AUSTRALIA FB RICE & CO Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys Patents Act 1990 THE FENCE CONSULTANT PTY LTD COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Method and device for protecting posts The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- 2 Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No 2009903154 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 5 Technical Field The invention concerns a method and device for protecting posts, particularly boundary fence or perimeter posts for sports grounds. Background to the Invention 10 Posts, notably boundary fence or perimeter posts for sports grounds such as cricket, tennis and soccer typically have a framework constructed of steel or aluminium tubing. Such posts are predominately fixed. Installing boundary fence or perimeter posts involves preparation of the foundation into 15 which the base of each post will be positioned. Generally speaking a hole is dug for each post having sufficient dimensions to accommodate a portion of the respective post and to contain a poured concrete foundation below ground level. Once the holes are dug, a post is inserted into each hole and into the ground, braced, and then concrete is poured into the respective holes and allowed to cure. Then a concrete slab is poured 20 over the playing area and around the perimeter fence posts approximately 100-150 mm thick. In certain instances turf is overlaid both on the playing surface bounded by the fence and on the ground outside of the fence. However, the turf is prone to damp and 25 moisture ingress, whether that turf is real or synthetic. This inevitably leads to corrosion of the post proximate the turf. Such an effect is accelerated when posts are exposed to marine or high humidity environments which enhance oxidation of steel or aluminium tubing. This condition is often referred to as collar-rot. The applicant has found that such posts, and therefore the boundary fence in its entirety, requires 30 replacing every 6 years on average. This incurs significant cost. Techniques exist to isolate such posts from offending environments and to reduce atmospheric corrosion. One form of prevention is to modify the material from which the posts are manufactured. Stainless steel is one such example. The process of 35 alloying steel with chromium produces a material with a good resistance to atmospheric corrosion. However the presence of chlorides, for example in a seaside atmosphere, 3 can cause pitting to occur. In addition it may be cost prohibitive. Another example is to use a heavier grade steel. However such a solution, in addition to increasing costs, requires a more extensive and/or stronger foundation. 5 Another form of prevention is by way of coatings which include paints, powder coatings, tape wraps, waxes and asphalts. However certain of these coatings are prone to chipping which leaves the exposed portion of the post vulnerable to corrosion. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or 10 "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has 15 been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. 20 Summary of the Invention A post protecting device comprising: a first panel member having an inner face an outer face and first and second opposed sides; 25 a second panel member an inner face an outer face and first and second opposed sides; and complementary connecting means to releasably connect at least the first side of the respective panel members together; wherein said first and second panel members are configured to surround a 30 portion of a post, said complementary connecting means being such that on engagement of the complementary connecting means a seal between said respective first and second sides of said panel members is formed which is substantially impermeable to moisture ingress. 35 In any of the embodiments, the complementary connecting means may further comprise complementary latch portions provided on the outer face of said first side of 4 the respective panel members to releasably latch the first sides of the respective panel members together. In any of the embodiments, the post protecting device may further comprise a hinge 5 means to secure said second sides of the respective panel members together. The hinge means may be formed integrally with the respective panel members as a one piece unit. The one piece unit may be formed from an injection moulded synthetic plastics material. 10 In any of the embodiments the complementary latch portions may be affixed to, or integral with, the outer face of the first side of the respective panel members. The complementary latch portions may comprise at least one pair of a male connecting portion and a female connecting portion. The complementary latch portions may comprise at least a pair of clips and a pair of clip receiving portions. 15 In any of the embodiments each panel member may be substantially C-shaped in cross section. Optionally each panel member may be substantially U-shaped in cross section or may be substantially square U-shaped in cross section.0 20 In any of the embodiments the first side of the first panel member may have a bevelled bearing surface and the first side of the second panel member may have a bevelled bearing surface so that when the respective panel members connect the respective bearing surfaces overlap to form a seal which is substantially impermeable to moisture ingress. 25 In an optional embodiment, the complementary connecting means may include complementary latch portions provided on the outer face adjacent the second side of the respective panel members and complementary latch portions provided on the outer face of the first side of the respective panel members to releasably latch the respective sides 30 of the respective panel members together. In one embodiment, the first panel member may comprise a pair of male connecting portions, one of which is located on the first side of the panel and the other located on second side of the panel. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the second 35 panel member will also have a pair of corresponding female connecting portions which 5 are able to receive the male connecting portions, one of which is located on the first side of the panel and the other located on the second side of the panel. In any one of the embodiment, at least one in-cut groove, and more preferably a pair of 5 in-cut grooves, are provided on an inner face of one or each of the panel members. In use a bead of silicon or the like is put into each of the in-cut grooves so that the device can be adhered to a post. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the device will depend on the application 10 that is the post to which the device is to protect. In an embodiment where the respective panel members are substantially square U shaped in cross section (i.e. suitable for protecting square posts used in swimming pool post fencing), the width of each side of the square section may be between 45mm and 15 105mm and preferably made to suit one of 50mm, 65mm, 75mm and 100mm posts. The depth of the panels is preferably between about 1.5mm and 2.5mm, but the depth of the respective panels can also be outside of this range. 20 A method for protecting a post from collar-rot or the like, the method comprising: applying a sealant to an inner face of a device, the device including: a first panel member having a first and a second opposed sides; a second panel member having a first and second opposed side; and complementary connecting means to releasably connect at least first 25 sides of the respective panel members together; positioning the device to surround a portion of a post, the inner faces of the device adhering to the said portion of the post; and operating the complementary connecting means to connect said first sides of the respective panel members together so that a seal between respective panel members is 30 formed which is substantially impermeable to moisture ingress. In an embodiment where the complementary connecting means releasably connects the respective first and second sides of the panel members together, the method may include operating the complementary connecting means to connect at least the certain 35 side of the respective panel members together.
6 Prior to applying a sealant, the method may include preparing a foundation into which a base of the post will be positioned. The step of preparing a foundation may include creating a hole in the ground, setting the post, pouring a first pour of concrete and allowing the first pour of concrete to cure. 5 Once the complementary connecting means has been operated to connect at least a certain side of the respective panel members together, the method may include pouring a second pour of concrete to substantially encase a portion of the device. 10 The method may further include laying turf around the post. Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the device. Best Modes of the Invention Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device 100 for protecting 20 a post in accordance with the invention. Components of the device 100 include a first panel 102 and a second panel 104, each of which are substantially C-shaped in cross section so as to conform to the shape of a cylindrical shaped post, a portion of which the device 100 is to surround. The depth of each of the panels 102 and 104 is about 2.0mm. The device 100 effectively forms a collar and has a length of about 100 mm. 25 A hinge assembly 106 is formed integrally with proximal sides of the respective panels 102, 104 so that the respective panels and hinge assembly form a single unit. Such a unit is integrally moulded from plastic which is particularly practical. As a result of moulding the respective panels 102, 104 and hinge assembly 106 in one piece, any 30 joint-surfaces which would have to be subsequently sealed are entirely avoided between the abovementioned parts, so that ingress of water or moisture is reliably excluded at these points. The first side (which run along the length of the panel) of each of the panels 102, 104 35 have respective bearing surfaces 108. The bearing surfaces 108 are bevelled so that when panel 102 is brought into contact with panel 104, one bearing surface overlaps the 7 other so as to reduce moisture ingress. In use, a silicon sealant will be used to seal the respective bearing surfaces together and will act to form a seal to substantially prevent ingress of moisture. The respective panels define an open ended enclosure when latched together. The diameter of the collar device is 60mm. 5 A complementary connecting means in the form of a pair of complementary latch portions 110 and 112 are provided respectively on the first side of the respective side wall members. The complementary latch portions are affixed to the outer surface of the panels 102, 104 and operate to releasably latch the first side of the respective panels 10 102, 104 together. One of the pair of complementary latch portions is affixed such that its mid line sits approximately 25mm from the top edge of the collar device 100. The other of the pair of complementary latch portions is affixed such that its mid line sits approximately 25mm from the bottom edge of the collar device 100. 15 With respect to each panel 102, 104, and approximately 5mm from the top and bottom ends thereof, grooves (not shown) are provided for on the internal surfaces of each the panels 102, 104. The grooves extend across the width of the respective panel and have a width of about 2mm. 20 A marker line 114 is provided for on the exterior surfaces of each the panels 102, 104. A method for protecting posts is described with reference to the above embodiment. When a post is to be installed, the foundation is initially prepared by a fencer. Any turf in the vicinity of where the posts are to be positioned is removed leaving exposed 25 compacted dirt. For each post a hole is dug having sufficient dimensions to accommodate the bottom portion of the post and to contain a poured concrete foundation below the ground level. Each post is then inserted into the ground in its hole, braced, and a first pour of 30 concrete is poured and allowed to cure. This completes the fencer's job. A concreter then prepares the collar device. The diameter of the collar device 100 is chosen to be fractionally larger than the diameter of the post. The height of the collar device 100 in this instance is 100mm and is chosen so that the device 100 extends to no 35 more than 50mm above the playing surface (no more than 30mm above the subsequently laid turf). The concreter marks the post at point where the device's 8 marker 114 will align. A silicone sealant is painted on the interior surface of the panels 102, 104 of sufficient thickness that a portion of the sealant runs into the grooves. The device is then positioned such that the marker 114 aligns with the mark on the post and the panels 102, 104 brought together. The respective latch portions 110 and 112 are 5 then latched together. A final pour of concrete is provided to bring the level of the concrete substantially in line with the device's marker 114 and allowed to cure. Finally, the turf is overlaid on the level of the concrete such that it surrounds each of the posts. 10 The collar device 100 sits snug with the post and is encased in concrete. The silicon sealant forms a seal between the top and bottom ends of the collar device 100 and the post. Once the concrete is dry ingress of moisture and salt from the atmosphere is substantially eliminated. The direct result is that the life of the post is extended. 15 Fig. 2 illustrates an end view of a device 200 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The device 200 is composed of a first panel member 202 and a separate second panel member 204. Each of the members 202, 204 are substantially C shaped in cross section so as to conform to the cylindrical shape of a post to which the device 200 is to be fitted. In contrast to the device 100 illustrated in Fig. I where the 20 complementary connecting means included a hinge assembly securing the proximal sides of the respective panel members together, the device 200 includes complementary latch portions 21 Ga, 212a provided respectively on the first sides of the respective panel members and complementary latch portions 210b, 212b provided respectively on the proximal sides of the respective panel members to releasably latch the respective sides 25 of the respective panel members together. Whilst the above embodiments illustrate side wall members which are substantially C shaped in cross section, such side wall members may also be substantially U-shaped in cross section in order to be attached to posts having square hollow sections which are 30 used in swimming pool post fencing. The width of each side of the square section may be between 45mm and 105mm and preferably 50mm, 65mm, 75mm or 100mm. It should further be appreciated that the side wall members can be configured to accommodate posts of any size and shape. 35 It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments 9 without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For instance it is envisioned that the dimensions of the device 100, described above will suit most applications, although other dimensions may be 5 appropriate.