Fencing base with ballast weight

Abstract

A ballast weight is provided for a base for supporting tubular fencing poles on spigots. The ballast weight is in the form of a removable slab of molded plastics which in its underside has groove portions to receive frame members of the base. The end of the slab lies over a central transverse member of the frame and has a recess to accommodate the spigots. A pair of identical slabs can be used, one each side of the central transverse member of the frame.

Claims

1. A fencing apparatus, comprising: (i) a base for a fencing pole of a fencing system including a fencing panel having a tubular fencing pole, the base being in the form of a frame including first and second parallel longitudinal members extending longitudinally from adjacent a first end of the base remote from the fencing pole to a second end of the base adjacent the fencing pole; the longitudinal members being interconnected by a first transverse member adjacent the first end of the base, there being a second transverse member which interconnects the longitudinal members adjacent the second end of the base; and there being an upwardly projecting spigot on the second transverse member, between the ends of the second transverse member; the tubular fencing pole engaging with the spigot; and (ii) a removable ballast weight of molded recycled plastics material in the foil of a flat slab having an upper surface and a lower surface and outer side portions, wherein at least outer side portions of the slab are provided with a high visibility colour, the slab having a first end and a second end, the lower surface of the slab being provided with a U shaped open bottomed groove having first and second open ends at the second end of the slab, the groove having: a first groove portion extending longitudinally from the first open end of the groove, to adjacent the first end of the slab; a second groove portion extending parallel to the first groove portion from the second open end of the groove at the second end of the slab, to adjacent the first end of the slab; and a third groove portion extending transversely adjacent the first end of the slab, interconnecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion; wherein, in use, the slab is placed on the frame with the second end of the slab spaced longitudinally from the first end of the frame, the first groove portion receiving part of the first longitudinal member of the frame with part of the first longitudinal member protruding from the first open end and the second groove portion receiving part of the second longitudinal member of the frame with part of the second longitudinal member protruding from the second open end, and the slab is then slid relative to the frame so that the first end of the slab is adjacent the first end of the frame, the second end of the slab is adjacent the second end of the frame, the third groove portion receives the first transverse member of the frame, and the second end of the slab is provided with a recessed portion to accommodate the upwardly extending spigot of the frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slab includes an aperture extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the slab to assist in lifting and manipulation.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein outer side portions of the slab and the outside of the first end of the slab are provided with a high visibility color to bring the attention of the slab to pedestrians.

4. A fencing apparatus, comprising: (i) a base for a fencing pole of a fencing system including a fencing panel having a tubular fencing pole, the base being in the form of a frame including first and second parallel longitudinal members extending longitudinally from adjacent a first end of the base remote from the fencing pole on one side of the fencing panel to a second end of the base remote from the fencing pole on the other side of the fencing panel; the longitudinal members being interconnected by a first transverse member adjacent the first end of the base, a second transverse member adjacent the second end of the base, and a third transverse member adjacent the fencing panel; there being an upwardly projecting spigot on the third transverse member which engages with the tubular fencing pole; and (ii) a first removable ballast weight of molded recycled plastics material in the foul of a first flat slab having an upper surface and a lower surface and outer side portions, wherein at least outer side portions of the slab are provided with a high visibility colour, the first slab having a first end and a second end, the lower surface of the first slab being provided with a U shaped open bottomed groove having first and second open ends at the second end of the first slab, the groove having: a first groove portion extending longitudinally from the first open end of the groove, to adjacent the first end of the first slab; a second groove portion extending parallel to the first groove portion from the second open end of the groove at the second end of the first slab, to adjacent the first end of the first slab; and a third groove portion extending transversely adjacent the first end of the first slab, interconnecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion; wherein, in use, the first slab is placed on the frame on one side of the third transverse member of the frame with the second end of the first slab spaced longitudinally from third transverse member of the frame, the first groove portion receiving part of the first longitudinal member of the frame with part of the first longitudinal member protruding from the first open end and the second groove portion receiving part of the second longitudinal member of the frame with part of the second longitudinal member protruding from the second open end, and the first slab is then slid relative to the frame so that the first end of the first slab is adjacent the first end of the frame, the second end of the first slab is adjacent the third transverse member of the frame, the third groove portion receives the first transverse member of the frame, and the second end of the first slab is provided with a recessed portion to accommodate the upwardly extending spigot of the frame; and (iii) a second removable ballast weight of molded recycled plastics material in the form of a second flat slab having an upper surface and a lower surface and outer side portions, wherein at least outer side portions of the slab are provided with a high visibility colour, the second slab having a first end and a second end, the lower surface of the second slab being provided with a U shaped open bottomed groove having first and second open ends at the second end of the second slab, the groove having: a first groove portion extending longitudinally from the first open end of the groove, to adjacent the first end of the second slab; a second groove portion extending parallel to the first groove portion from the second open end of the groove at the second end of the second slab, to adjacent the first end of the second slab; and a third groove portion extending transversely adjacent the first end of the second slab, interconnecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion; wherein, in use, the second slab is placed on the frame on the other side of the third transverse member of the frame, with the second end of the second slab spaced longitudinally from the third transverse member of the frame, the first groove portion receiving part of the first longitudinal member of the frame with part of the first longitudinal member protruding from the first open end and the second groove portion receiving part of the second longitudinal member of the frame with part of the second longitudinal member protruding from the second open end, and the second slab is then slid relative to the frame so that the first end of the second slab is adjacent the second end of the frame, the second end of the second slab is adjacent the third transverse member of the frame, the third groove portion receives the second transverse member of the frame, and the second end of the second slab is provided with a recessed portion to accommodate the upwardly extending spigot of the frame.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second slabs includes an aperture extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the slabs to assist in lifting and manipulation.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein outer side portions of each of the first and second slabs and the outsides of the first ends of the first and second slabs are provided with a high visibility color to bring the attention of the slabs to pedestrians.

7. A method of stabilizing a fencing apparatus, in which the apparatus includes: (i) a base for a fencing pole of a fencing system including a fencing panel having a tubular fencing pole, the base being in the form of a frame including first and second parallel longitudinal members extending longitudinally from adjacent a first end of the base remote from the fencing pole on one side of the fencing panel to a second end of the base remote from the fencing pole on the other side of the fencing panel; the longitudinal members being interconnected by a first transverse member adjacent the first end of the base, a second transverse member adjacent the second end of the base, and a third transverse member adjacent the fencing panel; there being an upwardly projecting spigot on the third transverse member which engages with the tubular fencing pole; and (ii) a first removable ballast weight of molded recycled plastics material in the form of a first flat slab having an upper surface and a lower surface and outer side portions, wherein at least outer side portions of the slab are provided with a high visibility colour, the first slab having a first end and a second end, the lower surface of the first slab being provided with a U shaped open bottomed groove having first and second open ends at the second end of the first slab, the groove having: a first groove portion extending longitudinally from the first open end of the groove, to adjacent the first end of the first slab; a second groove portion extending parallel to the first groove portion from the second open end of the groove at the second end of the first slab, to adjacent the first end of the first slab; and a third groove portion extending transversely adjacent the first end of the first slab, interconnecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion; the second end of the first slab being provided with a recessed portion; wherein the method comprises: placing the first slab on the frame on one side of the third transverse member of the frame with the second end of the first slab spaced longitudinally from the third transverse member of the frame, the first groove portion receiving part of the first longitudinal member of the frame with part of the first longitudinal member protruding from the first open end and the second groove portion receiving part of the second longitudinal member of the frame with part of the second longitudinal member protruding from the second open end; and sliding the first slab relative to the frame so that the first end of the first slab is adjacent the first end of the frame, the second end of the first slab is adjacent the third transverse member of the frame, the third groove portion receives the first transverse member of the frame, and the recessed portion in the second end of the first slab accommodates the upwardly extending spigot of the frame.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fencing apparatus includes: (iii) a second removable ballast weight of molded recycled plastics material in the form of a second flat slab having an upper surface and a lower surface and outer side portions, wherein at least outer side portions of the slab are provided with a high visibility colour, the second slab having a first end and a second end, the lower surface of the second slab being provided with a U shaped open bottomed groove having first and second open ends at the second end of the second slab, the groove having: a first groove portion extending longitudinally from the first open end of the groove, to adjacent the first end of the second slab; a second groove portion extending parallel to the first groove portion from the second open end of the groove at the second end of the second slab, to adjacent the first end of the second slab; and a third groove portion extending transversely adjacent the first end of the second slab, interconnecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion; the second end of the second slab being provided with a recessed portion; and wherein the method further comprises: placing the second slab on the frame on the other side of the third transverse member of the frame, with the second end of the second slab spaced longitudinally from the third transverse member of the frame with part of the first longitudinal member protruding from the first open end, the first groove portion receiving part of the first longitudinal member of the frame and the second groove portion receiving part of the second longitudinal member of the frame with part of the second longitudinal member protruding from the second open end, and sliding the second slab relative to the frame so that the first end of the second slab is adjacent the second end of the frame, the second end of the second slab is adjacent the third transverse member of the frame, the third groove portion receives the second transverse member of the frame, and the second end of the second slab is provided with a recessed portion to accommodate the upwardly extending spigot of the frame, and the recessed portion in the second end of the second slab accommodating the upwardly extending spigot of the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base for supporting fencing posts;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base with two fencing panels attached.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a weight for use with the base;

(5) FIG. 4 is an underneath perspective view of the weight;

(6) FIG. 5 is a view of the weight from one end;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the weight in position on the base;

(8) FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the weight on the base;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two of the weights on the base;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative weight;

(11) FIG. 10 is an underneath plan view of the weight of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 is an underneath perspective view of the weight of FIG. 9; and

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a security clamp that may be used to join together two weights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a support 1 for supporting tubular metal fencing posts. The support 1 is constructed from solid metal, e.g. steel rods welded together. The support is in the form of a rectangular frame and has a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3 which is spaced from and parallel to the first longitudinal member, a first transverse member 4 joining together the longitudinal members 2 and 3 at one end, and a second transverse member 5 joining together the longitudinal members 2 and 3 at the other end. Mid-way along the longitudinal members, they are joined together by a third, central, transverse member 6. This carries two steel spigots 7 projecting upwardly, which can receive tubular fencing posts of fence panels.

(15) FIG. 2 shows the base 1 in use. One spigot receives the end of a tubular metal fence post 22 of a first metal fencing panel 2, and the other spigot receives the end of a tubular metal fence post 24 of a second metal fencing panel 25.

(16) FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show a weight 8 for use as ballast in holding the support on a surface. The weight is in the form of a slab of molded recycled PVC, and has a top surface 9, a first side 10, a second side 11, a close end 12 and an open end 13. The open end 13 is provided with a recess 14. The slab has a base 15, and as shown in FIG. 3, this is divided into a peripheral region 16 along the side 10, the end 12 and the side 11, and a central region 17. There is defined an open bottomed grove between these regions of the base, which is of U shape having a first portion 18 extending longitudinally adjacent side 10 from an open end at end 13; a second transverse portion 19 extending adjacent end 12 of the slab; and a third portion 20 extending longitudinally adjacent side 11 to an open end at end 13 of the slab. The slab has been designed to accommodate one half of the support frame, the parts of members 2 and 3, and all of transverse member 4, in the groove defined by portions 18, 19 and 20. There is also an opening 21 passing through the slab from the upper surface 9 through to the central region 17 of the base of the slab, to assist in picking up the slab.

(17) FIGS. 6 and 7 show the weight in position on the frame. The weight can be used in the single form as shown, or in the double form as shown in FIG. 8, in which two identical weights are used at opposite ends of the frame, and abut, or meet closely, in the middle. The two recesses 14 form an oval opening through which the spigots 7 protrude.

(18) In FIG. 9, shows an alternative weight, also in the form of a slab 26. As with the weight of the previous embodiment, this has a closed end 27 and an open end 28. The configuration of the open end is changed somewhat and there are defined to lateral protrusions 29 and 30. Between these protrusions there is provided an extended recessed area 31. In a central region 32, there is an additional recess, corresponding to where the fence poles will be positioned. An aperture 33 is provided.

(19) FIGS. 10 and 11 show the underneath of this embodiment. There is an open U shaped groove defined by two longitudinal portions 34 and 35, interconnected by a transverse portion 36. At the two corners of the groove, i.e. adjacent the junctions between portions 34 and 36, and 35 and 36, the groove is covered. In this embodiment this is achieved by two cover plates 37 and 38 which are secured to the underside of the slab by fasteners 39 and extend across the respective corners. The cover plates are optional and can be omitted in a modification of this embodiment.

(20) The slab 26 is provided with a pair of apertures 40 and 41. When two slabs are used together, the aperture 40 of one slab is opposite the aperture 41 of the other slab, and the aperture 41 of said one slab is opposite the aperture 40 of the other slab. FIG. 12 shows an elongate molded plastics security clamp 42 that is used to join the slabs together using the apertures. The clamp has a curved central portion 43, that permits bending, and a lug 44, 45 at each end that forms a fit inside a respective aperture 40, 41.

(21) Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.