AU2012258382B2

AU2012258382B2 - An improved post assembly for a running rail and related components

Info

Publication number: AU2012258382B2
Application number: AU2012258382A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony Mcgregor Sims
Original assignee: SIMS IND Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SIMS INDUSTRIES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-30
Filing date: 2012-11-26
Publication date: 2014-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-26
Also published as: AU2012258382A1

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a post 20 for a running rail 100 of a race track. The post 20 includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the post 5 20 is arranged for contact with the running rail 100 and the lower end of the post is arranged for pivotal connection to a ground engaging anchor 40. When the post 20 is accidentally impacted by a falling horse or jockey, the impact force results in the post 20 being quickly released from the running rail 100 and then the post 20 is free to pivot towards the ground 200. The present invention also 10 includes a connector fitting 460 for connecting the upper end of the post 20 to the running rail 100 and for allowing quick release from the running rail 100. C:) CY CD C CDN (D -a) CY(9 nL c) .

Description

1 An Improved Post Assembly for a Running Rail and Related Components Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved post assembly for a running rail 5 and various related components. The invention has particular application in the horse racing industry. Background of the Invention Horse racing tracks have a guide rail extending around the inside of the track to 10 guide the horses and their riders around the track. This guide rail is commonly called a running rail because in most instances the horses run against or very closely adjacent to the rail. The running rail may adopt different profiles and configurations. However, the 15 running rail is typically supported by stanchions or posts that are secured at their lower end in the ground by a pin or some other form of anchor. The running rail is secured to the stanchion or post so as to be located at a height about level to a horse's body. The stanchions or posts are usually inclined away from the running rail so that a horse running along the rail is not at risk of 20 contacting one of the posts or stanchions as they run along. If such contact was to occur, the horse would likely suffer a fall, possibly causing injury to itself, its jockey, other horses and to other jockeys in the race field. Falls are not uncommon in the racing industry and many such falls result in both 25 the jockey and the horse being thrown to the ground. When this occurs, there is a risk that the jockey and/or horse will strike the stanchions or posts which support the running rail. As the stanchions or posts are rigidly secured in the ground, contact with them by the jockey and/or the horse will result in an abrupt change in their momentum and in most instances, severe impact injury to the 30 jockey and/or horse. To address this problem, posts have been developed that separate from the anchor that secures them in the ground under a generally lateral type or sideways impact load (i.e. an impact load extending generally in the direction of travel about the track) from a falling jockey and/or horse.

2 The present invention seeks to provide in one aspect an improved post assembly for a running rail that seeks to address at least one of the aforementioned problems. 5 The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application. 10 Summary of the Invention The invention provides a running rail connector fitting for connecting an upper end of a running rail post to an opening formed in a running rail, the connector fitting is arranged so that it can be released from the opening in the running rail when it is moved from a first position to a second position when the post is 15 subject to an impact. Movement of the connector fitting from the first position to the second position is preferably a rotational movement initiated by force application to the post. The force application is preferably a lateral type impact, for example, the type of impact occurring when a horse or jockey accidentally strikes the post when running along the track. 20 The connector fitting preferably incudes a lower body part and a male fitting. In accordance with a first embodiment, the lower body part is sized so as to be received within an upper end of the post. The post typically adopts a hollow tubular construction. The fit between the lower body part of the connector fitting 25 and the inner diameter of the tubular post is loose so as to establish a sliding or a rotatable type fit. A pin type connection is preferably further provided between the post and the connector fitting to prevent inadvertent removal of the connector fitting from the 30 post. The pin type connection is arranged so that it does not prevent or inhibit rotation of the connector fitting relative to the post.

3 In accordance with a second embodiment of the connector fitting, the lower body part is arranged to be received over an upper end of a modified post. The upper end of the modified post includes an external peripheral groove. The groove is shaped to engage with at least one protrusion, detent or tab formed 5 internally within the lower body part of the connector fitting. Preferably a pair of such tabs etc. is provided and are arranged to be located in use with the groove. The connector fitting of the second embodiment is arranged to be placed over 10 the upper end of the post and then pressed downwardly. The tabs are angled so that as the connector fitting is pressed downwardly on the post, the side walls of the lower body part are encouraged to flex outwardly allowing the tabs to move over the upper peripheral part of the post, until the tabs are received in the circumferential groove formed in the post. Once the tabs are located within 15 the groove, inadvertent removal of the connector fitting from the post is prevented because of the engagement of a rear face of each angled tab with the groove. The male fitting of the connector fitting of both embodiments is preferably 20 arranged to be received within the opening in the running rail and to be retained in that opening when the connector fitting is in the first position. The male fitting is preferably configured so that when the connector fitting is in the first position there is a pinch engagement between a part of the male fitting and a part of wall defining the opening in the running rail. 25 The pinch engagement is preferably established by the male fitting having an increased thickness dimension at one location or zone. The invention further provides a combination including a connector fitting and a 30 post. The post includes an upper end and a lower end and the lower end of the post is arranged for pivotal connection to a ground engaging anchor. The pivotal connection preferably establishes a pivot axis about which the post can pivot when not constrained by contact or connection with the running rail.

4 The post may be a unitary component or may include multiple components. For example, the post may include an upright member and a bottom fitting. The bottom fitting including a first part arranged for connection to the upright 5 member and a second part arranged for pivotal connection to the ground engaging anchor. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upright member is a tubular member and the first part of the bottom fitting is arranged 10 for location with the bore of the tubular member. The ground engaging anchor may adopt different configurations. However, in a simple form, the anchor includes a ground engaging pin and pivotal connection means for enabling the pivotal connection to be established with the post. 15 The ground engaging anchor may be arranged so that a longitudinal axis of the ground engaging pin is offset horizontally from the connection between the pivotal connection means of the anchor and the post. The offset is arranged to locate the ground engaging pin away from the post in a direction opposite to the 20 side on which the running rail is arranged to be located. Furthermore, the offset facilitates rotation of the anchor about the longitudinal vertical axis of the ground engaging pin when the post is subject to an impact force offset from a perpendicular to the pivot axis of the pivotal connection. This rotation helps to align the impact force with the pivot axis so that the upper end of the post will 25 then be caused to be removed from contact or connection with the running rail and so that the post can then pivot about the lower end towards the ground. The upper end of the post preferably connects or is arranged for connection with the running rail to support the running rail at the required height above the 30 ground. It is envisaged that the upper end of the post may be located in an aperture or groove in the running rail with a tight fit. The fit being sufficient to prevent the post from disengaging with the running rail under normal operation but allowing release of the upper end when the post is subject to a lateral type 5 or sideways impact. The release of the upper end of the post from the running rail enables the post to pivot about the lower end towards the ground. Alternatively, or in addition, the upper end of the post may be connected to the running rail in such a manner that the upper end of the post can break away 5 from the running rail when the post is subject to a lateral type impact. In another arrangement, a portion of the running rail is configured to break away from the remaining running rail when the post is subject to a lateral type impact. The post may also include a hinge point located in an upper section of the post, 10 the hinge point enabling the post to more readily disengage or disconnect from the running rail when the post is subject to a lateral type impact. The opening in the running rail preferably extends along the length of the running rail. The opening preferably has a generally T-shaped cross sectional 15 configuration and has a minimum width dimension between first and second opposed lower side edges of the opening. The invention also includes a fence for a race track, the fence including a running rail and at least one combination including a connector fitting and a 20 post. Each post is preferably associated with a ground engaging anchor, and wherein the lower end of each post is arranged for pivotal connection to the associated ground engaging anchor, and the upper end of each post is arranged for connection to an opening formed in the running rail by the associated running rail connector fitting. 25 Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 30 Figure 1 is a side view of a running rail post connected to a running rail; Figure 1A is an enlarged view of the portion marked A in Figure 1 (but without the pivot pin); 6 Figure 1 B is a front view in part cross-section showing the connection between a modified form of the bottom fitting and modified form of the upright tongue of the anchor; 5 Figure 2 is a front view of the assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a running rail post connected to a running rail. The solid lines show the post in the normal operational position and the dashed line 10 shows the post as it hinges and disconnects from the running rail; Figure 4 is an end view of the bulbous end of the bottom fitting shown in Figures 1 to 3; 15 Figure 5 is a side view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention shown secured to a running rail; Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of the circled portion marked B shown in Figure 5; 20 Figure 7 is a view from above and to the side of the connector fitting illustrated in Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a side view of an upper portion of the connector fitting shown in 25 Figure 7; Figure 9 is a part cross-sectional view of a connector fitting according to a second embodiment of the invention; 30 Figure 10 is a side view of the upper end of a post suitable for use with the connector fitting shown in Figure 9.

7 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 shows a post assembly 10 connected to a running rail 100. The post assembly 10 includes a tubular upright member or post 20, a bottom fitting 30 5 and a ground engaging anchor 40. Anchor 40 is arranged to be secured in the ground 200. The post 20 has an upper section 20a that is inclined away from the running rail 100 so that a horse running along the rail 100 is not at risk of contacting the 10 post 10. An upper end 20b of the post 20 is arranged for connection to the running rail 100. The connection is such that it is quickly released in the event that the post 20 is subject to an impact force from a fallen horse or jockey. Various different suitable connections will be exemplified subsequently. 15 As best shown in Figure 1A, the bottom fitting 30 includes a first part in the form of a male end 32. The male end 32 is arranged to be received in the bore 20c of the post 20 so as to connect the post 20 to the bottom fitting 30. The bottom fitting 30 also includes a second part arranged for pivotal connection to the ground engaging anchor 40. As depicted, the second part of the bottom fitting 20 30 includes a bulbous end 34 having a centrally located open ended straight sided slot 36 formed therein. A bore 38 extends through the bulbous end 34 perpendicular to the length of the slot 36. The ground engaging anchor 40 includes a ground engaging pin 42, a base 44 25 and a pivotal connection means 46. The pivotal connection means 46 includes an upright tongue 46 that extends upwardly from the base 44 in a direction opposite to that of the ground engaging pin 42. When the anchor 40 is engaged in the ground 200, the underside of the base 30 44 contacts the ground 200. The base 44 also provides a surface for striking the anchor 40 in order to drive the pin 42 into the ground 200 to thereby properly locate the anchor 40.

8 The tongue 46 includes a bore 48 extending horizontally therethrough. The tongue 46 is arranged to be received within the slot 36 in the bottom fitting 30 so that the bore 48 of the tongue 46 and the bore 38 of the bulbous end 34 are in alignment. A pivot pin 50 is located within the aligned bores 38, 48 so as to 5 pivotally connect the bottom fitting 30 (and hence the post 20) to the ground engaging anchor 40. The pin 50 establishes a horizontal pivot axis H-H about which the post 20 can be pivoted. As best shown in Figure 1, the pivot axis H-H is aligned so that a lateral type impact of the post 20, that is a sideways impact generally in the direction of travel of a horse about the track, will cause the post 10 20 to pivot about the pivot axis H-H. The connection between the tongue 46, the bottom fitting 30 and the pin 50 is arranged to hold the post 20 in the generally upright position shown in Figures 1 and 2 during normal operation of the post assembly 10. To this end, the pin 50 15 may be secured to the bulbous end 34 of the bottom fitting 30 so as to compress the sides of the slot 36 inwardly and against the tongue 46, thereby holding the bottom fitting 30 and attached post 20 in the upright position. As best shown in Figure 1, the pin 42 has a longitudinal vertical axis V that is 20 offset horizontally from the longitudinal axis of the tongue 46. The offset is arranged to position the ground engaging pin 42 away from the post 20 in a direction opposite to the side on which the running rail 100 is located. Furthermore, the offset facilitates rotation of the anchor 40 about the longitudinal vertical axis V of the ground engaging pin 42 when the post 20 is 25 subject to an impact force offset from a perpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis H-H of the pivotal connection. It should be understood that in use the post assembly 10 is preferably sited so that the horizontal pivot axis H of the pivotal connection extends generally 30 perpendicular to the direction of travel of a horse around the race track. Accordingly, if a horse or jockey falls and strikes the post 20, the impact force will typically be centred at a perpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis and this 9 will result in the post 20 pivoting about the horizontal pivot axis towards the ground 200. Prior to the post 20 pivoting to the ground 200, the upper end 20b of the post 20 5 must be released from contact or connection with the running rail 100. Various arrangements for allowing release are envisaged. In some circumstances, the impact force applied by a fallen horse or jockey may be more "side on" and thus it may not be directed in such a manner to 10 cause pivotal movement of the post 20 about the horizontal pivot axis H. Accordingly, it is proposed that an embodiment of the invention would include a ground engaging pin 42 that allows the anchor 40 to turn or twist about the longitudinal vertical axis V of the ground engaging pin 42 so as to enable a realignment that would result in the pivotal movement of the post 20. To this 15 end, the pin 42 may adopt a circular like cross-sectional shape. A pin diameter of about 20mm is envisaged. It is envisaged that if the post 20 was impacted "side on", that impact will cause the anchor 40 to twist or turn slightly about the longitudinal axis V of the ground 20 engaging pin 42, realigning the tongue 46 and the pivotally connected bottom fitting 30 until the force is directed to cause pivotal movement of the post 20 about horizontal pivot axis H. This rotation of the anchor 40 would occur almost instantaneously so that the post 20 would still be pivoted quickly towards the ground 200 to thereby prevent or minimise impact damage to the horse and/or 25 jockey. As explained previously, the upper end 20b of the post 20 contacts or connects with the running rail 100 to support the running rail 100 at the required height above the ground 200. It is envisaged that the upper end 20b of the post 20 30 may simply be located in an aperture or groove in the running rail 100. The fit being sufficient to prevent the post 20 from disengaging with the running rail 100 under normal operational conditions, but allowing release of the upper end 20b when the post 20 is subject to a lateral type impact force by a horse or 10 jockey. It will be understood that the posts 20 are normally made of a plastics material that will bend when impacted. This "bending" will cause the upper end 20b of the post 20 to "pop" out of the aperture or groove in the running rail 100 so that the post 20 can then pivot towards the ground 200. Alternatively, the 5 upper end 20b of the post 20 may be connected to the running rail 100 with a "break away" type connection that releases when a lateral type impact force is applied to post 20. In an alternative arrangement as shown in Figure 3, the post 20 includes a 10 hinge point 300 located in an upper section of the post 20. The hinge point 300 is arranged to enable the post 20 to more readily disengage or disconnect from the running rail 100 when the post 20 is subject to a lateral type impact. The dashed lines shown in Figure 3 show the hinging of the post 20 about hinge point 300 and how the upper end 20b is released out of the aperture in the 15 running rail 100 during the hinging movement. It is also envisaged that the post of another embodiment of the invention would include a zone of weakness, preferably adjacent the upper end 20b. The zone of weakness being arranged to break under sufficient lateral impact so as to 20 free that part of the post below the zone of weakness from the running rail 100 and thereby allow pivotal movement of that part of the post 20 towards the ground 200. In each of the described embodiments, the pivotal connection between the 25 anchor 40 and post 20 is established by the pin 50 that extends through the tongue 46 on the anchor 40 and the slot 36 in the bulbous end 34 of the bottom fitting 30. It should be understood that the invention is not to be so limited. For example, the slot 36 in the bottom fitting 30 could adopt other configurations than illustrated to more closely conform to the shape of the tongue 46. 30 As shown in Figure 4, the slot 36 could include a second slot 36a or groove formed within the slot 36 and arranged for locating the tongue 46. Tongue 46 would fit tightly within the second slot 36a and thus would hold the bottom fitting 11 30 so that the post 20 extends in the generally upright position. When the post 20 is struck by a fallen horse or jockey, the impact force would readily dislodge the tongue 46 from within the second slot 36a to allow for the required pivotal movement of the post 20 5 Alternatively or in addition, the bottom fitting 30 could include a tongue for receipt in a slot or groove formed in the anchor 40. Another embodiment could exclude the bottom fitting 30 and have the post 20 10 directly pivotally connected to the anchor 40. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that what is required is an arrangement that enables a post to be pivotally connected to a ground engaging anchor and with the upper end of the post capable of quick release from the running rail when the post is subject to a lateral type sideways impact. The post should either disconnect from the 15 running rail or cause break away of a part of the running rail, so that the post and any attached running rail is free to then pivot towards the ground. It should also be appreciated that the anchor may adopt other configurations. For example, the anchor may include a pin that is not offset from the pivotal 20 connection to the post. It is envisaged that the post would be made of a plastics material, whilst the bottom fitting and anchor would be made of metal. Preferably, the metal would be galvanised or otherwise treated to prevent rusting. 25 Figure 5 illustrates a post assembly 400. The post assembly 400 is similar to the post assembly 10 shown in Figure 1. Post assembly 400 includes an upright member or post 420, a bottom fitting 430 similar to the bottom fitting 30 and a ground engaging anchor 440 similar to the anchor 40. It will of course be 30 noted that the upright tongue 446 of the anchor 440 extends at an angle to the vertical rather than substantially vertically as shown in Figure 1A. The angled configuration is adopted to enable the post 420 of the post assembly 400 to be orientated at the preferred angle relative to the ground 200.

12 As most clearly seen by a comparison of Figures 1 and 6, the third embodiment of the invention is further different to the first embodiment in the way that the upper end 420b of the post assembly 400 is connected to the running rail 100 5 using a connector fitting 460. Connector fitting 460 is provided to establish a connection between an upper end 420b of the post 420 and the running rail 100. The connector fitting 460 is arranged so that it can be released from an opening 500 formed in the running rail 100 when it is moved from a first position to a second position. Movement of the connector fitting 460 from the first 10 position to the second position is achieved by a rotational type movement initiated by force application to the related post 420. The connection of the connector fitting 460 to the running rail 100 is such that the post assembly 400 will connect with the running rail 100 under normal 15 operational conditions to support the running rail 100 at the required height above the ground 200. Additionally it will allow ready release of the upper end 420b of the post 420 from the running rail 100 when the post 420 is subject to an impact force of the type that may occur when a horse or a jockey inadvertently strikes the post 420 (for example during a fall). 20 The connector fitting 460 includes a lower body part 470, a top cap part 480 and a male fitting 490. The lower body part 470 is sized so as to be received within the upper end 420b of the post 420. The post 420 has a hollow tubular construction and the fit between the lower body 470 of the connector fitting 460 25 and the inner diameter of the post 420 is loose so as to establish a sliding or rotatable fit. The connector fitting 460 must be able to rotate within the post 420 about an axis extending substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the post 420. 30 The top cap part 480 is sized so that it caps the post 420 when the connector fitting 460 is properly located (as shown in Figure 6) within the upper end 420b of the post 420. This prevents grime etc. from entering into the hollow of the post 420 which may otherwise prevent rotation of the connector fitting 460 13 relative thereto. The circumferential face 482 of the top cap part 480 aligns with the circumferential outer face of the post 440. The connection between the connector fitting 460 and the upper part 420b of 5 the post 420 may be lubricated to ensure that the connector fitting 460 can easily rotate between the first and second positions. A pin 600 extends through an aperture formed in the post 420 and into a circumferential groove 472 formed in the lower body part 470 of the connector 10 fitting 460. The pin 600 and groove 472 establish a pin type connection that prevents inadvertent removal of the connector fitting 460 off the post 420. The pin type connection does not prevent or inhibit rotation of the connector fitting 460 relative to the post 420. 15 The male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460 extends upwardly of the top cap part 480. When the connector fitting 460 is in the first position, the male fitting 490 is arranged to engage in opening 500 formed in the lower face of the running rail 100 and to be held thereto. The cross-sectional configuration of the opening 500 is generally T-shaped and is best shown in Figure 6. 20 The running rail 100 is preferably extruded from a plastics material and thus the opening 500 extends along the length of the extruded rail 100 and has a constant cross-sectional shape. 25 The generally T-shaped cross-sectional opening 500 of the running rail 100 has first and second opposed longitudinal edges. The edges are formed as first and second side lower fingers 502a, 502b. The opening 500 includes an upper face 504 and the upper face 504 is joined to the fingers 502a, 502b by right and left side curved portions 506. 30 Figures 7 and 8 better illustrate the configuration of the male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460. As stated above, the male fitting 490 extends upwardly of the top cap part 480. The male fitting 460 is located centrally about a diameter 14 of the upper face 480a of the top cap part 480 and located offset the longitudinal central axis of the connector fitting 460 (Figure 8). The male fitting 490 includes an upper part 492 and a lower part 494. As most 5 clearly depicted in Figure 7, the upper part 492 is generally rectangular when viewed from above and includes first and second opposed planar side faces 492a, 492b and first and second opposed curved faces 492c, 492d. The width dimension W 1 of the upper part 492 of the male fitting 460 (the dimension between the first and second opposed planar side faces 492a, 492b) is less 10 than the longitudinal dimension L 1 (the dimension between the first and second opposed curved faces 492c, 492d) of the upper part 492 of the male fitting 490. The lower part 494 of the male fitting 460 has a similar shape to the upper part 492 but is sized differently. Accordingly the lower part 494 includes first and 15 second opposed planar side faces 494a, 494b and first and second opposed curved faces 494c, 494d. The width dimension W 2 (not shown on the Figures) of the lower part 494 of the male fitting 460 (the dimension between the first and second opposed planar side faces 494a, 494b) is less than the longitudinal dimension L 2 (the dimension between the first and second opposed curved 20 faces 494c, 494d) of the lower part 494 and in this illustrated embodiment W 2 is substantially the same as the width dimension W 1 of the upper part 492. Longitudinal dimension L 1 of the upper part 492 is greater than the longitudinal dimension L 2 of the lower part 494. Width dimensions W 1 and W 2 must be less than the minimum width dimension of the opening 500 (i.e. the transverse 25 dimension between the first and second side lower fingers 502a, 502b) to allow the male part 460 to enter into the opening 500. It will also be seen from Figure 6 that the thickness of the upper part 492 of the male fitting 490 gradually increases in the direction from the first curved face 30 492c to the second curved face 492d. The second curved face 492d is located adjacent most the circumferential face 482 of the top cap part 480. In contrast, the thickness of the lower part 494 remains substantially the same from the first curved face 494c to the second curved face 494d. Hence, the upper face 490a 15 of the male fitting 490 is shown as being sloped in Figure 6 with the "thicker end" located adjacent the second curved face 492d. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6, when the male fitting 490 is in the opening 500 in the first position, there is a pinch type engagement of the male fitting 490 between a part of the 5 upper face 504 of the opening 500 and a part of the second side lower finger 502b of the opening 500. The "pinch" occurs at a point or across a zone located to one side of the longitudinal centre line of the post 420 (see Figure 6). This pinch type arrangement is such as to prevent the male fitting 490 from sliding along the length of the opening 500 in the running rail 100 and also, as 10 explained below, enables rotation of the connector fitting 460 to occur about the pinch point when the post 420 is impacted laterally. It should of course be appreciated that other arrangements of the upper and lower parts 492, 494 are envisaged in order to establish the pinch engagement. 15 For example a protrusion may be formed on the upper face 490a of the male fitting 490 at an appropriate location or some form of abutment or spacer element could be attached thereto. The shape of the upper and lower parts 492, 494 of the male fitting 490 is such 20 that as viewed in Figure 6 it is generally T-shaped (in cross-section) so that the outer most parts of the T form "lips" that are located on a portion of each of the first and second side lower fingers 502a, 502b of the running rail 100. This location and the pinch engagement between the male fitting 490 and the walls of the opening 500 holds the connector fitting 460 to the running rail 100 in the 25 first position of the connector fitting 460 and prevents the running rail 100 from being lifted upwardly off the connector fitting 460. When the connector fitting 460 is in the second position, a position rotated by an angle of about 900 from the first position shown in Figure 6, the male fitting 30 460 is positioned so that it is no longer held within the opening 50. More particularly, the first and second side faces 492a, 492b, 494a, 494a of the upper and lower parts 494, 494 of the male fitting 490 extend generally parallel to the length of the opening 500 and fit easily between the first and second opposed 16 longitudinal edges of the opening 500. This is possible because the width dimensions W 1 and W 2 of the male fitting 460 are less than the minimum width dimension of the opening 500. 5 When the connector fitting 460 is in the second position, the male fitting 460 can be pushed upwardly into the opening 500 so that the upper face 490a of the male fitting 460 locates against the upper face 504 of the opening 500. The connector fitting 460 can then be rotated to the first position. In this first position, as shown in Figure 6, the "lips" of upper part 492 of the male fitting 490 10 respectively engage against the upper side of the first and second side lower fingers 502a, 502b to thus retain the male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460 within the opening 500 of the running rail 100. It will thus be appreciated that when the connector fitting 460 is in the first position it secures the running rail 100 to the post 460. The running rail 100 can only be disconnected or released 15 from the connector fitting 460 and thus from the attached post 420 when the connector fitting 460 is in the second position. As discussed previously in relation to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the upper end of the post 420 must be able to be readily released from the 20 running rail 100 in the event that a jockey strikes the post during or after a fall. In accordance with the arrangement shown in Figures 5 to 8, this release is facilitated by the rotation of the connector fitting 460 and hence the male fitting 490 within the opening 500 when the jockey strikes the post. Once the connector fitting 460 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the 25 attached male fitting 490 is no longer retained in the opening 500 of the running rail 100 and thus the post 420 is able to pivot and fall towards the ground 200 (i.e. the lower end of the post 420 pivots about the anchor 440 and the post 420 drops to the ground 200). 30 As mentioned above, rotation of the connector fitting 460 occurs when the post 420 is impacted by a horse or by a jockey. When impact with the post 420 occurs, the post 420 will be pushed against the connector fitting 460 and this will result in rotation of the connector fitting 460 relative to the post 420. As best 17 seen in Figure 6, the male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460 is held within the opening 500 and is effectively pinched therewith at one side due to the sloped nature of the upper face 490a. The "pinch" between the male fitting 490 and opening 500 holds onto the male fitting 490 at the pinch point or zone. 5 When the post 420 is impacted by a jockey during a fall, the impact on the post 420 will result in the connector fitting 460 being rotated from the first position to the second position about an axis extending generally through the pinch point or zone. Once that rotation commences, the shape of the male fitting 490 is such to encourage movement of the connector fitting 460 towards the second 10 position and quick release of the male fitting 490 from within the opening 500. In the second position, the male fitting 490 is no longer retained within the opening 500 of the running rail 100 and thus the post 420 is released from the running rail 100. The impact force applied by the jockey to the post 420 15 provides sufficient momentum for the post 420 to quickly pivot towards the ground 200 and out of the way. As mentioned above the running rail 100 is typically made of an extruded plastics material. It is recognised that the opening 500 formed in the running 20 rail may not have a perfectly uniform cross-sectional configuration along its length. However, the size, configuration and flexible type nature of the first and second lower fingers 502a, 502b of the opening 500 should be such as to still enable establishment of the pinch engagement when the male fitting 490 is located within in the opening 500 and to allow the connector fitting 460 to 25 readily rotate fully from the first to the second position when the post 420 is impacted by a lateral type impact force. The shape of the curved faces 494c, 494d of the lower part 494 of the male fitting 490 facilitate rotation between the first and second positions. 30 It will thus be appreciated that the connector fitting 460 ensures that the post 420 is properly secured to the running rail 100 until such time as the post 420 is subject to an impact of the type occurring during a fall by a jockey. The running 18 rail 100 will not be released from the connector fitting 460 by impact, wind loadings or other force loadings on the running rail 100. Although the opening 500 in the running rail 100 is described as being generally 5 T-shaped and the male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460 adopts a complementary shape, other shapes for the opening 500 and male fitting 490 are envisaged. The shape of the opening in the running rail and the configuration of the male fitting of the connector fitting need to be such to ensure that the connector fitting is held to the running rail when the connector 10 fitting is in one orientation or position and is not held to the running rail in another orientation or position. Figure 9 illustrates a further connector fitting 800. The connector fitting 800 includes a lower body part 870, a top cap part 880 and a male fitting 890. The 15 male fitting 890 of the connector fitting 800 is identical to the male fitting 490 of the connector fitting 460 and operates in the same manner. Accordingly, the configuration of the male fitting 890 will not be described further. As discussed above, the lower body part 470 of the connector fitting 460 is 20 arranged to be received within the upper end 420b of the post 420. In contrast, the lower body part 870 of the connector fitting 800 is arranged to be received over an upper end 920b of a modified post 920. To this end, the upper end 920b of the modified post 920 (Figure 10) includes an external groove 920c. The groove 920c is shaped to engage with a pair of detents or tabs 875 formed 25 internally within the lower body part 870 of the connector fitting 800. The connector fitting 800 is arranged to be placed over the upper end 920b of the post 920 and then pressed downwardly. The tabs 875 are angled so that as the fitting 800 is pressed downwardly on the post 920, the side walls of the 30 lower body part 870 are encouraged to flex outwardly allowing the tabs 875 to slide over the upper peripheral part 920d of the post 920, before the tabs 475 drop into the circumferential groove 920c formed in the post 920. Once the tabs 875 are located within the groove 920c, inadvertent removal of the connector 19 fitting 800 from the post 920 is prevented because of the engagement of the generally horizontal upper face 875a of each tab 875 against the generally horizontal top wall 920e of the groove 920c. 5 The connector fitting 800 is sized relative to the post 920 so that the connector fitting 800 is free to rotate on the upper end 920b of the post 920. Furthermore, as the connector fitting 800 is located over the post 920, there is less risk that grime etc. could establish between the post 920 and connector fitting 800 to prevent rotation of the connector fitting 800 on the post 920. 10 When the post 920 is struck by a horse or jockey, the impact force on the post 920 will cause the connector fitting 800 to rotate in the same manner as described in relation to the connector fitting 460. The connector fitting 920 is thus released from the running rail 100 allowing the post 920 to pivot towards 15 the ground 200. Although not depicted in the illustrated embodiments, it may be appropriate to insulate the pivotal connection between the anchor 40 and post 20 so as to reduce vibration transferred from the anchor 40 to the post 20 during installation 20 of the anchor 40 into the ground. Each anchor 40 is typically hammered into the ground 200 using a jack hammer and the resulting vibrations can be destructive to the pivotal connection unless damped. Damping may be achieved by including a vibration absorbing material between the pin 50 and tongue 46. To this end, the pin 50 may extend through collar mounted in the 25 tongue 46. It is also envisaged that it may be necessary to include a mechanism for locating the post 20 in the required angular orientation relative to the ground. To this end, as shown in Figure 1 B, an alignment tongue 39 may be located 30 within the slot 36 formed in the second part of the bottom fitting 30. The alignment tongue 39 is arranged to be located with a tight fit within a corresponding opening 47 formed in the upright tongue 46. When the post 20 is subject to an impact force of the type described previously, the alignment 20 tongue 39 snaps off the bottom fitting 30, allowing the post 20 to pivot towards the ground 200. It will thus be appreciated that the alignment tongue 39 is configured to correctly orientate the post 20 but is such as to quickly snap and break away to allow pivotal movement of the post 20. 5 The described embodiments are advantageous because they provide an arrangement that allows the post to quickly disconnect or release from the running rail and to then fall to the ground when accidentally struck by a horse or rider. The post falls to the ground with a pivoting type motion, typically in such a 10 manner as to then lie flat against the ground so as to not cause any further harm to the jockey or rider. The released or disconnected upper end of the post is not left in a manner such that a horse or jockey is likely to be impaled thereon. Furthermore, the lower end of the post is still connected to the anchor and thus the post is not free to fly off to strike other objects, horses or people 15 around the track. The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged. 20

Claims

1. A running rail connector fitting for connecting an upper end of a running rail post to an opening formed in a running rail, the connector fitting arranged so 5 that it can be released from the opening in the running rail when it is moved from a first position to a second position when the post is subject to an impact.

2. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 1 wherein movement of the connector fitting from the first position to the second position is a rotational 10 movement initiated by force application to the post.

3. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a lower body part and a male fitting, the lower body part is arranged to be located in an upper end of the post and the male fitting is arranged so that when the 15 connector fitting is in the first position it is engaged with the opening in the running rail so as to provide the connection between the post and the running rail.

4. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 3 wherein the lower 20 body part is arranged to be located in an opening in the post and the fit between the lower body part of the connector fitting and an inner dimension of the opening in the post is such as to allow rotation of the connector fitting relative to the post. 25

5. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a lower body part and a male fitting, the lower body part is arranged to be located over an upper end of the post and the male fitting is arranged so that when the connector fitting is in the first position it is engaged with the opening in the running rail so as to provide the connection between the post and the running 30 rail.

6. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 5 wherein a least one tab is located within the lower body part, said at least one tab in use arranged to 22 engage within a groove formed in the post to prevent inadvertent removal of the connector fitting from the post.

7. A running rail connector fitting according to any one of claims 3 to 6 5 wherein the male fitting is configured so that when the connector fitting is in the first position there is a pinch engagement between a point or zone of the male fitting and a part of wall defining the opening in the running rail.

8. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 7 wherein the pinch 10 engagement is established by the male fitting having an increased thickness dimension at one point or zone.

9. A running rail connector fitting according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the male fitting includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper and 15 lower parts have a width dimension enabling them to be passed into the opening in the running rail when the connector fitting is in the second position.

10. A running rail connector fitting according to claim 9 wherein the upper part of the male fitting is sized to retain the male fitting in the opening in the 20 running rail when the connector fitting is in the first position.

11. A running rail connector fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a top cap part, said top cap part being located between the lower body part and the male fitting. 25

12. A combination including a connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a post, said post including an upper end and a lower end, and wherein the lower end of the post is arranged for pivotal connection to a ground engaging anchor. 30

13. A combination according to claim 12 wherein the pivotal connection establishes a pivot axis about which the post can pivot when not constrained by contact with the running rail. 23

14. A combination according to claim 12 or claim 13 including an upright member and a bottom fitting, the bottom fitting including a first part arranged for connection to the upright member and a second part arranged for pivotal connection to the ground engaging anchor. 5

15. A combination according to claim 14 wherein the upright member is a tubular member and the first part of the bottom fitting is arranged for location with a bore of the tubular member. 10

16. A combination according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the ground engaging anchor includes a ground engaging pin and pivotal connection means for enabling the pivotal connection to be established with the post.

17. A combination according to claim 16 wherein the ground engaging 15 anchor is arranged so that a longitudinal axis of the ground engaging pin is offset horizontally from the connection between the pivotal connection means of the anchor and the post.

18. A combination according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the pivotal 20 connection means includes a tongue arranged to be pivotally connected to a pin extending through the post.

19. A combination according to claim 17 wherein the offset locates the ground engaging pin away from the post in a direction opposite to the side on 25 which the running rail is located.

20. A combination according to any one of claims 12 to 19 including a hinge point located in an upper section of the post. 30

21. A combination according to any one of claims 12 to 22 wherein the ground engaging anchor includes a ground engaging pin and pivotal connection means for enabling pivotal connection to be established to the post. 24

22. A combination according to claim 21 arranged so that a longitudinal axis of the ground engaging pin is offset horizontally from the connection between the pivotal connection means of the anchor and the post. 5

23. A combination according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the pivotal connection means includes a tongue arranged to be pivotally connected to a pin extending through the post.

24. A fence for a race track, the fence including at least one combination 10 according to any one of claims 12 to 23.

25. A connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.