Secure tensioned perimeter barrier with tensioning means and method of construction

Abstract

A tensioned barrier, comprising a chain link or mesh fence providing a secure perimeter, is provided. The fence is tensioned by grabbing and holding one end of the mesh link, wrapping the mesh around a perimeter of the fence poles, including wrapping the mesh around the outside of corner poles, pulling the mesh at its distal end to create a tension in the mesh and then grabbing the distal end of the mesh and securing it to the final fence pole. The fence is created using a high strength small weave mesh that resists cutting and climbing. In one embodiment the fence is created adjacent a structure, using the structure as an element of the barrier. In another embodiment, a fully fenced area is created by placing the first fence pole at a small distance apart from the final fence pole, with the other poles forming a perimeter, and tensioning and wrapping the mesh around all of the poles, affixing the ends of the mesh to the first and final poles and providing a gate or door between the first and final poles.

Claims

1. A secure tensioned perimeter barrier comprising: at least two poles, each pole being affixed to a surface to be protected; a length of metal chain link mesh; a first grab bar affixed to a first pole of the at least two poles and a second grab bar affixed to a second pole of the at least two poles, each grab bar comprising a plate directly secured to an outer surface of its respective pole, each grab bar comprising a plurality of deformable holding means extending laterally from the plate that catch within openings of the metal chain link mesh; a tensioning device; wherein a first end of the metal chain link mesh is wrapped about the first pole, and held by the holding means of the first grab bar, the mesh being pulled tightly using the first pole, and any intervening pole, as a fulcrum, and tensioned with the tensioning device, and a second end of the metal chain link mesh, in a tensioned state, being wrapped about the second pole, and being held by the holding means of the second grab bar, thus forming the barrier.

2. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 1, wherein the holding means of each grab bar include extended metal rods.

3. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 1, wherein the holding means of each grab bar are rivets.

4. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 1, wherein the metal chain link mesh is one of a 9-gauge, mesh weave, and a 6-gauge, mesh weave.

5. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 1, wherein the first pole and second pole are terminal poles, the at least two poles further comprising a plurality of line poles and a plurality of corner poles; the terminal poles, the line poles, and the corner poles all being affixed to the surface to form a protected perimeter.

6. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 5, wherein a plurality of generally horizontal bars are affixed between each of the terminal poles, line poles and corner poles.

7. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 6, wherein the length of tensioned metal chain link mesh is affixed to the plurality of generally horizontal bars using ties.

8. The secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 1, wherein the length of metal chain link mesh is sufficient to span from the first pole to the second pole, while fully encompassing any intervening poles positioned between the first pole and the second pole within the length of metal chain link mesh.

9. A method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier including the steps of: providing a plurality of poles, a length of metal chain link mesh and at least two grab bars; wherein each grab bar comprises a plate and a plurality of deformable holding means extending laterally from the plate; providing a tensioning device; directly securing the plate of each grab bar to outer surfaces of two of the plurality of poles, respectively, to create a first terminal pole and a second terminal pole; affixing the plurality of poles to a surface to be protected; attaching a proximal end of the length of metal chain link mesh to the holding means of the first terminal pole; wrapping the length of metal chain link mesh about the first terminal pole to partially encase the first terminal pole with the metal chain link mesh and extending the length of mesh away from the first terminal pole and about each of the plurality of poles and to the second terminal pole where the mesh is terminated; drawing on a distal end of the length of metal chain link mesh with the tensioning device, using the first pole as a fulcrum in the tensioning of the metal chain link mesh, to provide tension therewith the metal chain link mesh, wrapping the distal end of the metal chain link mesh about the second terminal pole to partially encase the second terminal pole therewithin the metal chain link mesh and instantly attaching the distal end of the length of metal chain link mesh to the holding means of the second terminal pole.

10. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein the plurality of poles include the first and second terminal poles, corner poles and line poles.

11. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein a plurality of horizontal bars are affixed between each pole of the plurality of poles, the plurality of horizontal bars being tied to the metal chain link mesh.

12. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein the plurality of poles include the first and second terminal poles, two corner poles and a plurality of line poles generally spaced between the corner poles.

13. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 12, wherein the first and second terminal poles are configured to be placed adjacent a building structure.

14. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein the plurality of poles are affixed to the surface and spaced apart, thus defining a perimeter on the surface to be protected.

15. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 14, wherein the plurality of poles include the first and second terminal poles, corner poles and line poles.

16. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein the metal chain link mesh is one of a 9-gauge, mesh weave, and a 6-gauge, mesh weave.

17. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 9, wherein the holding means of each grab bar are metal rods, the metal rods being adapted to catch openings in the metal chain link mesh to instantly hold the metal chain link mesh thereon.

18. The method of making a secure tensioned perimeter barrier of claim 17, wherein when the metal chain link mesh is caught by the metal rods, the metal rods are then forcibly bent against the mesh, such that the metal chain link mesh is fixedly retained thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an enhanced view of the 9-gauge, mesh weave and 6-gauge, mesh weave.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side-by-side comparison of the 9-gauge, mesh weave and 6-gauge, mesh weave.

(3) FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one embodiment of the fence perimeter after installation.

(4) FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a section of the fence perimeter shown without the chain link.

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the perimeter fence line posts and rails, forming the supporting framework of the perimeter.

(6) FIG. 6 is a view of the perimeter fence, featuring the terminal post and grab bars.

(7) FIG. 7 is an enhanced view of the terminal post and grab bars welded to it.

(8) FIG. 8 is an enhanced view of the terminal post with the chain link mesh weave stretched over the high shear/strength aircraft rivets.

(9) FIG. 9 is an enhanced view showing the chain link mesh weave being secured to the high shear/strength aircraft rivets on the welded proprietary grab bars.

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the perimeter fence, showing the chain link weave stretched across the framework of the line posts and rails.

(11) FIG. 11 is a view of the end terminal post with the grab bars welded to the terminal post.

(12) FIG. 12 is a view of the terminal post with the chain link mesh weave stretched over the line post framework with a tension bar affixed to the chain link mesh weave.

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the terminal post with a fence tensioning tool, such as a come-a-long or pulley system attached to the tension bar clamped to the chain link mesh weave.

(14) FIG. 14 is a view depicting how the fence tensioning pulley system tightens the chain link fence.

(15) FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the terminal post with the end of the chain link weave pulled taught over the high shear/strength aircraft rivets.

(16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the chain link weave fastened to the middle rail bar.

(17) FIG. 17 is an elevational view of one manner of providing an opening is a barrier of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

(18) While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiment) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. It will be understood, by persons having ordinary skill in the art, that all of the elements shown and described and elements of the fences shown and described can be made from various materials, comprising metals and alloys, to prescribed strengths for various uses of the fences shown, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The use of many diverse materials is anticipated in the present invention to accommodate price, availability of materials, strength and weight characteristics and ease of manufacture and installation.

(19) The main barrier element of a fence of this type is chiefly a high strength metal mesh, including chain link style mesh, but of course the present invention is not limited to chain fencing and can include other types of tensionable barrier materials, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. As chain link is a substantial and generally affordable barrier product, it will be exemplified herein as a preferred material for the barriers of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples of chain link fence or mesh 10, 12 used in barriers of the present invention. It will be understood that different types of mesh or link can be used to create the barriers described herein, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the contrast in density between different mesh products; mesh 10, being a 9-gauge, mesh weave, and mesh 12, being a6-gauge, mesh weave as two potential materials to be used in a barrier or fence of the type noted herein. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that mesh 10 and mesh 12 stand interchangeable and each would provide a perimeter defense for whatever is desired to be kept within or without an enclosure using these elements. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a tighter mesh would be more prohibitive to climbing such a fence, or barrier, restricting the entry of a shoe into the mesh and thereby prohibiting climbing; a larger gauge chain would tend to be more difficult to defeat by cutting. Therefore, the tighter the mesh and the larger the gauge of material, the more impenetrable the barrier and the more material being used to create the barrier. It will also be understood that the costs of such a barrier increases with the increase in materials. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that various coatings can be added to the materials to protect the materials from damaging each other when abrasion between elements occurs, as will be discussed below, and keeps the barrier safe from the elements, looking new and more elegant. Further, as noted before, such a barrier can be created with a lesser gauge and greater sized opening and then, using the method described herein, the mesh can be quickly removed and replaced with the stronger harder to climb mesh to increase the security thereof, during times of increased danger. The subtle change in the strength of the chain may even serve to confuse potential infiltrators who will not note the change and may also be pleasing to the neighboring community as it will appear that the perimeter has not been increased in security so as not to alarm the public.

(20) As will be seen, in several of the drawing figures included herewith, and particularly in FIG. 3, a barrier 14 exists about a yard 16 and protected structure 18. The barrier 14 is created using a length of mesh 10, 12, generally equivalent in length to the entire perimeter of the barrier 14, along with perimeter poles 24, corner poles 28 and end poles 22 (as seen in FIG. 4); all poles being set into yard 16 by insertion into the ground and pouring concrete 26 to affix the poles therewithin, all in a manner known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. In the description herein, the terms posts and poles are considered interchangeable and should be understood to describe the generally vertical fence elements that tie the present invention to a surface and provide sufficient strength for the tensioned perimeter.

(21) The first step in installation is the setting of the terminal or end poles 22, corner poles 28 and line or perimeter poles 24 into concrete pads 26. Openings in the ground 16 are made and the poles are set therein while concrete is poured therein to create pad 26, in a manner known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. The poles are placed at specified spacing to achieve a desired perimeter and concomitantly support level as well as a designed wind load strength, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The designed wind load can be achieved by utilizing the fence tensioning tool in the form of a pulley system 40 or a come-a-long tool 42 as shown in FIGS. 13-14 and as will be explained in greater detail below.

(22) The perimeter fence 14 is further constructed of top rails 30, middle rails 32, and bottom rails 34 between the poles as shown in FIGS. 5-6. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the placement of the rails 30, 32 and 34 is done to afford the greatest strength and stability for mesh 10 or 12 and to better tie the mesh and supporting structure together. It will be understood, by persons having ordinary skill in the art, that other arrangements of the rails 30, 32 and 34, using more or fewer rails, and/or placing them in different relative positions to the height of the poles, is contemplated in the present invention. Placement of the poles can be varied, from the illustrations, in order to accommodate such things as portals or doorways in desired locations, features of the landscape and or to offer a fence structure, for example with more rails, to provide greater strength at specific locations. Openings in the fence would require additional support in light of the tension created in the placement of the mesh as will be discussed below in relation for FIG. 17. It will be understood that the drawings and description are for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limitations on the numerous variations in the placement of elements in a fence.

(23) Referring to FIG. 6, a proprietary grab bar 38 is affixed to the starting terminal pole 22 using such means as welding, adhesive or the fabrication of such a bar along with the pole, and other ways known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment of the invention, the proprietary grab bar 38 may be affixed via high strength aircraft-type rivets or can be attached using strong adhesives as is known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the proprietary grab bar 38 includes elongated high shear/strength aircraft-type rivets or similar high strength rolled or formed steel elements 36 welded, or otherwise affixed to grab bar 38. Grab bar 38 with rivets 36 is a simple adaption of the invention that permits the easiest manner of construction. As will be explained in more detail below, in use the mesh 10, 12 is wrapped upon the grab bar 38 such that the rivets 36 extend through the mesh 10, 12; the rivets are then knocked down flat against the mesh 10, 12 to capture the mesh against grab bar 36 on terminal pole 22, thereby holding the mesh in place. In this way, and upon tensioning as will be explained below, the mesh 10, 12 is held tight to the poles, 22, 24, 28 creating a strong, tensioned barrier with no need for means to fasten the mesh 10, 12 to the intermediate members of the barrier 14. Almost immediately a barrier 14 is created. Extra fastening can be provided, if desired, by using metal ties 33 to hold mesh 10, 12 against central rails 32. It will be understood that a grab bar 28 having mechanical means to extend and close hook elements, using a lever or switch, could be used on such a fence, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Such a system would add costs and complexity to the system but would be useful in situations where the chronic removal of mesh 10, 12 is required or desired. It will be understood that using such a retractable holding means would remove the element of fatigue of metal that can occur with the repeated movement needed to attach and then remove the mesh 10, 12 from the barrier elements.

(24) It will be understood that in the assembly of the barrier 14 The chain link weave face, or mesh, 10 or 12 is wrapped around the starting terminal pole 22 as one seamless piece of mesh 10, 12 and attached to rivets 26 on grab bar 28 on first terminal pole 28, on the secure side of the barrier 14. The placement of the means to hold mesh 10, 12 to the barrier 14, eliminates the need for any mechanical fasteners typically used in or on fences, thereby increasing the security of barriers 14, as shown in FIGS. 7-9 as the barrier cannot be disassembled by persons seeking unauthorized entry or exit. The mesh 10, 12 is secured to the proprietary grab 28 bar via the high shear/strength aircraft rivets 26 as they are folded, or knocked, over and onto the mesh 10, 12 to secure the mesh thereto. Placement of the grab bar 28 on the interior side of the perimeter and wrapping the mesh around pole 28 both protects the fence from disassembly and provides a secure, fixed, element onto which the mesh can be wrapped and subsequently tensioned, as will be described below. The corners of the high shear/strength aircraft rivets, like the terminal poles or posts, are hammered down, using, for example, a mallet, to maximize security, as seen in FIG. 9.

(25) Once the chain link mesh 10, 12 is secured to a first terminal pole 22, the mesh 10, 12 is wrapped about the perimeter and end poles, 22, 24, and finally about second terminal pole 26m where it is tensioned at the ending terminal 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 and described herein, and then attached to rivets 36 on grab bar 38, affixed to second terminal pole 22.

(26) As is illustrated in FIG. 12, a stretch bar or tension bar 40 is affixed to the end of the single roll of chain link mesh 10, 12. This tension bar 40 is connected to a fence tensioning tool 41, such as a come-a-long or pulley system, and tightened to the designed wind load specification desired, FIGS. 13-14. The mesh 10, 12 is wrapped over the ending terminal pole 22 and secured to the high shear/strength aircraft rivets 26, FIG. 15. A mallet 40, or similar tool, is then used to secure the mesh 10, 12 to the terminal pole 22 by folding over the high shear/strength aircraft rivets 26, holding the mesh 10, 12 therewithin.

(27) Once the mesh 10, 12 is secured to terminal pole 22, metal ties 33 can be affixed to the middle rail bar 32, or any of the rail bars 30, 32 and 34 as desired or needed, to provide additional stability and security to the fence perimeter 14, FIG. 16.

(28) Additionally, as will understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, such a barrier 14 can include traditional means to deter climbing, including barbed wire, razor wire, electrification, surveillance cameras, drone stations, sentry posts and others, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Further, an opening can be included in a perimeter made entirely of the barrier 14 of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 17. As illustrated, the terminal poles 22 of a barrier 14 can be placed close to each other, the distance of the width of a gate 44, with the barrier 14 being constructed in the manner noted above; it will be seen that the terminal poles 22 comprise grab bars 36 with rivets 38 and that mesh 10 is wrapped about terminal posts 22, away from gate 44, in a manner that wraps the mesh 10 about poles 22 so as to allow tensioning as described above and to provide a secure wrap of poles 22. Mesh 10 is then wrapped, in the manner described above, about all of the pole elements of the barrier 14 and then back to the second terminal post 22, where it is tensioned and affixed to rivets 38 of grab bar 26 and affixed thereto, in the manner described above. Gate 44 can be attached to poles 22 in a manner known to persons having ordinary skill in the art (including affixing hinges 48 to first terminal pole 22 prior to the attachment of mesh 10 and hanging gate 44 thereto). A latch 46 of any type desired, and known in the art, can be used to then provide a locking mechanism for barrier 14. A simple method of lock is illustrated herein, it will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, that high tech locking mechanisms are available and can be used in a gate 44 of the type illustrated, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

(29) Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that an enhanced security fence 14 can take many shapes and styles. Disclosure of alternative embodiments of such fences is shown through the different mesh 10, 12 identified in FIGS. 1-2. It being understood that elements of one type fence shown in one figure could be used in other fences shown in the other figures, without departing from the novel scope of the invention.

(30) By decreasing the number of parts and removing the use of typical industry components, the present invention is significantly improving industry standards regarding security, efficiency of installation and reduces added expense for parts not required. Furthermore, having additional parts such as the typical fencing components, a security fence becomes vulnerable to installation errors. All of these typical fencing components require more precision during installation because of a lower installation clearance between the components. Thereby not efficiently expending manpower during site installations. As stated previously, the present invention significantly minimizes the precision required during site installations. Thereby effectively and efficiently using manpower to install more units per day. Overall, the present invention further enhances security and expedites installation in comparison to other products available on the market, which is the main interest of a consumer for this type of product.

(31) Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for construction of the Chain Link Wrap or Mesh Fence with Grab Bars according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.