Patent Application
20160097217
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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
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Pipe fencing is very popular due to its durability and adaptability to many situations/uses. During fabrication, a plurality of posts are placed in the ground at intervals to support the railing. Horizontal railing is then used to span the gaps between the posts.
A single railing connects one or more posts to create a barrier and to add structural support. Pipes come in lengths as long as 40 feet and can weigh more than 300 lbs., making precise alignment difficult, and requiring several people to properly position and secure each rail.
In one common form of pipe fencing, the rails are attached along the front face of the post. In this configuration, the central axis of the rail is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the post. These axes are offset by a distance of the combined radii of the post and rail, placing the two outer walls of the pipe in proximity, and then joining the pipes in such configuration. This configuration is referred to as a lap joint.
In another common configuration of the pipe fencing, the rails are attached to the sides of the post. In this configuration, the central axis of the rail is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the post, and these central axes intersect at the approximate center of the joint location. The walls of the post and/or rail are often drilled, notched, cut, or otherwise shaped to reduce gap space in the joint. This configuration is referred to as a butt joint.
Described herein is an apparatus and method of use which allows repeatable, precise positioning of the railing by a single individual. A single clamp may be used to quickly and temporarily support one end of a pipe railing at the correct height so a worker may position and secure the distal end. A plurality of clamps may be utilized to position the pipe along its length at multiple points so a worker is free to secure the railing to the post or make positioning adjustments.
In one implementation, the body of the positioning brackets is secured to a plurality of posts at a specific height. In the case of long railing, that span more than a single post interval, positioning brackets may be used at each end and additional positioning brackets may be used on central posts to prevent the rail from sagging under its own weight.
Once the positioning brackets are placed and secured, the railing is lifted onto the positioning brackets. The railing may then be moved horizontally in the positioning brackets to allow precise alignment. Once aligned, the rail is secured to the post. In the preferred embodiment securing the rail to the post is accomplished by welding. One skilled in the arts would appreciate that other methods could be employed such as, but not limited to, bolting, screwing, drilling, pegging, and slotting, or by employing adhesives.
The positioning bracket allows precise, repeatable positioning, because the top of the positioning bracket's body is always secured at a designated offset from the rail's resting position.
In the preferred embodiment, the rail support projects from the body proximately even with the top of the body. The rail will be supported on the top of the rail support for a lap joint; therefore, the positioning brackets should be positioned with the top of the body aligned with the bottom of the rail's desired position.
Railing will be supported on the butt support for a butt joint; therefore, the positioning brackets should be positioned with the top of the body a precise distance below the bottom of the rail's desired position. The precise distance depends on the positioning bracket's actual construction.
Butted rails (20B) are cut and optionally notched to fit the interval between the posts (10). The butted rails (20B) are joined to the posts (10) with a butt joint (50) where the ends of the rails (20) are notched to join the sides of the post (10) and then welded (80) into place.
Spanning rails (20C) extend beyond the intervals between the posts (10) and therefore are positioned against the inside or outside of the fence. The outer wall of the spanning rail (20C) is positioned against the outer wall of the post (10) at the desired location and the two are joined producing a lap joint (70). In the preferred embodiment, the joining is accomplished by a weld (80).
From the top edge of the body (110), a rail support (150) extends such that it will be substantially perpendicular to the position of the post. The end of the rail support (150) distal to the body (110) curves upward and ends in a butt support (160), which optionally includes extended butt supports (160A).
As in the previous design, a rail support (150) extends from the top edge of the body (110), such that it will be substantially perpendicular to the position of the post. In the preferred embodiment, this rail support (150) is angled slightly upward to cause the rail to naturally roll back toward the post. The end of the rail support (150) distal to the body (110) curves upward and ends in a butt support (160), here shown without the optional extended butt supports (160A).
The diagrams, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.
The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
