AU2018204064A1 - Fence installation system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system 100 for installing a fence 102. The system comprises a vehicle 104, having a feed mechanism 106 for supplying prefabricated fencing 108 along a fence line 110 in a continuous manner. Also disclosed is a method of 5 installing a fence. 10350293_1 (GHMatters) P105391.AU.1 N)J Il -~CY 4 C) IY 00)

Description

FENCE INSTALLATION SYSTEM

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to the installation of fences using fencing of the type that is 5 prefabricated. Such fences may be used, for example, in agriculture to restrict movement of stock.

Background Art

Fences are used in a wide variety of applications; generally for the purpose of creating a boundary between two areas. Often fences are formed of a fencing 10 material supported by way of attachment to a plurality of spaced fence posts.

One method of installing a fence of this type is to install (i.e. by driving into the ground) a strainer post, followed by a plurality of fence posts along a fence line. A fencing material (such as prefabricated fencing) is secured, at one end, to the strainer post and then subsequently secured to the posts along the fence line. In 15 practice, such securement may be performed by tying the fence (e.g. using wire pieces) to the posts.

The installation of such fences, using this method, can be time consuming, especially where they are required to be installed over a large distance (e.g. as is common in agricultural applications).

0 It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

Disclosed herein is a system comprising a vehicle having a feed mechanism for 25 supplying prefabricated fencing along a fence line in a continuous manner, and a securement mechanism for securing the fencing to a fence post. Such an

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 arrangement, in some circumstances may allow the installation of a fence to be automated. This may, in some embodiments, allow faster installation of a fence of the type that is formed using prefabricated fencing material. The prefabricated fencing may be of the type that comprises longitudinal wires and regularly spaced 5 transverse pickets. In some embodiments, the prefabricated fencing may be modified so as to be particularly suited to the system. For example, the prefabricated fencing may include a picket spacing pattern that includes a plurality of larger gaps interspersed between regular (i.e. ‘normally sized) gaps. The larger gaps may facilitate securement of the prefabricated fencing material to fence posts 10 (i.e. it may minimise engagement of the post with a picket when attempting to secure the prefabricated fencing to the post).

The vehicle may, for example, be a tractor. The feed mechanism may be on a trailer pulled by the vehicle (i.e. in this case the trailer is considered to form part of the vehicle). The vehicle may be a self-driven vehicle, or may be a remotely 15 controlled vehicle.

In one embodiment the feed mechanism may comprise a holder for rotatably supporting a roll of the prefabricated fencing. The holder may be a spindle, and may comprise a shaft for rotatably supporting the roll.

In one embodiment the feed mechanism may comprise a tensioning assembly.

0 The tensioning assembly may ensure that there is sufficient tension in the prefabricated fencing (e.g. so it does not sag between posts once installed).

In one embodiment the tensioning assembly may comprise at least two rollers. The prefabricated fencing may pass between the rollers during supply along the fence line.

In one embodiment the rollers may be arranged so as to cause at least two changes in direction of the prefabricated fencing when the fencing is passed through the rollers. The changes in direction of the fencing may allow the rollers to ‘grip’ the prefabricated fencing so as to tension the prefabricated fencing.

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In one embodiment the securement mechanism may be arranged to secure the fencing to the fence post proximate the tensioning assembly. Such an arrangement may be desirable, because the position and orientation of the prefabricated fencing may be more consistent proximate to the tensioning assembly that in other locations. This may facilitate securement of the prefabricated fencing to one or more fence posts.

In one embodiment the securement mechanism may be mounted to the vehicle. As above, the vehicle may be, for example, a tractor. The term vehicle includes embodiments where the securement mechanism is mounted to a trailer that is 10 moved by a vehicle.

In one embodiment the securement mechanism may comprise a guide member for guiding a fence wire of the fencing material into a recess of the post.

In one embodiment the guide member may comprise two spaced fingers defining a wire-receiving notch therebetween. The notch may have a generally V-shaped 15 profile such that a wire may be guided towards the base of the notch. This may facilitate centring of the wire on the guide member (i.e. so as to provide a generally consistent position of the wire relative to the guide member).

In one embodiment the system may comprise a further guide member spaced from, and parallel to, the guide member. In this way, a recess may be defined 2 0 between the guide members for receipt of a flange of the post during guiding of the fence wire into the post recess. Where the post is of the type that includes latches, the recess may be sized so as to receive the latches in use (i.e. such that the guide members are clear of both the flange and the latches).

In one embodiment the system further comprises a post supply means. The post 2 5 supply means may supply the fence post to the securement mechanism for securement of the fencing thereto.

In one embodiment the post supply means may comprise a post holder, and a driver for moving posts from the post holder.

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In one embodiment the fence post may be a Y- or T-shaped post comprising a first elongate flange, defining a stalk of the post, and two further elongate flanges diverging from the stalk.

In one embodiment the fence post may comprise wire-receiving recesses formed in a distal edge of the stalk.

In one embodiment the fence post may comprise latches. Each latch may be moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the latch the latch may extend across an entrance to a respective recess. In the open position the latch may allow access to the respective recess through the entrance to the recess.

In one embodiment each latch may be biased into the closed position.

In one embodiment the system may further comprise an obstruction sensor for detecting obstructions in the ground that may prevent installation of a fence post at that location.

In one embodiment the securement mechanism may be controlled in response to a signal from the obstruction sensor.

In one embodiment securement of the prefabricated fencing to the post may be delayed when an obstruction is detected by the obstruction sensor. This may ensure that the system does not secure a post to the prefabricated fencing at a

0 location where there may be difficulty driving the post into the ground. The delay may depend on the size and/or type of the obstruction that is identified by the sensor.

In one embodiment the system may further comprise a timing means. The timing means may provide a signal to a controller to control when a post is secured to the 2 5 fencing by the securement mechanism. A timing means may allow the securement of a post to be performed at an appropriate point in time. For example, the timing means may allow the posts to be secured according to a particular (regular or irregular) spacing pattern. In doing so, the timing

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 mechanism may be configured to maintain this spacing pattern when the feed rate of the fencing is not constant. A non-constant feed or inconsistent feed rate can be a result of the feed mechanism, in some embodiment, being dependent on vehicle movement. For example, if the vehicle (on which the feed mechanism is 5 mounted and which the feed rate is dependent on) slows down, then the feed rate will decrease. In such a case, if the securement mechanism were otherwise configured to secure posts at predetermined time intervals, the changing feed rate of the fencing would result in non-consistent fence post spacing.

In one embodiment the timing means may comprise a feed rate sensor (or length 10 counter) for determining a feed rate of the fencing fed from the feed mechanism.

For example, the sensor may be capable of detecting rotation speed of a tensioning roller of the tensioning assembly. The outer diameter of the roller, and the detected rotational speed, may be used to determine the rate at which fencing is fed to (and past) the securement mechanism. In this way, the spacing of the 15 posts on the fence post can be controlled so as to be according to a regular spacing pattern (or an irregular, but controlled, spacing pattern). The feed rate sensor may alternatively be in the form of an optical sensor.

In one embodiment the timing means may comprise a picket detector for detecting the position of pickets in the fencing as it is fed from the feed mechanism. The

0 picket detector may be in the form of a flapper (e.g. including a proximity switch) that is triggered when it is impacted by a picket of the fence (i.e. where the fence includes pickets). The picket detector may alternatively be in the form of an optical sensor. The detection of picket positioning with respect to the fencing can be used to ensure that a post is not secured to the fencing at the same position as,

5 or close to, a picket. The picket detector may similarly be used to detect the feed rate of the feed mechanism (i.e. based on the rate at which pickets are detected by the picket detector).

Also disclosed is a method of installing a fence. The method comprises supplying prefabricated fencing along a fence line in a continuous manner and, while

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 supplying the prefabricated fencing, periodically securing fence posts to the suppled fencing.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of driving the secured fence posts into the ground to form a fence.

In one embodiment the prefabricated fencing may be supplied under tension.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise securing a first end of the prefabricated fencing to a strainer post.

In one embodiment the method may further comprise securing a second end of the prefabricated fencing, opposite the first end, to a vehicle.

In one embodiment the prefabricated fencing may be supplied in a continuous manner by way of movement of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the method may further comprise detecting obstructions in the ground that may prevent installation of a fence post at that location.

In one embodiment the securing of fence post may be performed in response to the detection of an obstruction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1A is a top view of a system for installing a fence;

Figure IB is a perspective detail view of a wire engaging device for securing a fence wire to a post;

Figure IC is a fence post cartridge assembly for the system; and

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a process for installing a fence.

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Detailed Description

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

Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 for installing a fence 102 comprises a vehicle, in the form of a tractor 104, having a feed mechanism 106 for supplying fencing (in this case prefabricated fencing 108) along a fence line 110 in a continuous manner. In other embodiments, the fencing may not be prefabricated, and may include individual strands of various types (including barbed wire).

In the presently illustrated embodiment, the feed mechanism 106, which is disposed on the tractor 104, includes a spindle 112 on which a roll 114 of prefabricated fencing 108 is retained. The spindle 112 is generally cylindrical and 2 0 is rotatably supported on a shaft, which allows the spindle 112 to spin in order to facilitate supply of prefabricated fencing 108 from the roll 114.

In some embodiments, the spindle 112 may have a mechanism for retaining an end of the roll 114 of prefabricated fencing 108 (i.e. at the interior of the roll 114). For example, the spindle 112 may be a split spindle or reel, whereby it is able to

5 clamp an end of the roll 114. In some embodiments, the spindle 112 may have a mechanism or multiple mechanisms for retaining both ends of the roll 114, for example, such that it may be safely and securely transported to a site for installation. The spindle 112 may also comprise a lower flange that retains the roll 114 thereon, and a central core having a tapered distal end that allows easy

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 installation of a roll thereon. In some cases, the spindle 112 may be configured to move between a generally horizontal position for loading a roll thereon and a generally vertical position for feeding fencing in use.

The prefabricated fencing 108 may be of the type that includes spaced longitudinal wires and generally regularly spaced transverse pickets (i.e. so as to form a grid-like structure of steel wire). In some embodiments, the prefabricated fencing 108 may be configured so as to be particularly suitable for the system 100. For example, pickets may be omitted along the prefabricated fencing 108 in a generally regular pattern. In this way, larger gaps (between pickets) may be present in the prefabricated fencing 108 within the generally regular spacing of the pickets. As will become apparent from the description further below, these larger gaps may facilitate securement of the prefabricated fencing 108 to a post. As is apparent from Figure 1A, one end (e.g. a first end) of the prefabricated fencing 108 (opposite the end wrapped around the spindle 112) is secured to a strainer post 116 (which is installed in the ground) so as to form a first end of the fence 102.

In addition to the spindle 112, the feed mechanism comprises a tensioning assembly 118 that (in use) facilitates tensioning of the prefabricated fencing 108 between the nearest secured portion of the fencing (depending on the position of

0 the tractor 104, this may be at the strainer post 116, or at another installed post 120 to which the prefabricated fencing 108 is secured). The tensioning assembly 118 comprises three (i.e. first 122a, second 122b and third 122c) rollers that are generally cylindrical and, like the spindle 112, are oriented generally vertically. Again, like the spindle 112, each of these rollers 122a, 122b, 122c is rotatably

5 supported on a respective shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the tractor 104. An outer circumferential side of at least one of the first 122a and third 122c rollers is generally in-line with the fence line 110 (i.e. tangential to the fence line 110, as seen in Figure 1A), whilst the second roller 122b is offset from the fence line 110 in a lateral direction (i.e. away from the fence line 110). In this way, when the prefabricated fencing 108 is fed through the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c, it takes a

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 tortuous path around outwardly facing portions of the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c (i.e. it is weaved through the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c). This allows the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c to ‘grip’ the prefabricated fencing 108 and can facilitate tensioning of the prefabricated fencing 108 beyond the tractor 104. One or more of the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c may be driven by e.g. a motor, in order to facilitate feeding of the fencing 108.

The shafts for the spindle 112 and the rollers 122a, 122b, 122c are supported on a platform 124 that extends laterally and generally horizontally from the tractor 104. The lateral location of the platform 124 (and therefore the components supported 10 thereon) means that, in operation, the tractor 104 moves alongside the fence line

110 in order to install the fence 102. It should be appreciated that the feed mechanism 106 (i.e. including rollers 122a, 122b, 122c and spindle 112) could be located on the opposite side of the tractor 104 (from that shown in Figure 1A), or behind the tractor 104, and still operate in a similar manner. Similarly, it should 15 be appreciated that these components may be secured to the tractor 104 in other ways. For example, the components may be cantilevered (e.g. by way of struts) from a side of the tractor 104, or may be disposed on a trailer that is towed by the tractor 104 (or another vehicle).

Also supported on the platform 124 is a fence post supply assembly 126. The

0 assembly includes a fence post holder in the form of a box-shaped container 128 and guide rails 130 that extend from the container 128. In use, fence posts 120 can be stored in the container 128 and supplied from the container 128 via the guide rails 130 (i.e. the fences posts 120 are guided and supported by the rails) 130.

5 In the illustrated embodiments, the fence posts 120 are Y-shaped posts (also known as Star™ posts). A detailed view of such a post 120 is provided in Figure IB. The post 120 comprises a primary flange (or stalk) 132 and two diverging flanges (or wings) 134 extending from the stalk 132. The stalk 132, includes a plurality of recesses or notches 136 extending from a longitudinal distal edge

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 thereof, as well as a top notch/cut-out 137 to facilitate fence post driving. As will be described below, these recesses 136 are spaced and sized so as to receive (and retain) longitudinal fence wires 138 in use.

In the illustrated embodiment, latches 140 may be provided (e.g. pre-fitted) to the post, each latch being mounted (at one end) to an aperture 142 in the post 120, such that the latch may extend across an entrance to the recess 136 of the respective post 120 when in a closed position (as illustrated in Figure IB). Each latch 140 may be pivotable to allow access into the recess 136 of the respective post 120 when in an open position. Each latch 140 may be biased so as to be naturally disposed towards a closed position whereby, once a wire 138 is pushed into the recess 136, the latch 140 closes and retains the wire 138 in the recess 136. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure IB, the biasing force is a result of the latch 140 being formed of a bent resilient wire piece and the ends of the wire piece being squeezed towards one another and mounted within the aperture 142 (i.e. so as to be biased outwards against the edges of the aperture 142). Suitable such latches and posts are as set forth in AU 2016253584, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring again to Figure 1A, the fence post supply assembly 126 can further include a driver (e.g. disposed in the container 128) that is able to move the fence

0 posts 120 from the container 128 and along the rails 130 (i.e. so as to provide a continuous supply of fence posts 120 from the container 128). The driver can be configured to move the fence posts along the guide rails 130, whereupon the fence post 120 that is moved to an outer end of the rails 130 is secured to the prefabricated fencing 108. In this respect, the fence post supply assembly 126

5 may also comprise a sensor (not shown) that detects when a fence post 120 has moved away from the outer end of the rails 130 (i.e. in order to indicate when the remaining fence posts 120 on the rails 130 require movement). The sensor may, for example, be in the form of a hinged gate, or a beam sensor.

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The system 100 further comprises a securement mechanism 144 that, in the illustrated embodiment (seen in Figure 1A), comprises an articulated arm 146 that is cantilevered from a rear end of the tractor 104. The articulated nature of the arm 146 allows the position of the arm 146 to be adjusted relative to the tractor

104, as required. A distal end of the arm 146 comprises a plurality of wire engagement devices 148. These devices are shown in further detail in Figure IB.

The wire engagement devices 148 are spaced along a generally vertical axis and are each able to engage a longitudinal wire 138 of the prefabricated fencing 108, to push that wire 138 into a corresponding recess 136 of a given fence post 120 (i.e. that is supported on the guide rails 130). In order to facilitate this pushing, the wire engagement devices 148 are moveable in a reciprocating motion along an axis that is transverse to the direction of the fence 102. This movement can be caused by one or more driving mechanisms (not shown) forming part of the securement mechanism 144. Such driving mechanisms may e.g. be linear actuators or hydraulically actuated components.

As is apparent from Figure IB, each wire engagement device 148 can comprise two laterally spaced parallel guide members 150 that define a stalk-receiving recess 152 therebetween. As should be apparent, the stalk-receiving recess 152 is configured to receive the stalk 132 of the post 120, in use. The width of the stalk2 0 receiving recess 152 can also be such that it is able to receive therein the latch 140 (i.e. the guide members 150 are spaced sufficiently laterally apart such that they may not contact the latch 140 when the stalk 132 is received therebetween). Each guide member 150 comprises two (in use, upper and lower) spaced fingers 154 that define a wire-receiving notch 156 therebetween. Each notch 156 can be

5 generally V-shaped, such that the sloped edges of the notch 156 are able to guide a longitudinal wire 138 towards the base of the notch 156. In this way, the wire 138 may be centred with respect to the guide members 150, which can facilitate successful alignment of the wire 138 with the entrance of the recess 136 in the post 120.

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Hence, in operation, each wire engagement device 148 is moved by the driving mechanism towards the post 120 such that a respective wire 138 is received in the notches 156 of the guide members 150. In this way, the wire 138 can be substantially centred by the sloped edges of the notches 156 so as to then be substantially aligned with the recess 136 in the post. As the wire engagement device 148 moves further towards the post 120, the wire 138 comes into contact with the latch 140 and moves the latch 140 into the recess 136 of the post 120. This further movement is made possible by receipt of the stalk 132 of the post 120 in the stalk-receiving recess 152 defined between the guide members 150.

Continued movement forward of the wire 138 by the wire engagement device 148 allows the wire 138 to move (i.e. to push) past the latch 140, so as to be received in the recess 136. Due to its biased configuration, once the wire 138 no longer contacts the latch 140, the latch 140 can ‘snap’ back into the closed position. This helps to prevent dislodgement of the wire 138 from the recess 136 thereafter.

Although movement of the wire engagement device 148 is described as a transverse movement (relative to the longitudinal axis of the post 120). The movement may otherwise be along an axis that is inclined or declined relative to the longitudinal axis of the post 120. Movement on an inclined axis may facilitate receipt of the wire 138 in the recess 136 by moving the wire 138 up and over the

0 latch 140. In other embodiments the fence post 120 may be moved instead of the wire 138 in order to engage the wire 138.

Although not discussed with respect to this embodiment, it may be necessary (in some cases) for each wire engagement device 148 to be moved along an axis in the direction of the fence line 110 - i.e. as it engages the wire 138 and moves it into the recess 136. Such movement may be such that there is minimal relative movement between the fencing 108 (i.e. being suppled from the roll 114) and the wire engagement device 148. This may, for example, be desirable where the pickets of the prefabricated fencing 108 are closely spaced such that, if the wire engagement device 148 was stationary (relative to prefabricated fencing 108), it

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 would be likely for the wire engagement device 148 to contact (or become caught on) a picket of the fencing 108 whilst performing the wire engagement operation.

The securement mechanism 144 can be controlled by a controller (not shown) that may receive signals from one or more sensors. Although not illustrated, the one or more sensors can include a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of one of the rollers 122 of the tensioning assembly 118. The signal from this sensor can be used to adjust post securement timing in response to changes in the feed rate of the fencing 108 from the feed mechanism 106. Alternatively or additionally, the system 100 can include a picket detection sensor in the form of a flapper and proximity sensor that detects the passing of pickets in the fencing 108. In response to signal from this sensor, the controller can control the securement mechanism 144 so as to avoid securing a post 120 to the fencing 108 at the same location on the fencing 108 as a picket.

To facilitate handling and loading of the fence posts 120 into the system 100, the fence posts 120 may be stored in the container 128 in a cartridge (e.g. in a prepackaged) form. An exemplary cartridge assembly 158 is shown in Figure 1C. This cartridge assembly 158 comprises a layer of five parallel spaced posts 120 that are connected at their respective ends by two post caps 160. The post caps 160 may be formed of plastic that can be peeled away once the cartridge assembly

158 is loaded into the container 128. Alternatively, the post caps 160 may be formed so as to include frangible portions that allow a portion of each cap to tear away when a post 120 is engaged with the prefabricated fencing 108 (i.e. movement of the tractor 104 away from the post 120 when attached to the prefabricated fencing 108 can tear the frangible portion). In this respect, the torn25 away portion of each cap 160 may remain connected to the post 120 when it is installed, or the torn-away portion of each cap may be removed by the machine such that it does not interfere with driving of each post 120.

Installation of the post is not illustrated in the above described figures. Such installation may be performed manually by an operator on foot behind the tractor

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104, or by way of a further vehicle following the tractor 104. The posts 120 may be driven into the ground using e.g. a manual driver, pneumatic driver, hydraulic driver, etc. Such post drivers may be modified so as to be suitable for driving posts that are already secured to fencing (e.g. one or more guards surrounding the driver may be modified to accommodate fence wires). Driving of the posts 120 may alternatively be performed autonomously by a system that is mounted to the tractor 104 or to a further vehicle or trailer following behind the tractor.

Thus, like the post securement process, the post driving process may be performed by an automated system. For example, a fence post driver may be mounted to the rear of the vehicle 104 that drives the posts 120 into the ground once they are secured to the fencing. It may be desirable for the post 120 to held in place, relative to the fencing, from the time it is secured to the fencing to the time it is driven into the ground. For example, the post 120 may be held by the securement mechanism 144. In this respect, the securement mechanism 144 (i.e. by way of movement of the articulated arm) may move with the post 120 as it moves away from the vehicle 104 (i.e. until the post is driven into the ground). In this respect, the post driver and securement mechanism 144 may move together (and may both be disposed on the same articulated arm). The movement of the securement mechanism 144 and a post driver may be controlled based on a measured feed rate

0 of the fencing.

Figure 2 illustrates a general process 262 for installing a fence using the system described above. The process 262 includes loading fencing material (e.g. in roll form) onto a vehicle 264, and subsequently, securing a first end of the fencing material to e.g. a strainer post 266. The vehicle is then moved (i.e. driven) along a

5 fence line 268, typically at a constant speed. Because the fencing material is fixed at one end to the vehicle, and fixed at the other end to e.g. a strainer post, the movement of the vehicle can results in a continuous supply of fencing material 270. As fencing material is supplied, one or more posts are secured to the fencing material 272 and the one or more posts are then driven into the ground 274. The

0 post may be driven into the ground by e.g. a manual, pneumatic or hydraulic post

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 driver, or autonomously, as set forth above. Once the fence reaches a desired length, the fencing material is cut from the roll and secured to e.g. a further strainer post 276.

If a roll is finished before the fence has reached the desired length the vehicle 104 5 is stopped and a new roll is loaded onto the vehicle 104. The wires from the new roll can be joined to the inside end of the old roll. The joiners may be knots, crimps or spring wire joiners such as a Grippie™ joiner. The preceding roll can be rolled off the spindle 106, but can be stopped before the end of the roll passes through the first tensioning roll 122a.

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

For example, the system may further include means for detecting whether the ground (i.e. at the point where a post is attached to the fencing material) is 15 suitable for receipt of a post. Such means may be in the form of an optical sensor that is configured to detect whether e.g. the ground type is suitable for receipt of a post. For example, the sensor may be capable of detecting large rocks that could prevent installation of a post at that location. In response to the detection by the sensor, the securement mechanism may delay engagement of the wire with a fence 2 0 post (i.e. until a suitable ground type is detected). The sensor may also be configured to detect undulations, or variations in ground level, and adjust the fence post location and driving accordingly.

The ‘sensor’ may be in the form of an optical recognition system (e.g. using a machine learning algorithm to classify ground images as being indicative of

5 suitable or unsuitable ground). Alternatively, the detection may be performed by an attempt to drive a post into the ground, which may be aborted if a driving force limit is detected. Instead of driving a post into the ground, a ‘dummy’ post (e.g. a test spike) may be used in a similar way to detect the suitability of the ground at a

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2018204064 07 Jun 2018 location. An alternative sensor may be in the form of a sonar system that detects obstructions in the ground, based on reflected signals.

Similarly, visual sensors may be used to correctly align the posts with the wire engagement devices 148 of the securement mechanism 144. This may be facilitated by markings or identifiers on the post that make it easier for the position of the post to be detected by such sensors. For example, the markings or identifiers may be in the form of a coating on the post or on a latch of the post.

The system may be employed using vehicles other than a tractor, and it is not required that all components of the system be mounted to a single vehicle.

The system may include a mechanism for ensuring that the fence is formed along a straight line (or another predetermined path). This mechanism may include, for example a guide line (in the form of a wire) strung along the fence line between two end stays. Alternatively, lasers and reflectors can be used. These may be attached to end stays which can be used to confirm the vehicle is travelling in a straight path. Automatic or manual corrections may then be made to redirect the vehicle. The mechanism may alternatively be in the form of a positioning system such as GPS.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the system for installing a fence, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the system.

Claims (39)

1. A system for installing a fence, the system comprising:

a vehicle comprising a feed mechanism for supplying fencing along a fence line in a continuous manner;

a securement mechanism arranged to secure the fencing to fence posts as the fencing is supplied from the feed mechanism.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the feed mechanism is configured to supply prefabricated fencing.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the feed mechanism comprises a holder for rotatably supporting a roll of the fencing.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the posts are secured to the fencing in a spaced apart manner.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the feed mechanism comprises a tensioning assembly.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the tensioning assembly comprises at least two rollers, the prefabricated fencing passing between the rollers during supply along the fence line.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the rollers are arranged so as to cause at least two changes in direction of the prefabricated fencing when the fencing is passed through the rollers.

8. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the securement mechanism is arranged to secure the fencing to the fence post proximate the tensioning assembly.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the securement mechanism is mounted to the vehicle.

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10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the securement mechanism comprises a guide member for guiding a fence wire of the fencing material into a recess of the post.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the guide member comprises two spaced fingers defining a wire-receiving notch therebetween.

12. A system according to claim 10 or 11 comprising a further guide member spaced from, and parallel to, the guide member, a recess being defined between the guide members for receipt of a flange of the post during guiding of the fence wire into the post recess.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a post supply means, the post supply means supplying the fence post to the securement mechanism for securement of the fencing thereto.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the post supply means comprises a post holder, and a driver for moving posts from the post holder.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fence post is a Y- or T-shaped post comprising a first elongate flange, defining a stalk of the post, and two further elongate flanges diverging from the stalk.

16. A system according to claim 15 wherein the fence post comprises wirereceiving recesses formed in a distal edge of the stalk.

17. A system according to claim 16 wherein the fence post comprises latches, each moveable between:

a closed position in which the latch extends across an entrance to a respective recess; and an open position in which the latch allows access to the respective recess through the entrance to the recess.

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18. A system according to claim 17 wherein each latch is biased into the closed position.

19. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the securement mechanism further comprises a recess locator for locating one or more recesses of a post when securing the fencing thereto.

20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the recess locator is a visual sensor, and the post comprises one or more identifiers to facilitate location of the one or more recesses.

21. A system according to claim 20 wherein at least one of identifiers is in the form of a polymer coating covering a portion of the post.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the polymer coating covers at least a portion of a latch of the post.

23. A system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an obstruction sensor for detecting obstructions in the ground that may prevent installation of a fence post at that location.

24. A system according to claim 23 wherein the securement mechanism is controlled in response to a signal from the obstruction sensor.

25. A system according to claim 24 wherein securement of the prefabricated fencing to the post is delayed when an obstruction is detected by the obstruction sensor.

26. A system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a timing means, the timing means providing a signal to a controller to control when a post is secured to the fencing by the securement mechanism.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein the timing means comprises a feed rate sensor for determining a feed rate of the fencing fed from the feed mechanism.

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28. A system according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the timing means comprises a picket detector for detecting the position of pickets in the fencing as it is fed from the feed mechanism.

29. A method of installing a fence, the method comprising:

supplying fencing along a fence line in a continuous manner;

while supplying the prefabricated fencing, periodically securing fence posts to the suppled fencing.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the supplied fencing is prefabricated fencing.

31. A method according to claim 29 or 30 further comprising the step of driving the secured fence posts into the ground to form a fence.

32. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein the fencing is supplied under tension.

33. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 32 further comprising securing a first end of the fencing to a strainer post.

34. A method according to claim 33 further comprising securing a second end of the fencing, opposite the first end, to a vehicle.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the fencing is supplied in a continuous manner by way of movement of the vehicle.

36. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 35 further comprising detecting obstructions in the ground that may prevent installation of a fence post at that location.

37. A method according to claim 36 wherein the securing of fence posts is performed in response to the detection of an obstruction.

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38. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 33 further comprising driving the fence posts into the ground.

39. A method according to claim 34 wherein, when each post is driven into the ground the fencing, the fencing is maintained under tension.