AU2018202981A1 - A fencepost connector - Google Patents
A fencepost connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2018202981A1 AU2018202981A1 AU2018202981A AU2018202981A AU2018202981A1 AU 2018202981 A1 AU2018202981 A1 AU 2018202981A1 AU 2018202981 A AU2018202981 A AU 2018202981A AU 2018202981 A AU2018202981 A AU 2018202981A AU 2018202981 A1 AU2018202981 A1 AU 2018202981A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- fencepost
- connector
- cross
- stem
- piece
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
A fencepost connector and connection system are described, the connector defining an arcuate cross-piece tubular section for cross-piece posts and an arcuate stem tubular section for a stem post wherein the cross-piece tubular 5 section is configured allowing the stem post to be set at an angle with respect to the cross-piece posts for use of the system on sloping ground. Usually two fencepost connectors are used in the system. The fencepost connector system is of modular construction and the cross-piece tubularsection and the stem tubular section are made of a material sufficiently flexible to conform in use with the 10 corresponding outer surface of the cross-piece and stem posts. A separate arcuate tube section is used for covering any exposed surface of the cross-piece and/or stem posts between two adjacent fencepost connectors when in use. Any particular connector can be used over a wide range of diameters of the cross-piece and stem posts. ~r~7 '1 4
Description
TITLE: A FENCEPOST CONNECTOR
THIS INVENTION relates generally to fencepost connectors. In particular, but not limiting, it is directed to a fencepost connector for round timber posts and rails.
Throughout this specification, unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge, or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
Conventional round timber post connectors include connectors such as galvanised metal three-way connectors comprising a cross-piece tube section into which distal ends of cross-piece posts are inserted and a midway and orthogonal tubular stem section into which a distal end of a stem post is inserted. Similar configurations exist for corner connections, inline connections, four-way connections and the like.
However, such arrangements are deficient in several respects.
Specifically, such arrangements are ill suited for fence construction for sloping ground. Furthermore, such arrangements are difficult to assemble especially with the posts in place. Yet further, such arrangements are difficult to manufacture, to store and to transport.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
A fencepost connector system which overcomes or ameliorates at least some of these deficiencies of the prior art is the subject of Australian Patent No. 2017251740, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Described in Australian Patent No. 2017251740 is a fencepost connector system defining a cross-piece tubular section for cross-piece posts and at least one stem tubular section for at least one stem post and wherein the cross-piece tubular section is configured for allowing the stem post to be set at an angle with respect to the cross-piece posts so as to allow for use of the system on sloping ground. In a preferred embodiment of that connector system, the system is of modular construction comprising a plurality of shell sections, each partially defining the cross-piece tubular section and the stem tubular section, which are joined together with fasteners and/or locking rings to form the fencepost connector system. Depending on requirements, the fencepost connector system mayfurther comprise an arcuate partial tube-like section to cover any exposed timber of a cross-piece or post between two adjacent shell sections. The modular construction of the shell and tube-like sections simplify their manufacture, storage and transportation.
However, a disadvantage of this known fencepost connector system is that it requires separate systems to suit the individual dimensions of the cross-pieces and posts. Typically, these dimensions are 100mm, 125mm or 140mm diameter. It is therefore a general object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, this disadvantage and provide a single connector and connector system which can be used over a wide range of diameters of the cross-piece and stem posts.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fencepost connector comprising:
a substantially arcuate cross-piece tubular section which defines opposite open ends for receipt of distal ends of substantially inline cross-piece posts therein; and a substantially arcuate stem tubular section adjoining at substantially the midpoint of said cross-piece tubular section which defines an opening for receipt of a distal end of a stem post therein, said stem tubular section being substantially orthogonal to said cross-piece tubular section and wherein said stem tubular section has a portion having a lateral dimension greater than the diameter of said stem post and said cross-piece tubular section;
characterised in that said cross-piece tubular section and said stem tubular section are of a material sufficiently flexible to conform in use with the corresponding outer surface of said cross-piece posts and said stem post.
Preferably, said material is a thermoplastic material.
More preferably, said thermoplastic material is polypropylene.
Preferably, said stem tubular section has a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end being towards said cross-piece tubular section, said proximal end having said lateral dimension greater than that of said stem post and said crosspiece tubular section.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
In a first embodiment of the present invention, said distal end of said stem tubular section defines an arc of a circle.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, said proximal end of said stem tubular section defines an arc of an oval.
Preferably, the major axis of said arc of said oval is substantially parallel to the major axis of said cross-piece tubular section.
In a third embodiment of the present invention, said cross-piece tubular section transitions through approximately 180° and said stem tubular section transitions through approximately 180°.
In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, said cross-piece tubular section transitions through approximately 90° and said stem tubular section transitions through approximately 180°.
In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, said cross-piece tubular section at or near each said opposite open ends and said stem tubular section at or near said opening for receipt of a said stem post include securing means for securing said fencepost connector to respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, said opposite ends of said crosspiece tubular section and the end of said stem tubular section at or near said opening for receipt of a said stem post are adapted to reversibly accept a mechanical interlock of said securing means.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
Preferably, said opposite ends and said end are adapted to engage with a respective locking ring in use.
More preferably, said opposite ends and said end are adapted for a snap-on type engagement with a respective said locking ring in use.
Most preferably, said opposite ends and said end include a rim configured for catching by a corresponding catch of a respective said locking ring in use.
In a seventh embodiment of the present invention, said securing means comprises a constriction mechanism.
Preferably, said constriction mechanism includes an interlock mechanism adapted 10 for reversible mechanical engagement with a locking ring.
More preferably, said interlock mechanism includes one or more constriction portion each of which in use under compression of said locking ring compresses inwardly to compress against respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
Preferably, said constriction mechanism includes constriction allowance cutouts.
Preferably, said constriction portion is of a V-shaped cross-section whereby under compression by said locking ring the apex of said V-shaped moves inwardly to compress against said cross-piece and said stem posts.
Preferably, said locking ring includes a channel configured to accommodate the base of said V-shaped constriction portion.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
As a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fencepost connector system comprising two or more of said fencepost connector as hereinbefore described.
Preferably, said fencepost connector system further comprises one or more of a separate arcuate tube section for use in covering any exposed surface of a said cross-piece post or a said stem post between two adjacent said fencepost connector when in use.
In an eighth embodiment of the present invention, said fencepost connector system further comprises a required number of said locking ring.
In a ninth embodiment of the present invention, said fence post connector system further comprises fasteners for penetrating and subsequently securing each said fencepost connector and any said separate arcuate tube section to respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of one embodiment of a fencepost connector of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the connector of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an illustration ofone embodiment of a fencepost connector system of the present invention in use using two of the connectors of FIGS. 1 & 2;
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective illustration of another embodiment of a fencepost connector of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a first locking ring for use with the connector of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a second locking ring for use with the connector of FIG. 4.
Referring to FIGS. 1 & 2, a fencepost connector (1) comprises a half tubular cross-piece section (2) and an integrated half tubular stem section (3) adjoining a midpoint of the cross-piece section (2). The components of the fencepost connector (1) are manufactured from any suitable thermoplastic material, typically polypropylene. The leading edges (4) of the cross-piece section (2) each define an arc of a circle and transition through substantially 180°. The distal end (5) of the stem section (3) defines an arc of a circle and the proximal end (6) of the stem section (3) defines an arc of an oval. The major axis of the oval arc is substantially parallel to the major axis of the cross-piece section (2) and the length of the maximum chord of the oval arc is greater than the length of the maximum chord of the circle arc providing a substantially semi-frustoconical shape to the stem section (3). Apertures (7) are present in each of the cross-piece and stem sections (2,3).
In use (FIG. 3), two adjacent connectors (1) retain substantially inline cross-piece posts (8,9) and a stem post (10). The diameter of the cross-piece posts (8,9) is greater than the chord defined between the free opposite ends of the leading edges (4) of the cross-piece section (2). The wider portion of the frustoconical stem section (3) allows the stem post (10) to be accommodated at various angles
2018202981 30 Apr 2018 with respect to the major axis of the cross-piece tubular section (2) allowing use on sloping ground. The connectors (1) are positioned such that the respective innerfaces of the cross-piece section (2) and stem section (3) lie against the outer surface of respective cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10). As the diameter of the cross-piece posts (8,9) is greater than the chord defined between the free opposite ends of the leading edges (4) of the cross-piece section (2), the crosspiece section (2) flexes to the appropriate arc to enable the respective innerfaces to lie flush against the outer surface of the cross-piece posts (8,9). Any given connector (1) is therefore able to accommodate cross-piece posts (8,9) of significantly varying diameter as required, typical diameters being 100mm, 125mm and 140mm. Once the connectors (1) are positioned, fasteners such as nails or screws are driven through the respective apertures (7) to secure the connectors (1) to the cross-piece posts (8,9) and the stem post (10). A flexible separate arcuate cover (11), also typically manufactured from polypropylene, is then positioned to cover the exposed surfaces (12) of the cross-piece posts (8,9) and fasteners such as nails or screws are driven through the cover (11) to secure the cover (11) to the cross-piece posts (8,9).
In anotherembodimentof a connector of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 4-6, a fencepost connector (1 A) is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1 & 2 in that it is manufactured from any suitable thermoplastic material, typically polypropylene, comprises a half tubular cross-piece section (2A) with leading edges (4A) defining an arc of a circle transitioning through substantially 180°, an integrated half tubular stem section (3A) with its distal end (5A) defining an arc of a circle and its proximal end (6A) defining an arc of an oval with relative dimensions sufficient to provide a substantially semi-frustoconical shape to the stem section (3A) and apertures (7) in each of the cross-piece and stem sections (2A,3A). Additionally, the leading edges (4A) of the cross-piece section (2A) and
2018202981 30 Apr 2018 the distal end (5A) of the stem section (3A) include an orthogonal inwardly facing respective rim (8), each rim (8) comprising a substantial V-shaped cross-section portion which, when compressed, each flex inwardly to frictionally engage against the respective cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10), constriction allowance cutouts (11) being provided to facilitate this inward flexing.
In use, similarly as described above with reference to FIG. 3, two adjacent connectors (1A) are positioned such that the respective inner faces of the crosspiece section (2A) and stem section (3A) lie against the outer surface of respective cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10). A locking ring (12) (FIG. 5) for each of the cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10) includes a channel (13) which retains the distal edge of each of the V-shaped cross-section portions of the rim (8), the channel (13) applying pressure so that the apex of each V-shaped cross-section portion moves inwardly to bear against each of the crosspiece posts (8,9) and stem post (10). The channel (13) includes apertures (7) through which fasteners such as nails or screws can be driven through to secure the locking ring (12) to the respective cross-piece posts (8,9) and the stem post (10). The locking ring (12) is also manufactured from a flexible thermoplastic material, typically polyethylene. The diameter of the locking ring (12) used is selected to equal the diameter of the respective cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10). Alternatively, one or more of the locking rings can be a split locking ring (14) (FIG. 6) of sufficient flexibility to be used on differing diameters of cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10). The locking rings (12,14) therefore not only lock the connectors (1 A) together but also provide the required frictional engagement of the rims (8) to the cross-piece posts (8,9) and stem post (10).
From the above description of a selection of preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that, if the leading edges (4,4A) of the cross-piece
2018202981 30 Apr 2018 ίο section (2,2A) each define an arc of a circle and transition through substantially 90°, then, either with or without the rim (8), four-way orthogonal or planar connections of cross-piece and stem posts are possible as described in Australian Patent No. 2017251740.
The present invention offers an advantage by eliminating the requirement that the dimensions of a cross-piece and stem posts connector be specific for the diameter of the respective posts. The flexibility of the connector allows any particular connector, in combination with one or more similar connectors as required, to be used over a wide range of diameters of cross-piece and stem 10 posts, an arcuate member being used if necessary to cover any exposed surfaces of the cross-piece and stem posts.
The terms comprising or comprises as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more 15 other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.
It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are only exemplification of the various aspects of the present invention and that modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the inventive concept as defined in the following claims.
Claims (25)
1. A fencepost connector comprising:
a substantially arcuate cross-piece tubular section which defines opposite open ends for receipt of distal ends of substantially inline cross-piece posts therein; and a substantially arcuate stem tubular section adjoining at substantially the midpoint of said cross-piece tubular section which defines an opening for receipt of a distal end of a stem post therein, said stem tubular section being substantially orthogonal to said cross-piece tubular section and wherein said stem tubular section has a portion having a lateral dimension greater than the diameter of said stem post and said cross-piece tubular section;
characterised in that said cross-piece tubular section and said stem tubular section are of a material sufficiently flexible to conform in use with the corresponding outer surface of said cross-piece posts and said stem post.
2. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 1 wherein said material is a thermoplastic material.
3. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 2 wherein said thermoplastic material is polypropylene.
4. A fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said stem tubular section has a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end
2018202981 30 Apr 2018 being towards said cross-piece tubular section, said proximal end having said lateral dimension greater than that of said stem post and said crosspiece tubular section.
5. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 4 wherein said distal end of said stem tubular section defines an arc of a circle.
6. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 5 wherein said proximal end of said stem tubular section defines an arc of an oval.
7. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 6, wherein the major axis of said arc of said oval is substantially parallel to the major axis of said cross-piece tubular section.
8. A fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein said cross-piece tubular section transitions through approximately 180° and said stem tubular section transitions through approximately 180°.
9. A fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein said cross-piece tubular section transitions through approximately 90° and said stem tubular section transitions through approximately 180°.
10. A fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein said cross-piece tubular section at or near each said opposite open ends and said stem tubular section at or near said opening for receipt of a said stem post include securing means for securing said fencepost connector to respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
11. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 10 wherein said opposite ends of said cross-piece tubular section and the end of said stem tubular section at or near said opening for receipt of a said stem post are adapted to reversibly accept a mechanical interlock of said securing means.
12. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 11 wherein said opposite ends and said end are adapted to engage with a respective locking ring in use.
13. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 12 wherein said opposite ends and said end are adapted for a snap-on type engagement with a respective said locking ring in use.
14. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 13 wherein said opposite ends and said end include a rim configured for catching by a corresponding catch of a respective said locking ring in use.
15. Afencepost connector as defined in Claim 10 wherein said securing means comprises a constriction mechanism.
16. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 15 wherein said constriction mechanism includes an interlock mechanism adapted for reversible mechanical engagement with a locking ring.
17. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 16 wherein said interlock mechanism comprises one or more constriction portion each of which in use under compression of said locking ring compresses inwardly to compress against respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
18. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 17 wherein each said constriction portion is of a V-shaped cross-section whereby under compression by said locking ring the apex of said V-shaped moves inwardly to compress against said cross-piece and said stem posts.
19. A fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein said constriction mechanism includes constriction allowance cutouts.
20. A fencepost connector as defined in Claim 18 or Claim 19 wherein said locking ring includes a channel configured to accommodate the base of said V-shaped constriction portion.
21. A fencepost connector system comprising two or more of said fencepost connector as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 20.
22. A fencepost connector system as defined in Claim 21 further comprising one or more of a separate arcuate tube section for use in covering any exposed surface of a said cross-piece post or a said stem post between two adjacent said fencepost connector when in use.
23. A fencepost connector system as defined in Claim 21 or Claim 22 further comprising a required number of said locking ring.
24. A fencepost connector system as defined in any one of Claims 21 to 23 further comprising fasteners for penetrating and subsequently securing each said fencepost connector to respective said cross-piece and said stem posts.
2018202981 30 Apr 2018
25. A fencepost connector system as defined in any one of Claims 22 to 24 further comprising one or more of said arcuate tube section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018202981A AU2018202981A1 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2018-04-30 | A fencepost connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018202981A AU2018202981A1 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2018-04-30 | A fencepost connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2018202981A1 true AU2018202981A1 (en) | 2019-11-14 |
Family
ID=68462427
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018202981A Abandoned AU2018202981A1 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2018-04-30 | A fencepost connector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2018202981A1 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-04-30 AU AU2018202981A patent/AU2018202981A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK4 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application |