AU2017203645B2 - A guard for a post - Google Patents

Abstract

James & Wells ref: 304145AU/47 ABSTRACT The invention is a guard for a fence or gate post or other structures such as water troughs, buildings or even tree stumps and rocks. In use, the guard is located about or proximate the base of the post or structure and secured using anchoring means. When positioned in this manner, the front face of the invention, which is outwardly curved, provides a smooth contact surface against which a hose or irrigation pod may bear should it contact the invention as it is being towed or dragged past. There is a reduced risk of the hose or pod being damaged or sudden application of tension which may otherwise cause the user of a vehicle towing the hose to fall or be injured against a part of the towing vehicle. The invention may also be used as a visual marker around farms or even at major events, to indicate potential hazards such as tree stumps or roots, potholes or electrical equipment. 15 FIGURE 1 112 00-r ~~ofo 2/3 1/3

Description

FIGURE 1

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A GUARD FOR A POST STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent

Application No. 720682, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a guard for a post. It has particular application for use in protecting irrigation

and effluent equipment, particularly hoses, from fence or gate posts as found on farms. However, it

should be understood that this is not meant to be limiting and the invention may be used to protect

irrigation and effluent equipment from other structures or to indicate potential hazards.

BACKGROUNDART

In farming, the use of effluent distributors and water irrigators, such as K-Line irrigation pods, is

widespread. These apparatus apply fluids, in the form of effluent and water respectively, to paddocks.

This fluid is supplied to the apparatus through the use of large hoses. These hoses run between the fluid

source and the apparatus or, in the case of K-Line irrigation pods, between the fluid source and adjacent

pods.

To ensure that the paddocks are not overly saturated, it is necessary to frequently move the apparatus

about the paddock or even to another area requiring application of the fluids. The moving of the

apparatus itself also requires the movement of the hoses or pods that supply the fluid being distributed.

In some instances, when several hoses or pods are connected in series, they can have a length in excess

of 50 metres. Thus the hoses/pods can be very heavy to move, particularly when fluid is still within

them.

In order to achieve move the hoses/pods, it is relatively common for farmers or farm workers to

connect a lead or rope to the hose/pod and tow or drag it behind a utility vehicle, quad bike or

motorcycle.

However, this can place a high degree of tension upon the hose, which can contribute to wear and tear.

This is exaggerated when the irrigator, or the hose/pod to which the irrigator is connected, has to be

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passed through a gate or around a barrier such as a fence or gate post.

The friction that is caused as the hose contacts and rubs against the fence post can further increase the

tension and contribute to wear and tear, particularly if there are splinters or the like extending from the

fence post. It is possible that this contact may lead to the hose being punctured or otherwise damaged

as it bears against the fence post while being dragged.

Often the fluid is being supplied to the apparatus under significant pressure. Even minor damage or

punctures to the hose can quickly become exacerbated due to the force of the fluid flowing through the

hose.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the hoses to become snagged on the fence posts as they are being

dragged along by the towing vehicle. If this is particularly abrupt, the rider may be injured in or fall from

the vehicle. Such incidents are relatively common on farms in New Zealand and is a major health and

safety issue.

When shifting K-Line irrigation pods, it is often necessary to disconnect some of the pods. Although this

lowers the risk that one or more pods may become caught by a fence post, this can add extra time to

completing the task of moving the pods around the paddock as required.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the

public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications that may be cited in this specification are

hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The

discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to

challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an

admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New

Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of

elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of

elements, integers or steps.

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Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing

description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a guard for a post, wherein the guard

includes:

a body, the body having a front face with opposing side edges,

characterised in that

the front face is substantially convex between the side edges.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kitset for a guard for a post,

wherein the kitset including:

a guard having a body, wherein the body is configured to receive an anchoring means and has a front

face with opposing side edges, wherein the guard is characterised in that the front face is substantially

convex between the side edges; and

at least one anchoring means.

In use, the invention provides a guard for a fence or gate post by locating it about or proximate its base.

When positioned in this manner, the front face of the invention provides a smooth contact surface

against which a hose or irrigation pod may bear should it contact the invention as it is being towed or

dragged past the post. There is a reduced risk of the hose or pod being damaged or sudden application

of tension which may otherwise cause the user of a vehicle towing the hose to fall or be injured against

a part of the towing vehicle.

Reference is made throughout the present specification to the invention being used with a fence or

gate post to protect a hose of an irrigator or effluent distributor. On a farm, these fence or gate posts

are typically (although not always) made from wood and thus could have rough surfaces, splinters or

even fencing paraphernalia (such as nails, wires, or gudgeons) which could damage a hose or pod that

comes into contact with the post or suddenly increase tension on same should the hose or pod become

stuck.

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However, this is not intended to be limiting. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that it may also be

suitable for use as a guard for other structures including, but not limited to, rocks, tree stumps, water

troughs, sign posts, garden edging or even corners of buildings, all of which are potential objects against

which a hose may bear as it is being dragged along the ground.

It should also be appreciated that rather than being used as a guard, the invention may also be used as

a visual marker around farms or even at major events, to indicate potential hazards such as tree stumps

or roots, potholes or electrical equipment.

Reference shall now be made to the invention being a guard.

The guard should be understood to have a body with a front face defined by opposing top and bottom

edges along with opposing side edges.

The front face of the guard should be understood to be substantially convex. This should be understood

to mean that it curves outwards from the opposing side edges such that when viewed from above, the

front face of the guard has an arced or semi-circular profile, with no corners.

The extent of the curvature of the front face of the guard may vary according to the requirements of

the user and manufacturing requirements. For example, the curvature of the front face of the guard

may approximate a half circle, i.e. an arc of 180°. Alternatively, the curvature of the front face of the

guard may approximate just a quarter of a circle, i.e. an arc of 90.

Ultimately, the front face should be curved to provide a smooth surface, with no corners, for the hose

to bear against should it come into contact with the guard as the hose is being moved.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the curvature of the front face of the guard is consistent

between the top and bottom edges of same. It will be appreciated that should the curvature of the

front face be tapered from top to bottom such that it is progressively reduced, for example from an arc

of 1800 near the bottom edge to 120° towards the top edge. This configuration may urge the hose

upwards as it is dragged along the ground. This could lead to the hose contacting the fence post which

is undesirable.

In some embodiments, the top edge of the front face may be configured with a slight ridge or

protrusion extending outwards from the front face. This defines a ledge which may assist in preventing

or minimising any movement of the hose upwards and away from the front face of the invention.

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It should be appreciated that the same effect may be achieved by having the curvature of the front face

progressively reduced towards the bottom edge, for example, example from an arc of 180° near the top

edge to 1200 towards the bottom edge. This acts to continually urge the hose downwards as it contacts

and bears against the front face.

The body of the guard should be understood to also have a rear face defined by opposing top and

bottom edges along with opposing side edges. When the guard is being used, the rear face faces or is

proximate the post (or other object) with which the guard is to be used.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the rear face is substantially or at least partially concave.

This should be understood to mean that the rear face curves inwards from its opposing side edges such

that when viewed from above, the rear face of the guard has an arced or semi-circular profile. It will be

appreciated that this means the rear face substantially conforms to at least a proportion of the

circumference of a typical fence post, which are typically formed from cylindrical lengths of wood.

However, it should be understood that this is not meet to be limiting. In some instances the guard may,

in use, be slightly positioned away from the object from which the hose is to be protected, but still in

the predicted path of travel of the hose. In these cases, it is not essential that the rear face of the guard

be substantially complementary to the object.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the curvature of the rear face is substantially

complementary to that of the front face. However, this is not meant to be limiting and in some

embodiments of the invention, the rear face may have an alternative configuration depending on the

.0 structure with which it is to be used. For example it may be formed from two flat surfaces, which

between them substantially define a triangular recess that mimics the corner of a building or similar

structure.

The body should be understood to have a top surface and a bottom surface, defined by the top and

bottom edges of the front and rear faces respectively.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the bottom surface is substantially flat. This is useful for,

when considered in combination with overall curved shape of the body, it allows the invention to be

situated on the ground and be self-supporting before being secured with appropriate anchoring means.

The body may be formed from any suitably robust material. For example, it may be formed from

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aluminium or steel or another alloy metal. However, this is not meant to be limiting.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the body is formed from plastics material such as

polyethylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or the like. Persons skilled in the art will readily

appreciate other plastics material suitable for forming the guard. This may be by way of rotational or

injection moulding using conventional plastic moulding techniques.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plastic material from which the body is formed may be

impregnated with a dye or colour suitable for high visibility. For example, the body may be formed such

that it has a florescent yellow or orange colour.

This is helpful when being used in low light conditions, such as dusk or in the evenings. Being brightly

coloured and thus more likely to be visibly detectable, it can provide the user of the invention with a

navigational aid when the guard is being used to protect the hose from contact with a gate post, which

may demarcate a potential entry/exit point from a paddock.

Another advantage of the body being coloured to ensure high visibility is that the guard can also be

used to demarcate a potential hazard to a person or vehicle. Indicating potential hazards in a workplace,

such as a farm, is becoming increasing important in health and safety legislation. For example, the

invention could be used to indicate the presence of a tree stump or rock on a pathway.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention, for the front face of the body to include directional,

warning, or advertising signage. This may be in addition to the use of dye in the plastics material used to

form the body, or instead of the dye. Such signage may be in the form of printed adhesive labels or the

like.

In embodiments of the invention in which the body is formed from plastic material, this may

impregnated with UV resistant chemicals. As the invention is to be used outdoors, it may be exposed to

sunlight for extensive periods of time. The UV resistant chemicals will help to maintain the structural

integrity of the body and reduce the potential for it to become adversely affected by the sunlight.

It will be appreciated that the guard requires an anchoring means to secure it relative to the fence post

or object from which the hose should be protected. Accordingly, the guard is configured to include or

receive an anchoring means.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the body is provided with one or more channels extending

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from the top edge through to the bottom edge. These may be configured as channels with a

substantially C-shaped profile, such that the opening to the channel is narrower than the bottom of the

channel. The opening of the channel may be on the front or rear face of the body.

Alternatively, the channels may be entirely closed, extending between the top and bottom surfaces of

the guard, which may be sufficiently dimensioned in width to allow this.

These channels are for use with the anchoring means, which allows a user to anchor the invention to

the ground proximate the base of the post with which it is to be used.

In this embodiment, the anchoring means are pegs or similar devices which are inserted through the

channels and into the underlying substrate, thereby anchoring the guard relative to the base of the

post. The pegs may be configured with a head such that there is sufficient surface area to allow a user

to apply sufficient force to insert the peg into the ground.

In these embodiments, the guard may be provided to the public as a kitset, the kitset including one or

more guards, along with at least one peg.

In some embodiments of the invention, the body is configured with a storage compartment or recess

which may be used to contain one or more pegs when not in use. Alternatively, snap-lock clips or the

like may be used to hold the pegs when not in use.

In exemplary embodiments, the body has at least two channels and thus at least two pegs may be used

to anchor the body to the ground. However, it is possible there may be just a single channel, although

this does run the risk that depending on the placement of that channel, the guard may pivot about the

peg as the hose bears on the front face in use.

For bodies that are particularly large, three or more channels may be provided to allow a greater

number of pegs to be used. This also allows for the possibility that the underlying substrate may not

permit the use of one or more pegs when the body is in the desired position. For example, part of the

body may be overlying a gravelled area and thus this portion of the substrate is difficult to penetrate

with a peg.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the body may be configured with integrated anchoring

means in the form of spikes extending downwards from the rear face of the body or from the bottom

side of the body. This could be useful in that it does away with the need for the user to carry separate

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pegs for anchoring the invention to the substrate. These spikes may be added during the moulding

process. The portion of the spikes within the body may include lugs or the like to reduce the risk that

they may become separated from the body when the guard is removed from the substrate.

Alternatively, if the body is formed from two or more components which are fitted together, the spikes

may be added to one of the components prior to the body being assembled.

In such embodiments, there are at least two spikes integrated into the body. This is to allow a sufficient

grip within the substrate during use. However, more spikes may be integrated if necessary.

Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate other anchoring means that may be suitable for use

with the present invention.

For example, the anchoring means may be a cable tie or the like, which secures the guard to the post

rather than anchoring it to the ground. In this embodiment, the side edges or the rear face of the body

may be configured with apertures which are substantially complementary to the bands of the cable tie.

The user will pass the band through one aperture, around the fence post, and then through the other

aperture. However, it will appreciated that the guard will need to be relatively tightly secured to

prevent it being moved as the hose bears against it in use.

The dimensions of the body may vary according to the requirements of the user. For example, for

farming applications, the guard may be dimensioned such that its width, as determined by the

measurement from the side edges of the front face, is 1,000 millimetres, and its height, as determined

by the measurement from the upper to lower edges of the front face, is 250 millimetres.

This is significantly larger than the majority of the posts that will be typically found on a farm and

provides scope for the guard to be used to protect hoses from, for example, rocks or tree stumps.

However, this example is not meant to be limiting, and the body may be dimensioned to be smaller, or

larger, as the case may be. For example, when protecting corners of buildings, it may be more practical

to have a larger body. It is important to appreciate that the guard need not be dimensioned to protect

the hose from the entire object; it can be placed in the predicted path of travel of the hose, thereby

deflecting the hose sufficiently such that it does not come into contact with the object.

When placing the guard, the farmer or farm worker will use the anchoring means to secure it relative to

a fence or gate post against which the hose or irrigation pod being moved may come into contact with

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as it is dragged along the ground as part of the process of shifting the irrigator or effluent distributor.

The front face is positioned such that it is orientated substantially away from the post but is still

relatively close to the base of the post on the side that is likely to have the greatest contact with the

hose/pod. This will typically be the side of the post facing the direction from which the hose/pod is

being dragged. Depending on how the hose/pod is dragged, rather than contacting the fence post, it

can only come into contact with the guard and be guided or deflected away. The front face provides a

smooth and consistent surface that is unlikely to cause the hose/pod to snag or become damaged as it

bears against the guard.

If the force being applied to the front face of the guard is particularly strong, the guard may, despite

being secured by the anchoring means, lean towards the post (if it is not positioned such that it is

already in contact with the post). The rear face then bears against the fence post, helping the guard

remain in position such that the hose or pod still bears against the front face as it is being moved.

Alternatively, the guard may be located in the predicted path of travel of the hose or pod as it is being

dragged. This could become necessary if the substrate around the object from which the hose is to be

protected is too firm to allow the use of the anchoring means.

In this case, the intention is to direct the hose/pod into a new path of travel that is such that the hose

does not come into contact with the object from which it is to be protected. Thus, the front face may be

angled at a tangent slightly away from the object rather than fully facing the direction from which the

hose/pod is being dragged.

The invention has a number of advantages, including:

* providing a smooth bearing surface for hoses or irrigation pods to contact as they are dragged

along the ground;

* reduces risk of a sudden increase of tension on the hose or irrigation pods;

• is easy to install;

• in some embodiments, may provide a useful visual navigational aid in low light conditions;

* in some embodiments, may provide a useful hazard identification device;

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* in some embodiments, may provide a useful means for displaying signage; or

* at the very least provides the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is

given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a top view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention (generally indicated by arrow 100) in the form of a

guard for a post (102) is illustrated in Figure 1.

The guard (100), formed from a plastics material such as polyethylene, includes a body (104) with a

front face (106), defined by top (108a) and bottom (108b) edges and opposing side edges (110a, 110b).

The front face itself is convex in profile and has a consistent curvature between the side edges.

Also visible in this view is the top edge (112) of the rear face (not visible) and it will be seen that this is

concave, effectively defining a recess. As can be seen, this rear face will be located proximate the fence

post (102), which in most applications is likely to be substantially cylindrical in profile.

Thus, the concave nature of the rear face (not visible) allows the guard (100) to better conform to the

configuration of the post (102) with which it is to be used.

The top surface (114) of the body (104) of the guard (100) includes two channels (116a, 116b) which

pass through the interior of the body to the bottom surface (not visible in this view) of the guard. These

channels are to allow pegs (118a, 118b) or the like to be inserted therethrough and into the underlying

substrate (120) with which the invention is to be used.

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The pegs (118a, 118b) anchor the guard (100) relative to the post (102) when in use ensuring that it

remains in position as the hose or irrigation pod (not shown) bears against the front face (106) as it is

dragged along the ground by the user.

An alternative embodiment of the guard (200) is illustrated in Figure 2, and is largely as previously

described. However, in this embodiment there are no channels provided on the top surface (not visible

in this view) of the body (202).

Instead, the body (202) has been formed integrally with ground engaging means in the form of spikes

(204) extending from the bottom surface (206) of the body. The spikes may be added during the

manufacture process of the body and can be inserted into the ground (not shown) approximate the

fence post (not shown) with which it is to be used.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the top surface (not visible in this view) of the guard

(200) provides a bearing surface for the user (not shown) to locate their feet or hands making it

relatively easy to insert into the ground. It will also be seen that the bottom surface (206) is

substantially flat. In embodiments in which the spikes (204) are not present, this allows the guard to be

self-supporting on flat surfaces.

The illustrated embodiment also includes a ridge (208) extending outwards from the top edge (210) of

the guard (200). This acts to inhibit any upward movement of the hose (not shown) past the top edge

should it ride up the front face (212).

Turning now to Figure 3, this shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the guard (300). In this

view, C-channels (302) open onto the rear face (304) of the body (306). These channels engage with

anchoring means such as pegs (not shown)

In this view, it will be seen that the rear face (304) is concave, the profile or curvature of which is

substantially complementary to the convex profile of the front face (308) of the guard (300).

In contrast, Figure 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the guard (400) where the rear face (402) is

defined by two flat surfaces (404a, 404b). This allows the guard to be conform to a structure (not

shown) with a right angled corner. However, to provide a smooth surface with any edges that may

damage the hose, the front face (406) remains substantially concave in profile.

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The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or

indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of

two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be

appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope

thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

James & Wells ref: 304145AU/47 WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A guard when used with a post, wherein the guard includes:

a one-piece body of plastics material, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the body also has a front face defined by opposing top and bottom edges and by opposing side edges,

wherein the front face has a curvature such that it is substantially convex between the side edges,

characterised in that

the guard includes at least two channels each configured to receive an anchoring means, wherein the channels run between the top surface and bottom surface.

2. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curvature of the front face of the guard approximates an arc of 180.

3. The guard as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the curvature of the front face of the guard approximates an arc of 90.

4. The guard as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the top edge of the front face is configured with a ridge or protrusion extending outwards from the front face.

5. The guard as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body includes a rear face defined by opposing top and bottom edges along with opposing side edges.

6. The guard as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rear face has a curvature such that it is substantially or partially concave between the side edges.

7. The guard as claimed in either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the at least two channels open onto the rearface ofthe body.

8. The guard as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body is configured with a storage compartment or recess for an anchoring means.

9. A kit set for a guard when used with a post, wherein the kit set includes:

a guard as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; and

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at least two anchoring means.

10. The kit set as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least two anchoring means are pegs.

11. The kit set as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least two anchoring means are cable ties.

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