FENCE BRACKET AND FENCE BRACKET SYSTEM

Abstract

A fence bracket (10), a fence bracket system, a kit of parts. a fence assembly and a method of manufacturing a fence bracket are described. The fence bracket (10) is suitable for use with a fence panel. The fence bracket has a body (12) having a base (14), a front wall (20). a first side wall (16) and a second side wall (18): and a support (22). The support (22) is provided on the front wall (20). The support (22) is configured to connect to a fence post. The front wall (20) has a region comprising an aperture (30) suitable for receiving an ancillary component (70).

Claims

1.-34. (canceled)

35. A fence post support bracket (10) comprising: a body (12) having a base (14), a front wall (20), a first side wall (16) and a second side wall (18); and at least one support (22); wherein: the support (22) is configured to connect to a fence post and provided on a first side of the front wall (20); the base (14) comprises an opening (32) for a ground screw (40) and is provided on a second side of the front wall, opposite the first side; and, the bracket has a region comprising an aperture (30) suitable for receiving an ancillary component (70).

36. A fence post support bracket (10) according to claim 35, wherein the support (22) is a first support (22), and the bracket comprises a second support (24) configured to connect to a first and second respective fence posts and being provided on the first side of the front wall (20).

37. A fence post support bracket (10) according to claim 2, wherein the region comprising the aperture is disposed between the first support and the second support.

38. A fence post support bracket (10) according to claim 35, wherein the front wall comprises the region comprising the aperture (30).

39. The fence bracket (10) of claim 38, wherein the region comprising the aperture comprises a tab (28) extending from the front wall (20).

40. The fence bracket (10) of claim 39, wherein a portion (29) of the tab (28) is bent such 20 that the portion (29) extends substantially perpendicularly from the front wall (20).

41. The fence bracket (10) of claim 35, wherein the body (12) further comprises an ancillary support (26) connected to the base (14) and/or front wall (20) wherein the ancillary support (26) is suitable to receive an ancillary support component.

42. The fence bracket (10) of claim 35, wherein the base (14) further comprises at least one hole (34) suitable for receiving an anchor bolt for fixing the fence bracket (10) to hardstanding or hard ground.

43. The fence bracket (10) of claim 36, wherein the aperture (30) has an axis (A1) that is parallel to an axis (A2) of the first fence support (22) and parallel to an axis (A3) of the second fence support (24).

44. The fence bracket (10) of claim 43, wherein the axes (Al), (A2), (A3) are coplanar.

45. The fence bracket (10) of claim 36, wherein the supports (22, 24) are suitable for mating with a fence post in sliding engagement.

46. The fence bracket (10) of claim 45, wherein the supports (22, 24) are tubes suitable for receiving a fence post.

47. The fence bracket (10) of claim 46, wherein the first and second supports (22, 24) are configured such that in use the fence posts are uncovered over a distance (D3) between the bottom of the first and second supports (22, 24) and the ground to enable said fence posts to be fastened together with a fastener (50).

48. The fence bracket (10) of claim 39, wherein a top surface of the first and second fence post supports (22, 24) is below the tab (28) such that in use the fence posts received by the first and second supports (22, 24) are uncovered enabling said fence posts to be fastened together with a fastener (50) such that pulling upward engages the fastener (50) with the tab (28) preventing fence post removal.

49. An assembly of a fence bracket (10) according to claim 35 and a ground screw (40) engaged in the opening (32).

50. A fence bracket system (100) comprising: a fence bracket (10) according to claim 35; and further comprising at least one ancillary component (110).

51. The fence bracket system (100) of claim 50, wherein the at least one ancillary component (110) is at least one of: an arm (70); and/or a fastener (50) and/or a levelling device.

52. The fence bracket system (100) of claim 51, wherein the fence bracket system (100) further comprises an ancillary support component (120); wherein the ancillary support component (120) is one of: a stabilizer; or a brace; or a camera pole; or a solar light; or a flag pole; or a fixture.

53. A kit of parts comprising the components of the fence bracket system of claim 50.

54. A fence assembly comprising: a fence bracket system of claim 52; and at least one fence post and associated fence panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fence bracket;

[0106] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0107] FIG. 3 is a side on view of the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0108] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0109] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from a restricted side of a fence bracket assembly incorporating a fence bracket system including the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0110] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from a public side of the fence assembly of FIG. 5;

[0111] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative fence assembly from the restricted side;

[0112] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a further fence bracket;

[0113] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a further fence bracket;

[0114] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative fence assembly from the restricted side;

[0115] FIG. 11 shows a component of the fence bracket system of FIG. 5

[0116] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an intermediate stage of manufacture of the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0117] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a further fence bracket;

[0118] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the fence bracket of FIG. 12;

[0119] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the fence bracket of FIG. 12;

[0120] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an intermediate stage of manufacture of the fence bracket of FIG. 1;

[0121] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a still further fence bracket;

[0122] FIGS. 18 and 19 show stages in the assembly of the fence bracket of FIG. 16;

[0123] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a fence bracket assembly and a fence supported therewith;

[0124] FIG. 21 shows a first perspective view of a fence bracket of the assembly of FIG. 17;

[0125] FIG. 22 shows a second perspective view of a fence bracket of the assembly of FIG. 17;

[0126] FIG. 23 shows a support assembly of the fence bracket of the assembly of FIG. 17;

[0127] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a fence post clamp;

[0128] FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the fence post clamp of FIG. 21 in situ;

[0129] FIGS. 26a to 28c show various views of a modular fence post kit/system;

[0130] FIGS. 29a to 29c show views of a further fence bracket;

[0131] FIGS. 30a to 30c show views of a still further fence bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

[0132] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, a fence bracket 10 is disclosed for use as part of a fence assembly 1000. The fence bracket 10 is suitable for use with temporary fence panels 60A, 60B such as the fence panel produced by Heras. However, the present fence bracket 10 may be employed with any suitable temporary or permanent fencing as required by the installer or their present need.

[0133] The fence bracket 10 in use as part of a fence assembly 1000 defines a public side which is not fenced off or restricted and a restricted side in which the fencing assembly 1000 restricts public access to an area. The public side is denoted by the letter P and the restricted side is denoted by the letter R. These areas are shown in FIG. 6.

[0134] The fence bracket 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The fence bracket 10 comprises a body 12. The body 12 is made up of a base 14 and a front wall 20. The front wall 20 may be a substantially vertical region 20. The body 12 shown in FIG. 1 further has sidewalls 16 and 18. The sidewalls 16, 18 connect to the front wall 20 and provide structural reinforcement to the front wall 20. The sidewalls may taper towards the base 14 from a maximum height at or adjacent to the front wall 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The fence bracket 10 is therefore arranged as a box section.

[0135] Vertical may be taken to mean substantially vertical or approximately vertical throughout. Similarly, perpendicular may be taken to mean substantially perpendicular or approximately perpendicular throughout. Similarly, co-planer may be taken to mean substantially co-planer or approximately co-planer.

[0136] The front wall 20 is preferably a wall as shown in FIG. 1. The front wall 20 connects to the base 14 at the bottom of the front wall 20.

[0137] The body 12 may have a drainage hole 21 located at the intersection of the base 14, first side wall 16 and the front wall 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The drainage hole permits rainwater or other fluid to drain out of the fence bracket 10 and not sit in the internal cavity of the body 12.

[0138] The body 12 may have a drainage hole 21 located at the intersection of the base 14, second side wall 18 and the front wall 20 as shown in FIG. 2. The drainage hole permits rainwater or other fluid to drain out of the fence bracket 10 and not sit in the internal cavity of the body 12.

[0139] Alternatively, the front wall 20 may be a strip or tab extending from the base. In such embodiments the body 12 may or may not comprise sidewalls 16, 18.

[0140] The front wall 20 has connected to it a first support 22 and optionally a second support 24. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has both a first and second support 22, 24. The first support 22 defines an axis A2. The second support defines an axis A3. The first and second supports 22, 24 are preferably tubes as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tubes are sized to receive fence posts 62A, 62B of a temporary fence panels 60A, 60B (or gate panel post of a gate panel) within the inner diameter of the tube. The first and second supports 22, 24 are connected to the body 12 at the front wall 20, preferably such that they cannot be removed. In alternative embodiments, the first and second supports 22, 24 may be detached from the front wall 20 and body 12.

[0141] The first and second supports 22, 24 preferably extend such that the bottom of the first and second supports 22, 24 touch the ground in use.

[0142] Alternatively, the first and second supports 22, 24 may not extend such that the bottom of the first and second supports 22, 24 touch the ground in use. In such an embodiment there is a distance D3 between the bottom of the first and second supports 22, 24 and the ground to enable the fastening of two fence posts together with a fastener 50 in use. The distance D3 may be the height of a fence panel joining bracket 50, an example of such a bracket 50 is shown in FIG. 5. The ability to lock the fence posts 62A, 62B adds additional security as the fence posts 62A, 62B are locked together using a fastener 50 which cannot be pulled out of the fence bracket 10. If someone were to try and pull the fastened fence posts 62A, 62B out of the fence bracket 10 the fastener 50 would abut the bottom of the first and second supports 22, 24 preventing the fence panels 60A, 60B from being lifted further.

[0143] Alternatively, the first and second supports 22, 24 may not be tubes but may be posts that a fence post 62A, 62B is placed upon.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the front wall 20 comprises an aperture 30. The aperture defines an axis A1. The aperture 30 is suitable for receiving an ancillary component 70 such as arm 70 shown in FIGS. 5-7. The arm may also be referred to as a locking strap 70. The aperture 30 is preferably configured to retain an aperture engaging portion 72 of the arm 70. The aperture 30 is therefore complementary to the aperture engaging portion 72.

[0145] The aperture 30 may be disposed on tab 28 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Such a tab extends from the front wall 20. The tab 28 may extend vertically from the front wall 20. Alternatively, the tab 28 may extend perpendicularly from the front wall 20 into the public side of the fence bracket 10 (the side with the first and second fence post supports 22, 24) or conversely the tab 28 may extend perpendicularly from the vertical wall 20 into the restricted side of the fence bracket 10. Alternatively, multiple tabs 28 may be provided in two or more of the locations described to permit greater variability of use by the installer.

[0146] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tab 28 extends vertically from the front wall 20 and the tab further comprises a bent portion 29. The bent portion 29, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a region of the tab 28 that is substantially perpendicular from the front wall 20 and causes the aperture 30 to extend into the public side of the fence bracket 10. Alternatively, the bent portion 29 of tab 28 may extend into the restricted side of the fence bracket.

[0147] The tab 28 is preferably disposed, at a distance D1 from the ground, above the top surface of the first and second fence post supports 22, 24 as shown in FIG. 3. The top of the first and second fence post supports 22, 24 is at a distance of D2 from the ground as shown in

[0148] FIG. 3. At the same time the tab 28 is located between the first and second supports 22, 24 when viewed from above as in FIG. 4 to permit fence posts 62A, 62B to enter the fence post supports 22, 24. A fence post 62A, 62B may be a fence panel post or a gate panel post.

[0149] Optionally the distance D1 may be greater still to permit the placing of a fastener 50 between the top of the first and second fence post supports 22, 24 and the bottom of the tab 28. In such a scenario the fence posts 62A, 62B received in the supports 22, 24 can be fastened together (using a fence panel joining bracket 50 or other fastener 50) below the tab 28. Fastening in this manner prevents the fence posts 62A, 62B being removed from the fence bracket 10 as lifting fence panel 60A, 60B causes the fastener 50 to abut the tab 28 preventing the fence panel 60A, 60B being lifted any further.

[0150] Preferably the axis A1 of the aperture 30 is coplanar with the axis A2 of the first fence post support 22 and coplanar with an axis A3 of the second fence post support 24. The three axis A1, A2, A3 thus sit substantially upon plane B as shown in FIG. 4.

[0151] The base 14 of the fence bracket 10 has a portion 32 for receiving a ground penetrating member 40. The portion 32 is preferably a hole or aperture 30 which is complementary to a ground penetrating member 40 as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The aperture 30 is located on the restricted side of the fence bracket 10 such that it cannot be accessed from the public side when part of a fence assembly 1000 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0152] In one embodiment the ground penetrating member 40 in FIG. 5 is a ground screw 40 also known as a ground penetrating screw. Ground screws 40 are provided with a thread that can be driven into soft ground, such as earth. Ground screws 40 are made of steel and preferably a galvanised steel. Ground screws 40 may include a fixture to aid driving the ground screw 40 into the ground. An example fixture is a hexagonal drive nut as shown in Figure. Ground screws 40 are typically driven into soft ground. For example, using a petrol driven nut wrench in combination with the hexagonal drive nut. Ground screws 40 provide a more secure hold than tent pegs or ground stakes for example.

[0153] The ground screw 40 is received in the hole 32 in use. The ground screw 40 has a flanged region or flange 42. The flange 42 in use aids in spreading the pressure built up by screwing in the ground screw 40 into the ground across the base 14 of fence bracket 10. The spreading of the pressure across the area of the base 14 adjacent the hole 32 and covered by the flange 42 helps to ensure a more stable bracket 10 when used in a fence assembly 1000.

[0154] The body 12 may further comprise an ancillary support 26 connected to the base 14 and or front wall 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The ancillary support 26 shown in FIG. 1 is a length of tubing. The ancillary support 26 may be used to connect ancillary support components 120 to the fence bracket 10. An example ancillary support component 120 is the post 80 shown in FIG. 7. The ancillary support 26 is complementary to the ancillary support component 120. The ancillary support 26 may comprise means suitable for fixing the ancillary support component 120 into the ancillary support 26. For example, the means may be a bolt, screw, clamp or other similar fastening means to fix the ancillary support component 120 into the ancillary support 26.

[0155] The base 14 has a hole 27 which is a drainage hole. 27. The hole 27 is located within the ancillary support 26 as shown in FIG. 4. The hole 27 permits fluid such as water or rainfall to drain out of the ancillary support 26.

[0156] Preferably the base 14 does not extend past the front of the front wall 20 (the side facing the public side) and/or the first support 22 and/or the second support 24. The base 14 not extending past one or more of these components means that in use the base 14 does not extend onto the public side of the fence assembly 1000. Advantageously this means it is less easy to lever up the fence bracket 10 and thus fence assembly 1000 using a lever, crowbar of the like. A further advantage is that the resulting fence assembly 1000 can be closer to the true extent of the development area rather than being staggered back as with prior art systems. Further, the fence bracket 10 is less likely to be a tripping hazard in such a scenario.

[0157] The base 14 may further comprise a hole 34. The hole 34 is suitable for receiving an anchor bolt (also known as an expansion bolt). An anchor bolt may be inserted through hole 34 for securing the fence bracket 10 on hardstanding such as concrete or tarmacked surface. The hole 34 aligns with a hole in the hardstanding surface. The aligned holes then receive the anchor bolt. The anchor bolt is then actuated expanding into the hardstanding hole pulling the fence bracket 10 into closer contact with the hardstanding surface.

[0158] A number of holes 34 may be provided in the base. The number of holes 34 may be two or three or four or five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten. The number of holes 34 may be any number in the range two to ten or two to five. Preferably the number of holes 34 is three.

[0159] Where multiple holes 34 are provided on the base, they may be provided in a line as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the holes 34 may be provided in any such suitable configuration, for example: where n holes 34 are present (where n is the number of holes 34) the holes 34 may be arranged as the corners of an n-sided shape (regular or irregular) on the base 14. For example, where three holes 34 are present the holes 34 could be provided in a triangular arrangement or a linear arrangement; where four holes 34 are present the holes could be provided in a rectangular or square arrangement, etc.

[0160] The hole(s) 34 may alternatively be used to receive a tent pole or stake. The tent pole or stake may be used in combination with a ground penetrating member 40 to fix the fence bracket in place on soft ground.

[0161] The hole 32 adapted to receive the ground penetrating member is larger in diameter that the hole(s) 34 adapted to receive the anchor bolts.

[0162] The fence bracket system 100 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The fence bracket system 100 incorporates the fence bracket 10 as described above as well as one or more ancillary components 110 and/or one or more ancillary support components 120.

[0163] The ancillary component 110 may be one or more of an arm 70; or a fastener 50; or a levelling device. The ancillary support component 120 may be one or more of: a stabilizer; or an brace; or an access door; or a camera pole; or a solar light; or a flag pole; or any other suitable fixtures.

[0164] The arm 70 (also known as a locking strap 70) is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 11 in a closer view. The arm 70 has an elongated body as shown in FIG. 5. The arm 70 comprises an aperture engaging portion 72 disposed at one end of the arm 70 configured to engage aperture 30 of the bracket 10. The arm engaging portion 72 is complementary to the aperture 30 of the region of front wall 20. As shown in FIG. 11 the arm engaging portion 72 is preferably a tab 72.

[0165] The arm has an arm aperture 74 disposed at a second end of the arm 70 as shown in FIG. 11. The arm aperture 74 is configured to receive a fastener 50 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5 the fastener 50 enables the fence panels 60A, 60B to be fastened together above the fence bracket 10. Raising the location of the fastener 50 from near the ground adjacent the fence bracket 10 reduces the need for an installer to bend down to fix the fence panel joining bracket 50 to the assembly 1000.

[0166] The fastener 50 is a fastening arrangement and preferably is a fence panel joining bracket 50. The fence panel joining bracket comprises a first bracket, a second bracket a bolt and a nut. The first and second brackets act together to clamp two fence panel post 62A, 62B between them as shown in FIG. 5.

[0167] The fence panel joining bracket 50 may be comprise an anti-tamper device to prevent unauthorised removal of the fence panel joining bracket 50. The anti-tamper device may be an anti-tamper screw or bolt for example.

[0168] The arm 70 may be installed into the fence bracket 10 from either the front or rear of the fence bracket 10.

[0169] The arm 70 may extend further than the example shown in FIG. 5. The arm 70 may extend to the top of the fence panel 60A such that the gap between fence panels 60A and 60B is completely covered by the arm 70. In such an embodiment the arm 70 may have multiple arm apertures 74 to engage multiple fasteners 50 to fasten fence panels 60A, 60B together with the fence bracket 10. An advantage of this longer arm 70 is that it reduces ease of access into the restricted area further. It also reduces the ability for tools to be slipped between the fence panel tubes which could be used to force the panels 60A, 60B apart.

[0170] Further, connections or apertures for fixing ancillary components may be provided on an arm 70. The arm 70 may provide connections for bracings, fixtures, stabilisers or other such fixtures.

[0171] The stabilizer may be an apparatus which provides stability to the fence bracket system 100 and as such reduces the effect of sideloading or wind on the fence bracket system 100.

[0172] The brace 130 may be an apparatus which provides stability to the fence bracket system 100 and as such reduces the effect of sideloading or wind on the fence bracket system 100. The brace 130 is shown in FIG. 10. The brace 130 comprises a brace plate 132 and a brace pole 134. The brace plate 132 has a brace pole support 136. The brace pole support 134 may be an angled piece of tubing as shown in FIG. 10 that the brace pole 134 is received within. The end of the brace pole 136 not connected to the support has a fixture 138 for fixing the brace poll 134 to the fence panel joining bracket 50. The fixture 138 may be a tab or aperture or flattened portion of the brace pole 134 with an aperture to be received in a fence panel joining bracket 50.

[0173] According to a further aspect a kit of parts is provided. The kit of parts comprises the fence bracket system 100 described above. Optionally the kit of parts may comprise at least one fence panel 60A or at least two fence panels 60A, 60B, optionally the kit of parts may comprise a gate.

[0174] According to a further aspect a fence assembly 1000 is described. The fence assembly 1000 comprises the fence bracket system 100 described above and at least one fence panel 60A, 60B. Optionally the fence assembly 1000 may comprise at least two fence panels 60A, 60B, optionally the assembly 1000 may comprise a gate.

[0175] Optionally one of the fence panels 60A, 60B may be exchanged for a gate with a gate panel post. The gate may be retained in the first or second support 22, 24 and may be made to pivot in the respective support.

[0176] According to another aspect a method of manufacturing a fence bracket 10 is described. The method of manufacturing a fence bracket 10 comprises cutting a shape from a material sheet. The cut shape 400 is shown in FIG. 12. Preferably the material is a metal. Preferably the shape is cut from a flat metal sheet. The cutting may be achieved by means of laser cutting. Alternatively, the cutting may be done via other methods such as using a cutting torch or water jet cutting. The aperture 30 and holes 27, 32, 34 are also cut into the material sheet. The cut shape is then folded to form the body 12. Folds are made at folding regions 402 indicated in FIG. 12. The body is made up of a base 14, a font wall 20 and a first side wall 16 and second side wall 18. The front wall 20 is connected to the first and second side walls 16, 18; and a first support 22 is connected to the body 12. Optionally where a second support 24 is required a second support may be also connected to the body 12.

[0177] The front wall 20 is connected by a weld to the first and second side walls 16, 18. A portion of the wall is left unwelded towards the base 14 to form a hole 21 suitable for drainage. A notch or scallop 404 may optionally be provided. The notch 404 forms at least a portion of the hole 21 when the front wall 20 and one of the side walls 16 or 18 are folded together. The notch 404 provides a greater area hole 21.

[0178] The first and second supports 22, 24 are welded to the body 12.

[0179] The sidewalls 16, 18 are welded to the front wall 20. The weld is made along the length of the front wall except at the point where the sidewalls meet both the base 14 and the front wall 20. At such a point no weld is made and a hole 21 is left to allow drainage out from the body 12.

[0180] The method further comprises forming the tab 28 with the aperture 30 disposed thereon.

[0181] The fence bracket 10 is manufactured from metal. The metal may be steel. The steel may be a mild steel.

[0182] The fence bracket 10 may be surface finished. For example, the fence bracket 10 may have a powder coating applied. The powder coating assists in reducing risk of corrosion and at the same time can be in a bright colour to indicate to the public that a hazard may be present.

Second Embodiment

[0183] According to an alternative embodiment of the bracket, an alternative fence bracket 210 is described. The fence bracket 210 is shown in FIG. 8. The fence bracket 210 is similar to the fence bracket 10 described above and therefore features in common are indicated with the same reference numbers. Alternative features are designated numbers in the two-hundreds. The fence bracket 210 may be used as part of any of the previous aspects.

[0184] The fence bracket 210 has a support 222 extending from the front wall 20 of the body 12. The support 222 is a fence post support. The support 222 is shaped as shown in FIG. 8, that is a box with a substantially square-pyramidal top. The shape is complementary to a square (or rectangular) fence post. In use a square fence post sits onto of the support 222. An example of such a fencing system is the Fencesafe Temporary & Dulok fencing system using rigid mesh panels which this fence bracket 210 may be used with.

[0185] The fence bracket 210 has an aperture 230 disposed in the front wall 20 of the body 12. The aperture 230 is disposed above the fence post support 222. The aperture 230 is suitable to receive an ancillary component 110. The ancillary component 110 may be one of those described above. Preferably the ancillary component 110 is an adjustable levelling bracket to aid the installation of the fence assembly. For example, the levelling bracket may be a Fencesafe levelling tool. The levelling tool may receive the fence post such that fence post is held at two points on the fence bracket 210 (the support 222 and levelling tool).

[0186] The fence bracket 210 may have other features in common with the fence bracket 10 described above. The fence bracket 210 for example may have least one hole 34 suitable for receiving an anchor bolt for fixing the fence bracket 10 to hardstanding or hard ground. The fence bracket 210 may also have for example a portion 32 in the base 14 suitable for receiving a ground penetrating member 40 for fixing the fence bracket 10 to soft ground.

Third Embodiment

[0187] According to another embodiment of the fence bracket, an alternative fence bracket 310 is described. The fence bracket 310 is shown in FIG. 9. The fence bracket 310 is similar to the fence bracket 210 described above except that an alternative support 322 is provided on the front face 20. The fence bracket 310 may be used as part of any of the previous aspects.

[0188] The support 322 has a hole 324. The support 322 and hole 324 are used to connect the fence bracket 310 to a fence post. The support 322 and hole 324 may connect to a further bracket which holds the post.

Fourth Embodiment

[0189] With reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, a fence bracket 510 is disclosed for use as part of a fence assembly 1500. The fence bracket 510 is suitable for use with temporary fence panels 60A, 60B such as the fence panel produced by Heras. However, the present fence bracket 510 may be employed with any suitable temporary or permanent fencing as required by the installer or their present need.

[0190] The fence bracket 510 in use as part of a fence assembly 1500 defines a public side which is not fenced off or restricted and a restricted side in which the fencing assembly 1500 restricts public access to an area. The public side is denoted by the letter P and the restricted side is denoted by the letter R. These areas are shown in FIG. 13.

[0191] The fence bracket 510 is shown in FIG. 13. The fence bracket 510 comprises a body 512. The body 512 is made up of a base 514 and a front wall 520. The front wall 520 may be a substantially vertical region 520. The body 512 shown in FIG. 13 further has sidewalls 516 and 518. The sidewalls 516, 518 connect to the front wall 520 and provide structural reinforcement to the front wall 520. The sidewalls may taper towards the base 514 from a maximum height at or adjacent to the front wall 20 as shown in FIG. 13. The fence bracket 510 is therefore arranged as a box section.

[0192] The front wall 520 is preferably a wall as shown in FIG. 1. The front wall 520 connects to the base 514 at the bottom of the front wall 520.

[0193] The body 512 may have a drainage hole 21 located at the intersection of the base 14, first side wall 16 and the front wall 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The drainage hole permits rainwater or other fluid to drain out of the fence bracket 10 and not sit in the internal cavity of the body 12.

[0194] The body 12 may have a drainage hole 521 located at the intersection of the base 514, second side wall 518 and the front wall 520 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0195] Alternatively, the front wall 520 may be a strip or tab extending from the base. In such embodiments the body 512 may or may not comprise sidewalls 516, 518.

[0196] The front wall 520 has connected to it a first support 522 and optionally a second support 524. The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 has both a first and second support 522, 524. The first support 522 defines an axis A2. The second support 524 defines an axis A3. The first and second supports 522, 524 are tubes. The tubes are sized to receive fence posts 62A, 62B of a temporary fence panels 60A, 60B (or gate panel post of a gate panel) within the inner diameter of the tube. The first and second supports 522, 524 are connected to the body 512 at the front wall 520, preferably such that they cannot be removed. In alternative embodiments, the first and second supports 522, 524 may be detached from the front wall 520 and body 512.

[0197] The first and second supports 522, 524 preferably extend such that the bottom of the first and second supports 522, 524 touch the ground in use.

[0198] Alternatively, the first and second supports 522, 524 may not extend such that the bottom of the first and second supports 522, 524 touch the ground in use. In such an embodiment there is a distance between the bottom of the first and second supports 522, 524 and the ground to enable the fastening of two fence posts together with a fastener in use. The distance may be the height of a fence panel joining bracket 50, an example of such a bracket 50 is shown in FIG. 5.

[0199] Alternatively, the first and second supports 522, 524 may not be tubes but may be posts that a fence post 62A, 62B is placed upon.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 13 the front wall 520 comprises an aperture 530. The aperture defines an axis A1. The aperture 530 is suitable for receiving an ancillary component 70 such as arm 70 shown in FIG. 11. The arm may also be referred to as a locking strap 70. The aperture 530 is preferably configured to retain an aperture engaging portion 72 of the arm 70. The aperture 530 is therefore complementary to the aperture engaging portion 72.

[0201] The aperture 530 may be disposed on tab 528 as shown in FIG. 13. Such a tab extends from the front wall 520. The tab 528 may extend vertically from the front wall 520. Alternatively, the tab 528 may extend perpendicularly from the front wall 520 into the public side of the fence bracket 510 (the side with the first and second fence post supports 522, 524) or conversely the tab 528 may extend perpendicularly from the vertical wall 520 into the restricted side of the fence bracket 510. Alternatively, multiple tabs 528 may be provided in two or more of the locations described to permit greater variability of use by the installer.

[0202] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the tab 528 extends vertically from the front wall 520 and the tab further comprises a bent portion 529. The bent portion 529 is a region of the tab 528 that is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 520 and causes the aperture 530 to extend into the public side of the fence bracket 510. Alternatively, the bent portion 529 of tab 528 may extend into the restricted side of the fence bracket.

[0203] The tab 528 is preferably disposed, at a distance D1 from the ground, above the top surface of the first and second fence post supports 522, 524 as shown in FIG. 14. The top of the first and second fence post supports 522, 524 is at a distance of D2 from the ground as shown in FIG. 14. At the same time the tab 528 is located between the first and second supports 522, 524 as in FIG. 15 to permit fence posts 62A, 62B to enter the fence post supports 522, 524. A fence post 62A, 62B may be a fence panel post or a gate panel post.

[0204] Optionally the distance D1 may be greater still to permit the placing of a fastener 50 between the top of the first and second fence post supports 522, 524 and the bottom of the tab 528. In such a scenario the fence posts 62A, 62B received in the supports 22, 24 can be fastened together (using a fence panel joining bracket 50 or other fastener 50) below the tab 28.

[0205] Preferably the axis A1 of the aperture 530 is coplanar with the axis A2 of the first fence post support 522 and coplanar with an axis A3 of the second fence post support 524. The three axis A1, A2, A3 thus sit substantially upon plane B as shown in FIG. 14.

[0206] The base 514 of the fence bracket 10 has a portion 532 for receiving a ground penetrating member. The portion 352 is preferably a hole or aperture 532 which is complementary to a ground penetrating member. The aperture 530 is located on the restricted side of the fence bracket 510 such that it cannot be from the accessed public side when part of a fence assembly 1000.

[0207] The ground penetrating member may be a ground screw.

[0208] The ground screw is received in the hole 532 in use as with the first embodiment above.

[0209] The body 512 does not have an ancillary support 26 as with the first embodiment. Instead, the base 514 is entirely flat and planar between the various walls, aside from the aperture 530 and two further holes 534 either side thereof.

[0210] Preferably the base 514 does not extend past the front of the front wall 520 (the side facing the public side) and/or the first support 522 and/or the second support 524. The base 514 not extending past one or more of these components means that in use the base 514 does not extend onto the public side of the fence assembly 1500. Advantageously this means it is less easy to lever up the fence bracket 510 and thus fence assembly 1500 using a lever, crowbar of the like. A further advantage is that the resulting fence assembly 1500 can be closer to the true extent of the development area rather than being staggered back as with prior art systems. Further, the fence bracket 510 is less likely to be a tripping hazard in such a scenario.

[0211] The base 514 may further comprise one or more holes 534. The hole 534 is suitable for receiving an anchor bolt (also known as an expansion bolt). An anchor bolt may be inserted through hole 534 for securing the fence bracket 510 on hardstanding such as concrete or tarmacked surface. The hole 534 aligns with a hole in the hardstanding surface. The aligned holes then receive the anchor bolt. The anchor bolt is then actuated expanding into the hardstanding hole pulling the fence bracket 510 into closer contact with the hardstanding surface.

[0212] A number of holes 534 may be provided in the base. The number of holes 534 may be two or three or four or five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten. The number of holes 534 may be any number in the range two to ten or two to five. Preferably the number of holes 34 is three.

[0213] Where multiple holes 534 are provided on the base, they may be provided in a line as shown in FIG. 13.

[0214] The hole(s) 534 may alternatively be used to receive a tent pole or stake. The tent pole or stake may be used in combination with a ground penetrating member 40 to fix the fence bracket in place on soft ground.

[0215] The hole 532 adapted to receive the ground penetrating member is larger in diameter that the hole(s) 534 adapted to receive the anchor bolts.

[0216] The fence bracket system 600 will now be described in more detail. The fence bracket system 500 incorporates the fence bracket 510 as described above as well as one or more ancillary components and/or one or more ancillary support components as with the first embodiment above.

[0217] The ancillary component 110 may be one or more of an arm 70; or a fastener 50; or a levelling device. The ancillary support component may be one or more of: a stabilizer; or an brace; or an access door; or a camera pole; or a solar light; or a flag pole; or any other suitable fixtures.

[0218] A brace may be fitted as per the first embodiment.

[0219] According to a further aspect a kit of parts is provided. The kit of parts comprises the fence bracket system 600 described above. Optionally the kit of parts may comprise at least one fence panel 60A or at least two fence panels 60A, 60B, optionally the kit of parts may comprise a gate.

[0220] According to a further aspect a fence assembly 1500 is described. The fence assembly 1500 comprises the fence bracket system 600 described above and at least one fence panel 60A, 60B. Optionally the fence assembly 1500 may comprise at least two fence panels 60A, 60B, optionally the assembly 1500 may comprise a gate.

[0221] Optionally one of the fence panels 60A, 60B may be exchanged for a gate with a gate panel post. The gate may be retained in the first or second support 522, 524 and may be made to pivot in the respective support.

[0222] According to another aspect a method of manufacturing a fence bracket 510 is described. The method of manufacturing a fence bracket 10 comprises cutting a shape from a material sheet. The cut shape 700 is shown in FIG. 16. Preferably the material is a metal. Preferably the shape is cut from a flat metal sheet. The cutting may be achieved by means of laser cutting. Alternatively, the cutting may be done via other methods such as using a cutting torch or water jet cutting. The aperture 53 and holes 534 are also cut into the material sheet. The cut shape is then folded to form the body 512. Folds are made at folding regions 702 indicated in FIG. 16.

[0223] The front wall 520 is connected by a weld to the first and second side walls 516, 518. A portion of the wall is left unwelded towards the base 514 to form the hole 521 suitable for drainage. A notch or scallop 704 may optionally be provided. The notch 704 forms at least a portion of the hole 521 when the front wall 520 and one of the side walls 516 or 518 are folded together. The notch 704 provides a greater area hole 521.

[0224] The first and second supports 522, 524 are welded to the body 512.

[0225] The sidewalls 516, 518 are welded to the front wall 520. The weld is made along the length of the front wall except at the point where the sidewalls meet both the base 514 and the front wall 520. At such a point no weld is made and a hole 521 is left to allow drainage out from the body 512.

[0226] The method further comprises forming the tab 528 with the aperture 530 disposed thereon.

[0227] The fence bracket 150 is manufactured from metal. The metal may be steel. The steel may be a mild steel.

[0228] The fence bracket 510 may be surface finished. For example, the fence bracket 510 may have a powder coating applied. The powder coating assists in reducing risk of corrosion and at the same time can be in a bright colour to indicate to the public that a hazard may be present.

Fifth Embodiment

[0229] With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, a fence bracket 610 is disclosed for use as part of a fence assembly. The fence bracket 610 is suitable for use with temporary fence panels such as the fence panel produced by Heras. However, the present fence bracket 610 may be employed with any suitable temporary or permanent fencing as required by the installer or their present need.

[0230] The fence bracket 610 in use as part of a fence assembly defines a public side which is not fenced off or restricted and a restricted side in which the fencing assembly restricts public access to an area. The public side is denoted by the letter P and the restricted side is denoted by the letter R. These areas are shown in FIG. 17.

[0231] The fence bracket 610 is identical to the bracket 510, and like reference numerals are numbered 100 greater. The only exception is that two vertically spaced and aligned openings 644, 646 are provided in the front wall 620 directly below and aligned with the tab 628.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 18, a key clamp bracket 800 is shown as a separate component. Such brackets 800 are available to provide further functionality and to attach.

[0233] The bracket 800 comprises a hollow tube section 802 and a mounting flange 804 attached to the section 802 via two mounting arms 806, 808. The mounting flange 804 has two openings therethrough to enable it to be attached to the front wall 620 via the openings 644, 646 using appropriate mechanical fasteners. Once in position (FIG. 19), the aperture through the tube section 802 is clear of the tab 628, and the tube section 802 is generally parallel to the sections 622, 624.

Sixth Embodiment

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 25, a fence bracket assembly 900 is shown comprising a first, base subassembly 902 and a second, brace assembly 904. The assembly 900 is shown securing a rigid mesh fence 906 comprising a post 908 and a first mesh panel 910 secured thereto. The post 908 is elongate, prismatic and tubular having a square cross section, with an opening 916 at a first end. The panel 910 is constructed from a metal mesh having horizontal members 912 and vertical members 914 arranged in a grid pattern. It will be noted that the fence 906 is shown in dashed lines.

[0235] The first base subassembly 902 comprises a fence bracket 1010. The fence bracket 1010 comprises a body 1012. The body 1012 is made up of a base 1014 and a front wall 1020. The front wall 1020 may be a substantially vertical region 1020. The body 1012 shown in FIG. 1 further has sidewalls 1016 and 1018. The sidewalls 1016, 1018 connect to the front wall 1020 and provide structural reinforcement to the front wall 1020. The sidewalls may taper towards the base 1014 from a maximum height at or adjacent to the front wall 1020. The fence bracket 1010 is therefore arranged as a box section.

[0236] The base 1014 of the fence bracket 1010 has a portion 1032 for receiving a ground penetrating member 1040 (shown in dashed lines). The portion 1032 is preferably a hole or aperture 1030 which is complementary to a ground penetrating member 1040. The aperture 1030 is located on a restricted side of the fence bracket 1010 such that it cannot be accessed from a public side when part of a fence assembly 900 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0237] In one embodiment the ground penetrating member 1040 is a ground screw 1040 also known as a ground penetrating screw. Such screws are described above.

[0238] The ground screw 1040 is received in the hole 1030 in use. The ground screw 1040 has a flanged region or flange 1042.

[0239] The base 1014 has a hole 1027 which is a drainage hole. The hole 1027 is located between the aperture 1030 and the front wall 1020.

[0240] The fence bracket 1010 has a support 1222 extending from the front wall 1020 of the body 1012. The support 1222 is a fence post support. The support 1222 is shaped as shown in The support 1222 comprises a support body 1224 and a joint arrangement 1226. The support body 1224 comprises a prismatic square section 1228 being open at a first end, and having a U-shaped bracket portion 1230 at a second end. The bracket 1230 comprises a base plate 1232 and two flanges 1234, 1236.

[0241] The joint arrangement 1226 comprises a first shaft 1238 and a second shaft 1240. The first shaft 1238 extends between the flanges 1234, 1236 of the bracket 1230. The shaft 1238 is mounted to the bracket 1230. A sleeve 1242 surrounds the shaft 1238 such that the sleeve 1242 can rotate relative thereto about a pitch axis PA. The second shaft 1240 is attached to the sleeve, perpendicular thereto and protecting from a midpoint thereof. The second shaft 1240 defines a roll axis RA, normal to, and intersecting with, the pitch axis PA.

[0242] The support 1222 is attached to the front wall 1020 of the body 1012 such that it can rotate relative thereto about the roll axis. Therefore the support body 1224 can rotate relative to the body 1012 about two axes RA and PA, normal to a primary axis A of the support body 1224.

[0243] The second, brace subassembly 904 provides stability to the fence bracket system and as such reduces the effect of sideloading or wind on the fence. The brace 904 comprises a body in the form of a brace plate 918, a brace pole 920 and a post clamp 922.

[0244] The brace plate 918 has a brace pole support 924. The brace pole support 924 is an angled plate to which the brace pole 920 is attached.

[0245] The brace pole 920 comprises an elongate tubular body 926 having a clamp plate 928 at a first end. The clamp plate 928 defines an opening.

[0246] The post clamp 922 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 24 and 25. The clamp 922 comprises a first part 930 which is generally U-shaped having two slots 932a, 934a defined in each leg. The clamp 922 further comprises a second part 936 which is a plate defining two slots 932b, 934b, and an opening 938 having a captured nut 939.

[0247] The fence bracket assembly 900 is assembled as follows.

[0248] The fence bracket 1010 is secured in place by inserting a ground screw into the aperture 1030.

[0249] The post 908 is assembled with the support 1222 by inserting the square section 1228 into the post 908 (or vice versa in some embodiments). Optionally it may be secured in place e.g., with a screw or bolt. The post 908 can then be moved in two degrees of freedom (PA and RA) relative to the bracket 1010.

[0250] The post clamp 922 is assembled with the post by inserting the post 908 into the mouth of the first part 930, and engaging the cooperating slots 932a, b, 934a, b of the first and second parts 930, 936. The clamp plate 928 of the brace pole 920 can be inserted between the clamp 922 and the post 908 and a fastener passed through the openings and captured nut 393 to secure the assembly together.

[0251] A second ground screw can then be used to secure the brace plate 918 to the ground at a position further from the fence than the base subassembly. The brace pole 920 is typically oriented at an angle between 10 and 80 degrees, more typically between 30 and 60 degrees.

[0252] Once the post is in position, the mesh panels can be affixed. It will be noted that the degree of freedom provided to the post by the joint described above.

Seventh Embodiment

[0253] It will be noted that in the above embodiments, the formation of the body 12 is consistent inasmuch as each embodiment has a body with a base, sidewalls and a front wall. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a standard, common body is provided with an attachment formation (for example a series of openings) on the front wall. Various attachments are provided which can augment the functionality of the body 12.

[0254] Referring to FIGS. 26a to 28c, in each case there is provided a common body 12. The body 12 (as described above) is made up of a base 14 and a front wall 20. The front wall 20 may be a substantially vertical region 20. The body 12 shown in FIG. 1 further has sidewalls 16 and 18. The sidewalls 16, 18 connect to the front wall 20 and provide structural reinforcement to the front wall 20. The sidewalls may taper towards the base 14 from a maximum height at or adjacent to the front wall 20.

[0255] The base 14 defines a portion 32 for receiving a ground penetrating member. The portion 32 is preferably a hole or aperture 30 which is complementary to a ground penetrating member. The aperture 30 is located on a restricted side of the fence bracket such that it cannot be accessed from the public side when part of a fence assembly.

[0256] Two vertically spaced and vertically aligned openings 44, 46 are provided in the front wall 20

[0257] Referring to FIGS. 26a and 26b, a first module in the form of a bracket 800 is provided. The bracket 800 comprises a hollow tube section 802 and a mounting flange 804 attached to the section 802 via a mounting arm 806. The mounting flange 804 has two openings therethrough to enable it to be attached to the front wall 20 via the openings 44, 46 using appropriate mechanical fasteners. The tube section is used to receive a scaffolding pole, hand rail or key clamp.

[0258] Referring to FIGS. 27a and 27b, a first module in the form of a bracket 1300 is provided. The bracket 1300 comprises two spaced-apart hollow tube sections 1302, 1303 and a mounting flange 1304. The mounting flange 1304 has two openings therethrough to enable it to be attached to the front wall 20 via the openings 44, 46 using appropriate mechanical fasteners.

[0259] Referring to FIGS. 28a to 28c, a third module in the form of the aforementioned support 1222 is provided. The support 1222 attaches to the front wall 20 via the lower opening 46.

[0260] In this way, the system is made modular, cutting down on part variability. The present invention provides for a kit comprising: [0261] A body 12; and, [0262] Two or more modules (of the bracket 800, bracket 1300 and support 1222); [0263] Wherein one of the modules is selected to provide the required functionality of the bracket.

Eighth Embodiment

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 29a to 29c, an eighth embodiment is shown in which a fence bracket 1110 is similar to the bracket 10 with features numbered 1100 greater. The bracket 1110 forms part of a system with an arm 1170 shown in FIG. 29c. The arm 1170 and bracket 1110 work in the same way as the arm 70 and bracket 10.

[0265] This embodiment is configured to work with the type of fencing found in Australia.

Ninth Embodiment

[0266] Referring to FIGS. 30a to 30c, a ninth embodiment is shown in which a fence bracket 1210 is similar to the bracket 10 with features numbered 1200 greater. The bracket 1210 forms part of a system with an arm 1270 shown in FIG. 30c. The arm 1270 and bracket 1210 work in the same way as the arm 70 and bracket 10.

[0267] It will be noted that the fence post supports 1222, 1224 extend further from ground level (in use) than the supports 20, 24 of the bracket 10. Further, they are mounted to the front wall 1220 not directly, but via the tab 1228. The tab, in this embodiment, is formed from a separate component having an aperture 1230 disposed between openings for the two supports 1222, 1224.

[0268] This embodiment is configured to work with the type of fencing found in the US and Canada.