AU2017100269A4 - An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract There is provided an auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post, the member being elongate and comprising: a fence post engaging end; a distal ground contacting end; and a plurality of strand apertures therealong, wherein, in use: the member is orientated substantially diagonally with respect to the fence post wherein the fence post engaging end engages the fencepost and the ground contacting end contacts the ground and wherein auxiliary ground fencing strands are engaged by the plurality of strand apertures. Fiur 1i

Description

An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 fence post

Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to fencing and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to an auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use with star picket fences and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Summary of the Disclosure [3] According to one aspect, there is provided an auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post, the member being elongate and comprising: a fence post engaging end; a distal ground contacting end; and a plurality of strand apertures therealong, wherein, in use: the member is orientated substantially diagonally with respect to the fence post wherein the fence post engaging end engages the fencepost and the ground contacting end contacts the ground and wherein auxiliary ground fencing strands are engaged by the plurality of strand apertures.

[4] In use, the fencepost may comprise a star picket cross section and wherein the fencepost engaging end may comprise a cutout configured for accommodating one side of the fencepost.

[5] The fence post engaging end further may comprise an aperture operationally adjacent the cutout and configured for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the fence post engaging end to the one side of the fencepost.

[6] The auxiliary ground fencing strand support member may further comprise the fastener and wherein the fastener may be configured for accommodation within an existing wire strand aperture of the fence post in use.

[7] The cutout may be configured to provide the member with rotational tolerance with respect to the fencepost in use when engaged to the fencepost such that the auxiliary ground fencing strands are able to be lifted.

[8] The rotational tolerance may be sufficient to allow the rotation of the member upwards until been substantially parallel with the fencepost.

[9] The member may comprise a C-shaped cross section and wherein a midsection of the member may comprise the cutout.

[10] The lateral sections of the member comprise respective apertures for receiving the fastener therethrough in use. 1 [11] The member may comprise a right-angled cross-section and wherein one section of the member may comprise the cutout and the other section may comprise an aperture for receiving the fastener therethrough in use. 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 [12] In use, the member may be orientated diagonally at substantially 45° with respect to the fencepost.

[13] The distal ground contacting end may be configured for resting on the ground.

[14] The member may be configured for accommodating five or more auxiliary ground wire strands.

[15] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [16] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [17] Figure 1 shows an auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and [18] Figure 2 shows a fencing system comprising a plurality of auxiliary ground stand support members of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of Embodiments [19] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[20] Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof. 2 [21] In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 [22] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[23] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterised by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[24] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[25] Turning now to figure 1, there is shown a conventional fencing system comprising a fence post 7 having a plurality of wire strand apertures 8 there along for accommodating or supporting a plurality of horizontal fencing wire strands 6.

[26] Now, attached to the fencepost 7 is an auxiliary ground fencing strand support member 1. As will become appreciated from the ensuing description, the member 1 is configured for supporting additional fencing wire strands close to ground level.

[27] The member 1 is substantially elongate and rigid so as to be able to support the wire strands in the manner described herein. In embodiment, the member 1 may be manufactured from metal but other sufficiently rigid materials may also be employed within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein.

[28] The member 1 comprises a fence post engaging end 11 for engaging the fencepost 7 in use. The member 1 further comprises a distal ground contacting end 10.

[29] Furthermore, the member 1 comprises a plurality of strand apertures 4 therealong.

[30] As such, in use, and as is substantially shown in figure 1, the member 1 is orientated substantially diagonally with respect to the fencepost 7 wherein the fence post engaging end 11 engages the fencepost 7 and the ground contacting end 10 contacts the ground. As such, when poised in this manner, auxiliary ground fencing strands are able to be engaged by the plurality of strand apertures 4.

[31] Specifically, turning now to figure 2, there is shown and in use embodiment of a plurality of members 1. As can be seen, the members 1 have been fastened to fence post 7 of a conventional fencing arrangement and are able to support a plurality of auxiliary ground wire strand 9.

[32] As can be appreciated from the example provided in figure 2, the auxiliary ground wire strands 9 prevent or at least hinder small animals and the like from passing through the fence, such as beneath or around the lower wire strands of the fence. 3 [33] Furthermore, the additional auxiliary ground wire strands 9 by being arranged leterally offset from the fence prevent or hinder animals and humans from standing at or against the fence. 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 [34] Turning again to figure 1, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the fencepost 7 is a star picket. As such, the fence post engaging endto 7 is configured for engaging one side of the fence post 7.

[35] Specifically, as can be seen, in the embodiment shown the fence post engaging end 11 comprises a cutout 3 for receiving the one side of the star picket. Furthermore, the fence post engaging end 11 comprises an aperture located adjacent the cutout 3 configured for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt 2 or the like through an existing wire strand aperture 8 of the fencepost 7 so as to secure the fence post engaging end 11 to the fencepost 7.

[36] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the member 1 comprises a C-shaped cross-section such that the cutout 3 is cut from the midsection member to accommodate one side of the star picket 7 therein such that the lateral members of the member 1 comprise respect of apertures for receiving the fastener 2 and lie adjacent at substantially coplanar with the one side of the star picket 7.

[37] However, in other embodiments, the member 1 may comprise differing cross-sections within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the member 1 may comprise right angle angle iron such that one side of the fencepost engaging end 11 of the angle iron comprises the cutout and the other adjacent side of the fence post engaging end 11 comprises an aperture for the fastener 2 and lies against the side of the star picket.

[38] In embodiments, the fence post engaging end 11 is configured to provide rotational tolerance such that the member 1 may be rotated with respect to the fencepost 7 about the fastener 2. Such rotational tolerance simplifies the installation process and furthermore, once installed, allows for the periodic lifting of the auxiliary ground wire strands 9 for inspection and maintenance purposes, grass cutting beneath the auxiliary ground wire strands 9 and the like.

[39] Rotational tolerance may be provided by the lengthening of the cutout 3 depending on the extent of rotation required. In embodiments, the rotational tolerance may be sufficient to allow the member 1 to be rotated upwards until being substantially parallel with the fencepost 7 so as to allow temporary stowage of the auxiliary ground wire strands 9 such as when edge grass cutting using a mower or the like.

[40] In embodiments, the ground contacting end 10 may be configured to lie atop the ground surface. In this regard, so as to prevent unwanted sinkage, the ground contacting 10 may comprise a boot or the like.

[41] However, in other embodiments, so as to prevent the inadvertent or unwanted lifting of the ground contacting end 10 such as were an animal to pass through the fence from the opposite side, 4 the ground contacting end 10 may be submerged into of fixed to the ground. In this embodiment, the ground contacting end 10 may comprise a profile suitable for being driven into the ground. 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 [42] In embodiment, as opposed to fastening or fixing the ground contacting end 10 to the ground, the fence post engaging and may have little or no rotational tolerance so as to prevent the inadvertent lifting of the ground contacting end 10.

[43] In embodiment, the member 1 may be configured so as to be deployed on either side of the fence. 5

Interpretation 2017100269 07 Mar 2017

Embodiments: [44] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[45] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[46] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects [47] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details [48] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. Flowever, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. 6

Terminology 2017100269 07 Mar 2017 [49] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including [50] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are 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 of the invention.

[51] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [52] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[53] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [54] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the fencing industries. 7

Claims (12)

1. Claims

   1. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member for fastening to a fence post, the member being elongate and comprising: a fence post engaging end; a distal ground contacting end; and a plurality of strand apertures therealong, wherein, in use: the member is orientated substantially diagonally with respect to the fence post wherein the fence post engaging end engages the fencepost and the ground contacting end contacts the ground and wherein auxiliary ground fencing strands are engaged by the plurality of strand apertures.
2. 2. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the fencepost comprises a star picket cross section and wherein the fencepost engaging end comprises a cutout configured for accommodating one side of the fencepost.
3. 3. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fence post engaging end further comprises an aperture operationally adjacent the cutout and configured for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the fence post engaging end to the one side of the fencepost.
4. 4. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 3, further comprising the fastener and wherein the fastener is configured for accommodation within an existing wire strand aperture of the fence post in use.
5. 5. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cutout is configured to provide the member with rotational tolerance with respect to the fencepost in use when engaged to the fencepost such that the auxiliary ground fencing strands are able to be lifted.
6. 6. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotational tolerance is sufficient to allow the rotation of the member upwards until been substantially parallel with the fencepost.
7. 7. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the member comprises a C-shaped cross section and wherein a midsection of the member comprises the cutout.
8. 8. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lateral sections of the member comprise respective apertures for receiving the fastener therethrough in use.
9. 9. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the member comprises a right-angled cross-section and wherein one section of the member comprises the cutout and the other section comprises an aperture for receiving the fastener therethrough in use.
10. 10. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the member is orientated diagonally at substantially 45° with respect to the fencepost.
11. 11. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal ground contacting end is configured for resting on the ground.
12. 12. An auxiliary ground fencing strand support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the member is configured for accommodating five or more auxiliary ground wire strands.