AU2020102369B4

AU2020102369B4 - Post and associated components for fencing system

Info

Publication number: AU2020102369B4
Application number: AU2020102369A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cameron Burke; Robert Thomas
Original assignee: Kingfence Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kingfence Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2020-09-22
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-22
Also published as: AU2020102369A4

Abstract

A unitary fence post (10) comprises a ground engaging portion (12) defining a tip (22) and a helical thread (24) for insertion into a substrate surface such as ground and an integral post portion (16), typically having a generally square cross section. The post can be simply turned to insert it into ground, optionally with mechanical assistance. No concrete or digging tools are required. The post may include a cleat (46) at the base of the post portion and V shaped slots (30, 32) for attachment of a panel (80) between two spaced posts (10).

Description

"Post and associated components for fencing system"

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority from Australian provisional application AU 2019903535 the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a post, particularly to fence posts for use in hoardings and temporary fences, boundary fences, and the greater fence market in general. In other aspects, it relates to components for use with the fence post for a fencing system, particularly, but not exclusively, for class A and class B hoardings.

Background

[0002] There are a number of techniques for making durable fences. One common technique involves digging a hole, placing a post and concrete in the hole and subsequently assembling the various components of the fence, once the post is set in the concrete. This process is time consuming as it requires a hole to be dug, and concrete to be sourced and delivered (or made on site) to surround the post in the hole, and for the concrete to harden sufficiently which takes time.

[0003] It is also known to supply temporary fencing which obviates the requirement for a hole by mounting the fence into preformed concrete blocks, however temporary fencing can lack durability, is often unsightly, and the concrete blocks can present a hazard.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a post which enables the speed of construction of a fence to be simplified and significantly increased.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0006] According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unitary fence post comprising a ground-engaging portion defining a helical thread for insertion into a substrate surface such as ground and an integral post portion, typically having a generally square cross section.

[0007] The ground-engaging portion is most typically about 500 to 600mm long. The post portion, which is use locates above the substrate/ground, is typically about 1700 to 2100 mm long, most preferably about 1900mm long.

[0008] The post is typically only suitable for use where there is suitable ground into which the post can be inserted and cannot be used on hard surface such as concrete or the like.

[0009] The ground-engaging portion may include a conical portion defining the tip at one end, around which conical portion the helical thread passes.

[0010] Typically, the helical thread extends a distance of about 6 to 10mm from the body of the conical portion, most preferably about 8mm.

[0011] Since the post is inserted into the ground by turning it, using the ground engaging portion defined at one end, rather than fixing the post in concrete or the like, it may be easily removed by turning in the reverse sense, making the post suitable for forming temporary fencing in suitable substrate/ground types.

[0012] As well as being easy to install, the installation process creates less mess and waste than other traditional methods and less disturbance to the environment. No specific hardware is required to install the post and there is no requirement for multiple components as the post is complete and unitary.

[0013] Preferably, a cleat is defined at the base of the post portion for receiving a leg of a panel.

[0014] Slots maybe defined at the top of the post portion for receiving a lug of a panel.

[0015] The fence may include panels defining feet which locate in the cleats and lugs which locate in the slots, for retaining the panels to the posts.

[0016] In related embodiments, the invention provides aground post or brace anchor defining a first tapered ground engaging portion or end, typically conical, and defining a helical thread and, at an opposite end a portion for attachment to a brace.

[0017] Ina related aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for installing a fence including a plurality of posts further including fence panels defining feet which locate in the cleats and lugs which locate in the slots of the posts, for retaining the panels to the posts.

[0018] The kit may further including brackets attachable to or near the top and bottom of the post portion for use in mounting a side edge of a gate to the post, and an associated gate for mounting to the post.

[0019] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a photographic view of a post embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a further photographic view showing and enlarged view of a lower end of the post shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a photographic view of the top of the post shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a photographic side view of the post of Figure 1 including hinges for mounting a gate to the post;

Figure 5 shows an alternative photographic view of the post of Figure 5;

Figure 6 shows a photographic view of a ground screw and associated brace;

Figure 7A is a photographic showing the ground screw of Figure 6.

Figure 7B is a photographic view showing the ground screw of Figure 6 with a safety cap removed.

Figure 8 is a photographic front view of hoarding system panel;

Figure 9 is a photographic view of a top corner of the panel shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a photographic view illustrating components of a gate including posts;

Figure 11 is a photographic view of an upper bracket component of the gate shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a photographic view of a lower bracket component of the gate shown in Figure 10

Figure 13 is a photographic view showing the gate mounted on the lower bracket component of the gate shown in Figure 12; and

Figure 14 shows a post and the gate mounted to the post.

Description of Embodiments

[0021] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a post 10 for use with a fencing system. The post is unitary with no moving parts. The post defines a ground engaging portion 12 at one end connected to an elongate post portion 16 having a square cross section.

[0022] With reference to Figure 2, the ground-engaging portion of the post 12 includes an elongate generally conical body 20 that is tapered at a lower end where it defines a tip 22 and includes a helical thread 24 defining a threaded ground screw end 26.

[0023] The ground-engaging portion 12 tapers outwards from the base or widest part of the conical section to connect with the wider post section 16. The total length of the ground screw from the tip to the elongate pots portion 16 is about 450 mm, although this may be varied.

[0024] The post portion 16 has a square cross section and atop end 38 which is closed by a removable cap 40 (see Figure 3). The square section post portion has a mm by 75mm side and the thickness of the steel forming the post is typically 2.5 to 3mm.

[0025] At the top 38 of the post two narrow V-shaped slots 30, 32 are provided.

[0026] The post is galvanised and made entirely from steel. The length of the post excluding the ground screw is about 2000 mm. The cap may be made of steel or any other suitable material, such as plastic.

[0027] Holes 44, best seen in Figure 1, are provided in the post for attaching a brace and for receiving a dowel or other lever or the like for turning the post 10, as is described below.

[0028] A U-shaped cleat 46 is welded to the post above the ground screw at the base of the square post portion.

[0029] In use, the post is positioned with the tip of the screw on the substrate surface/ground and the post is simply turned to wind the post into the earth. The helical thread 24 helps to force the ground screw 10 into the substrate. The weight of the post creates a downwards force that assists the process of screwing the post into the ground. The post 10 typically can be installed into earth by simply by turning the post manually however where resistance is encountered a dowel (not shown) may be inserted into the holes 44 in the post for leverage or an oversized spanner or the like lever could be used. The length of the threaded portion, being only 450 mm or so means the likelihood of encountering underground power or gas is low.

[0030] Once installed the post can be adjusted up and down slightly by screwing, and to adjust the orientation of the post.

[0031] As well as being easy to install, the installation process creates less mess and waste than other traditional methods and less disturbance to the environment. No specific hardware is required to install the post and there is no requirement for multiple components as the post is complete and unitary.

[0032] Various techniques may be utilised for manufacturing the post including, cutting and welding. The post may be made in one piece or may be made from one or more sub-components welded or otherwise joined together.

[0033] Once the posts have been installed, they can be braced, and a temporary fence and gates added as is described in more detail below.

[0034] In particular, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a ground screw defining an adaptor/ground anchor post adaptor 50 and an associated brace 60 for bracing a post 10. The ground anchor includes a first, generally conical, ground-engaging portion 52 which tapers to a point 54 from a wider cylindrical portion. The opposite end comprises the cylindrical portion 56. The ground screw anchor is about 540 mm long. The cylindrical section has a diameter of about 67mm. The cylindrical section defines two opposed holes 57 (refer to Figure 7B) which can receive a dowel or the like for turning the adaptor. A plastic safety cap 58 covers the open end of the cylindrical section 56. A reinforced tapered hole 59 is defined near the top of the cylindrical portion 56, which can receive a threaded fastener such as a bolt or the like.

[0035] The ground screw is used with the brace 60 as shown in Figure 6. The brace is a metal tube with flattened ends 62, 64 which define holes 66.

[0036] The ground screw can be screwed into ground either by hand or mechanically in a position which is spaced from the post and transverse to the line of the temporary fence. The cylindrical portion 56 will protrude from the ground. The brace is attached to the ground screw using a bolt passing through the hole 66 in the brace, into the hole 59. The other end of the brace is connected to the post 10 using a sleeve (not shown) having a square section that fits around and encloses the post and can slide up and down the post 10 prior to attachment to the brace 60.

[0037] Figure 8 shows a hoarding panel 80 for use with the posts for forming a temporary fence. These panels are typically 1.9m high and 2.4m long/wide. Each panel comprises a rectangular steel frame 82 covered with mesh 83 made from tubular steel having a top 84, two sides 86, 88 and a bottom cross piece 89 which extends from above the base of each side 86, 88 so that the panel defines two short depending legs 90. The frame is braced from the top to the bottom with three rectangular reinforcing posts/media batons 92. The posts 92 both strengthen the panel and allow for various panels such as corflute, or mesh, or other display media or the like to be applied to the panel/fence.

[0038] With reference to Figure 9, at the rear top corner of each panel there is a lug 100 having a projecting shaft 102 and flange 104.

[0039] In use, two posts 10 are inserted into the ground spaced 2.4m apart and braced as described above. The U-shaped cleats 46 on each post should face to the front. The caps 40 of the two posts are removed and the legs 90 of the panel 80 are inserted into the cleats 46 at the base of the posts and the lugs 100 of the panel locate in the V shaped slots at the top of the post closest to the panel with the flanges 104 retaining the lugs in the posts. The caps are then replaced. The cleats are wide enough to receive two legs side by side so that each post 10 can support a panel on each side of the post.

[0040] Gates are provided for use with the posts. Different gate configurations can be provided including single pedestrian gates, bi-fold, and double bi-fold. The structure of the gates is similar to the panels.

[0041] Figures 4 and 5 and 10 to 14 illustrate the use of a bi-fold gate with the system. Figures 4 and 5 show upper 100 and lower 102 hinge mounts for attaching a gate 120 to a post 10.

[0042] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, the lower hinge mount comprises and L shaped bracket one face 104 of which is attached to the post using bolts or other suitable fasteners and the other face of which supports an upstanding pivot shaft 108 on which the tubular edge post 122 of the gate locates and can pivot/rotate.

[0043] The upper mount 102 shown in Figure 11 is also L-shaped but includes a rear wall or panel 112, as well as a top panel 114 and a side panel 116. A pivot shaft 118 depends from the top panel 114 which in use is inserted into the open top of the tubular edge post 122 of the gate 120. In use, the lower panel is mounted to the bottom on the post 10, and the bottom of the tubular edge post of the gate is located on the pivot shaft

108. The pivot shaft of the upper mount is inserted in the top of the tubular edge post 122 and the plate 116 is bolted to the top of the post to fix hinge and gate in place. Figure 14 shows the gate hinged to a post 10. If the gate is a double gate, the other side of the gate is hinged to another post 10.

[0044] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fence post for a temporary fence comprising: a post member having a ground-engaging portion defining a tip and a helical thread for insertion into a ground surface, and an integral post portion having a generally square cross section; and a brace member having a ground anchor defining a tip and a helical thread for insertion into the ground surface and a support member removably attachable to an upper end of the ground anchor at a first end and removably attachable to the integral post portion of the post member at a second end; wherein the ground anchor is inserted into the ground surface to be spaced from the integral post portion at a position transverse to a line of the temporary fence, and wherein the support member is slidingly attached to the integral post portion at the second end by way of a sleeve that fits around the integral post portion and is free to slide up and down the integral post portion.

2. A fence post as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground anchor of the brace member has a cylindrical portion attached to the helical thread that protrudes from the ground surface when the ground anchor is inserted therein.

3. A fence post according to claim 2, wherein the first end of the support member attaches to the cylindrical portion by a bolt that fixes the first end of the support member in position with respect to the ground anchor.

4. A fence post according to claim 1, wherein the ground-engaging portion of the post member has a length of between about 400 to 600mm long.

Figure 1 1/9

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