adapted for installation along the top the modular fencing panels forming a section of fence line. The subsidiary panel in this instance is designed to act as an further barrier to individuals scaling the fence line. In the present example the subsidiary panel 200 includes a base member 201 at the ends of which are disposed substantially vertical members 202a and 202b. Apertures 203 are provided in the base 201 and vertical member 202a, 202b to allow for the interconnection of the panel with an adjacent panel or support structure.

In this case a series of high tensile wires 104 forming part of the electric fence line are supported between each of the disposed substantially vertical members 202a and 202b. While the a subsidiary panel 200 in this instance is shown with a series of high tensile wires 104 it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that alternate anti-personnel measures are possible for example razor wire, barbed wire or the like. It will also be appreciated by one of skill in the art that members 202a, 202b could be angled inwardly or outwardly with respect to the fence line depending on the application.

Fig 5 depicts one possible example of how the modular panels of Figs 1 and 4 may be interconnected to form a section of fence line. In this particular example a set of modular panels 501 , 502 and 503, of the type discussed in relation to Fig 1 above, have been interconnected to form a section of fence of varying height.

As shown modular panels 501 and 502 are secured together by a series of plates 500 which are attached to the adjacent styles 101b, 101a of adjacent panels via a suitable fastener inserted through the plate 504 into the corresponding aperture 102. To prevent damage to the wall of the stiles 101a, 101b due to insertion of the fastener apertures 102 may be provided with a sleeve. In instances where the chosen fastener is a bolt or other such threaded fastener the sleeve may be provided with a corresponding thread for cooperation with the selected fastener. While in this particular case the connecting plate is shown as a flat rectangular plate it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the plate could be angled or hinged to permit the interconnection of panels at various angles to adjacent panels to form corners or curves etc within the fence line.

To ensure that stability of the fence line modular panels 50 , 502 can be attached to an appropriate support structure via the apertures 102 provided in rails 102d of each panel. In the illustrated example modular panel 501 is shown as being secured to a concrete footing or the like by a suitable fastener passed through the apertures 102. for example the modular panel 501 could be secured to the footing by means of a shot bolt, piton or the like. Alternatively the panel could be fixed to the footing by positioning the apertures 102 over reinforcing bars embedded within the footing the exposed ends protruding from the rail 101d could the receive a nut or other suitable fastener e.g. locking pin or alternatively the ends of the bar could be simply bent over to clamp the rail 102d in position. In cases where there is no footing or hard surface which would permit the direct attachment of fastener through apertures 102 the panels may be fitted with feet 505. As shown in Fig 5 panel 502 is supported by feet 505. In this example feet consist of a fiat steel plate 506 and centrally disposed leg 507 for insertion through 505 apertures 102 within rail 101d. The exposed ends of the legs 507 may then be secured by a suitable fastening arrangement such as a locking pin, nut etc. To provide additional stability to the panel 502 weights can be placed onto the portions of the feet 505 extending away from rail 102d. Additional support to the fence may also be provided by means of a brace 508 which is connected to the stiles 101a, 101b of the panels 501 , 502 via plate 500. As shown the brace includes a foot 509 and a centrally disposed leg 510. Attached to the upper end of the leg 510 is arm 511 which extends upwardly at angle between 15° to 90°. The end of arm 511 is then secured directly to the panel via a suitable fastener.

In the example depicted in Fig 5 a variation in fence height is provided by attachment of modular panel 503 to panel 501 to produce a double height section of fence, while a subsidiary panel 504 (of the type discussed in relation to Fig 4 above) is secured to panel 502. As shown modular panel 503 is fixed panel 501 by the insertion of a suitable fastener through both rails 101d and 101c via apertures 102. Similarly the subsidiary 504 has its base 201 secured to rail 101c of panel 502 by the insertion of a suitable fastener through the base 201 and rail 101c via a passage formed by the alignment of apertures 102 and 203. In addition to being secured to the lower panels 501 , 502 the subsidiary panel 504 and panel 503 my be interconnected via plate 504.

To complete the construction the fence the high tensile wires 104 of each panel are connected to an energiser in the desired zone configuration. In the present case only the interconnection of a single zone in adjoining panels is shown in the interests of clarity. As shown zones within the panels 501 and 502 are formed by electrically connecting a number of wires 104 together. Charge from the energizer is the applied via insulated wire 512 which is coupled to one of the wires in the zone in panel 501. Charge between the zone in panel 501 is transferred to the zone in 502 by forming a series connection between the two zones by the use of a heavy duty insulated wire link 513. A similar series interconnection from the zone in panel 502 is then made to the next panel in the line and so forth until the circuit is complete.

With reference to Fig 6 there is shown one possible arrangement of a fence line constructed from the modular panels of Figs 1 discussed in detail above. As shown a series of panels 602, 604, 606 and 608 have been secured together by a series of plates 504 attached to the adjacent styles 101b, 101a of the adjoining panels by a suitable fastener. In this instance the panels 602, 604, 606 and 608 are mounted, by means of a suitable fasteners inserted through the lower rail 101d of each panel, directly to a barricade formed of a series of modular concrete blocks 601 , 603, 605 and 607 respectively often know as Jersey wall, Jersey barrier or K-rail.

Given that K-rail is primarily utilised in traffic control mounting the panels directly to such modular concrete blocks 601 , 603, 605 and 607 provides the fence line with increased resistance to attack from light vehicles such as cars and utilities etc. Additionally given the popularity of K-rail barricade systems means that little to no additional infrastructure is required to rapidly deploy a high security electric perimeter fence or to construct a secure compound. Indeed mounting the modular panels to K- rail would enable the construction of detention centres, secure forward command areas, secure check points etc in a fraction of the time and cost required to construct a standard security fence for such applications. Fig 7 depicts the construction of a modular fencing panel according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown the modular panel 700 includes a frame composed of two substantially vertical members (stiles) 701a, 701 b and two horizontal members (rails) 701c, 701d. Each of the rails 701 c, 101d are provided with a plurality of apertures 702 to allow for the interconnection of the panel with an adjacent panel or support structure. To complete the panel's construction a security mesh 703 (shown here in partial section in the interests of clarity) such as steel mesh, chain wire etc is fixed to the external face 705 of the panel 700, while a series of horizontal, smooth, corrosion resistant, high tensile alloy wires 704 forming the electric fence line are positioned adjacent the internal face 706 of the panel.

Unlike the panel discussed in relation to Fig 1 above the outer edges 708 of the stiles 701a, 701b have a convex profile. Disposed in the upper and lower ends of each of the convex outer edges 708 of the stiles 701a, 701 b are blind bores 709 for receipt of panel joiner or support structure which are then secured within the bore 709 by the insertion of a locking pin 710 into aperture 711 and through the portion of the joiner or support structure retained in the bore 709.

A section of fence line constructed from the modular panels of Fig 7 is depicted in Fig 8. In this instance two modular panels of the type shown in Fig 7 are aligned such that the convex outer edges 708 of the stiles 701a, 701b contact one another. A joiner 803 consisting of a plate 805 and a pair of pins 804a, 804b is then un utilised interconnect the two panels, via the insertion of pins 804a, 804b into the bores 709 disposed in the upper ends of the stiles 701a, 701b. The pins 804a, 804b of joiner 803 are then retained in position by the insertion of a suitable fastener such as a locking pins 710 into apertures 711. The provision of convex outer edges 708 on stiles 701a, 701b allows adjoining panels to be angularly displaced with respect to one another to form comers or curves within the fence line, provided of course that one of the pins 804a, 804b of the joiner has not been locked in position by the insertion of the locking pin 710.

To provide additional support to the fence line of Fig 8 feet 806 and 807 may be attached to the lower edge of each panel 801 , 802. As shown foot 806 is constructed from a plate 808 having an upwardly extending centrally disposed leg 810 for insertion into the bores 709 disposed in the lower end of stiles 70 a, 701b. Once the leg 810 is positioned within bore 709 it is then retained in position by the insertion of a suitable fastener such as a locking pin 710 into aperture 711. In this case foot 806 is designed as an anchorage point in instances where the panel joins a hard structure such as an exterior wall of a building etc.

By contrast foot 807 includes a base 809 and jaws 811a, 811 b mounted to the upper surface and disposed at opposing ends of the base 809. Foot 807 also includes leg 813 disposed between the region between the jaws 811a, 811b. The leg 813 being adapted for insertion into aperture 702 disposed in rail 701 d of the panel 801 , 802. Insertion of the leg 813 into aperture 702 cause the jaws 811a, 811b to contact the exterior and interior surfaces of the rails 701 d thereby actively clamping the lower rail 701d of the panel within the foot 807. To ensure that the foot 807 is retained in position once installed a locking pin can be inserted through aperture 815 provided in the upper portion of the leg 813.

Fig 9 depicts one possible arrangement for a connector block 900 for the electrical interconnection of the high tensile wires of adjoining panels. The connector in this case consists of a male 901 and female 902 sections. As shown the male section 901 includes 3 pins, a central pin 905, and upper and lower pins 903a, 903b which mate with corresponding receptacles 906, 904a, 904b provided in the female section 902. Pin 905 is provided with an aperture 909, on insertion of pin 905 into receptacle 906 of the female section 902 aperture 909 aligns with aperture 910 permitting the insertion of a locking pin 916 to secure pin 905 within receptacle 906 thereby locking the male 901 and female 902 sections together.

When the male 901 and female 902 sections are interconnected charge is passed from the active 907a and neutral 907b lines from the energiser/ neighbouring panel via terminals 911a, 911b through pins 903a, 903b to spring loaded contacts 908a, 908b housed with receptacles 904a, 904b of the female section 902. Contacts 908a, 908b transfer the charge via terminals 912a, 912b to active 914a and neutral 914b lines coupled to the adjacent panel.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described herein.