AU761434B2

AU761434B2 - Picket connecting device and method

Info

Publication number: AU761434B2
Application number: AU43420/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Marc Allan Grand-Court
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-08-05
Filing date: 1999-08-05
Publication date: 2003-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-05
Also published as: AU4342099A

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT a Applicant(s): MARC ALLAN GRAND-COURT Invention Title: PICKET CONNECTING DEVICE AND METHOD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 The present invention relates to pickets.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Star pickets are typically not suitable for supporting load in a direction which is transverse to their longitudinal axis. This is primarily because star pickets are designed to be driven relatively readily into ground which typically will not adequately support the star picket if load is applied in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis. Secondly, if the star picket is adequately supported at a lower end and load above a threshold level is applied, the star picket will typically bow in a direction which corresponds with that of the resultant applied force. The above described problems are commonly encountered with star pickets primarily because they are commonly and widely used; however, such problems may be encountered with any form of picket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a device for attaching pickets together, the device comprising first and second members coupled together to permit relative movement therebetween, a clasp means and a connection means, wherein, the first and °second members each have a clasp portion at one end and a S" 25 connection portion at another end, such that the clasp oo means comprises the clasp portions and the connection means comprises the connection portions, the clasp means being adapted to open to receive and close about a first picket, and the connection means being adapted to connect to a second picket.

Preferably, the clasp means retains the first .picket when in a closed position, in order to prevent "substantial movement of the device relative to the first ooeo picket.

35 Preferably, the clasp portion of the first member comprises an inwardly directed wall, and the clasp portion of the second member comprises another inwardly directed of the second member comprises another inwardly directed H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 17/02/03 2a wall.

H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 17/02/03 3 Preferably, the inwardly directed walls are adapted to fit one inside the other when the clasp means is in a closed position.

Preferably, the clasp means in a closed position, forms a triangular cavity with the first picket being retained in the triangular cavity.

Preferably, the clasp means is adapted to be held in a closed position by a clip means.

Preferably, at least one of the first or second members have a protrusion for engagement with a mating feature of the first picket in order to prevent substantial movement of the device relative to the first eo picket when the clasp means is in a closed position.

Preferably, both of the first and second members 15 have a protrusion for engagement with a mating feature of •o• the first picket in order to prevent substantial movement of the device relative to the first picket when the clasp means is in a closed position.

Preferably, the protrusion is in the form of a S: 20 pin.

S•Preferably, the pin is adapted for insertion through a hole in the first picket.

Preferably, the first and second members have .0coupling portions, for coupling the first and second 25 members together, such that the first and second members can move relative to one another.

Preferably, the coupling portions comprise notches in the first and second members, the notches being adapted to loosely receive one another.

Preferably, the coupling portions are located in a central region of the first and second members.

Preferably, the coupling portions are located between the clasp portions and the connection portions of the first and second members.

Preferably, the first and second members each comprise an elongate plate, each plate having a first axial end and a second axial end.

\\BRISl\home$\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127 .spec .doc 28/10/02 4 Preferably, the clasp portion extend away from the first axial ends and the connection portions extend away from the second axial ends, in an opposite direction to the clasp portions.

Preferably, the connection means comprises a slot in each member, the slots being adapted to each receive a wing of the second picket.

Preferably, the connection portion of the first member comprises an inwardly directed wall, and the connection portion of the second member comprises another inwardly directed wall.

Preferably, the slots of the connection means are formed in the inwardly directed walls of the connection portions.

Preferably, the slots extend diagonally from an outer end edge of the first and second members.

Preferably, the connection portions each further comprise at least one flap, such that the at least one flaps project towards one another, the at least one flaps adapted to abut against another wing of the second picket.

Preferably, the at least one flaps extend from the inwardly directed walls of the connection end portions.

oooo 2 Preferably, the connection means is adaptedto S" 25 connect the second picket to the first picket so that the first picket is substantially vertical and the second picket is non-vertical.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a kit of parts comprising at least one first member and at least one second member, the first and second members each having a coupling portion which allows the first and second members to be coupled together, oooo whereby they are able to move relative to one another, a 35 clasp portion at one end and connection portion at another •coo end such that when the first and second members are coupled together the clasp portions form a clasp means H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.specdoc 17/02/03 4awhich can open to receive and H: \SueB\Keep\speci\p35127 .spec.doc 17/02/03 5 close about a first picket, and the connection portions form a connection means which can connect to a second picket.

Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises the first and second pickets.

Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises a plurality of U-shaped clips for holding the clasp means in a closed position.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a method for attaching pickets together, the method including the steps of providing a first member and a second member capable of being coupled together such that the first and second members can move relative to one another, each member having a connection portion at one end and a clasp portion at another end, providing a clasp means comprising the clasp portions, providing a connection means comprising the connection portions, providing a first picket and a second picket, opening the clasp means, placing a first picket in the clasp means, closing the clasp means around the first picket, and attaching the second picket to the connection means.

Preferably, the method further includes the step .9.9 •go• of coupling the first and second members together.

25 Preferably, the method further includes the steps e e of moving the first and second members relative to one S•another so that the clasp means is in an open position, o •o and moving the first and second members relative to one another so that the clasp means closes around the first picket.

Preferably, the method further includes the steps :9 of providing slots in the connection portions and sliding 99 the wings of the second picket into the slots of the 99.9 connection means.

oe 35 Preferably, the method further includes the step 9999 of using a clip means to retain the clasp means in a closed position.

H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 17/02./03 6 The words "comprising, having, including" should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, meaning that additional features may also be added.

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

Variations and modifications can be made in respect of the invention described above and defined in the following statements of invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One preferred embodiment of the present invention S* will now be described, by way of example only, with 15 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: i Figure 1 is an unassembled perspective view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view of the unassembled device of Figure 1; 20 Figure 3 shows a front elevation of a strap which is o* o9 \\BRISl\homeS\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 28/10/02 7partway through the manufacturing process and has holes and slots formed in appropriate places but is not yet pressed, bended or folded as appropriate; and Figure 4 shows a plan view of two interlinked straps attached to a star picket.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring. to Figures 1 and 2, the device comprises inter-linked straps 12 and 14. Each of the straps 12 and 14 is comprised of a mid-portion clasping end 17 and end portion 19. Clasping ends 17 extend at an acute angle relative to the mid-portion while end portions 19 extend at an obtuse angle relative to mid-portions 15 wherein the clasping ends 17 and end portions 19 extend from opposite sides of mid-portions 15, in directions away from each other. The inter-linked straps 12 and 14 are assembled by moving the straps 12 and 14 of Figure 1 toward each other in a direction substantially aligned with arrows 16 to enable opposed transverse slots 18 and 20 of straps 12 and 14 respectively to inter-link. In order to appropriately inter-link straps 12 and 14, the straps are crossed over each other in such a way that the clasping ends 17 extend toward each other. The straps 12 and 14 are preferably i inter-linked initially in an open position (not shown) wherein mid-portions 15 of straps 12 and 14 are substantially transverse to each other to enable the clasping ends 17 to freely pass each other as the slots 18 and 20 are moved toward each other.

With the straps 12 and 14 interconnected in the 30 aforementioned open position (not shown), a star picket can be inserted into a cavity formed between opposed walls of mid-portions 15 and opposed clasping ends 17 such that its longitudinal axis substantially aligns with a longitudinal axis of the cavity. With a star picket 35 appropriately positioned it is moved upwardly or downwardly until a hole within the star picket corresponds with a pin 28 of straps 12 and 14. Each of the pins 28 are welded to corresponding straps 12 and 14 S: 50713A/704 -8 so that they are substantially normal to the region of each of the straps 12 or 14 from which they extend.

Referring to Figure 3, each of the pins 28 may be pressed out of a strap from which they extend by cutting an elongated U-shaped slot in each of the straps and pressing a detached portion of the strap which is within the elongated slot, in a transverse direction relative to the plane in which the elongated slot lies, so that the detached portion extends substantially transversely relative to a region of the strap from which the detached portion extends. By forcing the clasping ends 17 of the straps 12 and 14 toward each other about an axis which substantially aligns with a longitudinal axis of the slots 18 and 20, the clasping ends 17 are forced past each other to overlap and clip into a clasping position by forming a triangular prismatic cavity 26 whose longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axes of transverse slots 18 and Referring to Figure 4, in such a position, a star picket 31 is clasped within the cavity 26 and movement of the device 10 longitudinally relative to a star picket is prevented by engagement of the pin 28 with a hole 33 of a star picket. A clip 29 is clipped over an upper end of clasping ends 17 to ensure such clasping ends remain in S 25 the aforementioned clasping position.

The device 10 can be used to attach a straining star picket to a support star picket via a diagonal star picket. Such a star picket arrangement is desirable to enable a straining star picket to support considerable 30 load in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.

A support star picket is typically positioned relative to a straining star picket such that a diagonal star picket is capable of connecting a lower end of the support star picket with an upper end of the straining star picket in 35 such a way that a resultant force which is applied to the straining star picket is suitably opposed by the diagonal star picket, a lower end of which is fixed relative to a lower end of the support star picket. The device 10 of S: 50713A/704 9 Figures 1 and 2 can be used to assemble such an arrangement of star pickets as follows.

Straps 12 and 14 have retaining means in the form of holes 30, 32 and 34 and retaining slots 36 and 38. Holes 30 are formed substantially centrally in the clasping ends 17 such that when the clasping ends 17 are clipped into the clasping position the holes 30 align. Holes 32 and 34 are formed in mid-portions 15 of straps 12 and 14, substantially mid-way between upper and lower edges and toward the clasping ends 17. Holes 30, 32 and 34 provide access substantially centrally to each of the three sides of the triangular prismatic cavity 26.

The retaining slots 36 and 38 are formed in end portions 19 of straps 12 and 14 respectively. The slots 36 and 38 begin at an outer end of the end portions 19 which is distal from the clasping ends 17 and extend downwardly toward the mid-portions 15, stopping short of the mid-portions 15. Flaps 40 extend from a lower end of each end portion 19 toward an opposed converging end portion 19.

The device 10 is attached to a lower end of a support star picket in an orientation corresponding to that of Figure 2 wherein the retaining slots 36 and 38 extend outwardly and upwardly relative to the support S" 25 star picket. The device 10 is attached to a straining picket in an inverted orientation wherein the slots 36 S" and 38 extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the straining star picket. Furthermore, the device 10 is orientated in a circumferential direction relative to the 30 straining star picket such that one of the holes 30, 32 or 34 align with slots 36 and 38 which extend upwardly *from the support star picket. With the device 10 in such an inverted orientation the pin 28 cannot oppose downward movement of the strap 12 because the strap 12 is now 35 underneath strap 14; however, the clasping ends 22 and 24 of straps 12 and 14 engage sufficiently tightly to ensure that straps 12 and 14 are secured relative to each other.

A non-pointed end of a diagonal star picket can then be S: 50713A/704 10 appropriately connected to the support star picket by inserting wings of the diagonal star picket into slots 36 and 38 which extend upwardly from the support star picket. Alternatively, wings of a pointed end can be inserted into slots 36 and 38 whose width is sufficient to enable variation in angle of insertion of the pointed end. Flaps 40 provide an abutment against which a remaining wing extending between opposed straps can abut for the purpose of limiting insertion of the wings of the pointed end into corresponding slots 36 and 38. When inserting wings of a pointed end into slots 36 and 38, the clip 29 functions to prevent end portions 19 from being forced apart.

The star picket arrangement is then completed by suitably deflecting the non-pointed upper end of the straining star picket away from the support star picket until a pointed end of the diagonal star picket can be inserted into one of the holes 30, 32 or 34. By releasing the deflecting force applied to the upper end of the straining star picket, the pointed end of the diagonal star picket is forced into one of the holes 32 or 34 to result in the straining, support and diagonal star pickets being firmly secured relative to each other.

By appropriately positioning other support star 25 pickets relative to a straining star picket a straining star picket can be supported against forces which are applied to the straining star picket in a plurality of directions. The device 10 must be orientated relative to straining star pickets and support star pickets such that 30 a hole 30, 32 or 34 is provided for a pointed end of a diagonal star picket and slots 36 and 38 are provided for a non-pointed opposite end of a diagonal star picket; the pointed end of a diagonal star picket being directed downwardly or upwardly as appropriate.

S: 50713A/704

Claims

1. A device for attaching pickets together, the device comprising first and second members coupled together to permit relative movement therebetween, a clasp means and a connection means, wherein, the first and second members each have a clasp portion at one end and a connection portion at another end, such that the clasp means comprises the clasp portions and the connection means comprises the connection portions, the clasp means being adapted to open to receive and close about a first picket, and the connection means being adapted to connect to a second picket.

2. A device as claimed in claim i, wherein the clasp means retains the first picket when in a closed position, in order to prevent substantial movement of the device relative to the first picket.

3. A device as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the clasp portion of the first member comprises an inwardly directed wall, and the clasp portion of the second member comprises another inwardly directed wall.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inwardly directed walls are adapted to fit one inside the other when the clasp means is in a closed position. A device as claimed in claims 3 or 4 25 wherein, the clasp means in a closed position, forms a triangular cavity with the first picket being retained in the triangular cavity.

6. A device as claimed in claims 3 to wherein the clasp means is adapted to be held in a closed position by a clip means.

7. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 6, owherein at least one of the first or second members have a protrusion for engagement with a mating feature of the first picket in order to prevent substantial movement of o ee 35 the device relative to the first picket when the clasp °ooo means is in a closed position.

8. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 6, A device as claimed in claims 1 to 6, H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 17/02/03 12 wherein both of the first and second members have a protrusion for engagement with a mating feature of the first picket in order to prevent substantial movement of the device relative to the first picket when the clasp means is in a closed position.

9. A device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the protrusion is in the form of a pin. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pin is adapted for insertion through a hole in the first picket.

11. A device as claimed in claims 1 to wherein the first and second members have coupling portions, for coupling the first and second members together, such that the first and second members can move relative to one another.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the coupling portions comprise notches in the first and second members, the notches being adapted to loosely receive one another.

13. A device as claimed in claims 11 or 12, wherein the coupling portions are located in a central region of the first and second members.

14. A device as claimed in claims 11 to 13, *ego wherein the coupling portions are located between the 25 clasp portions and the connection portions of the first and second members. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and second members each comprise an elongate plate, each plate having a first axial end and a second axial end.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the clasp portion extend away from the first axial ends and the connection portions extend away from the second axial ends, in an opposite direction to the clasp S 35 portions.

17. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 16, wherein the connection means comprises a slot in each H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec doc 17/02/03 1 13 member, the slots being adapted to each receive a wing of the second picket.

18. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 17, wherein the connection portion of the first member comprises an inwardly directed wall, and the connection portion of the second member comprises another inwardly directed wall.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the slots of the connection means are formed in the inwardly directed walls of the connection portions. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the slots extend diagonally from an outer end edge of the first and second members.

21. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the connection portions each further comprise at least one flap, such that the at least one flaps project towards one another, the at least one flaps adapted to abut against another wing of the second picket.

22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the at least one flaps extend from the inwardly directed walls of the connection end portions.

23. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 22, wherein the connection means is adapted to connect the eeo second picket to the first picket so that the first picket 25 is substantially vertical and the second picket is non- vertical.

24. A kit of parts comprising at least one first member and at least one second member, the first and second members each having a coupling portion which allows the first and second members to be coupled together, whereby they are able to move relative to one another, a clasp portion at one end and connection portion at another o *end such that when the first and second members are boos c• coupled together the clasp portions form a clasp means S. 35 which can open to receive and close about a first picket, 000* *and the connection portions form a connection means which can connect to a second picket. 6*000 H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127 .specdoc 17/02/03 14 A kit of parts as claimed in claim 24 further comprising the first and second pickets.

26. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 24 or further comprising a plurality of U-shaped clips for holding the clasp means in a closed position.

27. A method for attaching pickets together, the method including the steps of providing a first member and a second member capable of being coupled together such that the first and second members can move relative to one another, each member having a connection portion at one end and a clasp portion at another end, providing a clasp means comprising the clasp portions, providing a connection means comprising the connection portions, providing a first picket and a second picket, opening the clasp means, placing a first picket in the clasp means, closing the clasp means around the first picket, and attaching the second picket to the connection means.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, further including the step of coupling the first and second members together.

29. A method as claimed in claims 27 or 28, further including the step of moving the first and second members relative to one another so that the clasp means is in an open position, and moving the first and second oooo 25 members relative to one another so that the clasp means 0 :closes around the first picket. o:oo

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 0 to 29, further including the steps of, providing slots in the connection portions and sliding the wings of the second picket into the slots of the connection means.

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, further including the step of, using a clip means :0 .0 to retain the clasp means in a closed position.

32. A device for attaching pickets together 000.. 35 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the any of the accompanying drawings. .0:1 H:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 17/02/03 15 Dated this 1 8 t h day of February 2003 MARC ALLAN GRAND-COURT By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia se.. 0*0 F:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 18/0203 F:\SueB\Keep\speci\p35127.spec.doc 18/02/03