ES2977312A2 - JOINING DEVICE BETWEEN A COPING FENCE AND A FENCE POST - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for joining a coping (200) with posts (100), notable in that it comprises posts equipped with respective bases (500) on which the coping (200) formed by different longitudinal profiles that are assembled is fixed: - at least two profiles called lateral (210) that have an inner longitudinal edge oriented towards the post and an outer longitudinal edge distant from the post, where said inner edge is fixed on said base, - a third profile called central (220) that has two longitudinal edges and occupies the space between the first two lateral profiles in the space between the posts.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Device for joining a coping and a fence post

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of fencing and in particular to adaptations that allow the connection between a coping and a post to be made in the best possible conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR TECHNIQUE

A coping is a protective and watertight element that covers a masonry element such as the top of a wall or a fence.

Their association with fence posts presents technical problems that must be resolved with regard to the correct fixing of the posts and/or the watertightness and therefore the protection offered.

When the coping consists of a single roof profile fixed to the upper edge of a wall, it is understandable why the fixing of posts influences the watertightness. Indeed, for a correct fixing, the post cannot be fixed only to the coping, but must be fixed to the wall. However, if said fixing requires passing through the coping, this modifies the watertightness offered.

For example, document JPH0893168 shows a coping formed by an extruded and perforated profile with passage holes for post bases fixed to the upper edge of a wall.

Document JPH09279802 describes the use of a fixing plate that is pre-fixed to the upper edge of the wall and proposes ways of housing and securing both a coping and the fixing rods of a post base. This solution prevents the post base or the entire post from passing through the coping, but the fixing rods of the base on the plate require separate passage holes and an intermediate plate is necessary.

Another solution is described in patent FR2852988 in which the coping is made in two parts which join around the post, above a post plinth fixed to the upper edge of the wall, said preformed plinth having shapes intended to guide the drains likely to occur at the level of the junction between the portions of coping and between said portions and the post. This solution requires cutting the coping on site according to different cutting planes which can be complicated and time consuming, or also in the workshop which then requires a precision in the placement of the posts which is difficult to achieve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Following these findings, the applicant carried out research with a view to improving the connection between a coping and a post, and thus solving the problems of the technique.

former.

These investigations led to the design and construction of a device for joining a coping with posts, where the coping guarantees the protection by covering a masonry element to which said posts are fixed, notable because it comprises posts equipped with bases to which the coping is fixed, formed by several longitudinal profiles that are assembled:

- at least two so-called lateral profiles having a longitudinal inner edge facing the post and a longitudinal outer edge distant from the post, where said inner edge is fixed to said base,

- a third profile called central which has two longitudinal edges and occupies the space between the first two lateral profiles in the space between the posts.

This feature is particularly advantageous because it offers a coping made of at least three profiles. This decomposition of the coping allows the profiles to be manufactured in advance without requiring any cutting on site. Likewise, the assembly of the coping can be done simply after the installation of the posts fitted with their base.

This base can be pre-formed at the lower end of the posts, added or formed by added side elements that offer the necessary preforms for fixing the inner edges of the side profiles of the coping.

To facilitate this assembly, according to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, said base comprises male and/or female forms with which preformed male and/or female forms cooperate on the longitudinal inner edge of the side profiles that form the coping. The fixing is thus carried out by tongue and groove of the edges, which facilitates assembly.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said coping is broken down into two identical side profiles situated opposite each other and into a central profile;

where the longitudinal inner edge of the side profiles is previously formed by said female and/or male shapes with which preformed male and/or female shapes cooperate on the longitudinal edges of the central profile so as to fit together and form a covering surface in the space between the posts.

The coping therefore has a symmetrical profile. The two side profiles that form it come from the same bent profile. The preformed edges for assembly with the base are used to cooperate with the edges of the central profile. Therefore, the coping designed for the joining device of the invention is easy to assemble and inexpensive.

This design can be developed with or without posts. In addition, in certain situations such as cooperation with an adjacent vertical surface for the purpose of creating a flashing, one of the side profiles can be replaced by a special profile forming a preformed flashing, so that the longitudinal outer edge comes into contact with the vertical surface. Similarly, due to the similarity of the profiles, a section adopting a post-less coping configuration can ensure the continuity of a section adopting a configuration in which the coping is associated with the posts, and vice versa.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, to complete the assembly, said central profile has preformed transverse edges for fixing to the base. Thus, said base equipping each post is preformed on its longitudinal faces to accommodate the longitudinal inner edges of the side profiles and is preformed on its transverse faces to cooperate with the central profiles.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the lower end of the post is fixed to a plate which is fixed to the masonry element and said base is made up of added elements which are fixed to the faces of the post located opposite the inner edges of the side profiles of the coping. The posts and slats used can be conventional, so they do not require any modification.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said base is made up of angles, one side of which is fixed to the post and the other serves as a fixing edge on the inner edge of the side profile of the coping.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said base is placed and fixed on a plate that is fixed to the masonry element.

This plate serves as a mechanical interface between the base and post assembly and the masonry part.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said base is an independent element that is inserted between the plate and the lower end of the post, which facilitates its manufacture. It serves as a support for the post, which in turn may be a classic post. Thus, in such a case also, the implementation of the invention may not require a modification of the posts and slats constituting the fence to which a coping must be associated.

However, provisions are made to optimise the rigidity of the fence. For example, according to another particularly advantageous feature, where the posts are part of a fence with rigid elements of the slat type whose ends slide in pre-formed rails on the posts, the device is relevant because said central profile comprises an upper surface housing a connecting element that cooperates with the first rigid element, i.e. with the lowest slat.

The plate, base and post can be fixed at the same time before installation in the masonry section and before installation of the coping.

The plate also contributes to the placement and maintenance in position of the profiles that form the coping.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said side profiles are pre-formed by at least one longitudinal projection downwards which has a pre-formed distal end so as to cooperate for positioning purposes with a pre-formed shape for this purpose on the upper surface of the plate. The projection contributes to the rigidity of the side profile which is a long linear profile.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said distal end is pre-formed to cooperate for the purposes of maintaining it in position with a pre-formed shape for this purpose on the upper surface of the plate. Therefore, the coping is fastened to the plate and cannot be lifted.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said end is previously formed by a projection that cooperates with a preformed fastening notch in the plate, and they cooperate once the side profiles are in place.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device comprises flat joining profiles between the different butt-joined profiles that form the coping.

These flat profiles serve as a connecting fish plate and are invisible when placed on the inner face of the side profiles.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, when the post is fixed directly to the plate and the base is made up of lateral elements added and fixed to the post, a sealing wedge occupies the hollow volume of the lower end of the post to form a drainage surface for water penetrating the post, said surface being located at a height greater than that of the surfaces of the lateral profiles of the coping once fixed.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the central profile of the coping rests on a portion of said sealing wedge.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said central profile has preformed transverse edges to be fixed in said sealing wedge.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said central profile has transverse edges preformed by a connecting slot and the base has transverse faces provided with a connecting slot facing the connecting slot of the central profile, such that a flat connecting profile inserted into said slots ensures the connection between the base and the central profile of the coping.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device comprises flat profiles covering the intersection areas between the different profiles joined together to form the coping. These profiles guarantee watertightness at the level of the joining areas. This watertightness can be completed by the use of adhesive material inserted between the contact surfaces (caulk, silicone, etc.).

According to a preferred embodiment, the different constituent elements of the device are made of aluminium.

However, the decomposition into several parts and the possibility of using the coping in applications without a post or with special profiles such as those forming a drip edge led the applicant to propose elements of the device, and especially the coping, in different materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or steel.

The invention also relates to the fence formed by the posts and the coping which adopt all or part of the characteristics described above.

The fundamental concepts of the invention that have just been set forth in their most basic form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly from reading the following description and with respect to the attached drawings that give, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of a device in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of a section of fence equipped with an embodiment of the device of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the device of the invention at the level of a pole;

Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the assembly at the level of a pole;

Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing of a partial sectional side view of the assembly of Figures 2 and 3; Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing of a partial plan view (without coping) of the assembly of Figures 2 and 3;

Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the post, base and plate assembly;

Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the plate alone;

Fig. 8 is a schematic drawing of a partial sectional side view of a post-level assembly, with another embodiment of slats;

Fig. 9 is a schematic drawing of a side view in section of a coping assembly without a post; Fig. 10 is a schematic drawing of a side view in section of a coping assembly without a post and which acts, in one of its side profiles, as a flashing;

Fig. 11 is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the post, base and plate assembly according to another embodiment;

Fig. 12 is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 11, with the sealing shim inserted into the lower end of the post;

Fig. 13 is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 11, with the coping and fender elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODES OF EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in Figure 1, the joining device of the invention is used to ensure the connection between the posts 100 of the fence section C illustrated and the coping 200 which protects and covers the upper edge of the wall M.

As illustrated, this fence C is of the type that has rigid elements, such as the horizontal slats 300, whose ends slide in rails previously formed on the vertical posts 100.

As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the device comprises a plate 400 supporting a base 500 on which the lower end 110 of the post 100 is located. These three elements are fixed together by screwing to form an assembly installed and fixed by means of the threaded rods 410 on the wall M. Once these assemblies are fixed on the wall M, the coping 200 is installed.

The latter is made up of longitudinal profiles that are assembled together and associated with the bases 500 that equip each post 100 to form a protection above the wall M.

More precisely, said coping 200 is broken down into two identical side profiles 210 situated opposite each other and into a central profile 220.

The inner edge 211 (i.e. the one facing the posts 100) of the side profiles 210 takes the male form of a horizontal flat profile which is inserted into a female form formed by a horizontal rail 510 and 520 provided for this purpose on both longitudinal faces of the base 500 (cf. figure 6). The flange 211 is held in place by clamping.

As illustrated, the base 500 is a portion of a profiled element whose lower face rests on the plate 400 and which receives the post 100 on its upper face. Screw passages pass through it vertically to authorize said screwed union of these three elements.

Likewise, it comprises longitudinal faces (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profiles that form the coping 200) in which said rails 510 and 520 are previously formed and transverse faces (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profiles that form the coping 200) in which a joining slot 530 is provided.

The rails 510 and 520 are formed by two parallel projections 511, 512 and 521, 522 between which the flange 211 is inserted. The elasticity necessary for tightening is carried out by thinning the lower projection 512 and 522 and by the fact that it is bordered on its outer face by a longitudinal groove 513 and 523 which, provided on the longitudinal face of the base 500, facilitates its deformation.

Only a portion of the flange 211 is received by the rails 510 and 520. In its portion located between the posts 100 (and therefore between the bases 500), the inner flange 211 is fixed by clamping on the flanges 221 and 222 of the central profile 220. The preforming of said flanges 221 and 222 reproduces that of the rails 510 and 520, in particular with a thinned lower projection to facilitate the deformation necessary for clamping.

Only a portion of the profiles forming the coping appear in Figures 2 and 3, the length of these profiles approximately corresponds to the distance between the posts (a little more for the side profiles 210 and a little less for the central profile 220). The distance between the posts is defined so as to transport in good conditions the long profiled elements constituting the coping and susceptible to bending. The surfaces and profiles are joined together and the covering formed by the coping 200 is

complete.

In order to ensure the assembly between the central profile 220 and the transverse faces of the base, said central profile 220 has transverse edges preformed by a joining slot 223 facing the joining slot 530, such that a first flat joining profile 610 ensures the connection between the base 500 and the central profile 220 of the coping. According to the preferred, but not limiting, embodiment illustrated, the role of the first flat joining profile 610 is to make a connection and a sealing support for the addition of a putty or silicone type gasket. It is not fixed, only fitted. This profile 610 is locked to the base 500 by means of the fixing screws of the post at 400. It can be locked in translation to the central profile 220 by tightening the lateral slots forming the slot 223.

Other flat profiles complete the different joints.

Thus, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the device comprises flat joining profiles between the ends of the side profiles 210 joined together to form the coping 200. These flat joining profiles 620, 630 and 640 are positioned against the lower surface of said side profiles 210 and cooperate, sliding therein, with housings formed by projections 212, 213, 214 and 216 which start from said inner surface and create guide and support surfaces for said flat profiles which act as joint covers.

One of these downward projections, namely projection 213, has a distal end 215 which cooperates, for positioning purposes, with a shape 420 preformed for this purpose on the upper surface of plate 400. Thus, plate 400 also contributes to the correct positioning of coping 200. This distal end 215 takes the form of a threaded channel to allow the coping to be closed (not illustrated) at the end of the wall. In addition, it is pre-formed by a protruding projection 217 which cooperates with a preformed holding surface 421 in slot 420.

As illustrated, the device comprises flat profiles 700 covering the intersection areas between the different profiles joined together to form the coping 200, thereby preventing water infiltration between the profiles. These flat profiles 700 are fixed by gluing.

Said central profile 220 also comprises an upper surface housing a portion of the joining angle 650 to cooperate with the lower edge of the first slat 300 (the lowest one) constituting the fence panel.

This cooperation contributes to the correct positioning and rigidity of the slat, and therefore of the panel, especially when the slats 300 consist of a flat profile that can be tilted, as illustrated in figures 1 to 5.

This cooperation is not necessary when the 300' slats are profiles with a more rigid rectangular section, as illustrated in Figure 8.

Another feature that contributes to the rigidity of the fence is related to the post 100. As can be seen in figures 4 and 5, this post has faces provided with respective support profiles 120 of an additional reinforcement profile 800 that can be associated or not with the post 100, according to the needs, and placed according to the orientation of the wind to which the fence is subjected.

Another feature that contributes to the optimization of the fence is related to the possibility of angular orientation of the position of the assembly formed by the plate 400, the base 500 and the post 100 with respect to the wall M.

This angular orientation is made possible by screws 900 whose threaded rods 910 are screwed into threaded holes 430 passing through the plate 400 (see figure 7). By coming directly or indirectly into contact with the wall M, they take support from the latter so that the position of the screw 900 in the hole 430 influences the angular position of the plate 400 to which it is attached. Thus, the post 100 can be vertical despite the imperfections of the wall M.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the plate 400 is a flat rectangular element provided on the upper face of the longitudinal slots 420 that cooperate with the distal ends 215 of the projections towards the lower part 213 of the lateral profiles 210 of the coping 200 and crossed by:

- threaded holes 430 for housing the angular position adjustment screws 900,

- smooth holes 440 associated with a slot made on the lower face to house the assembly screws 441 of the plate 400, base 500 and post 100 assembly,

- oblong holes 450 allowing the passage of threaded rods 410 anchored in the wall M to fix said assembly to the wall M.

Likewise, the lower face is equipped with two longitudinal slots 460 which communicate with the through threaded holes 420 for housing support plugs 461, so that the lower ends of the threaded rods 910 of the angular adjustment screws 900 do not come into direct contact with the wall M when they come into contact with the latter.

Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrate the flexibility of use of a termination broken down into several parts.

Thus, for example, and as illustrated in Figure 9, the coping 200 used in the framework of the connection device described above can be used in the absence of posts. It is then not necessary to provide a fixing dimensioned for the latter. The plate 400' consisting of a profile is the only one to guarantee the mechanical interface between the wall M to which it is fixed and the three profiles 210, 220, 210 forming the coping 200.

The fixing is carried out by means of at least one threaded rod anchored in the wall M and which partially passes through the plate 400' so that the tightening of a nut on the latter and its support on the surface of the plate guarantee the fixing.

The constituent profile of the plate 400' adopts a symmetrical profile forming housing areas 420' of the distal ends 215 of the projections 213 of the profiles 210 for fastening purposes.

Likewise, the profile is pre-formed by a double central projection 430' preformed to cooperate for fastening purposes with the central profile 220 at the level of the joining slot 223.

Figure 10 illustrates the use of a three-part coping 200' where the side profiles 210' and 240' were modified to propose covering a surface of a wall M' adjacent to a vertical surface to form a drip edge.

The fixing to the wall M' is ensured by the plate 400' illustrated in figure 9 and the central profile 220 of the coping remains the same. As illustrated, the profile 210' is simplified in these internal projections and the profile 240' takes the form of a bracket whose vertical part projects upwards and comes into contact with the vertical surface of the wall M'.

This contact is sealed by means of a gasket.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 11, 12 and 13 differs from that described above in that the lower end of the post 100' is fixed directly to the plate 400'' and the base 500' is made up of additional elements, in this case angles 510' and 520' which are fixed to the faces of the post 100' opposite the inner edges 211' of the side profiles 210' of the coping. The vertical side of the angle rests against the face of the post 100' and is screwed in place. The horizontal side of the angle projects transversely and serves as a male shape which cooperates with a female notch provided on the inner edge 211' of the side profiles 210'.

In this embodiment, a sealing shim 530' serves as an inverted cover at the lower end of the post 100' by occupying the hollow volume of the lower end of the post to form a drainage surface that penetrates the post 100'. This sealing shim 530' is sized and pre-formed so that its upper surface 531' is located at a height greater than that of the surfaces of the side profiles 210' of the coping once they are fixed to the base 500'.

This shim 530' has a complex shape since it reproduces, in order to match it for sealing purposes, the profile of the hollow core of the post 100' and is previously formed by longitudinal projections 532' and 533' (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coping) in order to cooperate with slots and hollow volumes provided in the central profile 220' for fixing purposes. This shim 530' is also previously formed to allow the direct fixing of the lower end of the post 100' to the plate 400'.

It is understood that the device just described and represented was done for the purposes of disclosure and not limitation. Of course, various corrections, modifications and improvements may be made to the previous examples, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, for example, although the illustrated embodiments show a base with female shapes to house the inner edges of the side profiles and the flat joining profiles with the central profile, the base may, according to an embodiment not illustrated, have lateral projections, i.e. male shapes with which preformed female shapes cooperate in the inner edges of the profiles.

Claims (17)

1. - Device for joining a coping (200) with posts (100), the coping guaranteeing the protection by covering a masonry element (M) in which said posts are fixed, CHARACTERIZED BY THAT it comprises posts equipped with respective bases (500) in which the coping (200) is fixed, formed by several longitudinal profiles that are assembled: - at least two so-called lateral profiles (210) having a longitudinal inner edge oriented towards the post and a longitudinal outer edge distant from the post, where said inner edge is fixed to said base, - a third profile called central (220) which has two longitudinal edges and occupies the space between the first two side profiles in the space between the posts. 2. - Device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said base (500) comprises male and/or female shapes with which preformed male and/or female shapes cooperate on the longitudinal inner edge of the side profiles (210) that form the coping. 3. - Device according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said coping (200) is broken down into two identical side profiles (210) located opposite each other and into a central profile (220); where the longitudinal inner edge (211) of the side profiles (210) is previously formed by said female and/or male shapes with which preformed male and/or female shapes cooperate on the longitudinal edges (221) of the central profile (220) so as to fit together and form a covering surface in the space between the posts. 4. - Device according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said central profile (220) has preformed transverse edges to be fixed to the base (500). 5. - Device according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said base (500) that equips each post is previously formed on its longitudinal faces to accommodate the longitudinal interior edges (211) of the lateral profiles (210) and is previously formed on its transverse faces to cooperate with the central profiles (220). 6. - Device according to any of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said base (500) is placed and fixed on a plate (400) that is fixed on the masonry element. 7. - Device according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said base (500) is an independent element that is inserted between the plate (400) and the lower end of the post (100). 8. - Device according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the lower end of the post (100') is fixed to a plate (400') which is fixed to the masonry element and said base (500') is made up of added elements (510', 520') which are fixed to the faces of the post (100') located opposite the inner edges (211') of the side profiles (210') of the coping. 9. - Device according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said base (500') is made up of angles (510', 520') of which one side is fixed to the post (100') and the other serves as a fixing edge on the inner edge (211') of the side profile (210') of the coping. 10. - Device according to claim 8 or 9, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT a sealing wedge (530') occupies the hollow volume of the lower end of the post (100') to form a drainage surface for water penetrating the post (100'), said surface being located at a height greater than that of the surfaces of the side profiles (210') of the coping (200') once fixed to the base (500'). 11. - Device according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said central profile (220') has preformed transverse edges to be fixed in said sealing wedge (500'). 12. - Joining device according to claims 4 and 5, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said central profile (220) has transverse edges preformed by a joining slit (223) and the base has transverse faces provided with a joining slit (530) that faces the joining slit (223) of the central profile (220), so that a flat joining profile (610) that is introduced into said slits ensures the union between the base (500) and the central profile (220) of the coping. 13. - Device according to any of claims 6 to 8, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said lateral profiles (210) are previously formed by at least one downward projection that has a preformed distal end (215) to cooperate for positioning purposes with a shape (420) preformed for this purpose on the upper surface of the plate (400). 14. Device according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said distal end (215) is previously formed to cooperate for the purposes of maintaining position with a shape (421) preformed for this purpose on the upper surface of the plate (400). 15. Device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the posts (100) form part of a fence with rigid slat-type elements (300) whose ends slide in preformed rails on the posts, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said central profile (220) comprises an upper surface that houses a joining element that cooperates with the first rigid element. 16.- Joining device according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises flat joining profiles (620, 630, 640) between the different butt-joined profiles that form the coping. 17.- Joining device according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises flat profiles (700) covering the intersection areas between the different profiles joined together to form the coping (200).