News - Construction News

Improvements in fencing design

17 Jan 25

Fences are often constructed from a series of vertical metal bars held together by upper and lower rails which run horizontally between vertical posts. Such a design provides a simple and robust structure, which is suitable for a wide variety of applications. However, where privacy is required, an alternative design or additional blocking screens must be used.

In some examples, one or more blocking panels can be used to cover one side of the vertical metal bars to provide privacy. However, this results in a different appearance on opposite sides of the fence and requires additional manufacturing steps, such as welding the blocking panels to the vertical bars.

To combat this issue, a new fence design is outlined in a European patent – EP4092226 – which was granted to the French manufacturer, Picot SAS, in October 2024. The patent protects a railing element (1) for a fence. The railing element (1) has bars (11) that are spaced apart connecting the upper and lower rails (12a, 12b), which run between the posts (13). Panels (14) are slotted into the spaces between adjacent bars, and the panels have tongues (141) which are fitted into longitudinal slots (15) in the bars.

This construction provides privacy by virtue of the panels that fill the space between bars. In addition, because the panels are slotted into the bars, a neat and consistent visual appearance is provided on both sides of the railing element. Furthermore, assembly is simplified because the use of tongues and slots removes the need to weld the panels to the bars.

This new patented design serves as a useful reminder that even in a well-established field, such as the construction of fences, it is possible to refine designs to provide increased functionality with a simplified assembly. In some cases, this approach to innovation could give construction companies a competitive edge and boost revenues. Obtaining patent protection also means the owner benefits from commercial exclusivity of its invention for a period of 20 years.