AU2019100340A4 - Viticulture clip - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an attachment suitable for being mounted to a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk. The attachment comprises first and second legs that are connected at their proximal 5 ends by a connector. The first and second legs can each have a formation at their distal ends. The first and second formations can be configured to interact with a distal edge of the stalk and a distal edge of one of the wings respectively, such that each formation together with its respective distal edge is able to form a resilient loop whereby, in use, a wire that has entered the loop is retained therein. 11154141_1 (GHMatters) P110562.AU r14~ r,4 r-4 (n r,4

Description

Viticulture Clip

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to an attachment for a fence post. The attachment has 5 particular, but not exclusive, use in agricultural applications.

Background Art

Posts used in applications such as fencing, demarcation, signage etc. are usually formed from steel, though in some applications (e.g. electric fencing) it is known to mould such posts from a plastic material. In some applications, such as in viticulture and trellising, posts can typically be made from wood.

Steel fence posts have been known for many years that are roll-formed to have a Y-shaped or T-shaped profile (i.e. in end view). The post may take the form of a picket and in this case may be provided (e.g. cut) with a pointed end to facilitate post driving into the earth.

Such steel fence posts may be provided with a series of spaced holes or passages in a flange thereof (i.e. in the so-called “stalk”, “stem” or “base web”) to enable strands of fencing wire to be secured to the post, for example, by tying each wire strand to the post with a separate short length of wire tie, or by employing a wire “clip”. However, the wire can also be threaded directly through such holes.

In some applications, such as viticulture and trellising, fruit yield may be increased by running double cordon training wires on either side of a post. In some configurations, there may be a need to run the wires at the same height on either side of the post, separated by the width of the post.

In some applications, such as viticulture and trellising, there may be a need for a wire to be easily run on two different flanges of a post (e.g. a Y- or T-post).

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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

In a first aspect an attachment is disclosed that is suitable for being mounted to a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk. The attachment comprises first and second legs that are connected at their proximal ends by a connector. The first and second legs can each have a formation at their distal ends. The first and second formations can be configured to interact with a distal edge of the stalk and a distal edge of one of the wings respectively, such that each formation together with its respective distal edge is able to form a resilient loop whereby, in use, a wire that has entered the loop is retained therein.

Thus, it may be possible to run e.g. a single wire from two different flanges of a post, where the wire is retained at the same height on either side of the post. A post fitted with such an attachment may, for example, find application in viticulture and trellising.

In some embodiments, the attachment may be a length of metallic wire in the form of a clip.

0 In some embodiments, a portion of each of the first and second formations may be arranged to kink inwardly towards the connector from the end of the first and second legs respectively such that, when the attachment is mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post, each kink locates at its respective distal edge to thereby form a respective loop. Thus, the kink of each formation may locate in close proximity

5 adjacent to a respective distal edge of the stalk or wing of the Y- or T-shaped post (e.g. the kink may abut a respective distal edge).

In some embodiments, a distal tip of each portion of the first and second formations may be arranged to kink back outwardly from the connector such that,

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 when the attachment is mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post, the distal tip of each portion is spaced from its respective distal edge. This kinking back out of the distal tip can, in effect, define a “throat” for the wire to enable it to be passed into a respective loop (i.e. between the distal tip and its respective distal edge).

In some embodiments, the distal tip of each formation may be arranged to curve back outwardly away from the connector. In use, when the clip is mounted to the post, the distal tip may thus be spaced away from its respective distal edge. This may assist in levering the resilient metallic wire formations away from their respective distal edges when inserting a wire into the respective loops.

In some embodiments, the distal tip of each formation may be arranged to curve inwardly towards (or outwards from) the connector. Thus, the distal tip may be looped back onto itself. Thus, in use the distal tip of each formation may be configured so as not to form a projecting edge (e.g. a sharp edge), which edge may otherwise be hazardous for the fencing contractor and/or people harvesting the fruit, and which edge may otherwise damage mechanical harvesters and pruners.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second legs may have a configuration such that, when mounted to the post, the leg is able to interact with its respective distal edge to prevent rotation of the attachment relative to the post.

0 Thus, in addition to each leg being configured to form a resilient loop with its respective post distal edge, each leg can be configured to interact with the post to prevent rotation of the attachment relative to the post in use.

In some embodiments, the attachment may be mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post by a fastener. For example, the fastener may interact with one of the series of spaced holes or passages (apertures) in a flange of the post (typically in the so-called “stalk”, “stem” or “base web” of the post). Further, the fastener may have a configuration that matches one of the holes or apertures.

For example, in some embodiments, the hole or aperture in the flange (stalk) of the post may have an obround configuration, and the fastener may be configured

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 to have an obround shoulder that is generally configured to match the aperture. Such a shoulder may have a height, taken from the base surface of the fastener, such that at least a portion of the obround shoulder may extend into so as to interact with a correspondingly sized obround aperture in e.g. the stalk of the post.

Such a configuration may ensure that the fastener does not rotate during and after installation through the aperture of the post, thereby making the installation easier and more secure. In some embodiments, the shoulder of the fastener may be provided with a configuration that may also assist in preventing rotation of the attachment such that it remains substantially level laterally across the post in use.

Also disclosed herein is a fencing system. In some embodiments of the fencing system, the system may comprise a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk. The post may have an aperture arranged through a flange of at least one of the stalk or wings of the post (e.g. typically through the stalk). The aperture may have an obround profile.

The system may further comprise an attachment as described above. The attachment may be able to be fastened to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector. The system may further comprise a fastener. The fastener can fasten the attachment to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector. The fastener may interact with the connector to secure the attachment to the post. The fastener may have a shoulder arranged between a head and an optionally threaded shank of the fastener. The shoulder may be configured such that, when the fastener extends through the aperture, the shoulder is able to interact with the aperture to prevent rotation of the fastener. The connector may also locate in relation to the shoulder (e.g. it may be supported thereon/thereat).

In some embodiments, the attachment may be able to be fastened to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector being clamped between a head of the fastener and the stalk or wing.

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In some embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one wire able to be fed through at least one or each the first and second loops so as to be retained at the post, and so as to extend away in at least two lateral directions from the post.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the attachment in the form of a clip.

Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the attachment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the attachment shown in Figure 1 as seen from direction A in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the attachment shown in Figure 1 as seen from direction B in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a fencing system incorporating the embodiment of the attachment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the fencing system shown in Figure 5 as seen from direction A in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the fencing system shown in Figure 2 0 5 as seen from direction B in Figure 5.

Figure 8A is an end view of an embodiment of a fastener for use in the fencing system embodiment, the fastener having an obround shoulder.

Figure 8B is a perspective view of the fastener of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C is a side detail view of an embodiment of a post, the post comprising a 25 number of obround apertures.

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Figure 9 is a schematic view of a fencing system incorporating the attachment of Figure 1 at a reverse side of the post, together with a fence wire.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying 5 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.

An embodiment of an attachment as disclosed herein is shown in Figs. 1 to 9 in the form of a clip 100. The clip 100 can, for example, find application in viticulture and trellising as described hereafter. The clip 100 and its use in a fencing system will now be described.

The clip 100 shown in Figures 1-4 can be formed from a suitable length and gauge of metallic wire. The clip 100 can be mounted to a post in the form of a Y2 0 or T-shaped fence post 200 as shown in Figures 5-7 & 9. The clip 100 is configured such that it is suitable for mounting to at least one of the stalk 220 or wings 210 of a Y- or T-shaped fence post 200.

Typically, in Y- or T-shaped fence posts, the holes or apertures are provided in the stalk, and hence the clip 100 is typically mounted to the stalk via one of the holes

5 or apertures. However, when so mounted, and as best illustrated in e.g. Fig. 5, the clip 100 can be positioned in relation to both the stalk 220 and one of the wings 210.

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In the Y-shaped post 200 of Figures 5-7, each wing 210 projects away from the stalk 220 at an angle greater than 90°. Hence, the clip 100 is configured accordingly. However, in a T-shaped post, each wing projects away from the stalk at an angle of 90°, such that the clip 100 would be reconfigured accordingly.

The clip 100 comprises first 10 and second 10’ legs that are connected at their proximal ends by a U-shaped connector 50. The first and second legs 10,10’ each have a formation at their distal ends. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the formations 20,20’ project laterally away from respective distal ends of the legs 10,10’ in a direction that is generally upwards in use and is parallel to respective planes in which the distal ends of the legs 10,10’ lie.

As best shown in Figures 5-7 & 9, the formations 20,20’ are configured to interact with a distal edge 218 of the stalk 220 and a distal edge 208 of one of the wings 210 respectively. Thus, each formation 20,20’ together with its respective distal edge 218,208 is able to form a respective resilient loop 30,30’.

In this regard, each formation 20,20’ is arranged to have a concave kink 22,22’ where the innermost tip 24,24’ of each kink 22,22’ is located inwardly towards the connector 50 from the end of the first and second legs 10,10’ respectively. Thus, each kink 22,22’ can sit at (e.g. in abutment) or adjacent to its respective distal edge 218,208 so to form (e.g. to close) the respective resilient loop 30,30’.

0 In use, a wire W (Fig. 9) that is caused (e.g. pushed) to enter e.g. the loop 30 is able to be retained therein. This is because, as the clip 100 is held firm at the post 200, a lever action-type force can be employed to displace e.g. the formation 20 away from its respective distal edge 218. As shown in Figure 9, it may be possible to run e.g. a single wire from two different flanges of a post, whereby two wires

5 can be retained at the same height on either side of the post. This action of mounting one or more wires to the post 200 is described in greater detail below.

Typically, the clip 100 is mounted to the post 200 with the U-shaped connector 50 being inverted. A fastener 300 (e.g. a bolt) is located such that its shank 320

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 extends through the U-shape of connector 50. A head 302 of the fastener 300 effectively clamps the connector 50 between it and a side face of the stalk 220.

The inverse U-shape of connector 50 gives it the form of a hook, such that the connector 50 is able to hook over the fastener 300. Generally, when the connector is clamped adjacent to the side face of stalk 220, the connector 50 lies parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post 200 and in the plane of the stalk 220 (see Fig. 5).

The two legs 10,10’ of clip 100 are each connected at their proximal ends to the connector 50 so as to stem (i.e. project laterally) therefrom, with the length of the legs 10,10’ being such as to locate in the region of the distal edge 218 of the stalk

220 and the distal edge 208 of a wing 210 of the post 200.

The first 10 of the two legs 10,10’ can be arranged to extend in the same plane as the connector 50, whilst the second leg 10’ can be arranged to extend along a second plane that is at a first angle X relative to the plane of the connector 50 (see Fig. 2). For example, in some embodiments, the first angle X can be 136 degrees.

In some embodiments, the first angle X of the second leg 10’ can be arranged so as to substantially correspond to an angle defined between the stalk 220 and one of the wings 210 of the Y- or T-shaped post 200, in which case the clip 100 can generally sit against adjacent side faces of the wing 210 and stalk 220. In another variation, a distal end 12 of the first leg 10 can be arranged to project at an angle

0 relative to the plane of the connector 50.

A distal end 12’ of the second leg 10’ can be arranged to project along a third plane that is at a second angle Y from the second plane along which the second leg 10’ extends. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 9, the second angle Y can be substantially similar to the first angle X, whereby the plane of the connector 50 and the plane of the second leg distal end 12’ are substantially parallel. For example, in some embodiments, the second angle Y can also be 136 degrees.

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When the post is a T-shaped post, each of the first angle X and second angle Y can be 90 degrees with each of the first 10 and second 10’ legs projecting in opposing directions.

When the clip 100 is mounted to the post 200 (e.g. Figures 5-7 & 9), each of the 5 first and second legs 10,10’ extends beyond the respective distal edge 218,208 of the stalk 220 or wing 210, so that the respective formation 20,20’ is able to curve back in towards the distal edge 218,208. Thus, the kink 22,22’ of each formation 20,20’ locates in close proximity, adjacent to the respective distal edge 218,208 of the stalk 220 and wing 210 of the post 200. Furthermore, this location of each formation 20,20’ in close proximity to its respective distal edge 218,208 can serve to prevent or at least inhibit the clip 100 from rotating about the connector 50, and relative to the post 200.

Figures 7 & 9 best illustrate the loop 30,30’ that is formed between each formation 20,20’ and its respective stalk distal edge 218 and wing distal edge 208.

Each loop 30,30’ is defined at its perimeter by the respective distal end 12,12’ of the leg 10,10’, the respective formation 20,20’ up until the innermost tip 24,24’ of each kink 22,22’, and the respective distal edge 218,208 of the stalk 220 and wing 210.

The distal tip 26, 26’ of each formation 20,20’ is arranged to curve back

0 outwardly away from the connector 50 (i.e. the upper half of the concave kink 22,22’). As best shown in Fig. 7, this curving back outwardly away functions so as to define a throat 33,33’ between each distal tip 26, 26’ and its respective distal edge 218,208 of the stalk 220 and wing 210 when the clip 100 is mounted to the post 200.

5 In use, a respective wire W can be passed into a respective throat 33,33’ (see Fig. 9) with the wire passing along an inside edge of a respective distal tip 26, 26’. Towards the end of the throat, when the wire also simultaneously engages a respective distal edge 218,208, each throat configuration assists in levering and deflecting the resilient formations 20,20’ away from their respective distal edges

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218,208, so that the wire W can then pass into a respective loop 30,30’ to be retained (e.g. captured) therein.

The formations 20,20’ can each be seen to define a lever arm that extends from a respective distal end 12,12’. Thus, at the throat 33,33’, each lever arm offers a greater leverage advantage to a respective wire than when the wire is located inside a respective loop 30,30’. Hence, when a wire downward force is applied to the distal tips 26, 26’, the formations 20,20’ are easier to deflect than when a wire upward force is applied from inside of the loops 30,30’. Whilst the wire can still be removed if desired, the greater leverage advantage can advantageously improve the retention of a wire that is being held within each loop 30,30’, such that it is more difficult for the wire to become dislodged in use. In this regard, a short lever length is available to the wire once located within a respective loop.

In a clip variation, not shown, the distal tip 26, 26’ of each formation 20,20’ can be arranged to curve inwardly (or outwardly) towards the connector 50 (e.g. as a tight closed loop). Thus, in use, the distal tip 26, 26’ of each formation 20,20’ does not form an e.g. sharp projecting edge, which may otherwise be hazardous for a fencing contractor and/or for people harvesting a crop supported at the viticultural or trellising post, and so may also not damage mechanical harvesters and pruners.

0 Nevertheless, in this variation, the distal tip 26, 26’ of each formation 20,20’ can still be arranged such that, when the clip 100 is mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post, the distal tip 26, 26’ of each portion is either spaced from a respective distal edge of the stalk 220 or wings 210 of a Y- or T-shaped fence post 200 to define an adjacent throat.

5 As shown in Figure 8, the fastener 300 can be configured to have an obround shoulder 310 that projects from a base surface 304 of the fastener head 302 towards the threaded shank 320 of the fastener (i.e. the shank 320 can extend from the shoulder 310). The height of the obround shoulder 310 from the base surface 304 is such that at least a portion of the obround shoulder 310 can extend into, so

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 as to interact with, a corresponding obround aperture 222 defined in the stalk 220 (see Fig. 8C). This configuration can ensure that the fastener 300 does not rotate during installation and later in use, within the aperture of the post 200, thereby making the installation easier and the fastening more secure. In this regard, the obround aperture 222 can prevent the fastener 300 itself from spinning when tightening a nut against the opposing face of the stalk 220 (from which the fastener head 302 is located) to the threaded shank 320 of the fastener.

The shoulder 310 of the fastener 300 can also provide a useful mounting configuration for the U-shape of the connector 50 of clip 100. Additionally, if desired, the shoulder 310 can be reconfigured to assist in preventing rotation of the clip 100 such that the clip remains substantially level laterally across the post 200. In this regard, the shoulder could be configured to interfere with the U-shape of the connector 50. When so configured, the hooking of the connector 50 over the shoulder 310 can be such as to prevent the connector from rotating about the fastener 300 relative to the post 200.

When the post is 200 is configured to have a round aperture (not shown) through the stalk 220, a washer (not shown) can be used when tightening a nut against the opposing face of the stalk 220 to the threaded shank 320 of the fastener 300. The washer can be located on either side of stalk 220. For example, the washer can be

0 configured to have an obround aperture therethrough that corresponds to the obround shoulder 310 of the fastener 300, with the washer then being located on the fastener 300 at the same side of stalk 220 as the fastener head 302. Alternatively, the washer can locate on the threaded shank 320 of the fastener 300 to locate at an opposing side of stalk 220 (i.e. the same side as a nut for threaded

5 shank 320). The washer can be provided with a configuration that assists in preventing rotation of either or both of the fastener 300 or the clip 100 with respect to the post 200.

For example, the washer can be provided with vertical edges which are substantially parallel to the edges of the downward projections from the

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 connector. The vertical edges of the washer being bend towards the post, so that they wrap partially around the connector downward projections and cause interference which prevents the washer from spinner independent to the device (clip). That is to say the washer is a square or rectangular shape and the vertical edges bend inward toward the post and “cup” the connector.

In another example, the washer can be provided with a knurled or serrated surface, etc., which is configured to frictionally interact with an adjacent side surface of the stalk 220.

In yet another example, the washer can be dimensioned to interact with the fastener 300 and/or the adjacent “legs” of the connector 50 to assist in preventing the fastener 300 and/or connector 50 from spinning when tightening a nut located on the threaded shank 320 of the fastener 300 against the opposing face of the stalk 220. This configuration may thus also assist in preventing rotation of the clip 100 such that it remains substantially level laterally across the post 200.

This configuration may ensure that the innermost tip 24,24’ of each kink 22,22’ juxtaposes its respective distal edges 218,208 of the post 200, and remains substantially aligned adjacent to that distal edge 218,208. Thus, a wire that has been located within one of the loops 30,30’ can be retained therein.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described

0 without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example, in a variation, the clip 100 can be mounted by other means such as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art (e.g. welding, pin, hook).

In another variation, the second angle Y of the second leg 10’ can be arranged so as to locate the kink of the second formation adjacent the distal edge of the wing

5 210 of the Y-or T-shaped post 200.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, 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

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2019100340 03 Apr 2019 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.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. An attachment that is suitable for being mounted to a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk, the attachment comprising:

   first and second legs that are connected at their proximal ends by a connector, each of the first and second legs having a formation at their distal ends, the first and second formations being configured to interact with a distal edge of the stalk and a distal edge of one of the wings respectively, such that each formation together with its respective distal edge is able to form a resilient loop whereby, in use, a wire that has entered the loop is retained therein.
2. 2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the first and second formations is arranged to kink inwardly towards the connector from the end of the first and second legs respectively such that, when the attachment is mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post, each kink locates at its respective distal edge to form a respective loop.
3. 3. An attachment as claimed in claim 2, wherein a distal tip of each portion of the first and second formations is arranged to kink back outwardly from the connector such that, when the attachment is mounted to the Y- or T-shaped fence post, the distal tip of each portion is spaced from its respective distal edge.
4. 4. A fencing system, the system comprising a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk, the post having an aperture arranged through a flange of at least one of the stalk or wings of the post;

   an attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, the attachment able to be fastened to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector; and

   11154141_1 (GHMatters) P110562.AU

   2019100340 03 Apr 2019 a fastener for fastening the attachment to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector, the fastener having an obround shoulder arranged between a head and a shank of the fastener, the obround shoulder being configured such that, when the fastener extends through the aperture, the obround shoulder is able to interact with the aperture to prevent a rotation of the fastener.
5. 5. A fencing system, the system comprising a Y- or T-shaped fence post of the type that comprises a stalk and wings that project from the stalk, an attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, the attachment able to be fastened to at least one of the stalk or wings of the post via the connector; and a wire able to be fed through the first and second loops so as to be retained at the post and to extend away in at least two lateral directions from the post.