(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`~ ~
`
`WIPO I PCT
`
`1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 111111111111111 II Ill lllll 11111 lllll lllll lllll 11111111111111111111111
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2014/100855 Al
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`3 July 2014 (03.07.2014)
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO,AT,AU,AZ,BA,BB,BG,BH,BN,BR,BW,BY,
`BZ,CA,CH,CL,CN,CO,CR,CU,CZ,DE,DK,DM,
`DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR,
`KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ,
`OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA,
`SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM,
`TN, TR, TT, TZ, VA, VG, US, UZ, VC, VN,ZA,ZM,
`ZW.
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`E04H 17/16 (2006.01)
`E04H 4/06 (2006.01)
`E06B 11/02 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/AU2013/0015l 7
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`23 December2013 (23.12.2013)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`2012905690 24 December 2012 (24.12.2012)
`
`(71) Applicant: HUNTER PRODUCTS PTY LTD [AU/AU];
`Level 2,424 Warrigal Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3189 (AU).
`
`(72) Inventors: HUNTER, Jeff; 46 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC
`3186 (AU). HUNTER, Luke; IO0I/107 Beach Street, Port
`Melbourne, VIC 3207 (AU). HUNTER, James; 435
`Beach Road, Beaumaris, VIC 3193 (AU).
`
`AU (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ,
`UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM,
`TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW,
`KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`(74) Agent: WARDEN-HUTTON, Paul, David; Houlihan2, Published:
`Level I, 70 Doncaster Road, Balwyn, North Victoria 3104
`(AU).
`
`with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`- ----------------------------------------------
`
`(54) Title: MODULAR FENCE COMPRISING SELF-CLOSING GATE
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
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`
`(57) Abstract: A fence comprising a plurality of modular sections, each modular section comprising one or more support struts, one
`or more section linkages and a screen covering the modular section, a self-closing gate section comprising a self-closing manual re(cid:173)
`lease mechanism, a gate which swings open and shut to provide access to an interior of an area enclosed by the fence and each of
`two terminal modular sections on either side of the self-closing gate section comprising one or more anchor points for secure attach -
`ment to the ground and one or more terminal linkages is disclosed. The fence may further comprise a brace for ensuring the gate can
`swing open and shut. The brace may comprise an arch or a support plate extending between the two terminal modular sections on
`either side of the self-closing gate section. The fence may find application to pools including above-ground pools and may be con(cid:173)
`structed to comply with Safety Standards.
`
`-;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
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`BESTWAY EX. 1008; Pg 1
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`WO 2014/100855
`
`PCT/AU2013/001517
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`1
`
`TITLE
`
`MODULAR FENCE COMPRISING SELF-CLOSING GATE
`
`FIELD
`
`[OOlJ THIS JNVENTION described herein relates generally to a modular fence
`comprising a self closing gate. In particular, the invention is directed to a modular fence
`comprising a self closing gate and a screen which complies with relevant Safety Standards,
`
`although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[002] Above-ground pools can be cost effectively manufactured and installed in a larger
`
`number of locations compared to in-ground pools. Additionally, above-ground pools offer
`
`other advantages such as, they can be easier to maintain and to clean. Above-ground pools
`
`can also be emptied out and stored away to open up space for other activities or play(cid:173)
`
`equipment.
`
`[003] While they offer many advantages, above-ground pools present, like jn-ground
`
`pools, a drowning hazard. One measure often taken, and legally required in some areas. is
`
`to fence the pool.
`
`[004] The proper instaJlation of a fence negates many of the advantages of an above(cid:173)
`
`ground pool. This is also true of other measures required to meet other requirements such
`
`as, a minimum distance from climbing points to the fence and from the fence to the above(cid:173)
`
`ground pool.
`
`SUMMARY
`[005] The present invention is broadly directed to a modular fence comprising a self
`
`closing gate. The present inventors have recognised that the installation of a conventional
`
`fence negates many of the advantages of having a pool, in pa1ticular an above-ground pool.
`
`From their diligent study and their recognition of this problem, the present inventors have
`
`provided a modular fence comprising a self-closing gate.
`
`[006] Although the invention finds particular application to a fence for a pool it is not
`
`restricted to that application and may also find application to fencing of other areas such as,
`
`play areas for a child or pet, garden, grassed areas or any site where fencing is required such
`
`as, a building site or crowd control area.
`[007] A preferred advantage of the invention is that it provides a safe and cost-effective
`
`fence for a pool. Another preferred advantage of the invention is that the fence complies
`
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`with standards and laws for a pool fence.
`
`[008] In one aspect, there is provided a fence comprising:
`
`a plurality of modular sections, each modular section comprising one or more
`
`· support struts, one or more section linkages and a screen covering the modular section;
`
`a self-closing gate section comprising a self-closing manual release mechanism and
`
`a gate which swings open and shut to provide access to an interior of an area enclosed by
`
`the fence; and
`
`each of two terminal modular sections on either side of the self-closing gate section
`
`comprising one or more anchor points for secure attachment to the ground and one or more
`
`terminal linkages.
`
`[009] In a second aspect the invention provides a kit comprising the modular fence of the
`
`first aspect and may optionally further comprise one or more of a pool cover, one or more
`
`anchor for securing to the attachment point and the ground, an anchoring band and/or an
`
`above growid pool.
`
`[0 10] In a third aspect the invention provides a method of fencing an area comprising
`
`installing the fence of the first aspect around the area to be fenced.
`[0111 In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of assembling a fence
`
`comprising:
`
`joining a plurality of modular sections, each modular section comprising one or
`
`more suppo1t struts, one or more section linkages and a screen covering the modular
`
`section, each of two terminal modular sections comprising one or more anchor points for
`
`secure attachment to the ground and one or more terminal linkages; and
`
`joining to the two terminal modular sections a self-closing gate section comprising a
`
`self-closing manual release mechanism and a gate which swings open and shut to provide
`
`access to an interior of an area enclosed by the fence, to thereby assemble the fence.
`[012] In a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of fencing an area comprising:
`joining a plurality of modular sections, each modular section comprising one or
`
`more support struts, one or more section linkages and a screen covering the modular
`
`section, each of two terminal modular sections comprising one or more anchor points for
`
`secure attachment to the ground and one or more terminal linkages; and
`
`joining to the plurality of modular sections a self-closing gate section comprising a
`
`self-closing manual release mechanism and a gate which swings open and shut to provide
`
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`WO 2014/100855
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`3
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`access to an interior of an area enclosed by the fence, to thereby fence the area.
`
`[013] According to any one of the above aspects the fence may comprise a brace for
`
`ensuring the gate can swing open and shut. The brace may comprise an arch or a support
`
`plate extending between the two terminal modular sections on either side of the self-closing
`
`gate section.
`
`[014] The arch may comprise two arch uprights and an arch brace.
`
`[015]
`
`In embodiments comprising an arch, each of the terminal modular sections may
`
`comprise a gate arch linkage.
`
`[016] The support plate may comprise an elongate body and a reinforced connection at
`
`either end for secure attachment to the terminal modular sections.
`
`[017] The support plate may be weighted.
`
`[018] According to any one of the above aspects the one or more anchor points on the
`
`terminal modular sections may be comprised on a footing of the one or more support strut.
`
`[019] According to any one of the above aspects the one or more anchor points on the
`
`tenninal modular sections may be comprised on the support plate.
`
`[020]
`
`In one embodiment the reinforced connections comprise an elongated connection
`
`for joining to one or both of the terminal modular sections.
`
`1021] The elongated connection may comprise an elongated male female connection.
`
`[022] The elongated female connection may comprise a length greater than 50 mm;
`
`greater than or equal to 55mm; greater than or equal to 60 mm; greater than or equal to 65
`
`mm; or greater than or equal to 70mm.
`
`[023] According to any one of the above aspects each modular section comprises one or
`
`more reinforced connection between a support strut and a footing.
`
`[024] According to any one of the above aspects one or more of the linkages comprises a
`
`reinforced connection.
`[025] In a particular embodiment of any above aspect, a manual release mechanism is
`comprised on self-closing gate section or a pru.t thereof in a position which complies with a
`
`relevant safety standard.
`
`[026] According to this particular embodiment, the fence may be packaged unassembled
`
`with the manual release mechanism installed in the safety standard compliant position or
`there may be one or more marking or connection comprised on self-closing gate section for
`
`installation of manual release mechanism in the safety standard compliant position.
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`[027] According to any one of the above aspects, each modular section may comprise an
`
`individual modular screen.
`
`[028] According to any one of the above aspects the screen covering the modular sections
`
`may comprise a one-piece screen for covering each modular section of the plurality of
`
`modular sections.
`
`[029] According to any of the above aspects the screen may be any suitable material such
`
`as, a lattice, film or a mesh.
`
`[030] According to any one of the above aspects the film may comprise a plastic film and
`
`fibreglass mesh.
`[ 031 J According to any one of the above aspects the screen may be secured to themodular
`sections by one or more peg or pin.
`
`[032] Each of the one or more peg or pin may be secured by an inte1ference fit or by a
`
`screw-in thread.
`
`[033]
`
`fu one embodiment of any above aspect the self-closing gate-section also comprises
`
`a barrier. In a preferred embodiment the self-closing gate-section barrier comprises a solid
`
`pauel.
`
`[034] According to any of the above aspects one or more, or each, non-terminal modular
`
`section may also comprise one or more anchor points.
`
`[035] According to any one of the above aspects, each modular section may also comprise
`
`one or more side strut which connects to a section linkage.
`[036] According to any of the above aspect<, the fence may be for a pool such as, an
`
`above-ground pool or an in-ground pool.
`
`[037] According to any of the above aspects the fence maybe for a child or pet play area
`
`[038] According to any of the above aspects the fence may be for grass, a plant, tree or
`
`garden.
`
`[039] According to any of the above aspects two or more opposing modular sections may
`
`also comprise one or more attachment point for an anchoring band.
`
`[040] According to any of the above aspects the anchoring band may traverse the
`
`assembled modular fence diameter to attach to opposing modular sections and be
`
`positioned under a pool surrounded by the assembled modular fence.
`
`[041] According to any of the above aspects when assembled the modular fence may
`
`comprise any shape including, circular, oval, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal,
`
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`5
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`dodecagonal or other polygonal shape of three or more sides.
`
`[042] According to any of the above aspects the one or more support strut, section
`
`linkages, screen and side struts may be comprised of a plastic material.
`
`[043] According to any of the above aspects the one or more support struts, section
`
`linkages and side struts may be comprised of a metal or metal alloy such as, steel.
`[044] According to any of the above a.o;pects lhe one or more section linkages may
`
`comprise two or more intersection linkages or a plurality of section linkages.
`
`[045] According to any of the above aspects the self-closing gate section may also
`
`comprise one or more of: one or more hinge; one or more gate section support strut; and
`
`one or more gate section side struts.
`
`[046] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise"
`
`and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not
`
`intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ORA WINGS
`
`[047]
`
`In order that the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical
`
`effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations, wherein like reference
`
`numerals refer to like features and wherein:
`
`[048] FIG. l shows a first embodiment of a fence according to the invention.
`
`[0491 FIG. 2 shows from inside the fence, a perspective view of part of a fence according
`
`to the first embodiment.
`
`[050] FIG. 3 shows from outside the fence, adjoining modular sections according to the
`
`first embodiment of the invention.
`[051 l FIG. 4 shows a top linkage of two modular sections according to first embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`[052] FIG. 5 shows a bottom linkage of two modular sections according to the first
`
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`[053] FIGS. 6-7 show outside and inside views, respectively, of a self-closing gate section
`
`according to the first embodiment of the invention.
`
`[054] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a hinge for use with the fence according to one
`
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`[055] FIG. 9 shows a fence according to a second embodiment of the invention.
`
`[056] FIG. 10 shows, from inside the fence, a perspective view of adjoining sections of a
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`6
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`fence according to the second embodiment of the invention.
`
`[057] FIG. 11 shows, from outside the fence, adjoining sections according to the second
`
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`[058] FIG. 12 shows, from outside the fence, a perspective view of a gate section
`
`according to the second embodiment of the invention.
`
`[059] FIG. 13 shows, from inside the fence, a perspective view of a gate section showing a
`
`manual release mechanism according to the second embodiment of the invention.
`
`[060] FIG. 14 shows a hinge according to the second embodiment of the invention.
`
`[061] FIG. 15 shows a peg according to the second embodiment of the invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[062] Recognising the problem that exists in providing cost-effective fences, the inventors
`
`have produced a modular fence that is cost-effective and easily installed and removed.
`
`Further, as exemplified herein, the modular fence comprises a self-closing gate to
`
`advantageously provide access and also secure the fenced area.
`
`[063] Although the invention will be described with reference to a pool fence, the fence of
`
`the invention finds broad application to all areas that may be fenced. Other examples
`
`include play areas for children or pets, garden or grassed areas or any site where fencing is
`
`required such as, a building site or crowd control area. A crowd control area is one in which
`
`a crowd gathers or is expected to gather, such as, a concert, festival or other entertainment
`
`or sporting event.
`
`[064] As used herein "ground' refers to the surface on which the fence is installed and
`
`encompasses surfaces such as grassed, concreted, paved, timber decked and gravel surfaces.
`
`[065] FIGS. 1-8 show a first embodiment of a fence 100 comprising a plurality of modular
`
`sections 110 and a self~closing gate section 140.
`
`[066] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 each modular section 110 comprises a support strut
`
`112, a plurality of linkages 114 and a screen 116 covering the modular section 110.
`
`[067]
`
`In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, strut 112 is linear and is installed
`
`perpendicular to the ground. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to
`
`select a suitable length and shape for support strut 112.
`[068] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, each modular section 110 also comprises
`
`several anchor points 118 which are used to secure support struts 112 to the growid. A peg,
`
`bolt or other fastener (not shown) may secure to anchor points 118 on footing 136 which is
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`7
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`comprised on support struts 111. FIGS. 1-8 show each support strut 110 to comprise four
`
`anchor points. In other embodiments each support s tmt 110 comprising anchor points 118
`
`may comprise one, two, three, five, six or more anchor points.
`
`[069]
`
`In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, each linkage 114 comprises a three-way
`
`connector which may be referred to as a T-conncctor or a Y -connector. Each linkage 114
`
`joins one support strut 112 to two side struts 120, one either side of strll.l 112.
`
`[070] FIG.2 shows a view from inside fence 100 and shows that in this embodiment,
`
`lattice 116 is mounted on the outside surface of support struts 112.
`
`[071] Screen 116 is shown to be comprised of a one-piece lattice which covers all
`
`modular sections 110. In another embodiment each modular section 110 comprises an
`
`individual piece of lattice 116.
`
`[072] The two adjoining modular sections 110 shown in full in FIG. 2 share a common
`
`support strut 112. Terminal modular sections 110, adjacent gate section 140, share one
`
`support strut 112 with neighbouring non-terminal modular sections 110 and comprise a
`
`terminal support strut 112 immediately adjacent to gate section 140.
`
`[073]
`
`In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, screen 116 is a lattice. In other
`
`embodiments screen 116 may be comprised of a mesh or film. Impo1tantly, to comply with
`
`pool safety standards screen 116 is robust enough to prevent penetration by a child.
`
`[074] From FIG. 2 it can also be seen that each linkage 114 may comprjse a linkage cap
`
`134 for safety and aesthetic purposes.
`
`[07S] FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view showing sections 110 of fence 100 with and
`
`without screen 116.
`
`[076] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 show support struts 112 to connect at the top
`
`and bottom to linkages 114 and to side struts 120.
`
`[077] While the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 shows each modular section 110 to comprise
`two linkages 114, one top and one bottom, other embodjments may comprise a different
`number of linkages 114. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select
`
`an appropriate number of struts 110, 120 and linkages 114 to construct the desired fence
`
`shape.
`
`(078] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the material used for the screen 116 and support strut 112
`
`in isolation as well as the connection of support strut 112, linkage 114 and top side struts
`
`120.
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`8
`
`[079] FIG. 5 shows connection of support strut 112, linkage 114 and bottom side struts
`
`120.
`
`[080]
`
`In other embodiments support strut 112 may only connect to one of a top or bottom
`
`support strut 112.
`
`[081] Fence 100 may also comprise band attachment points 122 (not shown) on opposing
`
`modular sections for attachment of an anchoring band (not shown). The anchoring band
`
`may traverse the assembled modular fence diameter to attach to the opposing modular
`
`sections and be positioned under the pool to further secure fence 100.
`
`[082] FIGS. 6-8 show self-closing gate section 140 comprising a self-closing manual
`
`release mechanism 142 and gate 144 joined to two terminal modular sections 110. The
`
`modular sections 110 that join to self-closing gate section 140 effectively end the chain of
`
`modular sections 110 and are therefore called terminal modular sections 110.
`
`[083] While mechanism 142 is described as being comprised on gate section 140. the
`
`skilled person will understand that one of the terminal modular sections 110 must comprise
`
`a component for mechanism 142 to engage with.
`
`[084]
`
`In order to provide a secure fence 100 and to ensure gate 144 can swing open and
`
`shut, terminal stluts 112, comprised on terminal modular section 110 and immediately
`
`adjacent gate section 140, comprise one or more anchor points 146 for secure attachment to
`
`the ground. In this manner, one or more anchor points 146 on terminal modular sections
`
`110 are compulsory. This distinguishes anchor points 146 from anchor points 118 which
`
`may not be present on each and every non-terminal modular section 110.
`
`[085] In this first illustrated embodiment, arch 126 also serves to space apart terminal
`
`modular sections 110 so that gate 144 can swing open and shut. Arch 126 is joined to the
`
`terminal modular sections by arch connections 124 which also join terminal support strut
`
`112 to a top side strut 120.
`
`[086] Arch 126 comprises arch uprights 128 and arch brace 130 to ensure terminal
`
`modular sections 110 remain sufficiently spaced apart to allow gate 144 to swing open and
`
`shut and to allow a person to walk lhrough the gateway.
`
`[087] Self-closing gate section 140 also comprises hinges 154 to attach to one of the
`
`terminal modular sections 110. Hinges 154 are secured on one of the terminal support struts
`
`immediately adjacent to self-closing gate section 140 on one of the terminal modular
`
`sections 110 and to one of the gate section support struts 148.
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`9
`
`[088] Hinges 154 are tension hjnges which self-close gate 144 so self closing manual
`
`release mechanism 142 is engaged to prevent gate 144 opening without manual operation of
`
`mechanism 142. In other: embodiments, the self-closing action may be due to .another bias,
`
`such as a spring secured to the gate 144 and to a terminal modular section 110.
`
`[089] On the other gate section support strut 148 the handle of self-closing manual release
`
`mechanism 142 is disposed to engage with the adjacent terminal modular section 110 when
`in a closed state. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, manual release mechanism 148 is a
`
`conventional cop-pull latch, which may be opened by pulling part of mechanism 148
`
`upwards.
`
`[090] To make gate section 140 impenetral:>le so as to comply with, for example Pool
`
`Fencing Safety Standards, gate 144 comprises a gate section screen 152. In the embodiment
`
`shown screen 152 comprises a plurality of ribs 153.
`
`[091] Supporting screen 152, gate 144 further comprises gate section support struts 148
`
`and gate section side struts 150.
`
`[092]
`
`In the embodiment shown both terminal modular sections 110 comprise four anchor
`
`points 146. In other embodiments each terminal support strut 110 comprising anchor points
`
`146 may comprise one, two, three, five, six or more anchor points.
`l 093] FIGS. 6-8 also show terminal modular sections 110 to comprise a terminal linkage
`114a which joins terminal support strut 112 to a single side strut 120.
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`[094] FIG. 8 shows screen 116 attached to an intersection linkage by a peg or pin 132
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`inserted through an attachment point on screen 116 and into a side strut 120 and secured by
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`an interference fit. In other embodiments screen 116 may be an integral moulded part of
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`modular section 110 or may be attached by an alternate fastener such as, one or more bolt,
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`screw or tie.
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`[095]
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`fu this first illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, support stTuts 112, linkages
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`114, 114a, 124, side struts 120, screen 116, arch 126, peg or pin 132, footing 136 and gate
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`144 are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. Based on the teachings herein a skilled person is
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`readily able to select other suitable materials such as other polymeric materials such as
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`polypropylene and polyethylene.
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`[096] FIGS. 9-15 show a second embodiment of a fence 100 according to the invention.
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`[097] From FIGS. 9-11 it can be seen that screen 116 in the second embodiment
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`comprises a one-piece screen 116 that is secured onto each modular section using pegs or
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`BESTWAY EX. 1008; Pg 10
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`WO 2014/100855
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`PCT/AU2013/001517
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`10
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`pins 132.
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`[098] The one-piece screen 116 shown in this second embodiment comprises a film. The
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`film is a polymeric film comprising a fibreglass mesh. The particular film used in this
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`second embodiment comprises a heavy duty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated mesh.
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`Although not transparent in this embodiment, in other embodiments one-piece screen may
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`be transparent or partially transparent.
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`[099] FIGS. 10 and 11 show pa1tial cut away views of fence 100 of the second
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`embodiment with part of screen 116 omitted to show the connection to modular sections
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`110. The top and bottom side struts 120 of each modular section 110 are received in top and
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`bottom channels of screen 116. Screen l l 6 can be shaped and sized to any shape or size
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`fence 100 to be constructed.
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`[0100] Rather than, or in addition to, these channels, in other embodiments one-piece
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`screen 116 may further comprise another type of fastener such as, a hook and loop fastener
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`to allow one-piece screen 116 to be wrapped around the top 120 and, optionally, bottom
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`side struts 120.
`[0101] In this second embodiment one-piece screen 116 is shown attached to each modular
`section 110. If an appropriately secure attachment is possible, one-piece screen does not
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`have to be attached to each modular section 110.
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`[0102] Returning to FIG. 9, rather than a brace comprising an arch 126, fence 100 of lhe
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`second embodiment comprises a brace comprising a support plate 156.
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`[0103] Support plate 156 extends along the ground between the two te1minal support struts
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`112 to securely space terminal support struts 112 apart so gate 144 can swing open and
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`shut.
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`[0 104] The attachment of support plate 156 to terminal modular sections 110 can be best
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`seen in FIG. 12, which shows the elongate body of support plate 156 comprising a
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`reinforced connection 158 at each end. Reinforced connection 158 comprises an elongated
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`female connection 160. Elongated female connection 160 comprises a length of70 mm. fu
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`other embodiments, the length of the elongate female connection 158 comprises greater
`than 50 mm; greater than or equal to 55 mm; greater than or equal to 60 mm; greater than or
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`equal to 65 mm or greater than or equal to 70 mm. Connection 158 is reinforced to provide
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`a more secure fit and to ensure self-closing gate section 140 will not topple over during use.
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`[0105] In another embodiment, the reinforced female connection 160 may be comprised on
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`BESTWAY EX. 1008; Pg 11
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`WO 2014/100855
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`PCT/AU2013/001517
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`11
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`terminal support struts 112 which mate with support plate 156. In which case support plate
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`156 will comprise a reinforced or elongated male connection.
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`[0106] In stHl other embodiments, other types of reinforced connection 158 arc present,
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`instead of, or in addition to the reinforced male-female connection such as, a series of
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`fasteners on different points along the length of Lhe mating support strut 112.
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`(0107] In yet another embodiment, one or more of the following connectors also comprises
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`such a dimensioned reinforced connection: linkages 114, 114a, 124 and the connection
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`between support struts 112 and footing 136. In a preferred embodiment, all connections
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`comprised in fence 100 comprise such a dimensioned reinforced connection.
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`[0108] Although not shown, in other embodiments support plate 156 maybe weighted. The
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`weighting may comprise constructing support plate of a heavy material or increasing the
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`thickness to thereby increase the weight. Alternatively, support plate 156 may be hollow to
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`allow filling, and lhereby weighting, with a weighting material such as, sand and/or water.
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`[01091 The inventors also envisage an embodiment in which suppo1t plate 156 is integral
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`with terminal support struts 112. However, the integral arrangement is not suited to
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`compact packing and shipping. The integral support plate 156 - terminal support strut 112
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`arrangement may be formed by joining these two components togelher or by forming them
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`integrally. The joining may be by welding, gluing or other suitable.
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`[0 110] FIGS. 9 and 12 show gate section screen 152 to comprise the additional feature of a
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`gate section barrier 162 which in this embodiment comprises a solid panel comprised of
`poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). In other embodiments other materials may be used,
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`however it is to be understood that transparent or partially transparent polymeric panels are
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`advantageous in terms of visibility.
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`[0111] Barrier 162 is attached to gate 144 by gate section barrier connector 164 which
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`comprises gate section barrier receiving plate 166 disposed on support struts 148 in which
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`receiving plate orifice 168 (not shown) is positioned for receiving gate section bat.Tier
`fastener 170. Fastener 170 comprises a bolt. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners
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`may be utilised such as, one or more screw, tie, clamp or latch.
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`[0112] While manual release mechanism 142 can only be partially seen from the outside
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`view of self-closing gate section 140 shown in FIG. 12, the inside view of FIG. 13 shows
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`manual release mechanism 142 clearly. In this embodiment, manual release mechanism 142
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`comprises a side pull latch located on the inside of gate section 140.
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`BESTWAY EX. 1008; Pg 12
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`WO 2014/100855
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`PCT/AU2013/001517
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`12
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`[0113] FIG. 14 shows hinges 154 which in the second embodiment also comprise tension
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`hinges which act to self-close gate 100 as described with reference to the first embodiment.
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`[0114] FIG. 15 shows peg or pin 132 ready for insertion into connector 114. Although not
`
`described with reference to the first embodiment, peg or pin 132 shown in FIG. 15 also
`
`comprises a peg shaft 132a, peg tip 132b and peg head 132c. Unlike, the first embodiment,
`
`in this second embodiment peg or pin 132 comprises a screw-in thread (not shown) and tool
`
`engaging surface 132d so that a screw driver may be used to secure peg or pin 132 in fence
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`100. Peg or pin 132 of the second embodiment also comprises a skirt 132a for safety and
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`aesthetic reasons.
`[0115) Peg or pin 132 is shown to be received in linkage 114. In other embodiments, peg or
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`pin 132 may be received in side struts 120 or support struts 112.
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`[0116] In the second embodiment, support struts 112, linkages 114, 114a, 124, side struts
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`120, screen 116, support plate 156, footing 136 and gate 144 are comprised of steel. The
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`inventor has found lhat manufacture of fence 100 from