AU682406B2 - Stile - Google Patents

Description

1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COM PLETE 9PEC TFT(CAT T nW FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: rr oo Actual Inventor:

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Address for Service:

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Invention Title:

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C C RUSSELL MILBURN CUPPAIDGE Russell Milburn CUPPAIDGE SHELSTON WATERS 55 Clarence Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

"STILE"

Details of Associated Provisional Applications No's: PM2569 dated 22nd November 1993 and PM4651 dated 23rd March 1994 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- I- L d 2 The present invention relates to a support assembly to be secured to a post, and more preferably io a "star" cross-section fence post, A common means for facilitating passage from one side of a fence to another involves the provision of an opening in the fence. It is then usually necessary to provide a gate as a closure in the opening to prevent unintended entry or exit of livestoc'-. However a gate is expensive to construct and install and failure securely to close a gate risks loss of livestock.

It has also been practised to provide steps which assist a person to cross a fence while retaining an intact fence as a barrier to animals. Such structures known as "stiles" are usually integral with the fence construction and are generally more robust and durable than a gate, having no moving parts, but are expensive to construct.

Persons working in rural areas often have a necessity to cross fences at locations where neither a gate nor a stile is available. In that case a long walk may be required to the nearest gate. The .i alternative is to climb the fence which is not easy in the case of fences constructed from wire (or barbed wire) strung on metal posts, and which in any case risks damage to clothes or the fence and/or injury to the climber. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a convenient means for crossing a fence which avoids or at least ameliorates disadvantages of the prior art.

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3 According to one aspect the invention consists in a portable stile adapted to be removably supported by a fence post.

In preferred embodiments according to the first aspect of the invention a stile is adapted for support from a "star" post. A star post is a steel post comprising a plurality of flanges (usually three) which extend longitudinally of the post and which extend radially when viewed in plan, usually at equiangular spacing about the post axis. The post is typically sharpened at one end which in use is driven into the ground. Star posts are in widespread use as fence wire supports. A preferred embodiment of the portable stile eooo S.comprises an elongate body, at least one tread element o 15 mounted to or integral with the body, and bearing means whereby the weight: of the stile and of a person standing on the tread element may be supported by the star post. More preferably the bearing means comprises a member extending laterally of the elongate body and 20 adapted in use to abut the free upper end of the post while the elongate body of the stile hangs downwardly adjacent the post, the body and/or bearing means including one or more formations adapted to engage the post and stabilise the body against lateral movement.

Desirably also the body is provided with means to removably secure the apparatus to the post at a location spaced from the bearing means.

According to a second aspect the invention consists in apparatus adapted to be secured to a star 4 post and comprising an elongate member adapted to carry a load, bearing means whereby the weight of the apparatus and load may be carried by the star post, and means to removably clamp the apparatus to the star post.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a stile in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a view showing detail of the tread of the stile of Figure 1 folded against the main body; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the load bearing .*.member of the stile of Figure 1; 15 Figure 4 is an inverted plan view on line 4-4 of Figure 1 of the load bearing member of the stile; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the stile of Figure 1 taken along the line 5-5 and mounted to a star S"post; Figure 6 is a view showing detail of the retention means of the stile of Figure 1; S"Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing detail of the gripping handle and actuator of the stile of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a stile according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is an inverted plan view of the stile of Figure 8 taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 8 and mounted to a star post; 5 Figure 10 is a part sectional plan view of a stile in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention in a disengaged position; Figure 11 is a part sectional plan view of the stile of Figure 10 in an engaged position.

Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is illustrated a stile generally indicated at 1 comprising an elongate body 2 formed from a tube, rod or bar. A locating element 17 is provided at a lower end of body 2. Body 2 extends through a first aperture 5 of a load bearing member 3 being a plate 4 which has a load be'ring surface 7. Body 2 is bent at in a manner which :i limits downward movement of the body relative to plate 4 but in other embodiments body 2 may be secured to 15 plate 4 for example by welding. As shown in Figure 1, in the mounted position of the stile, load bearing *o Ssurface 7 of plate 4 bears on the top surface of an elongated star fence post Q50, and elongate body 2 •generally extends parallel to this post. As shown in Figure 4, load bearing surface 7 of plate 4 preferably contains three locating projections 8 which locate "between radially extending flanges 51a, 51b and 51c of star post 50. Projections 8 inhibit substantial lateral movement of the stile relative to the post.

A gripping handle 9 is disposed at an upper end of the stile and as is shown in Figures 1 to 7 can be formed as part of the elongate body 2.

The stile includes a tread 10 which may be a 6 platform, a rung, a frame, or the like. In Figures 1 and 5, tread 10 is a U-shaped portion 12 and a single bar portion 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure the arms of the U-shaped portion straddle the star post which assists in locating the stile on the star post, the parallel arms of the U-shaped portion being disposed on opposite sides of the star post thereby preventing lateral movement of the platform section relative to the star post. Tread 10 is desirably hinge mounted to the main body at a lower end thereof by means of a hinge pin 14 extending through frame portion 12. Tread frame 10 may further comprise first and e**o second stops 15, 16. The first stop 15 limits the excursion of the frame 10 relative to the main body 2 15 and stabilises the frame when in the mounted position.

The second stop 16 maintains a retention block 21 (discussed below) in engagement with a flange 51 of the star post The stile also includes a retention means 20. In o Figures 1 to 7 retention means 20 includes a retention o block 21 having a first retention section comprising a recess 22 formed between jaws 23 and a second retention section in the form of a recess 24 formed in the upper surface of block 21. When mounted to post 50, the recess 22 is adapted to receive a flange 51a of star post 50 and recess 24 is adapted to receive and locate below frame 10. An actuator 25 in the form of an actuating pin 26 (Figure 7) is operatively connected to 7 the retention block 21 by a flexible connecting rod 27. Actuating pin 26 is mounted in a sleeve 28 disposed in the load bearing plate 4, the actuating pin extending through the gripping handle 9 for easy access. In order to lock the actuating pin in position, a locking means comprising a locking pin is mounted to the load bearing plate 4. Locking pin is spring loaded via a spring 31 and has a manually operable handle for moving pin 30 between locked and released positions.

When using the stile of Figures 1 to 7 tread frame 11 is first rotated into the mounted position as :i shown in Figure 1 and the single bar portion 13 of the tread passed through to the other side of the fence.

15 The load bearing plate 3 is then positioned on the top of the star post so that the load bearing surface 7 eee• bears on the upper end of post 50 and locating projections 8 locate between flanges 51a, 51b and 51c -of the star post 50. Elongate body 2 is thereby disposed generally parallel to post 50, locating element 17 having a tapered section fitting snugly between two flanges of the post 50 and abutting against the post. Gripping handle 9 extends above the post.

Retention block 21 is then positioned. This is achieved by controlling the actuating pin 26 to move the block 21 so that the recess 24 engages with the single bar portion 13 and recess 22 engages with a flange 51 of star post 50. Locking pin 30 is then moved to limit movement of the actuating pin 26.

8 Dimensions of the apparatus ire selected so that when mounted to post 50 as described tread 10 is disposed at a height above the ground wh 4ch enables a user to grip handle 9, to place one foot on U-shaped portion 12 and step up, straddle the fence, place the other foot on tread bar pcrion 13 and then descend on the other side of the fence. Plate 4 acts as bearing means which supports the combined weight of the apparatus and the person from the post. After use, the apparatus can simply be removed from pos: 50 carried to another location or may be left in place as desired.

~A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9 wherein the same numerals are used to describe parts corresponding 15 in function to parts of the first embodiment described in Figures 1 7.

The second embodiment is of simpler construction than the first. The second embodiment employs a 4 straight elongate body 2. A handle 9 is formed separately from body 2 and incorporates a plate 4 portion including flat load bearing surface 7 and locating pins 8. Curved handle 9 is desirably welded to body 2 at 5 and at the adjacent end of body 2. In the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, tread 10 comprises a single rod or rung 13 which is mounted to body 2 via retention means which in the present embodiment comprises a clamp assembly details of which appear in Figure 9.

pe 9 The clamp assembly comprises a fixed arm 18 welded adjacent the lower end of body 2, through which tread rod 13 extends and to which rod 13 is welded at 19. A movable clamp member 32 is mounted for translation with respect to tread rod 13 by means of an aperture 33 through which rod 13 passes with clearance. Moveable clamp member 32 is shaped to form recess 34 which conforms with the shape of flange 51a of star post 50. Apertures 35, 36 are provided in both the movable clamp member 32 and arm 18, apertures 36 being adapted to receive a set screw 37 whereby post 50 may be clamped between complementary shaped members 18, 32 to releasably secure body 2 to post 50 adjacent ~a lower end.

15 When using the stile of Figures 8 and 9, one end of the tread rod 13 is passed through to the other side of the fence and the load bearing plate 4 is positioned over the top of the star post 50 so as to bear on the 6 post. The moveable arm 32 is then slid along the rod 13 until it engages with a flange 51a of the star post S• 50. The two arms 18, 32 are then secured by means of a bolt 37. Screw 37 can be provided with a wing nut, star wheel or the like.

In another embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the moveable clamp member 32 of Figures 8 and 9 is in fact fixed to the tread element and arm 18 is mounted for translation with respect to the tread element by means of an aperture through 10 which the tread element passes with clearance.

Additionally, the elongate body is provided with a flange having an aperture and the tread element can thereby be locked into a storage position horizontal with respect to the elongate body by securing member 32 to the flange aperture by means of the set screw 37.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 10 to 11. The third embodiment employs a square elongate body 2. In this embodiment, tread comprises a single rod or rung 13, which is attached to the main body 2 via retention means comprising a different clamp assembly to that of Figures 8 and 9.

eo The clamp assembly comprises a fixed arm 18 welded to the tread rod 13. The fixed arm 18 is shaped 15 so that it can be received by a recess formed between two arms 51b, 51c of the star post. The fixed arm 18 is provided with an axle 40, which extends through apertures 41a, 41b formed in the main body 2 and allows 0*0000 0 for rotation of the tread relative to the main body. A moveable clamp member 32 is mounted for translation with respect to tread rod 13 by means of an aperture 33 through which the rod passes with clearance. Moveable clamp member 32 is shaped to form a recess 34 which conforms with the shape of a flange 51a of the star post 50. An aperture 42 is provided in the fixed arm to receive an end of the moveable arm. Apertures 43, 44 are also provided in the fixed arm 18 and the moveable clamp member 32 to receive, via axle 40, an 11 arm 46 of a locking member 45 which thereby enables the post 50 to be clamped between the two complementary shaped members 18, 32 to releasably secure body 2 to post 50 adjacent a lower end. In the clamped position, a second arm 47 of the locking member 45 can be rotated to rest on a lug formed in the main body 2 to thereby retain the locking member 45 in the locked position.

iten using the stile of Figures 10 and 11, the tread rod 13 is rotated via the axle 40 to a position as shown in Figures 10 and 11, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the main body 2. The tread rod 13 is passed through to the other side of the fence and the shaped portion of the fixed arm 18 is received by a e. •recess formed between two arms 51b, 51c of the star 15 post The moveable clamp member 32 is then slid along the rod 13 until it engages with a flange 51a of the star post 50. An end of the member 32 is passed through the aperture 42 provided in the fixed arm 18.

The arm 18 and clamp member 32 are then secured by me"uis of the locking member 45, the arm 46 of which is inserted into the axle 40 via the apertures 43, 44.

The second arm is then rotated to rest against a lug formed in the main body 2.

The stile can be adapted so that it can ze used for other fence posts, but is particularly suited for fences containing star posts.

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12 As will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teaching hereof, a different form of clamp assembly could be employed and it could be separate from the tread assembly and could be located elsewhere along the length of body 2, the tread assembly being independently mounted or hinged at or near the lower end of the body. As will also be apparent, the tread assembly may comprise two separate tread portions separately mounted in opposed relationship to the main body, one of the portions preferably being vertically spaced with respect to the other portion.

~If preferred clamp means could be provided which merely bear against sides of a flange 51. While 9, bearing plate 4 has been shown at the lower portion of 15 handle 9, in other embodiments post 50 extends through a corresponding star shaped slot in the lower part of the handle and the end of the post engages bearing means at the upper portion of handle 9. Other forms of 99*909 bearing could be employed, for example a tube adapted to cap the upper end of the star post could be welded 999999 S" parallel to body 2.

Tread rods 13 of the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 are desirably hinge mounted so that the apparatus folds into a convenient walking stick shape and are provided with stops which maintain them in a horizontal position when folded outwardly. The treads may be provided with retaining means when in a retracted position. In other embodiments the apparatus may be 13 adapted to function as a "shooting stic' Although the invention has been described with reference to two preferred examples, the invention can be embodied in many other forms. For example, the device need not include a tread and may instead be provided with other load hearing means for example gate gudgeons. In that case the apparatus would provide simple and convenient means for hingedly mounting a gate to a star post. Further, the device need only comprise a tread portion and a clamping means.

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Claims (21)

1. Apparatus for use in ascending on one side, crossing, and then descending on the other side of a fence, said apparatus being portable and being adapted to be removably mounted to a fence post from one side of the fence and to be demounted from the fence post from the other side, the apparatus providing when mounted to a fence post, at least one tread element on each side of the fence.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is adapted to be removably mounted to a fence post which is a star post.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 including clamping means whereby the apparatus is adapted to be removably mounted to the fence post.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising an elongate body, at i least one tread element mounted to or integral with the body, and bearing means whereby the weight of the stile and of a person standing on the tread element may be supported by the fence post. o 15

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the elongated body is formed from a tube, rod or bar. p p

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the elongate body further comprises a locating element which assists in locating the stile with respect to the post. 00600

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the bearing means comprises a member extending laterally of the elongate body and adapted in use to abut the free upper end of the post while the elongate body of the stile hangs downwardly adjacent the post.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the bearing means is in the form of a plate having a load bearing surface which is adapted to bear on the top surface of the fence post, the plate being provided with an aperture through which the elongate body extends generally parallel to the post.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the elongate body is shaped so as in use to limit downward movement of the body relative to the plate.

Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein the upper end of the body is provided with a gripping handle.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 as dependant on claim 8 wherein the gripping lO handle incorporates the load bearing surface.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein the body and/or bearing •means include one or more formations adapted to engage the post and stabilise the body o:oo against lateral movement.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the formations are in the form of one or o• 15 more locating projections or pins on the bearing means adapted to locate between radially V. extending flanges of a star post thereby in use inhibiting substantial lateral movement of Sothe apparatus relative to the post.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein a tread element is in the "form of a platform, a rung or a frame.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein a tread element comprises a U-shaped portion, the parallel arms of the U-shaped portion being in use disposed on opposite sides of the post thereby restraining lateral movement of the tread element relative to the post. '<4 -16-

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 15 wherein a tread element is hingedly mounted to the elongate body by means of a hinge pin.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 16 wherein a tread element is provided with a stop which limits the excursion of the tread element relative to the body and stabilises the tread element when in the mounted position.

18. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the apparatus comprises a clamp having complementing parts adapted to clampingly engage the flanges of a star post.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with a star post.

20. A method of traversing a fence comprising affixing to a fence post aa apparatus according to any preceding claim, stepping on a tread element thereof, then straddling the f fence, and descending on the other side.

21. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. o DATED this 4th Day of June 1997 RUSSELL MILBURN CUPPAIDGE Attorney: IAN T. ERNST Fellow institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of SHELSTON WATERS *o$ 'I 0 ABSTRACT The invention relates to a portable stile (1) adapted to be removably supported by a fence. In a preferred embodiment the stile comprises an elongate body at least one tread element mounted to or integral with the body and bearing means whereby the weight of the stile and of a person standing on the tread element may be supported by the fence post. (Figure 1) C Ce 00 C e