AU2017200139A1 - Fence Anchor Block - Google Patents

Abstract

- 85 A segmented anchor block for support of temporary fence panels; said anchor block comprising a first base segment and a second base segment; each of said first base segment 5 and said second base segment comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment being in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one 10 projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

Description

1 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

FENCE ANCHOR BLOCK

The present invention relates to fencing and, more particularly, to anchor blocks for support of temporary 5 fence panels.

BACKGROUND

The use of temporary fences made up of panels comprising pairs of uprights and stringers with infills of 10 woven or welded wire mesh, supported in concrete blocks, has become a common feature of building sites and other areas requiring temporary enclosure. In this arrangement, the anchor blocks are provided with one or more apertures into which the adjacent uprights or stiles of a pair of adjoining 15 panels can be inserted.

To be effective in supporting the substantial weight of the fence panels and resisting the forces such as wind loading, which may be applied to them, the anchor blocks themselves must be of substantial size and weight, 20 preferably at least 35Kg. This places them outside the permitted maximum weight, which in some jurisdictions at least, may be lifted by a person due to health and safety issues .

Two-part anchor blocks are known. Thus for example, a 25 Dutch patent NL940155 discloses as one embodiment, two interlocking anchor blocks arranged end to end; each block 2 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 comprising a shell filled with concrete. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that each of the stiles of two adjacent fence panels is supported within one only of the pair of anchor blocks (when inserted into the central pair of 5 apertures) so that, with free sliding movement between the interlocking parts, there is likely to be reduced stability of the fence when subjected to lateral loading.

Another known two-part anchor block is disclosed in Australian patent application AU 2004208695. These blocks 10 (also comprising plastic shells filled with concrete) are arranged side by side, with each block provided with a metal hoop; the two hoops located one above the other when the blocks are assembled, to form a rectangular aperture into which the adjoining stiles are inserted. It is only when a 15 pair of adjoining uprights are inserted through the common aperture provided by these hoops that separation of the two parts of the block is prevented.

Apart from the complexity of manufacture, a particular disadvantage in use of this arrangement is that the panels 20 at the ends of a temporary fence will be very poorly supported, since a single upright inserted through the aperture of the hoops, which are adapted to hold two uprights, will not be secured. A further disadvantage of both the above disclosures of 25 the prior art, lies in the fact that, particularly in the case of AU2004208695, the anchor blocks are unsuitable for 3 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 acting as hinges or bearings when it is desired to operate one or a pair of panels of the temporary fence as an access gate.

Nor is there any provision in either of the pairs of 5 anchor blocks of these prior art disclosures, for additional securing means; both relying purely on the mass of the blocks to maintain the fence in an upright position.

It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. 10 Notes 1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". 15 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. 20 3. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" as used in this specification refer to the disposition of features of the anchor block of the invention when placed on a horizontal supporting surface. 25 4 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a segmented anchor block for support of 5 temporary fence panels; said anchor block comprising a first base segment and a second base segment; each of said first base segment and said second base segment comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; at least a portion of each of said first base segment 10 and said second base segment being in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base 15 segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

Preferably, said first base segment and said second base segment form a generally rectangular prism when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled 20 together for use.

Preferably, each said shell of said first base segment and said second base segment includes a lower perimeter edge; said lower perimeter edge defining an open base portion exposing a surface of said settable material; said surface 5 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 of said settable material in contact with said supporting ground surface when said anchor block is in use.

Preferably, said shell of at least one said base segment is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers extending 5 from an upper surface of said base segment towards said area of contact; said formers defining passages through said settable material for the insertion therein of stiles of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence.

Preferably, said shell of at least one said base segment is 10 provided with at least one smaller section former extending from an upper surface of said base segment towards said area of contact; said at least one smaller section former defining a passage through said settable material for insertion therethrough of a peg adapted to secure said base 15 segment to said ground surface.

Preferably, a first of said base segments comprises a base portion with said projecting upper portion projecting from said base portion.

Preferably, said second base segment comprises a base 20 portion with a projecting lower portion extending from said base portion; said projecting lower portion adapted to mate with said projecting upper portion when said base segments are assembled together to form said generally rectangular prism. 6 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, each of said first base segment and said second base segment is provided with a said pair of stile accepting formers; said pair of stile accepting formers of said first base segment extending through said projecting upper 5 portion; said pair of stile accepting formers of said second base segment extending from an upper surface of said projecting lower portion towards said area of contact of said second base segment; respective pairs of said stile accepting formers of each of said first base segment and 10 said second base segment in axial alignment when said first and second base segments are assembled together for use.

Preferably, said projecting upper portion of said first base component and said projecting lower portion of said second base component are provided with a protruding and an 15 indented structure respectively adapted to lock said first component to said second component when said anchor block is in use.

Preferably, each of said projecting upper portion of said first base segment and said projecting lower portion of said 20 second base segment is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers defining passages through respective said upper and lower projecting portions; said passages of said first base segment and of said second base segment in axial alignment when said components are locked together in use; 7 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 said passages adapted for insertion therethrough of a pair of stiles of adjoining panels of a temporary fence.

Preferably, said first base segment comprises an outer segment provided with a generally rectangular section 5 central aperture extending from an uppermost surface to said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

Preferably, said outer segment is in the form of a generally rectangular prism.

Preferably, said second base segment comprises an inner 10 segment in the form of a generally rectangular prism; said inner segment adapted for nested assembly within said central aperture of said outer segment.

Preferably, said shell of said inner segment is provided with said pair of stile accepting formers extending from 15 said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

Preferably, said shell of said inner segment is provide with a pair of said smaller section formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said 20 supporting ground surface; respective ones of said pair of smaller section formers disposed at a first diagonally opposite pair of corners of said generally rectangular prism. 8 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, a second pair of diagonally opposite corners of said inner segment are truncated; corresponding diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular section aperture of said outer segment truncated in like manner so 5 as to maintain a close sliding fit between said inner segment and said outer segment.

Preferably, respective dimensions of said shell of said inner segment and said shell of said outer segment are selected to provide an approximate equal volume for said 10 settable material.

Preferably, each opposite end of said outer segment is provided with a recess; said recess open at said area of contact; said recess forming a handhold for handling said outer segment. 15 Preferably, each said opposite end of said outer segment is provided with a trench through said upper surface of said outer segment; each said trench extending from an outer surface of said end to said generally rectangular section central aperture. 20 Preferably, each corresponding opposite end of said inner segment is provided with a projecting element; each said projecting element adapted for nested engagement with each respective said trench of said outer segment; each said trench and said projecting element arranged so that when 9 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 said inner segment is inserted into said aperture, said upper surface of said inner segment is substantially flush with said upper surface of said outer segment, and said lower perimeter edge of said inner segment is substantially 5 flush with said lower perimeter edge of said outer segment.

Preferably, a space is provided between the lower surface of said trench and the upper extent of said recess; said space communicating with the interior of said shell of said outer segment so as to assist in retention of said settable 10 material

Preferably, each said projecting element is provided with a horizontal former extending the length of said projecting element and in communication with the interior of said inner segment; one said horizontal former axially aligned with the 15 other so that a length of reinforcing bar may be inserted therethrough; said bar adapted to assist retention of said settable material within said inner segment.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for forming an anchor block for supporting panels 20 of a temporary fence; said method including the steps of: (a) providing shells for each of two segments of said anchor block; (b) filling each shell with a settable material; 10 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 (c) assembling one of said segments to the other so that said shells of said segments are nested together; at least one projecting element of one said segment extending over a portion of the 5 other segment, and wherein at least an exposed surface of said settable material of each segment is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said anchor block is in use.

In yet another broad form of the invention there is provided 10 a method for providing segmented anchor blocks for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: 15 (a) moulding shells for each of a first base segment and a second base segment of said anchor block at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at each said distributed location, (d) providing said anchor blocks comprising a composite of said shells and said settable materials to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing 11 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 and wherein at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell 5 of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a 10 method for preventing strain injury in a user handling anchor blocks for support of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) providing said anchor blocks in two base segments, 15 (b) arranging each of a first said base segment and a second said base segment to be of approximately equal weight, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment is in contact with a 20 supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together 25 for use. 12 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a temporary fence support; said support comprising an assembly of a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said first anchor block component including a 5 through aperture; said through aperture providing for said first anchor block component to be placed over said second anchor block component so as to at least partly surround said second anchor block component.

Preferably, the underside of each of said first and said 10 second anchor block component is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence support is in use.

Preferably, each said first and second anchor block component comprises a composite of a shell and a settable material; said shell of each said anchor block component 15 having an open underside defined by edges; the edges of said first anchor block component shell substantially coplanar with the edges of said second anchor block component shell when said first and second anchor block components are assembled together for use. 20 Preferably, said shell of said first anchor block component includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; said through aperture of said first anchor block defined by opposing side portions and opposing end portions; said opposing side portions and opposing end 13 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 portions of said through aperture extending from an opening in said upper portion to lower edges defining an opening coplanar with said underside of said first anchor block component. 5 Preferably, at least said opposing side portions of said through aperture slope inwardly from said lower edges towards said upper portion such that said opening defined by said lower edges at said underside is larger than said opening of said through aperture in said upper portion. 10 Preferably, said shell of said second anchor block component includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; and wherein at least said opposing side portions of said shell slope inwardly from said lower edges to said upper portion of said shell; said slope equal to 15 said slope of said opposing side portions of said through aperture; and wherein said opposing side portions and said opposing end portions closely abut corresponding said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture when said first and second anchor block 20 components are assembled for use.

Preferably, said shell of said first anchor block component includes a pair of handholds in said opposing end portions of said shell; each one of said pair of handholds comprising an opening bounded by opposing side portions and a top 14 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 portion; each said opening extending inwardly from a said opposing end portion to a respective opposing end portion of said through aperture; said handholds open at said underside of said shell and extending upwardly towards said upper 5 portion.

Preferably, spaces formed between said top portion of said handholds and said upper portion are filled with said settable material; said settable material in said spaces forming bridging connections between settable material 10 formed at opposing sides of said first anchor block component; said bridging connections acting to retain said settable material within said shell of said first anchor block component.

Preferably, said lower edges of said shells of said first 15 and said second components are provided with inwardly extending ledges; said ledges providing retaining elements for said settable material.

Preferably, said upper portion of said first anchor block component and said upper portion of said second anchor block 20 component are substantially flush when said first and second anchor block components are assembled for use.

Preferably, said shell of said second anchor block component is provided with a pair of projections; one of said pair of projections extending outwardly from each of said opposing 15 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 end portions of said shell; each of said projections comprising a rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs and a tubular element; said tubular elements of said pair of projections communicating with 5 internal surfaces of respective said opposing end portions; said tubular elements coaxial one with another.

Preferably, said tubular elements are adapted for insertion therethrough of a length of reinforcing or similar rod; said rod extending from one said projection to another so as to 10 provide a retaining element for said settable material within said shell of said second anchor block component.

Preferably, said projections are of a width so as to locate between said opposing side portions of said handholds of said shell of said first anchor block component as a sliding 15 fit; said projections located on said opposing end surfaces so as to allow a first space below said projections when said second anchor block component is supported on a surface, and a second space between said projection and said top portions of said handholds when said first and second 20 anchor block components are assembled for use; each of said spaces sufficient for insertion of the fingers of a user for lifting said first and second anchor block components.

Preferably, said shell of said second anchor block component includes a first pair of cylindrical formers providing 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 16 passages through said settable material; said first pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion to a level coplanar with said underside of said second anchor block component; each 5 of said pair of formers communicating with respective ones of a first pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

Preferably, said first pair of apertures of said first pair of formers are disposed centrally in said upper portion of 10 said shell; said apertures transverse to a longitudinal axis of said fence support; said first pair of apertures and said first pair of formers spaced apart and sized so as to accept inserted therein a pair of stiles of adjacent panels of a temporary fence. 15 Preferably, said shell of said second anchor block component includes a second pair of formers providing passages through said settable material; said second pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion, to a level coplanar with said underside 20 of said second anchor block component; each of said second pair of formers communicating with a respective ones of a second pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell. 17 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, said second pair of apertures of said second pair of formers is disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of said upper portion of said shell; said second pair of apertures and said second pair of formers sized so 5 as to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing or similar rod; said reinforcing rod acting to secure said fence support to a supporting ground surface.

Preferably, each length of said reinforcing or similar rod is provided with a cross bar or is bent into an "L" shape; 10 said cross bar or a foot portion of said "L" shape extending over said upper portion of said first anchor block component so as to secure said first anchor block component to said second anchor block component.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided 15 a support for a temporary fence; said support including a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said second anchor block component formed with a through aperture so as to at least partly surround said first anchor block component when said support is assembled 20 for use; and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said first anchor block component taper inwardly from an underside to an upper portion of said first anchor block component, and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said through aperture of said second anchor block 25 component taper outwardly from an upper portion of said 18 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 second anchor block component to its underside; the arrangement being such that when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component said sloping opposite sides of said first anchor block 5 component and said second anchor block component are in close abutting contact.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a support for a temporary fence; said support including a first anchor block component and a second anchor block 10 component; said second anchor block component formed with a through aperture so as to at least partly surround said first anchor block component when said support is assembled for use; said second anchor block component placed over said first anchor block component. 15 In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence support; said fence support comprising a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; wherein said second anchor block 20 component is at least partially nested within a through aperture provided in said first anchor block component; the arrangement being such that undersides of both said first anchor block component and said second anchor block components are in contact with a supporting ground surface 25 when in use. 19 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, said method includes the steps of: (a) moulding shells for said first and second anchor block components at a central moulding facility, (b) transporting said shells to a filling facility, 5 (c) filling said shells with a settable material, (d) transporting said shells to a site for erection of a temporary fence, (e) placing at least two said second anchor block components along a temporary fence line, 10 (f) placing a first said anchor block component over each of said second anchor block components, (g) erecting panels of said temporary fence by insertion of the lower ends of stiles of fence panels into passages provided in said second 15 anchor block components. Preferably, said second anchor block component and said through aperture of said first anchor block component are provided with respective sloping opposing side portions such that an underside of said second anchor block component is 20 larger than the opening of said through aperture in an upper portion of said first anchor block component; said respective sloping opposing sides of each of said through 20 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 aperture and said second anchor block component closely abutting when said fence support is assembled for use, the arrangement being such that said support acts as a single mass when lateral and moment forces are applied to said 5 support.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence support; said fence support including a first or inner anchor block component 10 and a second or outer anchor block component; said method including the steps of firstly, placing said inner anchor block on a supporting ground surface, and secondly, of placing said outer block over said inner block such that said inner block is at least partially surrounded by said 15 outer block.

Preferably, said outer block is provided with a through aperture extending from an upper surface of said outer block to an underside of said outer block; said through aperture having at least one pair of opposing sides sloping so that 20 the opening of said through aperture at said upper surface is smaller than the opening of said through aperture at said underside; said inner block having at least one pair of opposing sloping surfaces such that the upper portion of said first anchor block component is smaller than its 25 underside. 21 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component, said opposing sloping sides of said first anchor block portion are in close abutting contact with said opposing sloping sides of 5 said through aperture.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a temporary fence support comprising of a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said method including the steps of; 10 (a) placing said first anchor block component on a supporting ground surface along a fence line, (b) placing said second anchor block component over said first anchor block component, and wherein said second anchor block component has a through 15 aperture so that when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component, said second anchor block at least partly surrounds said first anchor block component. 20 In still another broad form of the invention there is provided a segmented fence anchor block for support of panels of a temporary fence; said anchor block comprising an assembly of a first outer block and a second inner block; 22 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 each said outer block and said inner block comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material; wherein sides of said inner block are substantially enclosed within an aperture in said outer block; said inner block provided with 5 a pair of passages extending from an upper surface to proximate an underside of said inner block; said pair of passages arranged for insertion of stiles of adjoining ones of said panels; and wherein undersides of each of said outer block and said inner block are in contact with a supporting 10 ground surface when said anchor block is in use.

Preferably, orientation of said inner block relative said outer block is selectable by rotation of said inner block within said outer block.

Preferably, respective said shell of said outer block and 15 said inner block are of a moulded polymer material; each said shell including an upper portion and side portions; each said shell substantially open at an underside of said block exposing said settable material.

Preferably, said aperture in said outer block and sides of 20 said inner block are shaped such that when said outer block is placed over said inner block, tilting and lifting forces applied to said inner block are transferred to said outer block; said assembly of said inner block and said outer block effectively acting as a single mass. 23 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, said pair of passages in said inner block are defined by cylindrical formers integral with said shell of said inner block; said cylindrical formers extending from openings in an upper surface of said upper portion of said 5 inner block.

Preferably, at least one of said outer block and said inner block is provided with at least one passage extending from a said upper surface of a said upper portion of said outer block or said inner block; said at least one passaged 10 arranged for insertion therethrough of a securing rod.

Preferably, said outer block is provided with at least one passage extending from an upper surface of said upper portion of said outer block to a plane defined by a lower edge of said outer block; said at least one passage defined 15 by a cylindrical former integral with said shell; said at least one passage arranged for insertion therethrough of a securing rod; said at least one passage of a smaller diameter than the diameter of said pair of passages of said inner block. 20 Preferably, said aperture in said outer block and said sides of said inner block are shaped so that said inner block is in nested engagement with said aperture; said nested engagement substantially precluding movement of said inner - 24 - 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 block relative said outer block when said inner and outer block are assembled in use.

Preferably, sides of said aperture in said outer block slope outwardly from said upper surface of said outer block; sides 5 of said inner block sloping outwardly from an upper surface of said inner block so as to conform to sloping sides of said aperture in said outer block.

Preferably, said sides of said aperture in said outer block and sides of said inner block form frustums of cones; said 10 inner block rotatable within said aperture.

Preferably, said aperture in said outer block is formed in section as a regular polygon; said inner block similarly formed in section as a regular polygon conforming to said aperture . 15 Preferably, said aperture in said outer block is formed in section with a periphery shaped as regular gear teeth; said inner block formed likewise with its periphery shaped with complementary teeth so that said inner block may be incrementally oriented within said aperture. 20 Preferably, said inner block comprises an upper section and a lower section; said lower section provided with a projecting circumferential ledge. 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 25

Preferably, said walls of said aperture in said outer block are of a length approximately equal to depth of said upper section of said inner block; said settable material in said outer block formed with a peripheral recess shaped to accept 5 said circumferential ledge of said inner block.

Preferably, said outer block is formed as a generally oblong solid; said solid having curved sides tapering to rounded end portions.

Preferably, outer ends of said outer block are provided with 10 recesses; said recesses adapted to provide handgrips for lifting said outer block.

Preferably, said inner block is provided with a pair of recesses adapted to provided handgrips for lifting said inner block. 15 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for preventing strain injury in a user handling anchor blocks for support of temporary fencing; said method including the step of providing said anchor blocks in two blocks comprising an outer block and an inner block; wherein 20 said outer block and said inner block are each within a limit of weight required under occupational safety regulations . 26 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Preferably, said inner block is nested within said outer block; orientation of said inner block relative said outer block selectable by rotation of said inner block relative said outer block. 5 In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing a segmented anchor block for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: 10 20 (a) moulding shells for each of an outer block and an inner block of said anchor block at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at said at least one distributed location, (d) providing said anchor blocks comprising a composite of said shells and said settable material to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing, and wherein said inner block is nested within an aperture of said outer block; orientation of said inner block relative said outer block selectable by rotation of said inner block. 27 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 5 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a temporary fence assembly according to the prior art,

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a segmented anchor block assembled for use according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, 10 Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of the segmented anchor block of Figure 2,

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the first and second segments comprising the segmented anchor block of Figures 2 and 3 when separated, 15 Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a segmented anchor block comprising inner and outer segments, assembled for use according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the 20 assembled shells of the outer and inner segments of Figure 5 prior to filling with a settable material,

Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the assembled shells of the outer and inner segments of Figures 5 and 6 after filling with a settable material, 25 Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of the outer segment of Figures 5 and 7 with the inner segment removed, 28 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Figure 9 is a perspective view from below of the shell of the outer segment of Figure 8 prior to filling with settable material,

Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of the inner 5 segment of Figures 5 and 7 after disassembly from the outer segment,

Figure 11 is a perspective view from below of the shell of the inner segment of Figure 10 prior to filling with settable material. 10 Figure 12 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of first and second anchor block components of an improved fence support according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 13 is a perspective view from below of the 15 assembly of first and second shells for the first and second anchor block components of the fence support of Figure 12, shown prior to filling with a settable material,

Figure 14 is a perspective view from above of the first anchor block shell disassembled from the second anchor block 20 shell,

Figure 15 is a perspective view from below of the second anchor block shell of Figure 14,

Figure 16 is a perspective view from above of the second anchor block shell disassembled from the first anchor 25 block shell, 29 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Figure 17 is a perspective view from above of the second anchor block shell of Figure 16,

Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views of the assembly of the first and second anchor blocks of Figures 12 to 17 5 when the shells are filled with settable material and provided with securing stakes,

Figure 20 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of first and second anchor block components showing an alternative location of formers for the insertion of 10 securing rods,

Figure 21 is a perspective view from above of an assembly of a second preferred embodiment of a fence base comprising a first and a second portion,

Figure 22 is a perspective view from above of the first 15 portion of the fence base of Figure 21 when disassembled from the second portion,

Figure 23 is a perspective view from above of the second portion of the fence base of Figure 21 with the first portion removed, 20 Figure 24 is a perspective view of a line of temporary fence panels supported by anchor blocks according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 25 is a perspective view of one of the anchor blocks of Figure 24, 25 Figure 26 is a sectioned view of the anchor block of

Figure 25, 30 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Figure 27 is a perspective view from below of the outer shell of the first or outer block component of the anchor block of Figures 25 and 26,

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the outer shell of 5 the second or inner block component of the anchor block of

Figures 25 and 26,

Figure 29 is a plan view of an assembly of an outer and inner block of a third preferred embodiment of an anchor block according to the invention, 10 Figure 30 is a plan view of an assembly of an outer and inner block of a fourth preferred embodiment of an anchor block according to the invention,

Figure 31 is a partially sectioned side view of an alternative arrangement of an assembly of an inner and outer 15 block of an anchor block according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A temporary fence 1 as shown in Figure 1, typically comprises adjoining panels 2 supported by anchor blocks 3. 20 Panels typically comprise rectangular frames of tubular steel with a wire mesh infill. Each anchor block 3 is provided with a pair of holes, usually extending through, or at least part way through the block, and adapted for insertion of the lower portions 4 of a pair of stiles 5 of 25 adjacent fence panels 2. Adjacent fence panel stiles 5 are linked together towards their upper ends by clamping 31 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 brackets 6 which secure the stiles with a small gap between them.

First Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, an anchor block 10 5 for a temporary fence is comprised of a first base segment 12 and a second base segment 14, arranged for assembly together so that the combined weight and configuration of the assembled block provides support for a pair of stiles 16 and 18 of adjoining temporary fence panels. 10 Each of first base segment 12 and second base segment 14 comprises a composite of an outer shell 22 and 24 respectively, and a settable material such as concrete 26 for example, filling each shell. As can best be seen in Figure 2, a portion 28 and 30 respectively of each of first 15 base segment 12 and second base segment 14 will be in contact with, and supported by a ground surface (not shown) when the anchor block 10 is assembled for use. That portion of the outer shell 22 and 24 of each base segment defined by a lower perimeter edge, defines the portion of each segment 20 which is in contact with the ground surface. This portion of each shell 22 and 24 is open at the underside, so that the exposed surface 26 of the settable material is then in contact with the ground surface.

In this preferred embodiment, first base segment 12 25 includes a higher portion 32 arranged to overlap a lower portion 34 of second base segment 14. As best seen in 32 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Figures 4A and 4B, the adjoining surfaces of the overlapping portions, that is the underside surface 36 of higher portion 32 and upper surface 38 of lower portion 34 are provided with protruding and indented features 40 and 42 5 respectively, adapted to engage one with the other when the two base segments are assembled together in use.

In one preferred form, protruding and indented features 40 and 42 are provided with complementary angled shoulder portions 44 and 46 such that when higher portion 32 is 10 placed on lower portion 34, the two base segments cannot be separated by laterally or longitudinally applied forces.

Each of higher portion 32 and lower portion 34 is provided with a pair of formers 48 and 50 respectively.

Formers 48 and 50 are integral with outer shells 22 and 24, 15 and adapted to provided passages 52 and 54 extending through the portions 32 and 34, with axis of the formers normal to the upper surfaces 56 and 58 of each base segment. When first base segment 12 and second base segment 14 are assembled together, passages 52 and 54 are in axial 20 alignment, forming a single pair of passages through which the pair of stiles 16 and 18 of adjoining temporary fence panels may be inserted as shown in Figure 2.

In addition to the formers for passages 52 and 54, each base segment 12 and 14 is provided with an additional 25 smaller section former 60 and 62, to provide a smaller section passage 64 and 66 respectively, extending from the 33 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 upper surfaces 56 and 58 to the underside of those portions of each base segment in contact with the ground surface when in use. These smaller passages are adapted for insertion of lengths of suitable rods or pegs (not shown) which may be 5 driven into the supporting ground surface to add to the stability of the anchor block when position on a loose and/or sloping surface.

The outer end portions 68 and 70 respectively of each of first base segment 12 and second base segment 14 are 10 provided with recesses 72 and 74 to provide handholds for lifting and manipulating the segments. An additional handhold 76 may be provided on the inward facing surface 78 of second base segment 14.

Shells 22 and 24 may be provided with horizontal 15 formers 80 and 82 situated adjacent handhold indentations 72, 74 and 76 to provide for the insertion of short pieces of reinforcing bar (not shown) to aid in the retention of the settable material 26 within each shell. 20 Second Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Figures 5 to 11, in this preferred embodiment, an anchor block 100 again comprises a first base segment or outer segment 102 and second base segment or inner segment 104. Each of inner segment 102 and outer 25 segment 104 is a composite of an outer shell 106 and 108 34 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 respectively, and a settable material 110, such as concrete for example, as best seen in Figure 7.

With reference particularly to Figures 8 and 9, outer segment 102 is in the form of a generally rectangular prism, 5 provided with a generally rectangular section central aperture 112. Inner segment 104, shown in Figures 9 and 10, is also in the form of a generally rectangular prism and sized and shaped so as to form a close sliding fit with central aperture 102 as best seen in Figures 5 and 7. 10 The shell 106 of the outer segment 102 is defined by the outer opposing side walls 114 and 115, and opposing end walls 116 and 117, together with the upper surface 118 around the central aperture 112, and the internal walls of the aperture 112. The lower edges of these substantially 15 vertical outer side, end, and internal walls are coplanar and form a lower perimeter edge 120 defining an open underside of the outer segment shell 106.

Thus when the shell 106 is filled with the settable material 110 as seen in Figure 7, the perimeter edge 120 20 bounds an exposed surface of the settable material, which is in contact with a supporting ground surface (not shown) when the block 100 is in use.

Outer segment 102 is provided with a channel or trench 130 and 131 at each opposite end 132 and 133 in upper 25 surface 118, extending from each outer end 132 and 133 into central aperture 112. 35 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Similarly, the shell 108 of the inner segment 104 is defined by opposing side walls 122 and 123, and opposing end walls 124 and 125, together with upper surface 126. The lower edges of these substantially vertical walls are also 5 coplanar and form a lower perimeter edge 128 defining an open underside of the inner segment shell 108. This inner segment 104 thus also exposes a surface of settable material 110 at its underside when filled with that material.

Inner segment 104 is provided with two projecting 10 elements 136 and 137 at opposing ends 124 and 125. The upper surfaces 138 and 139 of projecting elements 136 and 137 are flush with the upper surface 12 6 of the inner segment, and are sized so as to substantially fill trenches 130 and 131 of outer segment 102 as a close sliding fit when inner 15 segment 104 is fully inserted into central aperture 112 of outer segment 102.

When so inserted, the upper surface 118 of outer segment 102 and the upper surface 126 of inner segment 104 are substantially flush. As well, the exposed surfaces of 20 the settable material 110 of the inner and outer segments 102 and 104 respectively, are then substantially coplanar so that in use, with the segments assembled, these surfaces are in contact with a supporting ground surface.

Projecting elements 136 and 137 of inner segment 104 25 are preferably hollow shells, open at their outer ends for moulding purposes. Provided within each of these shell 36 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 structures are strengthening webs 140 and a horizontal former 142 extending the length of the projecting elements and communicating with the interior of the shell 108. These formers 142 are axially aligned so that a piece of 5 reinforcing rod of a suitable length (not shown) may be inserted through them and assist in securing the settable material within the shell 108. In addition, the projecting elements 136 and 137 serve as handles for grasping the inner segment 104. 10 Inner segment shell 108 is provided with a pair of formers 144 and 145 extending from upper surface 126 towards the plane defined by perimeter edge 128, and form passages 146 and 147 through the settable material. Preferably, formers 144 and 145 are cylindrical, sized to accept the 15 standard tubular stiles of commonly used temporary fence panels, and are arranged side by side athwart the longitudinal centreline of the inner segment 104. Preferably also, formers 144 and 145 are closed at their lower ends to avoid inadvertent ingress of settable material. 20 A further pair of smaller section formers 150 and 151 is provided, extending from the upper surface 126 of shell 108 to the plane defined by the lower perimeter edge 128, and are disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of the generally rectangular prism of inner segment 104. Each one 25 of the pair, forms a passage 107 and 109 through the settable material, adapted to accept lengths of suitable 37 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 pegs, for example lengths of reinforcing bar (not shown). These may be driven through the formers into the supporting ground surface when the anchor block has been assembled and is in position for use, to secure the block on loose and/or 5 sloping surfaces.

It will be appreciated that to gain maximum effect of theses securing pegs, the formers 150 and 151 should be spaced as far apart as possible, thus making it an advantage to make the inner segment 104 as long as possible. To 10 maintain approximately equal volumes of the settable material in the outer segment and the inner segment, the other diagonally opposite corners 154 and 155 of the inner segment (and the corresponding corners of the aperture 112 in the outer segment) , may be truncated as shown in Figures 15 5 to 11.

Preferred combined weight of an assembled anchor block of both the first and second embodiment is in the range of 36 to 40Kg. By arranging the configuration of the shells of the two segments to have approximately equal volume, the 20 weight of each block falls within acceptable limits for handling by one person, thus reducing the risk of strain injury often associated with the lifting of unitary anchor blocks .

Referring again to Figures 8 and 9, the ends 132 and 25 133 of outer segment 102 are provided with recesses 156 and 157 respectively, open at the underside of the segment and 38 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 extending part way upwardly towards the trenches 130 and 131. These recesses form handholds for lifting and handling of the outer segment 102 (or of the inner and outer segments assembled together if desired). The spaces 160 within the 5 shell 106 of the outer segment 102, between the outer and inner end walls and between the upper extent of the handhold recesses and trenches, fill with settable material, forming "bridges" between the plugs of settable material along each side of the outer segment, thereby securing the material 10 within the shell 106.

Third Preferred Embodiment

With reference now to Figure 12, the fence support 200 of the present invention comprises a first anchor block component 212 and a second anchor block component 214. Both 15 first and second anchor blocks 212 and 214 comprise a composite of an outer shell, and a settable material 215 such as concrete (as best seen in Figure 19) . The outer shells 216 and 218, shown in Figure 13, of both anchor block components 212 and 214 include at least opposing end 20 portions, opposing side portions and an upper portion, and are open at their respective undersides as can be seen in Figures 13, 15 and 17.

In this preferred embodiment, first anchor block component 212 is provided with a through aperture or well 25 232 and forms an outer block adapted to slide over, and locate around, the second or inner anchor block component 39 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 214. When so assembled, the respective undersides (and exposed settable material when filled) of both first and second anchor block components 212 and 214 are in contact with, and supported on, a ground surface (not shown). 5 Thus, as can be seen in Figure 13, the configuration of the shell 216 of first anchor block component 212, and the shell 218 of second anchor block component 214 is such that when assembled the respective lower edges 220 and 222 of shells 216 and 218 respectively are substantially coplanar. 10 Also when so assembled the respective surfaces of upper portions 224 and 226 are preferably, though not necessarily, flush as can be seen in Figure 12.

With reference now to Figures 14 and 15, preferably at least the opposing side portions 228 and 230 of the central 15 well 232 of shell 216, slope or taper inwardly somewhat from the lower edges 220 to upper portion 224. Thus the opening of well 232 at the underside of shell 216 is larger than the opening of the well at upper portion 224. Similarly, with reference to Figure 16, opposing side portions 234 and 236 20 of shell 218 of second anchor block component 214, also slope or taper inwardly from the lower edges of the shell to its upper portion 226, with the slope of opposing portions of both shells 216 and 218 being equal.

The arrangement of the sizes of the central well 232 of 25 the shell 216 of first anchor block component 212 and the external dimensions of the main central portion of the shell 40 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 218 of second anchor block component 214, is such that the second anchor block component 214 nests within central well 232 as a snug fit with the respective opposing side portions and end portions of the well and the second anchor block 5 component closely abutting.

In effect, the tapering of both the opposing sides of first anchor block component and the opposing sides of the through aperture in the second anchor block component, is arranged so that downward movement of the second anchor 10 block component is limited by the contacting surfaces of the tapering sides.

It will be appreciated that the opening of the central well 232 at the lower edges 220 is larger than the perimeter 225 of upper portion 226 of second anchor block component 15 214, so that when assembling for use, the first component is easily fitted over the second.

With reference to Figures 12 to 15, shell 216 of first anchor block component 212, is provided at its opposing ends 240 and 242 with openings 244 and 246 respectively, bounded 20 by opposing side portions and a top portion. Openings 244 and 246 extend upwardly from the underside of shell 216 and extend inwardly from the outer surfaces of opposing end portions 240 and 242 to communicate with central well 232. Openings 244 and 246 provide handholds for lifting first 25 anchor block component 212. 41 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

It may be noted at this point that the spaces left between the top portions of openings 244 and 246 and the underside of upper portion 24, are filled with the settable material when this is poured into an inverted shell 216, 5 thereby interconnecting the volumes of settable material in the two opposite sides of the shell.

Turning now to Figures 16 and 17, the shell 218 of second anchor block component 214 is provided with two projections 250 and 252 extending outwardly from end 10 portions 254 and 256 respectively. Each projection 250 and 252 comprises a rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs 251 and tubular elements 253 and 255. Each tubular element 253 and 255 of projections 250 and 252, communicates with the internal surfaces 258 and 260 of 15 opposing end portions 254 and 256 respectively (as can be seen in Figure 17). Tubular elements 253 and 255 are coaxial so as to allow a length of reinforcing or similar rod (not shown) to be inserted through them to extend from one projection to the other. This rod acts to secure the 20 settable material within the main central portion of shell 218 .

Preferably, as a further means of securing the settable material within the respective shells 216 and 218, the edges 220 and 222 of each shell may be provided with a series 25 inwardly projecting ledges (not shown). 42

With reference to Figures 12, 13, 16 and 17, the location of proj ections 50 and 52 on opposing end portions 54 and 56 is such as to allow first spaces 263 and 265 between the undersides 262 and 2 64 and the edges 222 when 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 5 second anchor block component 214 is resting on a supporting surface, sufficient so that, the fingers of each hand can be accommodated underneath the respective projections 250 and 252 for lifting the component.

As best seen in the assembled view of Figure 12, the 10 width of projections 250 and 252 is such as to fit within the openings 244 and 246 of shell 216 of first anchor block component 212 as a sliding fit. The height of projections 250 and 252 is such that second spaces 270 and 272 (272 not visible in Figure 12) are left between the upper surfaces 15 266 and 268 and the tops of openings 244 and 246 of shell 216 of first anchor block component 212. These spaces are sufficient to allow the insertion of the fingers of the hands of a user for lifting the first anchor block component 212 for assembling and disassembling the fence support 200. 20 Referring again to Figures 16 and 17, shell 218 of second anchor block component 214 is provided with a first pair of formers 280 and 282 depending substantially perpendicularly from the underside 283 of upper portion 226. Formers 280 and 282 are preferably cylindrical and 25 communicate with a pair of apertures 284 and 28 6 in upper portion 226 to provide passages through the settable 43 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 material 215. Formers and apertures have a diameter adapted to receive inserted the lower ends of stiles of adjacent fence panels.

First pair of formers 280 and 282 are preferably 5 positioned side by side, centrally in shell 18 and transverse to the long axis 225 of the fence support 200. The separation between the axes of formers 280 and 282 is equal to the separation of the axes of a pair of adjoining temporary fence panel stiles when the panels are linked 10 together by clamping brackets 6 shown in Figure 1 and as commonly employed in the industry for that purpose.

Preferably, first pair of formers 280 and 282 extend for the depth of second anchor block 214 so that their lower ends are substantially coplanar with the lower edges 222 of 15 shell 218 . Preferably also, the lower ends of formers 280 and 282 are closed, each with small aperture 283 for drainage .

Shell 218 of second anchor block component 214 is further provided with a second pair of formers 288 and 290 20 located adjacent diagonally opposite corners of the main portion of shell 218. Second pair of formers 288 and 290 also depend substantially perpendicularly from the underside 283 of upper portion 226 and also extend sufficient for their lower ends to be coplanar with the lower edges 222 of 25 shell 218. Second pair of formers 288 and 290 communicate with apertures 292 and 294 in upper portion 226 and are open 44 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 at their lower ends. Preferably formers 288 and 290 are cylindrical but of a significantly smaller diameter than the diameters of first pair of formers 280 and 282.

Formers 288 and 290 are adapted to accept inserted 5 therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod 96 and 98 or similar as shown in Figures 18 and 19. These lengths of rod can be driven into a supporting ground surface to assist in securing the anchor blocks and supported fence panels against wind and lateral loads, or when blocks are located 10 on soft or sloping ground.

Rods 296 and 298 may further be provided with cross bars 297 and 299 as shown in Figure 18, or the rods bent into an "L" shape so that the cross bar or foot of the "L" extends over the surface of upper portion 224 of first 15 anchor block component 212 to secure both first and second anchor block components 212 and 214 to the supporting ground surface .

In an alternative arrangement, second pair of apertures 294 and 296 and formers 288 and 290, similar to those 20 described above, are located adjacent diagonally opposite corners of second anchor block component 212, as shown in Figure 20.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

In this second preferred embodiment of a fence base 25 according to the invention, and with reference to Figures 21 to 23, a fence base 300 again comprises a first anchor block 45 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 component 312 and second anchor block component 314. Both first anchor block component 312 and second anchor block component 314 are comprised of an outer shell 316 and 318 respectively adapted for filling with a settable material as 5 for the previously described embodiments above.

Shells 316 and 318 are open at their respective undersides 317 and 319, with lower edges 320 and 322 respectively defining exposed surfaces of the settable material. When the two anchor block components 312 and 314 10 of the fence base 300 are assembled in use, these exposed surfaces of settable material are in contact with the supporting ground surface. Lower edges 320 and 322 may be provided with inwardly projecting ledges (not shown) as previously described, to aid in retaining the settable 15 material such as concrete within the respective shells 312 and 314.

With particular reference now to Figure 22, shell 316 of first anchor block component 312 is of hexagonal form in plan view, with two opposing sides 324 and 326 considerably 20 shorter than the remaining sides. The upper surface of shell 316 comprises a middle section 328 parallel to the underside 317, and two flanking sections 329 and 330 sloping away from the middle section 128 to opposing sides 324 and 326 respectively. 25 First anchor block component 312 in this embodiment also is provided with a rectangular section through aperture 46 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 332 extending from upper surface 334 of middle section 128 to the plane defined by lower edges 320. The sides of the shell 116 defining the aperture 332 slope outwardly, so that the opening of the aperture at the upper surface 334 of 5 middle section 328 is smaller than the opening of the aperture at the underside 317 of shell 316.

Opposing sides 324 and 326 are each provided with a recess 335 and 336 respectively (only one of which is visible in Figure 22), which provide handholds for grasping 10 and lifting first anchor block component 312.

Shell 316 is further provided with formers extending from apertures 338 and 340 in the upper surface of shell 316. Preferably, these formers are cylindrical, and provide passages extending from the upper surface to the plane 15 defined by the lower edges 320. The formers are of a diameter adapted to accept inserted lengths of rod, as for the previously described embodiments above, for securing the fence base to a supporting ground surface.

With reference to Figure 23 , second anchor block component 314 is of a generally rectangular form with outwardly sloping sides. The slope of the sides and the dimensions of second anchor block component 314 are such that second anchor block component 114 is a close fit within the through aperture 332 of first anchor block component 25 312. When so located, the undersides 317 and 319 respectively of first anchor block component 312 and second 47 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 anchor block component 314 are substantially flush, with first anchor block component 312 in effect surrounding second anchor block component 314.

Opposing sides 342 and 343 of second anchor block 5 component 314 are provided respectively with recesses 344 and 345 (only recess 344 is visible in Figure 23) to provide handholds for the grasping and lifting of second anchor block component 314. Recesses 344 and 345 are provided with horizontal formers 346 extending for the depth of the 10 recesses. Formers 346 are coaxial so that prior to the filling of shell 118 with settable material, a length of reinforcing rod (not shown) may be inserted to span the length of shell 318, as an aid to retaining the settable material within shell 318. 15 Shell 314 is further provided with a pair of formers 348 and 350 extending from apertures 349 and 351 respectively in upper surface 352. Formers 348 and 350 are preferably cylindrical with a diameter adapted to accept insertion of the lower ends of tubular stiles of a temporary 20 fence panel as described above. Formers 348 and 350 preferably extend to the plane defined by lower edges 322 and may be closed at their lower ends with a small drain hole, as also previously described and shown for example in Figure 17. 25

Further Embodiments 48 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

Figure 24 shows a typical installation of a temporary fence 400 supported on a number of anchor blocks 412 according to the present invention. Fence panels 414 comprise a frame of tubular steel with a mesh in-fill. 5 Vertical stiles 415 at the sides of each panel 414 extend below a cross member 417 with a stile of each of a pair of adjacent panels inserted into passages provided in the anchor blocks 412. Stiles are linked together and spaced apart by brackets 418 with the passages in the anchor blocks 10 spaced apart accordingly.

With reference to Figures 25 to 28, a universal segmented anchor block 420 for a temporary fence is comprised of a first or outer block 422 and an inner block 424. Each of outer block 422 and inner block 424 is a 15 composite of a moulded polymer outer shell 425 and 426 (as best seen in Figures 27 and 28, and a settable material 428, preferably concrete. Each shell 425 and 426 is substantially open at its respective underside - 429 and 430, so that the settable material 428 is exposed and, when in use, the 20 exposed underside surface of the settable material is in contact with a supporting ground surface 432.

In this instance, outer block 422 is of a generally oblong shape, formed by an upper portion 434, side portions 436 and end portions 437 and 438. Preferably the side 25 portions 436 are curved, and end portions 437 and 438 rounded. However, outer block 22 may be of any desired shape 49 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 providing a distribution of weight relative to a supported fence which maximises the stability of that fence. Preferably, the volumes of settable material in each of outer block 422 and inner block 424 are approximately equal, 5 or at least such that the weight of each block is within the weight allowed for lifting by one person.

Shell 425 of outer block 422 is provided with a generally centrally located through aperture 427.

Inner block 424 is likewise formed of an upper portion 10 440 and side portions 442. Inner block 424 may take a number of shapes as will be described in more detail below, but in each case is undifferentiated in horizontal section; that is to say, the inner block presents substantially the same profile regardless of its rotated position about a central 15 axis of symmetry 443 normal to the upper surface of upper portion 440.

Inner block 424 is provided with a pair of side by side passages 444 and 445 extending from openings 446 and 447 in the upper surface of upper portion 440 to proximate its 20 underside 430. Passages 444 and 445 are defined by formers 448 and 449 (see Figure 28), preferably cylindrical. These are integrally moulded with shell 426 and are preferably closed at their lower ends except for drain holes 450 as best seen in Figure 28. Passages 444 and 445 are spaced 25 apart to suit the separation between adjacent vertical 50 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 stiles 415 of adjoining temporary fence panels 414 when these are connected by the brackets 418 shown in Figure 24.

Outer block 422 is also provided with a pair of passages 452 and 453 also preferably cylindrical in form, 5 extending from openings in the upper surface of upper portion 434 to open ends 454 and 455 substantially coplanar with the lower edge 456 of shell 425. The formers 57 and 58 of passages 52 and 53 are of considerably smaller diameter than the formers 448 and 449 of shell 426 of inner block 424 10 and are adapted to allow insertion therethrough of lengths of reinforcing rod or similar stakes (not shown) . In use these may be inserted through passages 452 and 453 and driven into the supporting ground surface to further aid in resisting movement of the anchor block due to lateral forces 15 acting on the fence panels. Reinforcing or other rods provided for this purpose are preferably fitted with a cross bar, or at least with a bent section at right angles. The rods are driven in until the cross bar or bent section is abutting the upper surface of the outer block, again to 20 resist any tendency of the anchor block to tilt under load.

Outer block 422 is provided at end portions 437 and 438 with hand hold recesses 460 and 461. Preferably end portions 437 and 438 are also provided with upper recesses 462 and 463 respectively separated by webs 464 and 465. Upper 25 recesses 462 and 463 are in this instance provided with horizontal cylindrical formers 466 and 467 extending inwards 51 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 for the depth of the upper and lower recesses. Cylindrical formers 466 and 467 are adapted to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing rod (not shown) to aid in securing the settable material in shell 425. The inner 5 ends of these lengths of reinforcing rod may locate in structures (not shown) provided at the sides of the shell forming through aperture 427.

Inner block 424 is also provided with hand hold recesses 468 and 469 at two diametrically opposite locations 10 as can be seen in Figure 28. Hand hold recesses 468 and 469 may also be located below upper recesses 470 and 471 with provision for a reinforcing rod (not shown) passing from a former in one upper recess to a former in the opposite upper recess . 15 Fifth Preferred Embodiment

Still with reference to Figures 25 to 29, outer block 412 has a generally centrally located aperture 427 extending from a circular opening in the upper surface of upper portion 434 to a circular opening in the underside 429, 20 coplanar with lower edge 456. Aperture 427 has sides sloping outwardly from the opening in upper portion 434 so that the aperture forms the frustum of a cone. Aperture 427 is defined by walls 31 integrally moulded as part of shell 425.

Inner block 424 of this embodiment is also circular in 25 section with its upper portion 440 of a diameter so as to locate within the opening of aperture 427 in upper portion 52 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 434 of outer block 422 as a sliding fit. The sides 442 of inner block 424 slope outwardly from upper portion 440 at the same slope as the outward slope of sides 431 of the aperture 427 of outer block 422, so that inner block 424 5 also forms the frustum of a cone.

It will be understood that with the shape of aperture 427 in the outer block and the shape of inner block 424 as described, the outer block when placed over the inner block, will engage with the inner block to form an anchor block 10 assembly. The arrangement is such that any tilting or lifting forces applied to the inner block will be transmitted to the outer block so that the assembly acts as a single mass with the combined weight of the assembly securing the fence panels. The circular horizontal section 15 and frustum shape of both aperture 427 and inner block 424, allows the inner block 424 to be rotated to any desired direction relative the outer block 422, thus fence panels may be oriented transversely to the long axis of the outer block, or in line with that long axis or at any desired 20 angle in between.

Sixth Preferred Embodiment

In a second preferred embodiment the aperture 427 in outer block 422 is in this instance cylindrical, with the walls 431 defining the aperture extending from the opening 25 in the upper surface 434 to a level located at some distance 53 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 above the plane defined by the lower edge 456 of shell 425, as shown in the sectioned view of Figure 31.

Again with reference to Figure 31, the sides 442 of the shell 426 of inner block 424 in this embodiment are likewise 5 cylindrical and comprise a first upper section 442A and a second lower section 442B. The first upper section is of a depth equal to the depth of the walls 431 defining aperture 427 of outer block 422, and are of an outside diameter such as to fit within the aperture 427 as a sliding fit. The 10 second lower section 442B is of considerably larger diameter so that this section forms a plinth or circumferential ledge 470 around the base of inner block 424.

When the settable material is poured into the shell 425 of outer block 422, a former (not shown) is used to allow 15 space for the ledge 470 of the inner block 424. It will be understood that, when the outer block 422 of this embodiment is placed over the inner block 424 the inner block 424 is secured within the outer block and any lifting or tilting movement applied to the inner block will be transmitted to 20 the outer block so that the assembly acts as a single mass.

With the aperture 427 in outer block 422 and the cylindrical upper and lower sections of inner block 424, inner block 424 may be oriented in any desired direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer block. Thus 25 the outer block may be set at any desired angle relative the 54 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 fence line to suit a ground surface, obstructions or interference to pedestrians for example.

Seventh Preferred Embodiment

In a this further preferred embodiment of the invention 5 with reference to Figure 29, the aperture 527 in outer block 522 may be of a polygonal shape in horizontal section, with each side panel 531 forming the polygonal aperture sloping outwardly from the opening in upper portion 534. The sides of inner block 524 are similarly formed of outwardly sloping 10 panels 542 conforming in size, number and slope to those of aperture 527 such that inner block may be nested within the aperture with the respective inner surfaces of the aperture in contact with the outer surfaces of the inner block.

In this embodiment, the inner block 524 may again be 15 oriented relative to the outer block 522, the number of selectable orientations available depending on the number of sides of the polygonal aperture and inner block. An advantage of this arrangement is that once selected and the fence panels in place, the orientation of the inner block 20 524 relative to the outer block 522 cannot be disturbed.

In a variation of this embodiment, the sloping sides of the panels forming the aperture and the inner block, may be replaced with panels normal to the respective upper surfaces of the outer and inner blocks. As for the sixth preferred 25 embodiment described above, the walls defining the aperture of the outer block may stop short of the underside of the 55 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 shell of the block with the inner block formed with an upper section and projecting ledge lower section. With the settable material shaped around the base of the aperture to allow for the projecting ledge, an assembly of inner and 5 outer blocks again acts as a single mass.

Eighth Preferred Embodiment

In this eighth preferred embodiment with reference to Figure 7, the aperture 627 in outer block 622 is formed in section with the periphery shaped as regular gear teeth 631. 10 Inner block 624 likewise has its periphery shaped with complementary teeth so that the inner block may be oriented within aperture 627 in any incrementally oriented in direction according to the number of teeth. The two blocks may be locked together as an assembly by either of the two 15 arrangements discussed in the embodiments above; that is with complementary slopes of the sides of aperture 627 and inner block 624, or with the inner block provided with a projecting circumferential ledge and the settable material of the outer block shaped to accommodate it. 20 Preferred combined weight of an assembled anchor block of any of the above embodiments is in the range of 3 6 to 40Kg. By arranging the configuration of the shells of the two blocks to have approximately equal volume, the weight of each block can comply with regulations for acceptable 25 occupational safety limits for handling by one person, thus 56 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 reducing the risk of strain injury often associated with the lifting of unitary anchor blocks.

One advantage of the anchor block of these embodiments is that both inner and outer shells may be conveniently 5 filled with the settable material with the two shells assembled together and inverted. In the embodiments where the inner block is formed with the circumferential ledge at its base, the portion of the shell of the inner block defining the ledge, then acts to form the required shape in 10 the settable material of the outer block. When the material has set, the two blocks may be turned upright for removal to storage or transport to a point of use.

Manufacture 15 Shells of any of the above described embodiments may be injection moulded from a suitable polymer at one or more moulding facilities. At this facility the formed shells may be filled with the settable material, typically concrete, but in at least some preferred arrangements one moulding 20 facility is central to a large geographic area and provides empty shells to various distributed filling facilities. This has the advantage of having to transport only the lightweight empty shells over long distances with the heavy filled anchor block assemblies only requiring transport to a 25 holding depot or fence erection site over relatively shorter distances . 57 2017200139 09 Jan 2017

In Use

In use, the fence support anchor blocks of the present invention may be transported as assemblies of first and second anchor block components to a site for erection of a 5 temporary fence. At this point first and second anchor blocks may be separated to allow lifting of individual component blocks, thus avoiding the strain and injury risks associated with single type anchor blocks.

The second anchor block components of the present 10 invention are then positioned at intervals along the proposed fence line, followed by placing first anchor block components over the second. Stiles of fence panels are then inserted into the central apertures and formers and securing rods driven through the passages of the pair of smaller 15 diameter formers as desired.

It will be appreciated that the splitting of a temporary fence supporting anchor block into two components, allows the combined mass of the assembled anchor block to exceed that possible in a single type block, so that a 20 further advantage of this arrangement is greater support stability of the fence. A particular advantage of the fence support of the present invention is that the snug nesting arrangement due to the abutting opposing sloping surfaces of the central 25 well and of the main central anchor block component of the second anchor block, allows the assembly to effectively 2017200139 09 Jan 2017 58 behave under lateral loads and moments as a single block. This can be understood from the fact that any tilting of the second or inner anchor block component is virtually instantly transmitted to the first or outer anchor block 5 component so that the tilting movement is resisted by the combined mass of the two components.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those 10 skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (73)

1. A segmented anchor block for support of temporary fence panels; said anchor block comprising a first base segment and a second base segment; each of said first base segment and said second base segment comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material filling said shell; at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment being in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

2. The anchor block of claim 1 wherein said first base segment and said second base segment form a generally rectangular prism when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

3. The anchor block of claim 1 or 2 wherein each said shell of said first base segment and said second base segment includes a lower perimeter edge; said lower perimeter edge defining an open base portion exposing a surface of said settable material; said surface of said settable material in contact with an area of contact of said supporting ground surface when said anchor block is in use.

4. The anchor block of claim 3 wherein said shell of at least one said base segment is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers extending from an upper surface of said base segment towards said area of contact; said formers defining passages through said settable material for the insertion therein of stiles of adjoining fence panels of said temporary fence.

5. The anchor block of claim 3 or 4 wherein said shell of at least one said base segment is provided with at least one smaller section former extending from an upper surface of said base segment towards said area of contact; said at least one smaller section former defining a passage through said settable material for insertion therethrough of a peg adapted to secure said base segment to said ground surface.

6. The anchor block of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein a first of said base segments comprises a base portion with said projecting upper portion projecting from said base portion.

7. The anchor block of claim 6 wherein said second base segment comprises a base portion with a projecting lower portion extending from said base portion; said projecting lower portion adapted to mate with said projecting upper portion when said base segments are assembled together to form said generally rectangular prism.

8. The anchor block of claim 7 wherein each of said first base segment and said second base segment is provided with a said pair of stile accepting formers; said pair of stile accepting formers of said first base segment extending through said projecting upper portion; said pair of stile accepting formers of said second base segment extending from an upper surface of said projecting lower portion towards said area of contact of said second base segment; respective pairs of said stile accepting formers of each of said first base segment and said second base segment in axial alignment when said first and second base segments are assembled together for use.

9. The anchor block of claim 7 or 8 wherein said projecting upper portion of said first base component and said projecting lower portion of said second base component are provided with a protruding and an indented structure respectively adapted to lock said first component to said second component when said anchor block is in use.

10. The anchor block of claim 8 or 9 wherein each of said projecting upper portion of said first base segment and said projecting lower portion of said second base segment is provided with a pair of stile accepting formers defining passages through respective said upper and lower projecting portions; said passages of said first base segment and of said second base segment in axial alignment when said components are locked together in use; said passages adapted for insertion therethrough of a pair of stiles of adjoining panels of a temporary fence.

11. The anchor block of claim 5 wherein said first base segment comprises an outer segment provided with a generally rectangular section central aperture extending from an uppermost surface to said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

12. The anchor block of claim 11 wherein said outer segment is in the form of a generally rectangular prism.

13. The anchor block of claim 11 or 12 wherein said second base segment comprises an inner segment in the form of a generally rectangular prism; said inner segment adapted for nested assembly within said central aperture of said outer segment.

14. The anchor block of claim 13 wherein said shell of said inner segment is provided with said pair of said stile accepting formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface.

15. The anchor block of claim 13 or 14 wherein said shell of said inner segment is provide with a pair of said smaller section formers extending from said upper surface towards said area of contact with said supporting ground surface; respective ones of said pair of smaller section formers disposed at a first pair of diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular prism.

16. The anchor block of any one of claims 15 wherein a second pair of diagonally opposite corners of said inner segment are truncated; corresponding diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular section aperture of said outer segment truncated in like manner so as to maintain a close sliding fit between said inner segment and said outer segment.

17. The anchor block of any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein respective dimensions of said shell of said inner segment and said shell of said outer segment are selected to provide an approximate equal volume for said settable material.

18. The anchor block of any one of claims 11 to 17 wherein each opposite end of said outer segment is provided with a recess; said recess open at said area of contact; said recess forming a handhold for handling said outer segment.

19. The anchor block of claim 18 wherein each said opposite end of said outer segment is provided with a trench through said upper surface of said outer segment; each said trench extending from an outer surface of said end to said generally rectangular section central aperture.

20. The anchor block of claim 19 wherein each corresponding opposite end of said inner segment is provided with a projecting element; each said projecting element adapted for nested engagement with each respective said trench of said outer segment; each said trench and said projecting element arranged so that when said inner segment is inserted into said aperture, said upper surface of said inner segment is substantially flush with said upper surface of said outer segment, and said lower perimeter edge of said inner segment is substantially flush with said lower perimeter edge of said outer segment.

21. The anchor block of claim 19 or 20 wherein a space is provided between the lower surface of said trench and the upper extent of said recess; said space communicating with the interior of said shell of said outer segment so as to assist in retention of said settable material

22. The anchor block of claim 20 or 21 wherein each said projecting element is provided with a horizontal former extending the length of said projecting element and in communication with the interior of said inner segment; one said horizontal former axially aligned with the other so that a length of reinforcing bar may be inserted therethrough; said bar adapted to assist retention of said settable material within said inner segment.

23. A method for forming an anchor block for supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including the steps of: (a) providing shells for each of two segments of said anchor block; (b) filling each shell with a settable material; (c) assembling one of said segments to the other so that said shells of said segments are nested together; at least one projecting element of one said segment extending over a portion of the other segment, and wherein at least an exposed surface of said settable material of each segment is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said anchor block is in use.

24. A method for providing segmented anchor blocks for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) moulding shells for each of a first base segment and a second base segment of said anchor block at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at each said distributed location, (d) providing said anchor blocks comprising a composite of said shells and said settable materials to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use .

25. A method for preventing strain injury in a user handling anchor blocks for support of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) providing said anchor blocks in two base segments, (b) arranging each of a first said base segment and a second said base segment to be of approximately equal weight, and wherein at least a portion of each of said first base segment and said second base segment is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said block is in use, and wherein at least one projecting upper portion of said shell of said first base segment extends over a portion of said shell of said second base segment, when said first base segment and said second base segment are assembled together for use.

27. A temporary fence support; said support comprising an assembly of a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said first anchor block component including a through aperture; said through aperture providing for said first anchor block component to be placed over said second anchor block component so as to at least partly surround said second anchor block component.

28. The fence support of claim 26 wherein the underside of each of said first and said second anchor block component is in contact with a supporting ground surface when said fence support is in use.

29. The fence support of claim 26 or 27 wherein each said first and second anchor block component comprises a composite of a shell and a settable material; said shell of each said anchor block component having an open underside defined by edges; the edges of said first anchor block component shell substantially coplanar with the edges of said second anchor block component shell when said first and second anchor block components are assembled together for use.

30. The fence support of claim 28 wherein said shell of said first anchor block component includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; said through aperture of said first anchor block defined by opposing side portions and opposing end portions; said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture extending from an opening in said upper portion to lower edges defining an opening coplanar with said underside of said first anchor block component.

31. The fence support of claim 29 wherein at least said opposing side portions of said through aperture slope inwardly from said lower edges towards said upper portion such that said opening defined by said lower edges at said underside is larger than said opening of said through aperture in said upper portion.

32. The fence support of claim 29 or 30 wherein said shell of said second anchor block component includes opposing side portions, opposing end portions and an upper portion; and wherein at least said opposing side portions of said shell slope inwardly from said lower edges to said upper portion of said shell; said slope equal to said slope of said opposing side portions of said through aperture; and wherein said opposing side portions and said opposing end portions closely abut corresponding said opposing side portions and opposing end portions of said through aperture when said first and second anchor block components are assembled for use .

33. The fence support of any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein said shell of said first anchor block component includes a pair of handholds in said opposing end portions of said shell; each one of said pair of handholds comprising an opening bounded by opposing side portions and a top portion; each said opening extending inwardly from a said opposing end portion to a respective opposing end portion of said through aperture; said handholds open at said underside of said shell and extending upwardly towards said upper portion.

34. The fence support of claim 32 wherein spaces formed between said top portion of said handholds and said upper portion are filled with said settable material; said settable material in said spaces forming bridging connections between settable material formed at opposing sides of said first anchor block component; said bridging connections acting to retain said settable material within said shell of said first anchor block component.

35. The fence support of any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein said lower edges of said shells of said first and said second components are provided with inwardly extending ledges; said ledges providing retaining elements for said settable material.

36. The fence support of any one of claims 26 to 34 wherein said upper portion of said first anchor block component and said upper portion of said second anchor block component are substantially flush when said first and second anchor block components are assembled for use.

37. The fence support of any one of claims 31 to 35 wherein said shell of said second anchor block component is provided with a pair of projections; one of said pair of projections extending outwardly from each of said opposing end portions of said shell; each of said projections comprising a rectangular shell provided internally with strengthening webs and a tubular element; said tubular elements of said pair of projections communicating with internal surfaces of respective said opposing end portions; said tubular elements coaxial one with another.

38. The fence support of claim 36 wherein said tubular elements are adapted for insertion therethrough of a length of reinforcing or similar rod; said rod extending from one said projection to another so as to provide a retaining element for said settable material within said shell of said second anchor block component.

39. The fence support of claim 36 or 37 wherein said projections are of a width so as to locate between said opposing side portions of said handholds of said shell of said first anchor block component as a sliding fit; said projections located on said opposing end surfaces so as to allow a first space below said projections when said second anchor block component is supported on a surface, and a second space between said projection and said top portions of said handholds when said first and second anchor block components are assembled for use; each of said spaces sufficient for insertion of the fingers of a user for lifting said first and second anchor block components.

40. The fence support of any one of claims 31 to 38 wherein said shell of said second anchor block component includes a first pair of cylindrical formers providing passages through said settable material; said first pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion to a level coplanar with said underside of said second anchor block component; each of said pair of formers communicating with respective ones of a first pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

41. The fence support of claim 39 wherein said first pair of apertures of said first pair of formers are disposed centrally in said upper portion of said shell; said apertures transverse to a longitudinal axis of said fence support; said first pair of apertures and said first pair of formers spaced apart and sized so as to accept inserted therein a pair of stiles of adjacent panels of a temporary fence.

42. The fence support of any one of claims 29 to 40 wherein said shell of said second anchor block component includes a second pair of formers providing passages through said settable material; said second pair of formers depending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said upper portion, to a level coplanar with said underside of said second anchor block component; each of said second pair of formers communicating with a respective ones of a second pair of apertures in said upper portion of said shell.

43. The fence support of claim 41 wherein said second pair of apertures of said second pair of formers is disposed adjacent diagonally opposite corners of said upper portion of said shell; said second pair of apertures and said second pair of formers sized so as to accept inserted therethrough lengths of reinforcing or similar rod; said reinforcing rod acting to secure said fence support to a supporting ground surface.

44. The fence support of claim 42 wherein each length of said reinforcing or similar rod is provided with a cross bar or is bent into an "L" shape; said cross bar or a foot portion of said "L" shape extending over said upper portion of said first anchor block component so as to secure said first anchor block component to said second anchor block component.

45. A support for a temporary fence; said support including a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said second anchor block component formed with a through aperture so as to at least partly surround said first anchor block component when said support is assembled for use; and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said first anchor block component taper inwardly from an underside to an upper portion of said first anchor block component, and wherein at least one pair of opposing sides of said through aperture of said second anchor block component taper outwardly from an upper portion of said second anchor block component to its underside; the arrangement being such that when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component said sloping opposite sides of said first anchor block component and said second anchor block component are in close abutting contact.

46. A support for a temporary fence; said support including a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said second anchor block component formed with a through aperture so as to at least partly surround said first anchor block component when said support is assembled for use; said second anchor block component placed over said first anchor block component.

47. A method of supporting a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence support; said fence support comprising a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; wherein said second anchor block component is at least partially nested within a through aperture provided in said first anchor block component; the arrangement being such that undersides of both said first anchor block component and said second anchor block components are in contact with a supporting ground surface when in use.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein said method includes the steps of: (a) moulding shells for said first and second anchor block components at a central moulding facility, (b) transporting said shells to a filling facility, (c) filling said shells with a settable material, (d) transporting said shells to a site for erection of a temporary fence, (e) placing at least two said second anchor block components along a temporary fence line, (f) placing a first said anchor block component over each of said second anchor block components, (g) erecting panels of said temporary fence by insertion of the lower ends of stiles of fence panels into passages provided in said second anchor block components.

49. The method of claim 21 or 22 wherein said second anchor block component and said through aperture of said first anchor block component are provided with respective sloping opposing side portions such that an underside of said second anchor block component is larger than the opening of said through aperture in an upper portion of said first anchor block component; said respective sloping opposing sides of each of said through aperture and said second anchor block component closely abutting when said fence support is assembled for use, the arrangement being such that said support acts as a single mass when lateral and moment forces are applied to said support.

50. A method of supporting panels of a temporary fence; said method including use of a fence support; said fence support including a first or inner anchor block component and a second or outer anchor block component; said method including the steps of firstly, placing said inner anchor block on a supporting ground surface, and secondly, of placing said outer block over said inner block such that said inner block is at least partially surrounded by said outer block.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein said outer block is provided with a through aperture extending from an upper surface of said outer block to an underside of said outer block; said through aperture having at least one pair of opposing sides sloping so that the opening of said through aperture at said upper surface is smaller than the opening of said through aperture at said underside; said inner block having at least one pair of opposing sloping surfaces such that the upper portion of said first anchor block component is smaller than its underside.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component, said opposing sloping sides of said first anchor block portion are in close abutting contact with said opposing sloping sides of said through aperture.

53. A method of assembling a temporary fence support comprising of a first anchor block component and a second anchor block component; said method including the steps of; (a) placing said first anchor block component on a supporting ground surface along a fence line, (b) placing said second anchor block component over said first anchor block component, and wherein said second anchor block component has a through aperture so that when said second anchor block component is placed over said first anchor block component, said second anchor block at least partly surrounds said first anchor block component.

54. A segmented fence anchor block for support of panels of a temporary fence; said anchor block comprising an assembly of a first outer block and a second inner block; each said outer block and said inner block comprising a composite of a shell and a settable material; wherein sides of said inner block are substantially enclosed within an aperture in said outer block; said inner block provided with a pair of passages extending from an upper surface to proximate an underside of said inner block; said pair of passages arranged for insertion of stiles of adjoining ones of said panels; and wherein undersides of each of said outer block and said inner block are in contact with a supporting ground surface when said anchor block is in use .

55. The assembly of claim 53 wherein orientation of said inner block relative said outer block is selectable by rotation of said inner block within said outer block.

56. The assembly of claim 53 or 54 wherein respective said shell of said outer block and said inner block are of a moulded polymer material; each said shell including an upper portion and side portions; each said shell substantially open at an underside of said block exposing said settable material.

57. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 55 wherein said aperture in said outer block and sides of said inner block are shaped such that when said outer block is placed over said inner block, tilting and lifting forces applied to said inner block are transferred to said outer block; said assembly of said inner block and said outer block effectively acting as a single mass.

58. The assembly of claim 55 or 56 wherein said pair of passages in said inner block are defined by cylindrical formers integral with said shell of said inner block; said cylindrical formers extending from openings in an upper surface of said upper portion of said inner block.

59. The assembly of any one of claims 56 to 57 wherein at least one of said outer block and said inner block is provided with at least one passage extending from a said upper surface of a said upper portion of said outer block or said inner block; said at least one passaged arranged for insertion therethrough of a securing rod.

60. The assembly of any one of claims55 to 57 wherein said outer block is provided with at least one passage extending from an upper surface of said upper portion of said outer block to a plane defined by a lower edge of said outer block; said at least one passage defined by a cylindrical former integral with said shell; said at least one passage arranged for insertion therethrough of a securing rod; said at least one passage of a smaller diameter than the diameter of said pair of passages of said inner block.

61. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 59 wherein said aperture in said outer block and said sides of said inner block are shaped so that said inner block is in nested engagement with said aperture; said nested engagement substantially precluding movement of said inner block relative said outer block when said inner and outer block are assembled in use.

62. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 61 wherein sides of said aperture in said outer block slope outwardly from said upper surface of said outer block; sides of said inner block sloping outwardly from an upper surface of said inner block so as to conform to sloping sides of said aperture in said outer block.

63. The assembly of claim 61 wherein said sides of said aperture in said outer block and sides of said inner block form frustums of cones; said inner block rotatable within said aperture.

64. The assembly of claim 61 wherein said aperture in said outer block is formed in section as a regular polygon; said inner block similarly formed in section as a regular polygon conforming to said aperture.

65. The assembly of claim 61 wherein said aperture in said outer block is formed in section with a periphery shaped as regular gear teeth; said inner block formed likewise with its periphery shaped with complementary teeth so that said inner block may be incrementally oriented within said aperture.

66. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 64 wherein said inner block comprises an upper section and a lower section; said lower section provided with a projecting circumferential ledge.

67. The assembly of claim 65 wherein said walls of said aperture in said outer block are of a length approximately equal to depth of said upper section of said inner block; said settable material in said outer block formed with a peripheral recess shaped to accept said circumferential ledge of said inner block.

68. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 66 wherein said outer block is formed as a generally oblong solid; said solid having curved sides tapering to rounded end portions .

69. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 67 wherein outer ends of said outer block are provided with recesses; said recesses adapted to provide handgrips for lifting said outer block.

70. The assembly of any one of claims 53 to 67 wherein said inner block is provided with a pair of recesses adapted to provided handgrips for lifting said inner block.

71. A method for preventing strain injury in a user handling anchor blocks for support of temporary fencing; said method including the step of providing said anchor blocks in two blocks comprising an outer block and an inner block; wherein said outer block and said inner block are each within a limit of weight required under occupational safety regulations.

72. The method of claims 70 wherein said inner block is nested within said outer block; orientation of said inner block relative said outer block selectable by rotation of said inner block relative said outer block.

73. A method for providing a segmented anchor block for support of panels of temporary fencing; said method including the steps of: (a) moulding shells for each of an outer block and an inner block of said anchor block at a first location, (b) transporting said shells to at least one distributed location remote from said first location, (c) filling said shells with said settable material at said at least one distributed location, (d) providing said anchor blocks comprising a composite of said shells and said settable material to a location of use for erection of said temporary fencing, and wherein said inner block is nested within an aperture of said outer block; orientation of said inner block relative said outer block selectable by rotation of said inner block.

74. A support for panels of a temporary fence as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings .