AU2016203439A1

AU2016203439A1 - Post attachment

Info

Publication number: AU2016203439A1
Application number: AU2016203439A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lawrence O'toole
Original assignee: OneSteel Wire Pty Ltd
Current assignee: OneSteel Wire Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-17
Filing date: 2016-05-25
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: AU2018222884B2; AU2018223005A1; AU2016253553A1; AU2018222884A1; NZ720544A; AU2018223005B2

Abstract

An attachment 100 mounted to a fence post 110 of the type that comprises at least one elongate flange 112. The attachment comprises a mounting portion 116 configured for mounting to the at least one flange 112 of the post 110 by at least 5 one fastening element. The attachment 100 also comprises an elongate extension arm 118 extending from the mounting portion 116. 6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU -L N) AN) N) 4 >D jii ) C) CF) ~. p N) '\D A~ CDc r\D CD A\ CD I aD

Description

- 1 - 2016203439 25 May 2016 POST ATTACHMENT Technical Field

This disclosure relates to an attachment for a fence post. The attachment has particular, but not exclusive, use in agricultural applications. 5 Background Art

Posts used in applications such as fencing, demarcation, signage etc. are usually formed from steel, though in some applications (e.g. electric fencing) it is known to mould such posts from a plastic material.

Steel fence posts have been known for many years that are roll-formed to have a Y-10 shaped or T-shaped profile (i.e. in end view). The post may take the form of a picket and in this case may be provided (e.g. cut) with a pointed end to facilitate post driving into the earth.

Such steel fence posts are usually provided with a series of spaced holes or passages in a flange thereof (i.e. in the so-called “stalk”, “stem” or “base web”) to enable 15 strands of fencing wire to be secured to the post, for example, by tying each wire strand to the post with a separate short length of wire tie, or by employing a wire “clip”. However, the wire can also be threaded directly through such holes. These holes are typically punched into an already roll-formed post in a separate step.

Posts are generally produced and sold in standard lengths. In some cases, posts that 2 0 have dimensions beyond these standard lengths may be required. For example, some animal (e.g. rabbit, fox, dog) exclusion fences may require extra height. Similarly, some animal exclusion fences may incorporate an overhang to prevent animals from climbing over the fence. Often, standard post types are not designed to accommodate such an overhang. 25 It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -2- 2016203439 25 May 2016

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an attachment for a fence post of the type that comprises at least one elongate flange. The attachment comprises a mounting portion configured for being mounted to the at least one flange of the post by at least one fastening 5 element. The attachment further comprises an elongate extension arm extending from the mounting portion.

The use of a fastening element as opposed to e.g. welding, may allow faster mounting of the attachment to a post and may also avoid the need for skilled work to be performed. It can also better facilitate in-situ installation of the attachment 10 (i.e. to a post-in-ground).

In one embodiment the at least one fastening element may be one or more fasteners. For example, the fastener may be one or more self-tapping screws, or one or more bolts, pins, etc.

In one embodiment the mounting portion may be mounted to the at least one flange 15 at a plurality of locations. This may ensure that the connection between the mounting portion and the post is able to withstand bending moment and stresses induced by forces applied at the extension arm (e.g. by livestock, vermin, etc).

In one embodiment the extension arm may be configured to support a fence assembly to extend the protection provided by a fence when mounted to the fence 2 0 post. This extension of the protection provided by the fence may take the form of an extension in height and/or direction of the fence. Alternatively, it may take the form of a secondary barrier that may strengthen a portion of the fence.

In one embodiment the fence assembly may comprise at least one strand of fence wire. 2 5 In one embodiment the fence assembly may further comprise a wire securement device for securing the wire to the attachment. The wire securement device may, for example, be a fence post clip.

6799757_2 (GHMallers) P100657.AU BENB -3- 2016203439 25 May 2016

In one embodiment the mounting portion may comprise at least one tab adapted to engage a distal edge of the at least one flange. The engagement of the tab against the distal edge of the flange may help to further resist a bending moment/stresses.

In one embodiment the mounting portion may comprise a projecting shoulder 5 adapted to rest on an upper end of the post. This can serve to optimally locate the mounting at the post.

In one embodiment the attachment may further comprise a stiffening rib extending along a longitudinal edge of the extension arm. This can again help to resist bending moments/stresses in the extension arm. 10 In one embodiment the extension arm may extend perpendicularly to the mounting portion. The extension arm may alternatively extend generally coaxially with the mounting portion. In a further alternative, the extension arm may form an obtuse angle with the mounting portion.

In one embodiment the elongate extension arm may be integral with the mounting 15 portion.

In one embodiment the angle at which the extension arm projects from the mounting portion may be adjustable. In this regard, the extension arm may comprise a locking mechanism to secure the extension arm to the mounting portion in a plurality of orientations. 2 0 In one embodiment the post may be of the type that comprises a first elongate flange that defines a stalk of the post, and at least two other elongate projecting flanges (e.g. the post may have a Y- or T-profile). The mounting portion may be configured for mounting to the stalk of the post.

Also disclosed herein is a fence post extension system. The system comprises a post 2 5 comprising at least one elongate flange, and an attachment. The attachment comprises a mounting portion configured for being mounted to the at least one

6799757_2 (GHMallers) P100657.AU BENB -4- 2016203439 25 May 2016 flange of the post by at least one fastening element, and an elongate extension arm extending from the mounting portion.

The system may be as otherwise described above in regards to the attachment. The post may also be as otherwise described above. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the attachment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the attachment. 10 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the attachment.

Figures 4A is a perspective view of the mounting portion of a fourth embodiment of the attachment.

Figures 4B is a perspective view of the extension arm of the fourth embodiment of the attachment. 15 Figures 4C and 4D are detailed views of the locking arrangement of the extension arm and mounting portions of the fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments 2 0 described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be

6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -5- 2016203439 25 May 2016 arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an attachment in the form of a post extension 100 is mounted to a fence post 110 of the type that comprises a first elongate flange that 5 defines a stalk 112 of the post 110 and at least two other elongate projecting flanges (wings) 114. The post extension comprises a mounting portion 116 configured for mounting to, and shown as mounted to, the stalk 112 of the post 110. The post extension 100 also comprises an elongate extension arm 118 extending from the mounting portion 116. 10 Like the elongate extension arm 118, the mounting portion 116 is generally elongate, and is shaped and sized so as to generally correspond to the stalk 112 (i.e. in the form of a flat bar) of the post 110. Thus, in use, it is able to be flush-mounted against a lateral side of the stalk 112. To enable this flush mounting, the mounting portion 116 comprises laterally extending apertures 122 spaced along its 15 longitudinal (i.e. elongate) axis. The apertures 122 are spaced so as to correspond to (wire/clip receiving) apertures in the post 110. A plurality of fastening elements, in the form of self-tapping screws can be received through the apertures 122 in the mounting portion 116 and through the corresponding apertures in the post 100, to secure the mounting portion 116 to the 2 0 stalk 112 at a plurality of locations. The presence of multiple apertures 122, and multiple screws, enables a more secure mounting of the post extension 100 to the post 110. In this regard, in addition to increasing ‘pull off strength (i.e. ability to withstand uncoupling of the post attachment 100 from the post 110), this arrangement also restricts the ability of the post attachment 100 to rotate (e.g. about 25 a single fastening point), thereby better resisting bending moments and stresses applied to the post attachment 100 in use (e.g. by livestock, vermin, etc).

This restriction of rotation is further provided by tabs 124, which extend from a longitudinal edge of the mounting portion 116 and are adapted to engage a distal

6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -6- 2016203439 25 May 2016 edge of the stalk 112. More specifically, the tabs 124 extend generally perpendicularly from the mounting portion 116 so as to wrap around the distal edge of the stalk 112. In use, the tabs 124 resist bending moments and stresses that are induced by the extension arm 118. For example, stresses can result from the 5 cantilever of the extension arm 118 from the mounting portion 116 and/or can be caused by external factors (e.g. such as wind, animals, vermin, vehicles, etc. putting pressure or load on, or impacting, the extension arm 118).

The elongate extension arm 118 is integral with the mounting portion 116, and is in the form of a generally flat bar that forms an obtuse angle with the mounting 10 portion 116 (i.e. so as to extend at an angle from an end of the mounting portion 116). The length of the extension arm may be approximately 30 mm to 60 mm. A rib 126 extends along an upper longitudinal edge of the extension arm 118 (although in other embodiments, the rib 126 may instead extend along the bottom edge or between the edges). This rib 126 stiffens the extension arm 118 so 15 as to reduce flexing in the extension arm 118, and again helps the arm to resist bending moments and stresses.

The internal angle at the integral connection between the mounting portion 116 and the extension arm 118 comprises a fillet 120. This increases the width of the connection and reduces stress concentrations at the joint so as to provide further 2 0 resistance to bending moments/stresses translated from the extension arm 118 to the mounting portion 116. The opposing (‘open’) side of the connection comprises a projecting shoulder 128 that rests on the top of the post 110 to optimise its location on the post when mounted thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 116 is located at the upper end 2 5 of the post 110 and is mounted such that the extension arm 118 extends upwardly from the top of the post 110. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 116 can be mounted to the post 110 at other locations (e.g. partway along the post 110, intermediate its ends) and at other orientations (e.g. such that the extension arm 118 extends downwardly). In embodiments configured for mounting partway along the

6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -7- 2016203439 25 May 2016 post 110 the shoulder 128 may be omitted (i.e. to avoid interference of the shoulder with the elongate projecting flanges 114).

The extension arm 118 is configured to support one or more fence members, such as one or more strands of fence wire, or one or more wire securement devices (e.g. 5 clips) for securing strands of fence wire to the extension arm 118. This may allow the extension of the protection provided by e.g. a fence that is to be arranged at the post 110. For this purpose, the extension arm 118 comprises apertures 130 spaced along its length. In use, the apertures 130 can retain strands of fence wire at the extension arm 118. Alternatively, strands of fence wire may be retained at the 10 extension arm 118 by way of wire securement devices (e.g. post clips that are mounted between the extension arm 118 and the fence wire). In this way, the post extension 100 can extend the protection provided by a fence mounted to the fence post 110.

The extended protection provided by the post extension 100 is not limited to an 15 increase in height of the fence. Because the extension arm 118 extends from the mounting portion 116 at an angle, it may be difficult (or impossible) for animals, vermin, etc to climb or jump over a fence when mounted thereto. The post extension 100 may increase protection in other ways. For example, the post extension 100 may be mounted at the lower end of the post 110 and may be oriented 2 0 such that the extension arm 118 extends down towards the ground. With fencing attached, this would provide a further barrier at the lower end of the fence (to strengthen the protection at the lower end of the fence). Alternatively or additionally, the post extension 100 (or a portion of the post extension 100) may be formed of or coated with an electrically insulating material (e.g. an insulating 2 5 polymer material). In this respect, electric fence wire may be supported by the post extension 100.

The post extension 100 may be formed by way of laser cutting and pressing (e.g. to form the tabs 124 and stiffening rib 126). Alternatively, the post extension 100 may

6799757_2 (GHMallers) P100657.AU BENB -8- 2016203439 25 May 2016 be formed by a stamping process and the apertures 122, 130 may be punched out of the stamped piece.

The post extension 200 shown in Figure 2 is a variation of the post extension 100 shown in Figure 1 and described above. Most of the features of these embodiments 5 are the same and therefore similar reference numerals have been used. The post extension 200 differs in that extension arm 218 is perpendicular to the mounting portion 216 (rather than forming an obtuse angle with the mounting portion 216). Due to the more extreme overhang this arrangement provides, it may make it even more difficult for animals, vermin, etc to climb or jump over the fence when 10 attached thereto.

As set forth above with respect to Figure 1, the post extension 200 may be mounted to the post 210 at a location other than the top of the post 210. For example, the post extension 200 may be located at the bottom of the post 210, and may be oriented such that the extension arm 218 extends from a bottom end of the 15 mounting portion 216. In this way, the extension arm 218 may rest on the ground, or may be buried below ground level. When mounted to the post 210 in this way, the extension arm 218 may support a fencing structure that prevents an animal from digging underneath the fence. In a variation, it can also act as a step. A further variation is shown in Figure 3. Again, similar reference numerals have 2 0 been used, because this variation differs only in that the extension arm 318 extends from the mounting portion 316 in a direction that is generally co-axial with the mounting portion 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the post extension 300 is again mounted at the upper end of the post 310. Hence, the extension arm 318 extends generally vertically about the upper end of the post 310, so as to increase 2 5 the effective height of the post.

Figures 4A, B, C and D show a fourth embodiment of the post extension 400. This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that the angle at which the extension arm 418 projects from the mounting portion 416 is adjustable.

6799757 2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -9- 2016203439 25 May 2016

To allow this adjustment, the mounting portion 416 and extension arm 418 are separate components that may be held in place relative to one another by a locking mechanism.

The upper end of the mounting portion 416, which is shown in Figure 4A, 5 comprises one part of this locking mechanism. Three circumferentially spaced teeth 432 extend laterally from an end of the mounting portion 416. These teeth 432 extend in the same direction as the tab 424 such that, when the mounting portion 416 is mounted to a post, the teeth 432 extend over the top of the post. The teeth 432 may be formed as laser cut tabs that are then folded so as to be perpendicular to 10 the main plane of the mounting portion 416.

The lower end of the extension arm 418 comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth receiving apertures 434. The spacing and shape of these apertures 434 is such that, in use, they are able to receive the teeth 432. Thus the extension arm 418 can be locked relative to the mounting portion 416 at a plurality of 15 predetermined angles (i.e. determined by the number and spacing of the apertures 434 and teeth 432).

To further support this adjustability, the extension arm 418 and mounting portion 418 each comprise holes 436 positioned centrally relative to the teeth 432 and teeth receiving apertures 434. When aligned, the holes 436 may receive a pivot pin 2 0 therethrough to facilitate rotation of the extension arm 418 relative to the mounting portion 416. Although not shown, the pivot pin may comprise a coupling mechanism (e.g. a bolt and nut arrangement, R-clip, etc.) that, when engaged, prevents the teeth 432 from disengaging the apertures 434 (i.e. by restricting lateral movement of the extension arm 418 relative to the mounting portion 416). A 2 5 biasing mechanism, such as a spring, may be used to bias the parts together or away from one another. This may simplify the process of adjusting the angle of the extension arm 418.

6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB -10- 2016203439 25 May 2016

Variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example other arrangements (or a combination of arrangements) may be used for mounting the mounting portion to the post. Rather than apertures and fasteners, 5 the mounting portion may instead comprise a series of hooks that hook into the apertures of the post.

The extension arm may take different forms, depending on its intended use. For example, it may be curved long its length to support a version of a capped fence (i.e. having a curved solid sheet cap). It may also be redesigned to support e.g. a 10 member such as a plank, sheet, board, section, timber length, etc. thereat.

Other locking mechanisms may be provided to retain the extension arm at a chosen angle relative to the mounting portion. For example, the locking mechanism may simply rely on friction between two parts (rather than e.g. positive interference of teeth and apertures). 15 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

20 6799757_2 (GHMatters) P100657.AU BENB

Claims

Claims

1. An attachment for a fence post of the type that comprises at least one elongate flange, the attachment comprising: a mounting portion configured for being mounted to the at least one flange of the post by at least one fastening element; and an elongate extension arm extending from the mounting portion.
2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fastening element is a fastener.
3. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the mounting portion is mounted to the at least one flange by two or more fastening elements.
4. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the extension arm is configured to support a fence assembly to extend the protection provided by a fence when mounted to the fence post.
5. An attachment as claimed in claim 4 wherein the fence assembly comprises at least one strand of fence wire.
6. An attachment as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the fence assembly comprises a wire securement device for securing the wire to the attachment.
7. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portion comprises at least one tab adapted to engage a distal edge of the at least one flange.
8. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portion comprises a projecting shoulder adapted to rest on an upper end of the post.
9. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a stiffening rib extending along a longitudinal edge of the extension arm.
10. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the extension arm: extends perpendicularly to the mounting portion; extends generally coaxially with the mounting portion; or forms an obtuse angle with the mounting portion.
11. An attachment as claimed in claim 10 wherein the elongate extension arm is integral with the mounting portion
12. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the angle at which the extension arm projects from the mounting portion is adjustable.
13. An attachment as claimed in claim 12, comprising a locking mechanism to secure the extension arm to the mounting portion in a plurality of orientations.
14. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the post is of the type that comprises a first elongate flange that defines a stalk of the post, and at least two other elongate projecting flanges.
15. An attachment as claimed in claim 14 wherein the mounting portion is configured for mounting to the stalk of the post.
16. A fence post extension system comprising: a post comprising at least one elongate flange; and an attachment comprising: a mounting portion configured for being mounted to the at least one flange of the post by at least one fastening element; an elongate extension arm extending from the mounting portion.
17. A system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the post comprises a first elongate flange that defines a stalk of the post, and at least two other elongate projecting flanges.
18. A system as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the attachment is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15.