EP4695482A1 - A tensioning post and a tensioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to fencing. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to constructing fences using wire mesh. In one aspect there is provided a tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, at least a first aperture configured to receive a loose end of the wire, and at least a second aperture for receiving a locking element employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding. In a further aspect, there is provided a tensioning system comprising the tensioning post serving as a spool for the wire mesh, at least one support for rotationally supporting the tensioning post in a position adjacent to the post, an actuator cooperable with the tensioning post to wind the wire mesh onto the tensioning post, and a locking element operable to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding once the desired tension is reached.

Description

A TENSIONING POST AND A TENSIONING SYSTEM

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023901108 titled “A tensioning post and a tensioning system” and fded on 14 April 2023; and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023902110 titled “A tensioning post and a tensioning system” and fded on 30 June 2023; the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to fencing. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to constructing fences using wire mesh.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Wire mesh fences like those used to fence livestock generally comprise a length of wire fencing mesh extending between and secured to fence posts. The wire fencing mesh can be formed by weaving strands of wire together, or by joining them by welding. An example of one kind of mesh commonly used in agricultural applications is sold under the proprietary name of ‘Cyclone’, although the present invention is not limited to use with mesh of this kind. The wire mesh is typically secured to a post by winding it around the post and tying it off on itself, or by using staples or clips. Before the wire mesh can be secured to a post, it must be sufficiently tensioned, or the fence will be ineffective.

[0004] Numerous apparatuses have been devised to assist with this task. These range from largely automated mobile systems that drive the posts into the ground and affix the wire to them, which must be purchased or rented at considerable expense, right through to simple manually operated devices.

[0005] An example of a simple manual apparatus for mesh tensioning typically employs at least one, but more commonly at least a pair of spaced apart chains equipped with a ratcheting tensioning mechanism. The chains are directly or indirectly secured to the fence mesh at one end, and a further end of each chain is secured to an anchor such as a further post. The wire mesh is then tensioned by shortening each of the chains. This is effected by tightening a first chain slightly, and then tensioning the second chain slightly (preferably evenly) and repeating this process as many times as is required until the wire mesh is sufficiently tensioned. The wire mesh is then secured to the post by winding it around the post and tying it off on itself, or by using staples or clips. At this point, the ratcheting mechanisms can be released, and the chains removed.

[0006] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been developed.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, at least a first aperture configured to receive a loose end of the wire, and at least a second aperture for receiving a locking element employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

[0008] In one form, the tensioning post comprises a plurality of the first apertures.

[0009] In one form, the plurality of first apertures are spaced apart in a line extending along the body of the tensioning post.

[0010] In one form, the tensioning post comprises a plurality of the second apertures.

[0011] In one form, the plurality of second apertures are spaced apart along the post body, with at least two of the apertures being angularly misaligned with respect to each other.

[0012] In one form, the or each of the first apertures is slotted.

[0013] In one form, the or each slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

[0014] In one form, a single slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

[0015] In one form, a plurality of slotted apertures extend lengthwise along the post body.

[0016] In one form, each of the plurality of slotted apertures extends in a line along the post body.

[0017] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, a first plurality of holes, and a second plurality of holes, the first plurality of holes comprising a line of spaced apart holes, each sized to receive a loose end of the wire, and the line of holes extending lengthwise along the post body, the second plurality of holes are of a larger diameter than the first plurality of holes, the second plurality of holes being spaced apart along the post body, with at least two of the holes being angularly misaligned with respect to each other. [0018] In one form, the first plurality of holes are through holes.

[0019] In one form, the second plurality of holes are through holes.

[0020] In one form, each of the second plurality of holes is angularly misaligned with respect to the or each adjacent like hole.

[0021] In one form, the spacing of the first plurality of holes matches a spacing of wire in a wire mesh.

[0022] That is to say, the first plurality of holes matches a first wire mesh type.

[0023] In one form, the tensioning post comprises a third plurality of holes matched to a second wire mesh type.

[0024] In one form, the tensioning post comprises a fourth plurality of holes matched to a third wire mesh type, and so on.

[0025] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, at least a first slotted aperture comprising a width sized to receive a loose end of the wire, and at least a second aperture for receiving a locking element employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

[0026] In one form, the or each slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

[0027] In one form, a single slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

[0028] In one form, a plurality of slotted apertures extend lengthwise along the post body.

[0029] In one form, each of the plurality of slotted apertures extends in a line along the post body.

[0030] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tensioning system for use with a fence comprising a wire mesh extending between posts, the tensioning system comprising a tensioning post configured to serve as a spool for the wire mesh, at least one support for rotationally supporting the tensioning post in a position adjacent to the post, an actuator cooperable with the tensioning post to wind the wire mesh onto the tensioning post, and a locking element operable to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding once the desired tension is reached.

[0031] In one form, the tensioning post is as described above. [0032] In one form, the or each actuator comprises a lever. Moreover, multiple actuators can be used. In this way one can be used to maintain tension before another is employed to add tension.

[0033] In one form, the lever comprises a bar adapted for insertion into one of the second plurality of holes.

[0034] In one form, in an alternative, the actuator comprises a wheel configured to be secured to the tensioning post to turn this.

[0035] In one form, the locking element comprises a pin.

[0036] In one form, the pin is adapted for insertion into one of the second plurality of holes.

[0037] In one form, the locking element comprises a bolt.

[0038] In one form, the or each support supports the tensioning post vertically.

[0039] In one form, the or each support comprises an eye bolt.

[0040] In one form, the or each support comprises a collar bracket.

[0041] In one form, the or each support comprises a J-bolt.

[0042] In one form, the J-bolt comprises a threaded shank, and a rounded end which returns upon itself to form an eyelet which is offset from the shank.

[0043] In one form, in an alternative, the or each support comprises a pintle.

[0044] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for using the above described tensioning system, the method comprising the steps of depending the tensioning post from the or each support, engaging the wire mesh with the tensioning post, using the actuator to wind the wire mesh around and onto the tensioning post in the fashion of a spool, and when sufficient tension is achieved, the locking element is employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

[0045] According to a further aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for the tensioning system described above, the kit of parts comprising at least one tensioning post and at least one support for the tensioning post.

[0046] In one form, the kit comprises at least one locking element. [0047] In one form, the kit comprises at least one actuator.

[0048] In one form, the kit comprises a pair of supports.

[0049] According to a further aspect, there is provided a fence comprising a post, at least one support depending from the post, the or each support supporting a tensioning post onto which a free end of the wire mesh is spooled, and a locking element preventing rotation of the tensioning post in a direction of unwinding.

[0050] In one form, the fence comprises a pair of supports depending from vertically spaced apart positions on the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 is an isometric view of one end of a fence comprising a fence mesh secured with respect to a post using an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 2 is a side view of the fence end of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a support from the fence of Figure 1;

[0055] Figure 4 is a plan view of the support of Figure 3;

[0056] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a tensioning post from the fence of Figure 1;

[0057] Figures 6 and 7 are side and end views of the tensioning post;

[0058] Figure 8 is a side view of a tensioning post according to a further embodiment;

[0059] Figure 9 is a detail view taken at G in Figure 8;

[0060] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at A-A in Figure 8;

[0061] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken at B-B in Figure 8;

[0062] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken at C-C in Figure 8; [0063] Figure 13 is a side view of a tensioning post according to a further embodiment;

[0064] Figure 14 is a detail view taken at A-A in Figure 13;

[0065] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken at D-D in Figure 13;

[0066] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken at C-C in Figure 13;

[0067] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken at B-B in Figure 13;

[0068] Figure 18 is an isometric view of one end of a fence comprising a fence mesh secured with respect to a post using an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 19 is a side view of the fence end of Figure 18;

[0070] Figure 20 is a plan view of the fence end of Figure 18; and

[0071] Figures 21 and 22 are opposing end views of the fence end of Figure 18.

[0072] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated one end of a fence 100 comprising a wire mesh 110 secured with respect to a fence post 120 using an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0074] The fence post 120 is fixed into the ground. As would be well understood, this is one of a series of such fence posts set in the ground in spaced apart positions along the intended fence line.

[0075] A pair of supports 20 are secured to the post 120 at vertically spaced apart positions on the post 120. One such support 20 could be used, but two is more stable. For a taller fence a longer post 120 and three or more supports might be used. In the illustrated aspect (see Figures 3 and 4), each of these supports 20 comprises what is commonly referred to as a J-bolt. A J-bolt comprises a threaded shank 22, and a rounded end which returns upon itself. The illustrated J-bolts loop back on themselves to form an eyelet 24 which is offset from the shank 22. In contradistinction, in atypical eyebolt the eyelet is aligned with the shank of the bolt. [0076] The shank 22 of each of the supports 20 extends through a hole in the post 120 and is secured with a washer 122 and a nut 124 once the eyelets 24 are vertically aligned. The post 120 is provided with holes, but additional holes can be drilled if the installation requires it. Aligning the eyelets 24 allows the supports 20 to receive a tensioning post 10 extending between them. In a non-illustrated alternative these supports might comprise a pair of opposing pintles.

[0077] Referring now to Figures 5 through 7, the tensioning post 10 comprises an elongate body 12, a first plurality of holes 14, and a second plurality of holes 16. The first plurality of holes 14 comprises a line of spaced apart holes 14, each sized to receive a loose end of the wire 112, and the line of holes 14 extending lengthwise along the post body.

[0078] The second plurality of holes 16 are of a larger diameter than the first plurality of holes 14. In this aspect, the second plurality of holes 16 comprises three holes which are spaced apart along the post body 12. While illustrated near to what is an upper end of the tensioning post 10 when in use, these holes 16 may be positioned elsewhere along the post 10 as required. Each of these second plurality of holes 16 is angularly misaligned with respect to each other.

[0079] In use, a distal end of the wire mesh 110 will have been previously secured to a first post so as to provide an anchor point for tensioning. The mesh 110 is then extended past any intermediate posts until a terminating post 120 is reached.

[0080] This terminating post is equipped with the supports 20, and the tensioning post 10 is supported between the supports 20 by being inserted through and extending between the eyelets 24.

[0081] Each of the loose ends 112 of the wire mesh 110 is inserted into one of the first plurality of holes 14 in the tensioning post 10. These holes 14 are sized and spaced to match the mesh 110 that is being used. In a non-illustrated aspect, the tensioning post 10 might comprise multiple sets of holes, each matching a different mesh type.

[0082] In this aspect, the actuator is a lever 30. The lever 30 comprises a length of steel bar having a diameter matched to that of the second group of holes 16. An end of the lever is inserted into one of the second group of holes 16 from an end on the eyelet 24 side of the fence. The lever 30 can then be used to wind the wire mesh 110 around and onto the tensioning post 10 in the fashion of a spool, by turning the lever 30, and the tensioning post 10 with it, in the direction of the fence post 120. It should be understood that the lever 30 might need to be turned in the opposite direction to that described above to effect tensioning depending upon how the wire mesh 110 is secured to the tensioning post 10. Two levers 30 can be employed during tensioning, with a first lever 30 being used to maintain tension while a second lever 30 is inserted into a further hole 16 ready for additional tensioning winding. [0083] If sufficient tension is achieved, a locking element 40 is employed to prevent the tensioning post 10 from rotating in a direction of unwinding. The locking element 40 comprises a length of steel bar (shorter than the lever 30) having a diameter matched to that of the second group of holes 16, which is inserted into and then passed through one of the second group of holes 16 from an end on the eyelet 24 side of the fence. The locking element 40 is passed through the hole 16 until its distal end extends adjacent to the fence post 120. The locking element 40 might comprise a cup head like that illustrated in Figure 18, a bolt head, a T or a bent portion. At this point the load applied to the lever 30 can be released, which will bring the locking element 40 to bear against the post 120, so that the locking element 40 prevents the tensioning post 10 from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

[0084] If necessary, sufficient tensioning may require several iterations of the above-described tensioning and locking process.

[0085] With the locking element 40 inserted, the wire mesh 110 is secured with respect to the post 120.

[0086] Once sufficient tension in the wire mesh 110 is achieved, it can be secured to the intervening posts using fasteners or clips.

[0087] The offset of the eyelets 24 with respect to the shanks 22 of the support bolts 20 increases the angle subtended between a longitudinal axis of the locking element 40 and a longitudinal axis of the bolt shanks 22. This increases the leverage of, and locking effect provided by, the locking pin 40.

[0088] The wire mesh 110 can be separated from the post 120 by removing the locking element 40 from its engagement with the tensioning post 10. This process is made easier by using the lever 30 to tension the wire mesh 110 again before attempting to remove the locking element 40.

[0089] In a non-illustrated alternative, the post might comprise a large bolt head, in which case a large spanner or ratchet could be employed as the lever. This would facilitate use of a torque wrench, so that a desired tension in the wire mesh 110 can be achieved with certainty.

[0090] In Figures 18 through 22, the tensioning post 10 comprises a third plurality of holes matched to a second wire mesh type because farm mesh is known to be available with rectangular or square apertures of different sizes (such as 75mm x 50mm rectangles and 100mm x 100mm squares), and to be available in different heights, such as for example, 90cm, 120cm or 180cm, so the length of the tensioning post 10 may also vary accordingly, as required. Other types of mesh still might have diamond shaped apertures, or the wire may be of a different diameter. The various groups of holes may be colour coded or labelled for ease of identification. [0091] Just as the length of the tensioning post 10 may vary as required, so too may its thickness. A thicker tensioning post 10 may necessitate a longer bolt shank 22. Moreover, while a circular tensioning post 10 is illustrated, its cross-sectional shape may be varied (such as to triangular, square and so on) if advantage is found in doing so.

[0092] Referring now to Figure 8, where there is illustrated a tensioning post 10A according to a further aspect. Those parts of the tensioning post 10A which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in tensioning post 10 of Figures 1 through 7, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0093] Each of the first plurality of holes 14A in tensioning post 10A comprises a pair of aligned, opposing, transverse edge slots. These edge slots are provided to accommodate hinged joints that some meshes employ to secure intersecting horizontal and vertical wires together. The hinged joint “knot” allows the fence to flex under pressure (as might be applied by livestock), absorbing the impact of livestock so the fence regains its shape.

[0094] In use, each of the loose ends 112 of the wire mesh 110 is inserted into one of the first plurality of holes 14A in the tensioning post 10A. As the lever 30 is used to wind the wire mesh 110 around and onto the tensioning post 10A in the fashion of a spool, each of the edge slots receive a portion of a hinged joint, improving engagement of the wire with the tensioning post 10A, and thus spooling action.

[0095] Referring now to Figure 13, where there is illustrated a tensioning post 10B according to a further aspect. Those parts of the tensioning post 10B which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in tensioning post of Figures 1 through 7, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0096] In place of the first plurality of holes 14 tensioning post 10B comprises a single slotted aperture 14B that extends lengthwise along the tensioning post 10B. In this way, tensioning post 10B can accommodate any mesh regardless of spacing between horizontal wires, so long as the gauge of the wire fits in the slotted aperture.

[0097] In use, each of the loose ends 112 of the wire mesh 110 is inserted into the single slotted aperture in the tensioning post 10B. Spooling and tensioning may then commence as described above.

[0098] By positioning the supports 20 on the fence post 120 at or near to ends of the tensioning post 10 above and below the wire mesh 110, it is possible to release the tension in the wire mesh 110 and slip the tensioning post 10 from the top support 20 and open up the fence as you would a gate, allowing for access of large machinery, flocks, and for many other uses. Then you can put the tensioning post 10 back into position and re-tension the fence.

[0099] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a quick and inexpensive means of tensioning wire fencing mesh during the process of building a fence. It further provides a quick and inexpensive means for securing the mesh with respect to the post. Further still, it provides a quick and inexpensive means for releasing the mesh from the post when required.

[00100] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[00101] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[00102] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[00103] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, at least a first aperture configured to receive a loose end of the wire, and at least a second aperture for receiving a locking element employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

2. The tensioning post of claim 1, comprising a plurality of the first apertures.

3. The tensioning post of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of first apertures are spaced apart in a line extending along the body of the tensioning post.

4. The tensioning post as in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the second apertures.

5. The tensioning post as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of second apertures are spaced apart along the post body, with at least two of the apertures being angularly misaligned with respect to each other.

6. The tensioning post as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each of the first apertures is slotted.

7. The tensioning post of claim 6, wherein the or each slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

8. The tensioning post of claim 6, wherein a single slotted aperture extends lengthwise along the post body.

9. The tensioning post of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a plurality of slotted apertures extend lengthwise along the post body.

10. The tensioning post of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of slotted apertures extends in a line along the post body.

11. The tensioning post as in any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the or each of the first apertures are through apertures.

12. The tensioning post as in any one of claims 1 through 7 wherein the second plurality of apertures are through apertures.

13. The tensioning post as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing of the first plurality of apertures matches a spacing of wire in a wire mesh.

14. The tensioning post of claim 13, wherein the tensioning post comprises a third plurality of apertures matched to a second wire mesh type.

15. A tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, a first plurality of holes, and a second plurality of holes, the first plurality of holes comprising a line of spaced apart holes, each sized to receive a loose end of the wire, and the line of holes extending lengthwise along the post body, the second plurality of holes are of a larger diameter than the first plurality of holes, the second plurality of holes being spaced apart along the post body, with at least two of the holes being angularly misaligned with respect to each other.

16. A tensioning post for use with a wire mesh, the tensioning post comprising an elongate body, at least a first slotted aperture comprising a width sized to receive a loose end of the wire, and at least a second aperture for receiving a locking element employed to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding.

17. A tensioning system for use with a fence comprising a wire mesh extending between posts, the tensioning system comprising a tensioning post configured to serve as a spool for the wire mesh, at least one support for rotationally supporting the tensioning post in a position adjacent to the post, an actuator cooperable with the tensioning post to wind the wire mesh onto the tensioning post, and a locking element operable to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding once the desired tension is reached.

18. The tensioning system of claim 17, wherein the tensioning post comprises an elongate body, a first plurality of holes, and a second plurality of holes, the first plurality of holes comprising a line of spaced apart holes, each sized to receive a loose end of the wire, and the line of holes extending lengthwise along the post body, the second plurality of holes are of a larger diameter than the first plurality of holes, the second plurality of holes being spaced apart along the post body, with at least two of the holes being angularly misaligned with respect to each other.

19. The tensioning system as in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the or each support supports the tensioning post vertically.

20. The tensioning system as in any one of claims 17 through 19, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.

21. The tensioning system as in any one of claims 17 through 20, wherein the lever comprises a bar adapted for insertion into one of the second plurality of holes.

22. The tensioning system as in any one of claims 17 through 21, wherein the locking element comprises a pin.

23. The tensioning system of claim 22, wherein the pin is adapted for insertion into one of the second plurality of holes.

24. The tensioning system as in any one of claims 17 through 23, wherein the or each support comprises an eye bolt.

25. The tensioning system as in any one of claims 17 through 24, wherein the or each support comprises a J-bolt.

26. The tensioning system of claim 25, wherein the J-bolt comprises a threaded shank, and a rounded end which returns upon itself to form an eyelet which is offset from the shank.

27. A tensioning system for use with a fence comprising a wire mesh extending between posts, the tensioning system comprising the tensioning post according to any one of claims 1 through 6, configured to serve as a spool for the wire mesh, at least one support for rotationally supporting the tensioning post in a position adjacent to the post, an actuator cooperable with the tensioning post to wind the wire mesh onto the tensioning post, and a locking element operable to prevent the tensioning post from rotating in a direction of unwinding once the desired tension is reached.

28. A fence comprising a post, at least one support depending from the post, the or each support supporting a tensioning post onto which a free end of the wire mesh is spooled, and a locking element preventing rotation of the tensioning post in a direction of unwinding.

29. The fence of claim 28, wherein the fence comprises a pair of supports depending from vertically spaced apart positions on the post.