AU2005220164B2

AU2005220164B2 - Two-Part Fence Base

Info

Publication number: AU2005220164B2
Application number: AU2005220164A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Dehlsen
Original assignee: Kelvindale Products Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kelvindale Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-15
Filing date: 2005-09-30
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-30
Also published as: AU2005220164A1; NZ544126A

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.10 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: TWO-PART FENCE BASE The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us Our Ref 062017 lflhAQ InI" , Al- cn Dh fl~a A 21 A A Da.'i,..A k'. in A,.,4..mIi - "f~im /L.-. ''t. | rife7 /\/*. (V IA A l | -n T2WO-PART FENCE BASE The present invention relates to temporary fences such as typically found at building sites and, more particularly to the base or anchor blocks with apertures into which the 5 uprights of panels of such fences may be inserted and so supported. BACKGROUND The use of temporary fences made up of panels 10 comprising pairs of uprights and stringers with infills of woven wire mesh, supported in concrete blocks, has become a common feature o2 building sites and other areas requiring temporary enclosure. To be effective in supporting the substantial weight 15 of the fence panels and the forces such as wind loading, which may be applied to them, the concrete blocks themselves must be of substantial size and weight, preferably at least 35Kg. This places them outside the permitted maximum weight which, in some jurisdictions at 20 least, may be lifted by a male person due to health and safety issues. It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 3 Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a base element for a temporary fence; said base element comprising a base portion and an insert portion placed on said base portion; each of said base portion and said insert portion 5 comprising a composite of a moulded shell and a settable material filling said shell; each shell of said base portion and said insert portion open at respective undersides; each said shell provided with side by side former for accepting steel uprights of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence. 10 Preferably, said shell of said base portion includes a generally rectangular prism having an open rectangular base with side and end portions extending upwardly to an upper surface parallel to said rectangular base; said shell further including corner projections thrusting upwardly from said upper surface. 15 Preferably, said upper surface is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an underside of said platform to a point level with said open rectangular base. 20 Preferably, said cylindrical formers are provided with integral closures at said point level with said open rectangular base; each of said closures provided with a drainage hole.

4 Preferably, said apertures have a diameter adapted for insertion of tubular steel uprights of temporary fence panels. Preferably, each end portion of said open rectangular base is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an 5 underside level with said open rectangular base; said recess extending upwardly to a level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said recess adapted for providing handholds for lifting of said base portion. Preferably, apertures are provided in each said end portion; said 10 apertures located centrally in said end portion and between said level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former 15 coextensive in length with each said recess. Preferably, each said aperture and each said cylindrical former has a diameter adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said end portion. 20 Preferably, two diametrically opposed said corner projections are each provided with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner projections; said apertures communicating with integral 5 cylindrical formers extending downwardly from said upper surface to a point level with said open rectangular base; said apertures and said cylindrical formers adapted to receive therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod. 5 Preferably, said insert portion comprises a central body portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end portion; said central body portion having an open underside; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous upper surface parallel to said underside; said body adapted for 10 insertion between said corner projections of said base portion so as to rest on said upper surface of said base portion; said base portion and said insert portion when assembled forming a generally rectangular block. Preferably, depth of said central body portion is approximately 15 equal to height of said corner projections; and wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced relative to said central body portion so as to allow space for a user's fingers when lifting said insert portion for assembly or disassembly with said base portion. 20 Preferably, said upper surface of said insert portion is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an 6 underside of said upper surface to a point level with said open underside; said apertures and said cylindrical formers coaxial with said apertures and said cylindrical former of said base portion when said base portion and said insert portion are 5 assembled together. Preferably, each of said outer end portions is provided with an aperture; each said aperture communicating with an integral cylindrical former extending inwardly from each said outer end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said 10 cylindrical former coextensive in length with respective said outer end portions. Preferably, each said aperture and said cylindrical former of said outer end portions have diameters adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end 15 portion to an opposite said outer end portion. Preferably, said settable material is concrete. Preferably, said base portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 18 to 24 kilograms. Preferably, said insert portion has a weight when filled with said 20 settable material in a range of 14 to 20 kilograms.

7 In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing a base element for a temporary fence comprising a first base portion and a second insert portion placed on said base portion; said method including the steps of: 5 a.providing said first base portion and said second insert portion as shells open at respective undersides and adapted for filling with a settable material, b. inverting each said first base portion and said second insert portion, 10 c. inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and cylindrical formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said first base portion and said second insert portion, d. pouring said settable material into each of said shells 15 so as to fill each of said shells level with said respective undersides to form composites of said shells and said settable material, e. allowing said settable material to harden, f. inverting each of said first base portion and second 20 insert portion and placing said second insert portion onto said first base portion, and 8 wherein side by side former in each of said first base portion and said second insert portion are then coaxial so as to accept therethrough steel uprights of panels of a said temporary fence. 5 Preferably, said settable material is concrete. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base portion of a fence 10 base according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of an insert portion of the preferred embodiment of a fence base, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base portion and insert portion of Figs. 1 and 2 when assembled for use, 15 Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the base portion of Fig. 1 Figure 5 is a plan view of the base portion of Fig. 1, Figure 6 is a view from underneath the base portion of Fig. 1 Figure 7 is an end elevation view of the base portion of Fig. 20 1, Figure 8 is a sectioned view of a portion of the base portion of Fig. 1 taken along the line A-A, - 9 Figure 9 is a sectioned view of a portion of the base portion of Fig. 1 taken along the line B-B, Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the insert portion of Fig. 2, 5 Figure 11 is a view of the underneath of the insert portion .of Fig. 2, Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the insert portion of Fig. 2, Figure 13 is a sectioned view of a portion of the 10 insert portion of Fig. 2 taken along the line A-A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to Fig. 1, a base portion 10 of a fence base is comprised of a shell 12 moulded in some suitable 15 plastic. Shell 12 is formed as a generally rectangular prism having a rectangular base 14 open at its underside 16 as may be seen from the view from below of Fig. 6. Shell 12 has an upper surface 18 parallel with rectangular base 14. The sides of shell 12 preferably taper 20 inwardly to some extent as can best be seen in the side elevation and end elevation views of Figs. 4 and 7. Projecting upwardly at each corner area of upper surface 18, are projections 20 to 23. Upper surface 18 is provided with apertures 24 and 26 arranged side by side and disposed 25 along the transverse centre line 27 of upper surface 18.

- 10 Apertures 24 and 26 communicate with cylindrical formers 28 and 30 respectively, extending downwardly from the underside of upper surface 18 to the level of rectangular base 14 as best seen in the hidden detail of 5 Fig. 4. Cylindrical formers 28 and 30 are closed at their lower ends 32 and 34 except for small drainage holes 36 and 38. With reference again to Fig. 1, diametrically opposing projections 20 and 22 are further provided with apertures 10 40 and 42 respectively, each of which communicates with cylindrical formers 41 and 43 respectively extending downwardly from the undersides of the upper surfaces 44 and 46 to the level of rectangular base 14 as can be seen in Fig. 9. Cylindrical formers 41 and 43 are open at their 15 lower ends and their diameters are sized so as to accept lengths of reinforcing rod which may be inserted into the apertures and driven into the ground to assist in stabilising the base portion 10 once in situ. With reference to Figs. 1, 6, 2 and 8, it will be seen 20 that recesses 48 and 50 are provided at each end of the base portion 10. These extend inwardly sufficient to provide handgrips for a user to lift the base portion off, or place it onto, a surface. Recesses 48 and 50 are open at their underside and extend upwardly to a level intermediate 25 between base 14 and upper surface 18. Positioned centrally, in the portions of the ends of shell 12 between recesses 48 - 11 and 50 and upper surface 18, are apertures 52 and 54 communicating with cylindrical formers 51 and 53 respectively, arranged so that farmers 51 and 53 are coaxial 5 As may be seen in Fig. 6, strengthening webs 55 may be provided to maintain correct alignment of cylindrical farmers 28 and 30 prior to the filling of shell 12 with a settable material. Cylindrical formers 41 and 43 are preferably moulded so as to have outer walls of the farmers 10 contiguous with internal surfaces of corner projections 20 and 22 respectively. Turning now to Figs. 2 and 10 to 13, an insert portion 100 of a fence base is comprised of a central body portion 118 and outwardly extending portions 104 and 106 forming a 15 shell 112. Central body portion 118 is open at its underside 108 and its depth is approximately equal to the height of projections 20 to 23 of base portion 10. The depth of extending portions 104 and 106 however, is sufficiently less than that of central body portion 118 to 20 allow a user to insert the fingers under portions 104 and 106 for lifting insert portion 100 off, or placing it on a surface. The shape of outwardly extending portions 104 and 106 and of shoulder portions 108 is such as to allow a close 25 nesting of insert portion 100 between projections 20 to 23 of base portion 10, as may be seen in Fig. 3. Insert - 12 portion 100 is also provided with side by side apertures 124 and 126 disposed along the transverse centre line 127 of central body portion 118. Apertures 124 and 126 communicated with cylindrical formers 128 and 130 5 respectively, which extend downwardly from the underside of the upper surface of central body portion 118 to a point level with the underside 108. However unlike the cylindrical formers 28 and 30 of base portion 10, the formers 128 and 130 are open at their lower ends. 10 Apertures 124 and 126 and their respective cylindrical formers are positioned so as to be coaxial with respective apertures, .24 and 26 and their cylindrical former when insert portion 100 is placed on base portion 10. The diameter of these apertures and formers is adapted to 15 accept the insertion of tubular steel upright members 23 and 25 (shown in dashed outline in Fig. 3) of adjoining fence panels. Again with reference to Figs. 3, 10 and 11, each of outwardly extending portions 104 and 106, is provided with 20 centrally positioned apertures 152 and 154, each of which communicates with respective cylindrical formers 151 and 153 extending approximately the length of portions 104 and 106. Apertures 152 and 154 and formers 151 and 153 are coaxial and of a diameter so as to allow insertion of a 25 length of reinforcing rod extending from one outer end portion to the other.

- 13 In preparation prior to use, base portion 10 and insert portion 100 are inverted and each provided with a length of reinforcing rod passing from apertures 52 to 54 and from 152 to 154 respectively. Concrete or some other 5 suitable settable material is then poured into the respective shells until completely filled, After setting of the settable material the portions may be inverted and are ready for use. At a site where a temporary fence is to be erected, 10 base portions and insert portions may be lifted and positioned individually, thus ensuring that construction personnel are not required to either break health and safety regulations, or run the risk of back injury. Preferred dimensions of the base portion and insert portion 15 herein described when filled with concrete, will result in weights of 20-22 Kg for the base portion and 16-18 Kg for the insert portion. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those 20 skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A base element for a temporary fence; said base element comprising ' a base portion and an insert portion placed on said base portion; each of said base 5 portion and said insert portion comprising a composite of a moulded shell and a settable material filling said shell; each shell of said base portion and said insert portion open at respective undersides; each said shell provided with side by side formers for 10 accepting steel uprights of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence.

2. The base element of claim 1 wherein said shell of said base portion includes a generally rectangular prism having an open rectangular base with side and end 15 portions extending upwardly to an upper surface parallel to said rectangular base; said shell further including corner projections thrusting upwardly from said upper surface.

3. The base element of claim 2 wherein said upper surface 20 is provided with two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical farmers extending downwardly from an underside of said - 15 platform to a point level with said open rectangular base.

4. The base element of claim 3 wherein said cylindrical formers are provided with integral closures at said 5 point level with said open rectangular base; each of said closures provided with a drainage hole.

5. The base element of claim 2 or 3 wherein said apertures have a diameter adapted for insertion of tubular steel uprights of temporary fence panels. 10

6. The base element of any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein each end portion of said open rectangular base is provided with a recess extending inwardly; said recess open at an underside level with said open rectangular base; said recess extending upwardly to a level 15 intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said recess adapted for providing handholds for lifting of said base portion.

7. The base element of claim 6 wherein apertures are provided in each said end portion; said apertures 20 located centrally in said end portion and between said level intermediate said open rectangular base and said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending inwardly from each said end portion such that said cylindrical - 16 formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former coextensive in length with each said recess.

8. The base element of claim 7 wherein each said aperture and each said cylindrical former has a diameter 5 adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod passing from one said end portion to an opposite said end portion.

9. The base element of any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein two diametrically opposed said corner projections are 10 each provided with an aperture in an upper surface of said corner projections; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from said upper surface to a point level with said open rectangular base; said apertures and said 15 cylindrical formers adapted to receive therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod.

10. The base element of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said insert portion comprises a central body portion with outwardly extending opposing outer end 20 portion; said central body portion having an open underside; said central body portion and said outwardly extending end portions having a contiguous upper surface parallel to said underside; said body adapted for insertion between said corner projections - 17 of said base portion so as to rest on said upper surface of said base portion; said base portion and said insert portion when assembled forming a generally rectangular block. 5

11. The base element of claim 10 wherein depth of said central body portion is approximately equal to height of said corner projections; and wherein depth of said opposing outer end portions is reduced relative to said central body portion so as to allow 10 space for a user's fingers when lifting said insert portion for assembly or disassembly with said base portion.

12. The base element of claim 10 or 11 wherein said upper surface of said insert portion is provided with 15 two side by side apertures disposed along a transverse centre line of said upper surface; said apertures communicating with integral cylindrical formers extending downwardly from an underside of said upper surface to a point level with said open underside; 20 said apertures and said cylindrical formers coaxial with said apertures and said cylindrical formers of said base portion when said base portion and said insert portion are assembled together. - 18

13. The base element of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein each of said outer end portions is provided with an aperture; each said aperture communicating with an integral cylindrical former extending inwardly 5 from each said outer end portion such that said cylindrical formers are coaxial; each said cylindrical former coextensive in length with respective said outer end portions

14. The base element of claim 13 wherein each said 10 aperture and said cylindrical former of said outer end portions have diameters adapted to receive therethrough a length of reinforcing rod extending from one said outer end portion to an opposite said outer end portion.

15 15. The base element of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said settable material is concrete.

16. The base element of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said base portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 18 to 24 20 kilograms.

17. The base element of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said insert portion has a weight when filled with said settable material in a range of 14 to 20 kilograms. - 19

18. A method for providing a base element for a temporary fence comprising a first base portion and a second insert portion placed on said base portion; said method including the steps of: 5 a. providing said first base portion and said second insert portion as shells open at respective undersides and adapted for filling with a settable material, b. inverting each said first base portion and said 10 second insert portion, c. inserting a length of reinforcing rod through apertures and cylindrical formers extending inwardly from opposing end portions of each of said first base portion and said second insert 15 portion, d. pouring said settable material into each of said shells so as to fill each of said shells level with said respective undersides to form composites of said shells and said settable 20 material, e. allowing said settable material to harden, - 20 f. inverting each of said first base portion and second insert portion and placing said second insert portion onto said first base portion, and wherein side by side formers in each of said first 5 base portion and said second insert portion are then coaxial so as to accept therethrough steel uprights of panels- of a said temporary fence.

19. The method of claim 19 wherein said settable material is concrete. 10

20. A two-part base element for a temporary fence as substantially herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.