AU2016336026B2 - Fence post brace - Google Patents

Abstract

A brace (10) for supporting a post (12), such that a post (12) is substantially prevented from leaning and/or sinking into a substrate surface. The brace (10) is configured to rigidly attach to the post (12) and to extend substantially laterally from the post (12) when attached, such that the brace (10) is adapted to engage a substrate into which the post (12) is mounted. The brace (10) includes a first body portion (16) and a second body portion (17), which are fitted together and which fit to the post (12).

Description

FENCE POS T BRA CE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for supporting posts, such as those used for fences.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Posts, and in particular star pickets, are commonly used for constructing fences, such as on farms for keeping livestock in a paddock. Due to soil types in some areas, however, posts are prone to sinking and/or leaning over time. This may happen naturally due to movement of the soil or due to environmental forces including weather and animals.

[0003] The posts are generally supported in a direction along the fence by the wires of the fence itself, however the tension in the wires is often not sufficient to prevent the fence from leaning to one side. Similarly, the fence is often no sufficient to prevent the posts from sinking, particularly if all fence posts are sinking together.

[0004] The problem of fence leaning and/or sinking is not easily fixed. The only solution is generally to remove the fence and completely rebuild, which is a time consuming and therefore expensive operation.

[0005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a brace for a post, configured to rigidly attach to the post and to extend substantially laterally from the post when attached, such that the brace is adapted to engage a substrate into which the post is mounted. Preferably, the brace can be attached when the post already forms part of a fence. That is, the brace can be retrofitted to an existing fence rather than needing to be fitted to the post at the time of installing the fence.

[0007] In one example form, the brace attaches to the post by clamping. The brace may also include a wedge that is shaped to engage a surface of the post, wherein the post is in the form of a star picket. Similarly, the brace may include a slot that is shaped to engage a surface of the star picket. Advantageously, the post may include both the slot and the wedge to engage the star picket and securely clamp the brace to the star picket.

[0008] In another example form, the brace includes a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the body portions are connected to each other to be fitted to the post. One or both of the body portions may include a ridge. This is advantageous for strengthening the brace, for example. In one form, the ridge is tapered, reducing in size in a direction away from the clamping region.

[0009] In other particular, but non-limiting, example forms, each of the body portions includes a flange such that the flanges can be fastened to one another. Preferably, the first body portion includes a lip on the flange that latches to the flange of the second body portion. In other embodiments, this may be aided or replaced by other fasteners, such as screws, pins or bolts.

[0010] In still further particular, but non-limiting, example forms, the brace includes ground engaging flanges at outer edges. Preferably, the brace is formed by cutting and/or folding a flat sheet of material.

[0011] According to other example aspects, there is provided a male brace component, configured to attach to a female brace component to form a brace as herein defined; and there is provided a female brace component, configured to attach to a male brace component to form a brace as herein defined.

[0012] According to another example aspect, there is provided a fence post with a brace fitted, wherein the brace is as herein defined. Preferably, the fence post is a star picket. [0013] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method of fitting a brace to a fence post, the brace being as herein defined, wherein the method includes the steps of placing the first and second body portions on substantially opposing sides of the fence post and fixing the body portions to one another such that they clamp the post.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacture of a brace as herein defined, including the steps of blanking or otherwise cutting a flat sheet of material into a specified shape; and stamping or otherwise folding the flat sheet of material to form the brace.

[0015] In one broad form, the present invention provides a brace for a post, configured to rigidly attach to the post and to extend substantially laterally from the post when attached, such that the brace is adapted to engage a substrate into which the post is mounted.

[0016] Preferably, the brace can be attached when the post already forms part of a fence.

[0017] Also preferably, the brace attaches to the post by clamping.

[0018] Preferably, the brace includes a wedge that is shaped to engage a surface of the post, wherein the post is in the form of a star picket.

[0019] Also preferably, the brace includes a slot that is shaped to engage a surface of the post, wherein the post is in the form of a star picket.

[0020] Also preferably, the brace includes a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the body portions are connected to each other to be fitted to the post.

[0021] Preferably, one of the body portions includes a ridge.

[0022] Also preferably, the ridge is tapered, reducing in size in a direction away from the clamping region. [0023] Preferably, each of the body portions includes a flange such that the flanges can be fastened to one another.

[0024] Also preferably, the first body portion includes a lip on the flange.

[0025] Preferably, the brace includes ground engaging flanges at outer edges.

[0026] Also preferably, the brace is formed by cutting and/or folding a flat sheet of material.

[0027] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a male brace component, configured to attach to a female brace component to form a brace.

[0028] Also, in a further broad form, the present invention provides a female brace component, configured to attach to a male brace component to form a brace.

[0029] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a fence post with a brace fitted.

[0030] Preferably, the fence post is a star picket.

[0031] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of fitting a brace to a fence post, wherein the method includes the steps of placing the first and second body portions on substantially opposing sides of the fence post and fixing the body portions to one another such that they clamp the post.

[0032] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of manufacture of a brace or a brace component including the steps of:

blanking or otherwise cutting a flat sheet of material into a specified shape; and stamping or otherwise folding the flat sheet of material to form the brace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0033] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non- limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: [0034] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a brace attached to a post;

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the assembly from Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the assembly from Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the brace;

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a first component of the preferred embodiment of the brace;

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the first component;

[0040] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the first component;

[0041] Figure 8 illustrates an end view of the first component;

[0042] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of a flat sheet with markings indicating the template to be pressed into a first component;

[0043] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of the second component;

[0044] Figure 11 illustrates a plan view of the second component;

[0045] Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the second component;

[0046] Figure 13 illustrates an end view of the second component;

[0047] Figure 14 illustrates a plan view of a flat sheet with markings indicating the template to be pressed into a second component;

[0048] Figure 15 illustrates an isometric view of a modified form of the first component in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figure 16 illustrates a plan view of a flat sheet of the template of the first component show in Figure 15; and, [0050] Figure 17 illustrates an isometric view of the brace attached to a post, using the first component described in Figures 15 and 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0052] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of a brace 10 is shown. The brace 10 is attached to a post 12 using an attachment portion or clamp 15. The preferred embodiment of the brace 10 includes a first component 16 and a second component 17 (see also Figures 5 A and 5B) that can be connected to one another, thereby forming the clamp 15. Figure 4 shows the brace 10 in the assembled configuration with the post 12 removed.

[0054] The post 12 illustrated in Figure 1 is a star picket, commonly used for constructing fences. The post is made from three planar sections that meet at a central point, giving the post a Y shape when viewed from an end. The preferred embodiment is adapted to fit to such a post, however it is envisaged that alternative embodiments of the invention could be used for other forms of post, and would fall within the scope of the invention.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5 (and also Figures 6 to 8), the first component 16 includes a flange 20 that is used for connecting the first component 16 to the second component 17. The flange 20 includes a lip 22 at a top edge and a hole 23.

[0056] Similarly, referring now to Figure 10 (and also Figures 11 to 13), the second component 17 includes a flange 25 with a hole 26, but no lip at the upper edge of the flange. [0057] When the brace 10 is assembled, the upper edge of the flange 25 of the second component 17 fits behind the lip 22 of the first component 16. The hole 23 of the first component 16 then aligns with the hole 26 of the second component 17, allowing a bolt 27, nut 28 and washer 29 to be used to fasten the components 16, 17 to one another. In alternative embodiments any other suitable fastening means may also be used. Due to this configuration of the flange 25 sitting behind the lip 22, the first component 16 may be considered the female component and the second component 17 may be considered the male component.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 5, the first component 16 includes a wedge portion or ridge 30 that runs from the clamp 15 to a peripheral portion of the brace 10. This ridge 30 is tapered so that it is widest at the end near the clamp 15 and reduces until the angled surfaces meet substantially at a point. The wide end of the ridge 30 includes a slot 32 along an upper corner where the angled surfaces meet.

[0059] The first component 16 also includes a flange 34 along each long edge and flanges 35 at the peripheral portion near the narrow end of the ridge 30.

[0060] Similarly, referring to Figure 10, the second component 17 includes a ridge 38 that runs from the clamping portion 15 to a peripheral portion. This ridge 38 is also tapered so that it is widest at the end near the clamp 15 and reduces until the angled surfaces meet substantially at a point.

[0061] The second component 17 also includes a flange 40 along each long edge and flanges 41 at the peripheral portion near the narrow end of the ridge 38.

[0062] When the brace 10 is fitted to the post 12, such as shown in Figure 1, the slot 32 of the first component 16 fits over one of the planar portions of the post 12. Typically the slot 32 will only be deep enough that the post 12 abuts the end of the slot 32, however in alternative embodiments the leading edges 44 of the ridge 30 may be shaped to abut the other planar portions of the post 12.

[0063] The ridge 38 of the second component 17 has a leading edge 45 that is shaped to fit into the space formed between the two planar portions of the post 12 that are opposite the portion that is inserted into the slot 32. This allows the edges 45 to lie against the faces of the post 12.

[0064] When the components 16, 17 are fastened to one another and tightened, the brace thereby clamps onto the post 12, securely gripping the post 12 in a rigid manner. In particular, the edges 45 of the second component 17 being flush against the faces of the post prevent any rotational or pivotal movement of the brace 10 relative to the post 12.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, there is a gap between the flange 20 of the first component 16 and the flange 25 of the second component 17. This allows for variations in the size and/or shape of the particular post and means that the nuts 28 can be tightened until the brace is securely gripping the post 12.

[0066] The brace 10 is designed to be fitted to the post 12 at a location such that it abuts a substrate into which the post 12 is installed. The brace 10 may be fitted to the post 12 prior to installing the post 12, however an advantageous aspect of the preferred embodiment is that the two part construction allows the brace 10 to be fitted after the post 12 is installed. For example, this allows the brace 10 to be fitted to existing fences or for the brace 10 to be only fitted to posts 12 once a problem with sinking and/or leaning is observed.

[0067] The brace 10 rigidly attaches to the post 12 so that it cannot slide along the post 12 and also cannot pivot relative to the post 12. Therefore, the contact of the brace 10 with the substrate prevents the post 12 from sinking further into the substrate and also prevents the post 12 from leaning.

[0068] The ridges 30, 38 provide strength to the components 16, 17 in addition to the shape for securely gripping the post 12. This prevents the brace 10 from bending when supporting the post 12 from leaning while still allowing the brace 10 to be manufactured from relatively cheap sheet metal or similar materials. The flanges 34, 40 also aid in strengthening the brace 10.

[0069] The flanges 34, 35, 40, 41 that surround the brace 10 can be pressed into the substrate when the brace 10 is fitted to the post 12. This prevents the brace 10 from providing any sharp edges that may otherwise injure stock, people or other animals. The brace 10 will therefore support the post 12 without providing any danger, such as sharp edges or tripping hazards.

[0070] Clamping to the post 12, as done by the brace 10, rather than utilising the holes that are often provided in the post 12, is advantageous because it allows the brace 10 to be fitted at any height. Requiring the use of a hole, for example, does not provide this flexibility. In particular, this is important when retrofitting the brace 10 to an existing post 12, and also allows for adjustment of the position of the brace 10 over time if necessary.

[0071] The brace 10 prevents the post 12 from sinking into the substrate, but also prevents the post 12 from leaning. In particular, fences have a tendency to lean to the side, as they are supported in the direction along the fence by the wires of the fence. The brace 10 is preferably fitted to the post 12 so that the ridges 30, 38 are normal to the direction of the fence. This allows the brace 10 to provide sufficient strength to prevent the fence from leaning.

[0072] A preferred embodiment may be manufactured by cutting, folding and/or pressing the components from sheet metal. An alternatively preferred embodiment may be manufactured by injection molding out of plastics material.

[0073] In the embodiment made from sheet metal, the first step involves forming a flat sheet of an appropriate shape. This may be achieved using a blanking process or any other known cutting method. This sheet can then be folded to form the particular component of the brace. This may be achieved using a stamping process or any other known folding method. This may be achieved in one step or multiple steps.

[0074] Figure 9 shows a flat sheet prior to being stamped into a first component 16 with markings indicating various fold lines. Similarly, Figure 14 shows a flat sheet prior to being pressed into a second component 17. This method of manufacture is advantageous because it allows for very fast and very cheap manufacture of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the edges of the flat sheet form an angle of 90°, thereby minimising the amount of material used, as a larger number of components can be produced from a large sheet of material. In other embodiments, however, these edges may form other angles.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the example embodiment hereinbefore described is but one exemplary version of the invention, and various other sizes and variation in shape are possible and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the first component hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5 to 9 may be varied, such as shown in Figures 15 to 17.

[0076] In Figures 15 to 17 the lip 22 on flange 20 of the first component 16 is designed so that the extremity of flange 25 of the second component 17 abuts the lip 22 in a manner whereby relative movement is prevented. That is, the lip 22, rather than wrapping around the extremity of flange 25, acts to prevent relative movement of the flanges 20 and 25 of the first and second components 16 and 17, respectively, whilst nut 27 and bolt 28 placed through the respective holes 23 and 26 act sufficiently to prevent the first and second components 16 and 17 separating.

[0077] Many other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS:

1. A brace for a post, configured to rigidly attach to the post and to extend substantially laterally from the post when attached, such that the brace is adapted to engage a substrate into which the post is mounted.

2. The brace according to claim 1, wherein the brace can be attached when the post already forms part of a fence.

3. The brace according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the brace attaches to the post by clamping.

4. The brace according to claim 3, wherein the brace includes a wedge that is shaped to engage a surface of the post, wherein the post is in the form of a star picket.

5. The brace according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the brace includes a slot that is shaped to engage a surface of the post, wherein the post is in the form of a star picket.

6. The brace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brace includes a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the body portions are connected to each other to be fitted to the post.

7. The brace according to claim 6, wherein one of the body portions includes a ridge.

8. The brace according to claim 7, wherein the ridge is tapered, reducing in size in a direction away from the clamping region.

9. The brace according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the body portions includes a flange such that the flanges can be fastened to one another.

10. The brace according to claim 9, wherein the first body portion includes a lip on the flange.

11. The brace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brace includes ground engaging flanges at outer edges.

12. The brace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brace is formed by cutting and/or folding a flat sheet of material.

13. A male brace component, configured to attach to a female brace component to form a brace as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A female brace component, configured to attach to a male brace component to form a brace as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A fence post with a brace fitted, wherein the brace is defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The fence post according to claim 15, wherein the fence post is a star picket.

17. A method of fitting a brace to a fence post, the brace being defined according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the method includes the steps of placing the first and second body portions on substantially opposing sides of the fence post and fixing the body portions to one another such that they clamp the post.

18. A method of manufacture of a brace or a brace component being defined according to any one of claims 1 to 14, including the steps of:

blanking or otherwise cutting a flat sheet of material into a specified shape; and stamping or otherwise folding the flat sheet of material to form the brace.