ES2299814T3 - A DEVICE FOR FIXING POSTS ON A SURFACE, AN INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT AND A Fence. - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for fixing posts on a surface, which comprises: - a base (1); and - a coupling portion (2) attached to the base (1); - wherein said coupling portion (2) extends from a first surface (3) of the base (1) and has an external configuration complementary to the internal configuration of an open end of a post (5) to be fixed with the device, so that said coupling portion (2) can be perfectly inserted into said open end of the post; - said coupling portion (2) comprises a plurality of coupling elements (6), the external surfaces of the coupling elements (6) define the external configuration of the coupling portion (2) and the internal surfaces of the coupling elements coupling (6) delimit a space (7); - the device also comprises a fixing element (8) configured so that it is at least partially housed in said space (7) delimited by the coupling elements (6) and which can move between a first position and a second position , said fixing element (8) being configured so that when it is moved from said first position towards said second position it applies an increasing outward pressure on the coupling elements (6) so that, when the portion of coupling (2) at an open end of a post (5) to be fixed, then said coupling elements (6) apply increasing pressure on the inner surface of the open end of said post (5); - in which the fixing element has at least one truncated or conical-shaped pyramid-shaped portion and in which the fixing element (8) is located with a narrower part of the truncated pyramid or portion conical trunk, near the base (1) and with a wider part of said portion in the form of a truncated pyramid or conical trunk, very far from the base. - Characterized in that the coupling portion (2) comprises at least four coupling elements (6) that are located in correspondence with four edges (16) of the fixing element (8), each of the coupling elements (6 ) different, has a cross section which has a concave or angular portion in said fixing element (8) is guided; - because the fixing element (8) comprises a plurality of threaded portions (9) within each of which a corresponding threaded element (10) is introduced, transverse to the base (1) from a second surface (4) of the base (1), so that rotating said threaded elements (10) will cause a displacement of said fixing element (8); - and because in the area where the base (1) joins the coupling portion (2), the first surface (3) of the base (1) comprises a peripheral channel (11) sized according to the external configuration of the end open the post (5), so that said open end of the post (5) can be inserted into said peripheral channel (11).

Description

A device for fixing posts on a surface, an installation team and a fence.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a fixing device for vertical posts or devices similar, for example, for barriers or fences that are installed as protection elements in outdoor spaces free.

The device for fixing posts subject to this invention may be installed on concrete walls, of stone or other similar materials, already built, on which you want to incorporate a fence consisting of posts and panels. It can also be installed on plates or tiles of ceramics, for example, in the installation of fences to build terraces, pools, etc.

Background of the invention

The need to delimit outdoor spaces free for security reasons, such as education centers, landscapes, residential and industrial areas has favored the development of fence systems incorporated basically by vertical posts, panels or meshes and clamps.

These fences, usually metallic, can be install directly on the floor or on top walls which constitute the bottom of the fence.

In the state of the art they are known several devices for anchoring, the posts that constitute the fence, to the ground on which it is installed, whose purpose is the to avoid the deterioration of the post as a result of the sinking Direct from it on the ground. Sometimes the post is fixed on the ground by means of concrete, to increase its stability.

However, these anchors are not suitable in the case in which the posts have to be installed on some low walls of stone, concrete or other similar materials, in which the insertion of them is much more complicated. Sometimes these walls are built without having account the subsequent incorporation of a metal fence in its part superior and, in this way, the preparation of accommodation to fit the posts. In the event that it have decided to implement these accommodations after building the wall, there is then the possibility that the last one cracking, extending the cracks through the material that It constitutes the wall and causing its deterioration.

Another alternative is to weld a plate in the lower end of the post with holes through the which can pass some screws and, in this way, can keep the pole leaning against the wall, on which they have pre-drilled holes for the studs and for the clamping screws

Through document ES 2 187 278 A1, they know some support bases for vertical posts that constitute  some fences, which although they have not been developed specifically for installation on walls, but directly on the ground, they could be valid for this application. These bases consist of tubular pieces shaped as a U inverted, which are fixed to the ground by screw. Same that for the attachment of the post to said bases, there is also the possibility that the post is welded directly to the part top of the piece formed as an inverted U, or that insert in one of the two covers that the base has incorporated, in which case, however, the post is not subject to the base and you can remove from it, a feature that can mean a problem.

In addition, the advisability of avoiding welds in the anchoring devices, not only by requirements that this entails, the need to have staff specialized for the installation of the fence but also because the welds can be the starting points for your rupture and corrosion, especially if they are located outdoors. In this way, from the point of view of the aforementioned previously, the object of the present invention is that of develop a device for fastening posts on fences, the which are installed in low walls or, in general, in some surfaces and that allows the posts to be fixed to a base without the need for any type of welding.

The document WO-A-9113222 discloses a device to fix posts on a surface according to the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the invention

The invention comprises a device of fixing to fix the posts on a surface according to claim 1; the device comprises a base and a portion of coupling that is attached to the base. In the claims dependent some preferred embodiments of the invention.

Said coupling portion extends from a first surface of the base (a surface such that when the base is fixed to the surface will correspond to the surface normally superior "free", of said base) and has a complementary external configuration with an internal configuration of an open end of a pole to be fixed with the device (one end that corresponds to the one that is located normally at the bottom when the fixing the post to said device), such that said portion can be perfectly inserted in said open end of the post.

The coupling portion also comprises a plurality of coupling elements or appendages, defining the external surfaces of the coupling elements the external configuration of the coupling portions and a space or receptacle that delimits the internal surfaces of the elements of coupling.

The device also comprises an element or fixing wedge, which is configured in such a way that it is, when less, partially housed in said space delimited by coupling elements and that can move between a first position and a second position, said fixing element being configured in such a way that when moved from said first position towards said second position, apply a pressure rising out over the coupling elements (due to which the external surface of the fixing element enters contact, at least, at some point with the internal surface of the coupling elements) such that, when the portion of coupling is perfectly inserted in an open end of a post to be fixed, said coupling elements apply increasing pressure (because the element of fixing advances from the first position to the second position) on the inner surface of the open end of said post (thus preventing the removal of the coupling portion from the inside of the post).

The configured fixing device of this way, it allows the posts to be fixed to a surface of a completely straight way and just with any kind of tools, the fact that it is not necessary to perform a welding and, therefore, neither requires the intervention of specialized personnel for assembly of the posts on said device. Advantageously, the device lacks welding (for example, you can manufacture the device by injecting aluminum into a mold) thus avoiding its deterioration to a great extent, since the points of welding are often a few points where the oxidation or corrosion processes and may also be the cause of subsequent breaks. With such a device it is possible, for example, secure the posts to low walls or to some ceramic tiles or tiles, whose holes were not provided Originally the insertion of the posts. Drilling some holes to insert the posts by themselves into a wall already built can be very complicated with the risk of damaging the wall, however, with the invention, it is possible to adjust a post conventional with a base, which in turn can have several holes that allow fixing the base to the wall by of some screws and plugs, or, by means of other elements of fixing that do not require large holes. In this way, instead of having to drill a hole to insert the post itself same on the wall, it is enough to drill some holes small on the wall, for the screws and their dowels corresponding, or for other fixing mechanisms similar, by means of which the base will be fixed to the wall.

In the case that the posts are going to be fixed, have to be installed in one direction substantially perpendicular to the surface, then the coupling portion of the device will extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base (which is normally flat and rests Over the surface).

However, there is a possibility that posts are arranged in a different direction from the previous one, forming a certain angle with the ground (for example, in the corners of the fence, by way of reinforcement), being desirable in this in case the coupling portion extends therein address than the post, inside which it is housed.

As mentioned earlier, the portion Coupling comprises a number of coupling elements. These can extend in one direction substantially perpendicular to the base, that is, they can be elements straight without curves which makes its manufacturing more difficult and they are points susceptible to potential breakage. However, they can adopt, when it is considered the most appropriate, other configurations such as curved arches or any other. These coupling elements or appendices that are extend from the base, can have an elongated configuration in the direction in which they extend, similar to fingers of retention, so that a contact surface between the fixing element (inserted into the space defined by the internal surfaces of the coupling elements) and each of these elements as wide as possible, in this way said elements apply a pressure on the internal surface of the post in such a way as to prevent its disassembly when the fixing element is located in the second position of the space defined by the internal surfaces of the elements of coupling

The fixing element or wedge, which according to been described above, it moves between a first position and a second position of the space defined by the elements of coupling, can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base, for example, when, the element of coupling is positioned in this same direction, delimiting its internal surfaces a space or hollow which extends also in a direction perpendicular to the base. Possibly, this configuration may be the most appropriate when the post is being fixed to the device extend vertically. However,  if it is desired to fix a post so that it conforms to an angle with with respect to the surface plane, then the configuration Preferential will be one in which both the elements of coupling as the space defined by the internal surfaces of them extend in the same direction as the post, the fixing element being displaced therein address.

To simplify post mounting on the device has taken into consideration a possible configuration of the fixing element, in which the latter comprises a plurality of threaded or perforated portions (normally located in the part that is inserted deeper into the space in which it is housed). In said threaded portions introduce a corresponding threaded element or screw, which crosses the base from a second surface of the same (normally which is facing the surface on which the device is installed), so that turning said threaded element then a displacement of said fixing element, which advances in this way from a first hole position to a second position and, therefore therefore, the pressure that is applied on the element of coupling, positioning them "out" in such a way that they can exert a greater force on the internal surface of the post.

In the area where the portion of coupling to the base, the first surface (or surface upper) of the base may comprise a peripheral channel sized according to the external configuration of the end open post (i.e. the channel has the same shape as the cross section of the post), so that said end Open post can be inserted into said peripheral channel, thus avoiding the area in which the post is supported on the upper surface of the base can be left without any protection. In this way, the contact between the pole and the upper surface of the base is better protected from rain and of other environmental agents which could accelerate the deterioration of the materials that constitute the two elements. In addition, with a channel which is adapted to the dimensions of the post, the connection between the post and the fixing device can Be more stable

To secure the base on the surface on the which is installed (directly on the ground or on some walls of stone, concrete or other similar materials), said base can comprise at least two through holes or holes through which the fasteners can be inserted or screws, corresponding, so that they pass through the base, thus fixing them to the surface. In this way, they are simplified the tasks of fixing to the support surface because it is it is only necessary to drill some holes in it and insert the corresponding tacos, which in collaboration with the fixing elements certify that the base is properly attached to the surface, without the need to drill holes in which the posts will be embedded. By For example, the base can have four holes to fix it to the surface with four screws or similar. Screws can be made of stainless steel and have a prepared end to receive the end of an Allen key.

As for the constitution of the element of fixation, this can have the shape of a wedge, that is, that has at least one portion which is a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid. Normally, the fixing element will have a trunk-conical portion when the end open post to be set have a configuration internal circular, therefore, a complementary configuration to the external configuration of the coupling portion. Do not However, in the event that the open end of the post has a external configuration as a polygonal cross section, the fixing element may have at least one shaped portion like a truncated pyramid that has a cross section complementary to the previous one. To facilitate the movement of the fixing element between the first position and the second position  of the space delimited by the coupling elements, in which space is at least partially housed, the latter may be located with the narrowest part in the portion conical trunk or truncated pyramidal portion contiguous to the base and with a wider part of said portion more away from the base.

The first position from which the fixing element towards the second position may be more away from the base than said second position, so that this displacement causes an approximation of said element of fixation towards the base of the device and, therefore, towards the surface on which said device is fixed.

The coupling portion of the device can comprise at least four coupling elements that are located in correspondence with four edges of the element of fixing, each of the different coupling elements has a cross section which has a concave or angular portion in which said fixing element is guided, being feasible so there is at least one point of contact between the surface internal of each fixing element and the external surface of the fixing element, so that the displacement of said fastener elicits an increasing outward pressure on each of the coupling elements. The number of these coupling elements that are comprised in the portion of coupling may vary, being considered a number of six elements to represent an appropriate number for a possible realization (therefore, the number of points can be increased of contact between the fixing element and the portion of coupling). Logically, you can select the size, the shape and number of the appendages or coupling elements with relative freedom, depending on what more practical results have been taken into consideration for each specific application, of the shape and dimensions of the inner end part of the post to be fixed, of the material used (by example, aluminum) for manufacturing the fixing device and from the fact that the coupling elements could oscillate out under the pressure applied with the fixing element, to apply the corresponding pressure on the surface inside the open end of the pole.

The object of the invention is not limited. exclusively to the fixing device, but also includes the equipment for the installation of posts on a surface. Saying installation equipment comprises a fixing device as described above and a post with an open end, which it has an external configuration complementary to the configuration external of the coupling portion of the base of the device, of so that said coupling portion can be inserted perfectly at said open end of the post. The post can have any configuration, for example, a circular section or square, shaped as a double T, etc., provided it has a area that allows proper insertion of the portion of coupling

The invention extends to a fence of those that have been installed as protective elements that delimit some outdoor spaces, said fence comprises at least two installation teams of those mentioned above at least a couple of posts and fasteners or clamps that are configured to fix said fencing element to each of the posts of said pair of posts. The fencing elements or panels are extend between each pair of posts and can be panels of any type, both consisting of continuous surfaces, thus creating a closed fence, or panels formed by metal meshes or, manufactured from any other type of material.

The fixing device can be manufactured of metal, for example, of aluminum or other ductile material that allow coupling elements or appendages to easily deform or bend under the pressure applied by the fixing element, in order to contact, and of apply pressure on the inside of the end of the post, said pressure will increase in response to the displacement of the fixing element from the first position to the second position. Aluminum or aluminum alloys can be about appropriate materials, since normally they are not only ductile but which also offer optimum resistance against corrosion and They are easy to handle. The fixing element, the base and the coupling elements can be coated with a material of protection, for example, a conventional polyester paint, epoxy or epoxy polyester.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being doing and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to an embodiment preferred, practice of it, a set of drawings accompanies this description as an integral part of it, in which illustration mode and not in a restrictive way, it has represented the following:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view exploded from a fixing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 shows an irregular section, taken on the plane A-A shown in Figure above, of a fixing device that is fixed to a surface and with a pole installed, the element being fixation located in the first position;

- Figure 3 shows an irregular section, taken on the A-A plane shown in Figure 1, of a fixing device that is fixed to a surface and with a pole installed, the fixing element being located in the second position; Y

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fence comprising several installation equipment, several fencing elements and fixing elements.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

From the point of view of the Figures, you can observe here an example of an embodiment of the invention, which It consists of a fixing device to fix the posts (5) On a surface. The invention also extends to the equipment of installation which comprises a fixing device that is completed with fencing elements (14) and elements of fixing (15).

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fixing device according to an embodiment preferred, in which the base (1) is a quadrangular plate with rounded corners and the coupling portion (2) is attached to the first surface (3), in this case the surface upper, of said base (1) in its central part. The portion of coupling (2) can be formed, for example, in a single mold together with the base (1) to form a monobloc body, for example, of aluminum or other material with a ductility appropriate. In this case, the base (1) comprises four holes interns (12), each of which is located in the area close to each of the four corners of the base (1) and its purpose, as will be seen later, is to allow fixation of the base (1) on a surface. Also has others two holes or through holes (17) (shown in Figures 2 and 3), which are located in the central area of the base, which from the second surface (4) of the base they extend through it until they reach the first surface (3) in the area inside the coupling portion (2).

The coupling portion (2), in this specific embodiment, extends perpendicular to the base (1) and comprises six coupling elements (6), elongated which they extend in the same direction, said elements being coupling (6) arranged in such a way that the portion of Coupling (2) has an external rectangular configuration. At area where the base (1) joins the coupling portion (2), the first surface (3) of the base (1) has a peripheral channel (11) rectangular, shaped with slightly corners rounded.

Of the six coupling elements (6) that comprises the coupling portion, in this case (2), four of they are configured in such a way that their cross section have an angular portion on its outer surface while on its inner surface has a concave portion in correspondence with the four rounded edges (16) of the fixing element (8). The other two coupling elements (6), of rectangular section, are facing each other, so that the internal surfaces of the six elements of coupling (6) define a rectangular space (7) with corners rounded.

The device also comprises an element of fixing (8) partially hollow, with rounded edges (16) as shown in Figure 1, configured to be hosted, at least partially in said space (7), for which reason its section is rectangular with rounded corners. The element of fixing (8) has the general configuration of a pyramid truncated with the inverted vertex and rounded corners and that it has a lower end in which the pyramid feature Truncated is more pronounced. Said lower end is solid and It has two threaded portions (9) on which, as will be seen forward, the threaded elements (10) will be inserted corresponding, whose rotation produces the displacement of the element fixing (8) through the inner part of the space (7) defined by the coupling elements (6), from a first upper position (represented in Figure 2) until a second position (shown in Figure 3), closer to the base (1).

Figures 2 and 3 show two views in irregular section, in which the fixation of the base is appreciated (1) to the surface and the installation of a post (5) on the device. In the sequence to fix the post (5), it has the device represented in two different Figures: Figure 2 corresponds to the first position of the fixing element (8), while Figure 3 corresponds to the final state of installation in which the fixing element (8) has been displaced, through of the inner part of the space defined by the elements of coupling, to the second position.

Fixing the base (1) to the surface on the one that you want to install the device is done by entering a fixing element (13) inside each of the holes passages (12) that are located near the corners of the base (one). These fasteners (13) extend through the base (1), from its first surface (3) to the second surface (4), which is the one that will confront the ground when the base (1) has been fixed and are inserted in the studs (18), the which have been arranged for this purpose in the holes corresponding perforations on the surface on which it will be fixed the base (1).

As shown in Figure 2, the portion of coupling (2) is perfectly inserted in the open end of the post (5), which in this case has an external configuration rectangular. The bottom of the open end of the post (5) is enter the peripheral channel (11) which is provided with this end on the first surface (3) of the base, in the area of union with the coupling portion (2). In the first position of the element of fixing (8), shown in this Figure 2, the elements of coupling (6) constituting the coupling portion (2) not apply any pressure on the internal surface of the post (5), for which reason the latter could easily be separated from device.

To ensure the fixing of the post (5) to the device, the fixing element (8) is manufactured so that advance to a second position, reaching a represented state in Figure 3. To move the fixing element (8) from the first position to the second position, close to the base (1), two threaded elements (10) are rotated which, through the base (1) through the through holes (17) are threaded on the two threaded portions (9) of the lower part of the fixing element (8), causing it to be displaced perpendicular to the base (1), approaching it. This forward movement of the fixing element (8) through the interior part of the space (7) defined by the internal surfaces of the coupling elements (6) causes a pressure towards was increasing from these elements, so that these in turn apply increasing pressure on the inner surface of the open end of the post (5), which, in this way is attached Firmly to the device.

A fence is depicted in Figure 4 constituted by several installation teams, each one of the which comprises a fixing device and a post (5), between which fencing elements (14) have been installed, in this Case a metal mesh material. Fixing the elements of fenced (14) to each of the posts (5) between which extend, will be implemented by means of fixing elements (15) that are located on the top and bottom of the post (5), said fixing elements (15) being, in this embodiment specific clamps which are installed around of the post (5) and also surround one of the vertical wires that they constitute the mesh, which in this way are linked to the posts (5), among which are installed.

Claims (11)

1. A device for fixing posts on a surface, which comprises:

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a base (1); Y

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a coupling portion (2) attached to the base (1);

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 in the that said coupling portion (2) extends from a first surface (3) of the base (1) and has an external configuration complementary to the internal configuration of an open end of a post (5) to be fixed with the device, so that said coupling portion (2) can be perfectly inserted at said open end of the post;

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bliss coupling portion (2) comprises a plurality of elements of coupling (6), the external surfaces of the elements of coupling (6) define the external configuration of the portion of coupling (2) and internal surfaces of the elements of coupling (6) delimit a space (7);

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he device also comprises a fixing element (8) configured so that it is at least partially housed in said space (7) delimited by the coupling elements (6) and that can move between a first position and a second position, said fixing element (8) being configured of so that when moved from said first position towards said second position apply an increasing outward pressure on the coupling elements (6) so that, when perfectly insert the coupling portion (2) into a open end of a post (5) to be fixed, then said coupling elements (6) apply increasing pressure on the inner surface of the open end of said post (5);

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at that the fixing element has at least a portion in the form of truncated or conical-trunk pyramid and in which the fixing element (8) is located with a narrower part of the truncated pyramid or the trunk-conical portion, near the base (1) and with a wider part of said portion in Truncated pyramid shape or conical trunk, far away from the base.

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Characterized in that the coupling portion (2) comprises at least four coupling elements (6) that are located in correspondence with four edges (16) of the fixing element (8), each of the coupling elements (6) distinct, it has a cross section which has a concave or angular portion in said fixing element (8) is guided;

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why the fixing element (8) comprises a plurality of portions threads (9) into each of which a corresponding threaded element (10), transverse to the base (1) from a second surface (4) of the base (1), so that by rotating said threaded elements (10) a displacement of said fixing element (8);

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Y because in the area where the base (1) joins the portion coupling (2), the first surface (3) of the base (1) comprises a peripheral channel (11) sized according to the external configuration of the open end of the post (5), so that said open end of the post (5) can be inserted into said peripheral channel (11).

2. A device according to the Previous claim, wherein the coupling portion (2) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base (one). 3. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each element of coupling (6) of said coupling portion (2) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base (1). 4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each element of coupling (6) has an elongated configuration in one direction in which the coupling element (6) extends from the base (one). 5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the element of fixation (8) housed in said space (7) is displaced in a address substantially perpendicular to the base (1). 6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the element of fixing (8) comprises two threaded portions (9), within each one of which a threaded element (10) is introduced corresponding, which crosses the base (1) from a second surface (4) of the base (1), so that rotating said threaded elements (10) a displacement of said fixing element (8).

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7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (1) it comprises at least two holes (12) through which they can introduce corresponding fasteners (13), so that they pass through the base (1) to fix said base (1) on a surface. 8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second position is located closer to the base (1) than said first position. 9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of coupling (2) comprises a total of six elements of coupling (6). 10. An equipment for the installation of posts on a surface, which comprises:

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a device according to any one of the Claims previous;

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and a post (5) with an open end which has a configuration internal complementary to the external configuration of the portion of coupling (2) of the base (1) of the device, so that can perfectly insert said coupling portion (2) within said open end of the post (5).

11. A fence, which includes:

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to the less, two installation equipment according to claim 10;

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to the less a fencing element (14) which extends between, to less, a pair of posts (5); Y

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some fasteners (15) configured to secure said element of fence (14) to each of the posts (5) of said pair of posts (5).