Fencing Assembly with Bollard

Abstract

A fence assembly comprises a plurality of posts installed in a surface and aligned with a central axis parallel with the surface, the plurality of posts including a first post, a second post, and one or more intermediate posts disposed between the first post and the second post; and a mesh mechanically coupled to the plurality of posts and extending from the first post to the second post across the one or more intermediate posts to form a barrier in a substantially flat configuration, wherein the mesh is offset from the central axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fencing assemblies.

Fencing assemblies are used as barriers to define an area where access is limited or to guide vehicles or pedestrians to entranceways such as gates or openings. One common type of fencing assembly includes a section of chain link fabric supported by posts attached to the ground. In some applications, chain link fabrics are preferable because they are typically more durable and less expensive than wood fabrics, require little to no maintenance, and allow for visibility through the fabrics.

Typical fence posts are made from either wood, plastic or metal and therefore can only sustain a limited degree of direct or indirect impacts before becoming permanently tilted, bent, or broken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a general aspect of the invention, a fence assembly includes a plurality of posts installed in a surface and aligned with a central axis parallel with the surface, the plurality of posts including a first post, a second post, and one or more intermediate posts disposed between the first post and the second post; and a mesh mechanically coupled to the plurality of posts and extending from the first post to the second post across the one or more intermediate posts to form a barrier in a substantially flat configuration, wherein the mesh is offset from the central axis. In some embodiments, the mesh of the fence assembly is substantially tangential to the plurality of posts.

In some embodiments, the fence assembly further includes a first plurality of supporting members aligned with the central axis; and one or more intermediate attachment assemblies, wherein the mesh is attached to the first plurality of supporting members and each of the first plurality of supporting members is attached to one of the one or more intermediate posts by one of the one or more intermediate attachment assemblies.

In some examples, each of the one or more intermediate attachment assemblies of the fence assembly includes a first part having a first portion of a first ring, a first arm extending substantially tangentially from the first portion of the first ring, and a second arm extending substantially tangentially from the first portion of the first ring in opposite direction to the first arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel with and offset from the central axis; and a second part having a second portion of the first ring, a third arm extending substantially tangentially from the second portion of the first ring and disposed besides the first arm, and a fourth arm extending substantially tangentially from the second portion of the first ring in opposite direction to the third arm and disposed besides the second arm, wherein the third arm and the fourth arm are parallel with and offset from the central axis, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the first ring form a complete circle having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of one of the one or more intermediate posts.

In another example, the mesh of the fence assembly is attached to the one or more intermediate posts.

In some embodiments, the fence assembly further includes a second plurality of supporting members; a corner attachment assembly; and a side attachment assembly, wherein a corner portion of the mesh is attached to the first post or the second post by the corner attachment assembly, and the mesh and one of the second plurality of supporting members are attached to the first post or the second post by the side attachment assembly.

In one example, the corner attachment assembly of the fence assembly includes a second ring having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of the first post or the second post; a fifth arm and a sixth arm, each extending substantially tangentially from the second ring and parallel with and offset from the central axis; and a connector mechanically coupling one of the first plurality of supporting members to the fifth arm and the sixth arm.

In another example, the side attachment assembly of the fence assembly includes a third ring having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of the first post or the second post; and a seventh arm and an eighth arm, each extending substantially tangentially from the second ring and parallel with and offset from the central axis, wherein the mesh and one of the second plurality of the supporting members extend between the seventh arm and the eighth arm.

In some embodiments, the plurality of posts of the fence assembly include an impact absorbing bollard.

Among other advantages, when supported by bollards, fencing assemblies become more impact resistant and impact absorbing so that they are not prone to being permanently displaced, deformed, or damaged by heavy objects running into them. In some examples, this is accomplished by firmly attaching the chain link fabric to the impact absorbing bollards while preferably maintaining an overall flat appearance for aesthetic appeal.

Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chain link fence with bollards.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the chain link fence with bollards.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of various attachment assemblies of the chain link fence with bollards.

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of the middle attachment assembly.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are close-up perspective views of the right corner and right edge attachment assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 Overview

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a fence 100 with impact-absorbing bollards as supporting posts is configured for installation in the ground to prevent access by people or vehicles into areas bounded by the fence 100. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the fabric type of fence 100 is chain link.

Chain link fence 100 includes vertical bollard assemblies 117, 118, 119, horizontal rails 102, 110, 128, 130, vertical bars 204, 206, and a section of chain link fabric 127 (e.g., mesh formed of metal, such as galvanized steel) as fencing material that is substantially flat and vertically attached to the bollard assemblies and the rails.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, bollard assemblies 117, 118, 119 are arranged from left to right with the middle bollard assembly 118 located between the left bollard assembly 117 and the right bollard assembly 119. Each bollard assembly 117, 118, 119 includes a respective bollard 120, 121, 122 extending along a respective vertical central axis 124, 125, 126. The vertical central axes 124, 125, 126 of the bollards 120, 121, 122 lie in the same vertical plane 201 (see FIG. 2). Each bollard assembly 117, 118, 119 also includes a respective anchoring cage 140, 141, 142 surrounding a bottom portion of the corresponding bollard 120, 121, 122. The cages and the bottom portions of the bollards are installed into the ground, as described in US Patent U.S. Pat. No. 11,427,976, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The rails are attached to the bollards through special attachment assemblies in such a way that they not only function as a frame or skeleton that provides physical support to the section of chain link fabric 127, but also ensure the section of chain link fabric lies substantially flat across the entire width and height of fence 100 to appear aesthetically pleasing. Fence 100 therefore only needs a single section of chain link fabric instead of multiple sections which complicate the assembly process of fence 100.

Specifically, an upper-left horizontal rail 102 and an upper-right horizontal rail 110 align with each other along an upper horizontal central axis 123 which is parallel with, and offset from, vertical plane 201 (see FIG. 2). The right end 104 of the upper-left horizontal rail 102 and the left end 112 of the upper-right horizontal rail 110 are attached to an upper portion of the middle bollard 121 by a middle attachment assembly 210. A top edge portion of the section of chain link fabric 127 is attached to the upper-left and upper-right horizontal rails 102, 110 by an upper set of wire loops. A middle portion of the section of chain link fabric 127 is attached to the middle bollard 121 by a middle set of wire loops 212 arranged vertically.

Similar to the upper horizontal rails, a lower-left horizontal rail 128 and a lower-right horizontal rail 130 are attached to a lower portion of the middle bollard 121 by another middle attachment assembly 210 and both align along a lower horizontal central axis 133 vertically underneath the upper horizontal central axis 123. A bottom edge portion of the section of chain link fabric 127 is attached to the lower-left and lower-right horizontal rails 128, 130 by a lower set of wire loops 203 arranged horizontally.

With respect to the left-hand side of the chain link fence 100, the left end 106 of the upper-left horizontal rail 102 is attached to an upper portion of the left bollard 120 by a left corner attachment assembly 230. Similarly, the lower-left horizontal rail 128 is attached to a lower portion of the left bollard 120 by another left corner attachment assembly 230. The right-hand side of the chain link fence 100 is structurally a mirror reflection of the left-hand side. The right end 114 of the upper-right horizontal rail 110 is attached to an upper portion of the right bollard 122 by a right corner attachment assembly 240 whose structure is a mirror reflection of the left corner attachment assembly 230. Similarly, the lower-right horizontal rail 130 is attached to a lower portion of the right bollards 122 by another right corner attachment assembly 240.

Moreover, between the upper-left and lower-left horizontal rails, a left vertical bar 204 and a left edge portion of the section of chain link fabric 127 are both attached to the left bollard 120 by a left edge attachment assembly 250. Similarly, between the upper-right and lower-right horizontal rails, a right vertical bar 206 and a right edge portion of the section of chain link fabric 127 are both attached to the right bollard 122 by a right edge attachment assembly 260 whose structure is a mirror reflection of the left edge attachment assembly 250.

Detailed structures of the attachment assemblies mentioned above are described in separate sections below.

2 Middle Attachment Assemblies

As described above, middle attachment assemblies are used to attach horizontal rails to the middle bollard in a way that allows the section of chain link fabric 127 to remain flat across the middle bollard.

Referring to FIG. 4, to enable attachment to the middle bollard 121, the middle attachment assembly 210 includes a clamp 312 having a ring 313 including two pieces 332, 342, each having a pair of horizontal arms 334, 344, and 338, 348, respectively, that protrude from the outer surface of ring 313. Specifically, the first piece 342 includes a pair of left and right horizontal arms 344, 346 which extend substantially tangential to the outer surface of ring 313 and in opposite directions. Each horizontal arm 344, 346 has a respective through hole 347, 348. The second piece 332 also includes a pair of left and right horizontal arms 334, 336 which extend substantially tangential to the outer surface of ring 313 and in opposite directions. Each horizontal arm 334, 336 also has a respective through hole 337, 338 (not shown).

To enable attachment to the horizontal rails, the middle attachment assembly 210 further includes a left end cap 310 attached to the right end of the horizontal rail positioned to the left of the clamp 312. Similarly, a right end cap 330 attached to the left end of the horizontal rail positioned to the right of the clamp 312. Each end cap 310, 330 has a respective horizontal protrusion 302, 306 extending away from the horizontal rail that the end cap is attached to. Each horizontal protrusion 302, 306 has a respective through hole 304, 308. When installed, clamp 312 is attached to the middle bollard 121 at the same height as the horizontal central axis of the corresponding horizontal rails. Protrusion 302 of the left end cap 310 is inserted and secured between the left arm 334 of the second piece 332 and the left arm 344 of the first piece 342 using a left fastener 324. Similarly, protrusion 306 of the right end cap 330 is inserted and secured between the right arm 336 of the second piece 332 and the right arm 346 of the first piece 342 using a right fastener 326.

For fastening purposes, left fastener 324 extends through the through hole 347 in the left arm 344 of the first piece 342, the through hole 304 in the protrusion 302 of the left end cap 310, and the through hole 337 of the left arm 334 of the second piece 332. Similarly, the right fastener 326 extends through the through hole 348 in the right arm 346 of the first piece 342, the through hole 320 in the protrusion 308 of the right end cap 330, and the through hole 338 of the second arm 336 of the second piece 332.

3 Corner Attachment Assemblies

As described above, corner attachment assemblies are used to attach horizontal rails to the side bollards at the corners of the section of chain link fabric 127 in a way that allows the section of chain link fabric 127 to remain flat.

Referring to FIG. 5A, to enable attachment to the right bollard 122, the right corner attachment assembly 240 includes a clamp 402 having a ring 404 and a pair of horizontal arms 406, 408 protruding from the outer surface of ring 404 towards its left. Both horizontal arms 406, 408 are substantially tangential to the outer surface of ring 404. Each horizontal arm 406, 408 has a respective through hole 416, 418. To enable attachment to the horizontal rail, the right corner attachment assembly 240 further includes an end cap 410 attached to the right end of the horizontal rail positioned to the left of clamp 402. End cap 410 has a horizontal protrusion 412 extending to its right and having a through hole 414. When installed, clamp 402 is attached to the right bollard 122 at the same height as the horizontal central axis of the corresponding horizontal arm. Horizontal protrusion 412 of the end cap 410 is inserted and secured between horizontal arms 406, 408 using a fastener 420 extending through all three through holes 414, 416, 418.

As described above, the structure of the left corner attachment assembly 230 is in a mirror reflection of the right corner attachment assembly 240.

4 Edge Attachment Assemblies

As described above, edge attachment assemblies are used to attach both the side edge portions of the section of chain link fabric and the vertical bars to the side bollards in a way that allows the section of chain link fabric to remain flat.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B, the right edge attachment assembly 260 includes a set of vertically arranged clamps 430. Each clamp 430 has a ring 432 and a pair of horizontal arms 434, 436 protruding from the outer surface of the ring 432 towards its left. Both horizontal arms 434, 436 are substantially tangential to the outer surface of ring 432. Each horizontal arm 434, 436 has a respective through hole (not shown). In the installed configuration (see FIG. 5B), both the right vertical bar 206 and a right edge portion 502 of the section of chain link fabric 127 are inserted and secured between horizontal arms 434, 436. A fastener 438 extends through the right edge portion 502 of the section of chain link fabric 127 and the respective through holes of horizontal arms 434, 436.

As described above, the structure of the left edge attachment assembly 250 is a mirror reflection of the right edge attachment assembly 260.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the following claims. Accordingly, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims. For example, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, some of the steps described above may be order independent, and thus can be performed in an order different from that described.

Claims

1. A fence assembly comprising: a plurality of posts installed in a surface and aligned with a central axis parallel with the surface, the plurality of posts including a first post, a second post, and one or more intermediate posts disposed between the first post and the second post; anda mesh mechanically coupled to the plurality of posts and extending from the first post to the second post across the one or more intermediate posts to form a barrier in a substantially flat configuration,wherein the mesh is offset from the central axis.

2. The fence assembly of claim 1, wherein the mesh is substantially tangential to the plurality of posts.

3. The fence assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first plurality of supporting members aligned with the central axis; andone or more intermediate attachment assemblies,wherein the mesh is attached to the first plurality of supporting members and each of the first plurality of supporting members is attached to one of the one or more intermediate posts by one of the one or more intermediate attachment assemblies.

4. The fence assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more intermediate attachment assemblies comprises: a first part having a first portion of a first ring, a first arm extending substantially tangentially from the first portion of the first ring, and a second arm extending substantially tangentially from the first portion of the first ring in opposite direction to the first arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel with and offset from the central axis; anda second part having a second portion of the first ring, a third arm extending substantially tangentially from the second portion of the first ring and disposed besides the first arm, and a fourth arm extending substantially tangentially from the second portion of the first ring in opposite direction to the third arm and disposed besides the second arm, wherein the third arm and the fourth arm are parallel with and offset from the central axis,wherein the first portion and the second portion of the first ring form a complete circle having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of one of the one or more intermediate posts.

5. The fence assembly of claim 3, wherein the mesh is attached to the one or more intermediate posts.

6. The fence assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second plurality of supporting members;a corner attachment assembly; anda side attachment assembly,wherein a corner portion of the mesh is attached to the first post or the second post by the corner attachment assembly, and the mesh and one of the second plurality of supporting members are attached to the first post or the second post by the side attachment assembly.

7. The fence assembly of claim 6, wherein the corner attachment assembly comprises: a second ring having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of the first post or the second post;a fifth arm and a sixth arm, each extending substantially tangentially from the second ring and parallel with and offset from the central axis; anda connector mechanically coupling one of the first plurality of supporting members to the fifth arm and the sixth arm.

8. The fence assembly of claim 6, wherein the side attachment assembly comprises: a third ring having a diameter commensurate with a diameter of the first post or the second post; anda seventh arm and an eighth arm, each extending substantially tangentially from the second ring and parallel with and offset from the central axis,wherein the mesh and one of the second plurality of the supporting members extend between the seventh arm and the eighth arm.

9. The fence assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of posts includes an impact absorbing bollard.

10. The fence assembly of claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing bollard includes an anchoring cage and a post body.

11. The fence assembly of claim 10 wherein the anchoring cage is disposed in the surface and a distal end of the post body is installed in the anchoring cage.