GB2548625A

GB2548625A - Methods and apparatus for wall construction

Info

Publication number: GB2548625A
Application number: GB1605109.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcrae John
Original assignee: Wall Top Alarm Co Ltd
Current assignee: Wall Top Alarm Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2017-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-24
Also published as: GB2548625B; GB201605109D0

Abstract

A post 100 for constructing a wall, preferable a concrete or wood wall, comprising an elongate member with a pair of spaced apart rails (102 Fig. 1) defining a channel, one of the rails having a cut-out portion or opening 103 for allowing a panel 200 to enter the channel. The post may be I profiled. There may be a system including at least two posts and a panel. Each rail may have an aperture 106 for receiving a pin 302 to retain a panel vertically above the cut-out. A pulley system (303, 308 Figs 9-11) may assist lifting of a panel. Panels may have tongues and grooves for interlocking with adjacent panels or channels (203, 205, 206, Fig. 3). Also claimed is a panel having a through hole for receiving a handle 300, a handle for a panel, a method of constructing a wall by passing a portion of a panel through a cut-out portion of a post, an alternative panel with an attachable extension portion to fit in the channel of a post without a cut-out, and a system comprising posts, panels and a frame secured vertically above the posts for suspending a panel to aid construction.

Description

Methods and Apparatus for Wall Construction

The invention relates to systems and methods for constructing a wall, and in particular to systems and methods for constructing a wall between two posts.

It is known to construct walls by inserting wall panels between posts positioned in the ground. Typically, posts are supported by inserting a lower portion of each post into foundations dug into the ground. The foundations are typically a simple hole, or may for example be a concrete-filled hole. The posts are typically formed of an elongate body comprising two elongate rail portions extending along an entire length of the post and defining a channel between them, and are oriented so that the channels extend vertically. Each pair of posts is typically arranged so that the channel of a first one of the posts faces a corresponding channel of a second one of the posts. The posts are typically evenly spaced from one another by a distance corresponding to a length of a wall panel to be inserted between the posts. The panel is inserted between the posts by lifting the panel above the highest point of the posts, aligning the panel with the channels, and then lowering the panel within the channels. The channels of the posts hold the panel upright due to contact between a side, or rail portion, of the channel of each post and the panel. This contact prevents the panel falling out of a space defined between the posts.

It is known to construct walls comprising multiple wall panels inserted between a given pair of posts (and the wall itself may comprise multiple pairs of posts). In such a construction, a first wall panel is raised above the posts and inserted between the channels. The first panel is then lowered down the channels such that it rests upon the foundations of the posts or a patch of ground between the posts. Subsequently, a second wall panel is raised above the posts and inserted between the channels. The second panel is then lowered down the channels such that it rests on top of the first wall panel. It will be appreciated that the wall may comprise any number of additional wall panels assembled in this manner (i.e. a third, fourth or fifth panel etc.). Such wall panels are typically elongate in shape, and define a horizontally extending width that is longer than a vertically extending height of the panel when the panel is received by the posts.

It is desirable to construct walls which are high-strength and durable, and therefore it is known to construct wall panels such as the type given above from dense materials such as concrete. As such, the wall panels may be too heavy to be lifted by a single person, and may require multiple people to lift them to the required height for insertion between the posts. Alternatively, if the height of the posts is taller than that of a person, a crane or other piece of lifting machinery may be required to lift the panels to the correct insertion height. It will be appreciated that handling the wall panels at height is a potentially hazardous exercise. Should a heavy panel fall from height, such as when being vertically raised so that it may be received by the posts, this may result in injury. Furthermore, if the wall is constructed in a windy environment, the wall panel may be caught by a gust of wind, increasing the likelihood of a person being injured by the panel whilst it is being lifted.

It is an object of at least one aspect of present invention to obviate or mitigate at the above identified problems in the construction of walls. It is a further object to provide an alternative system for constructing a wall, and an alternative method of constructing a wall.

According to a first aspect described herein, there is provided a post for constructing a wall, the post formed as an elongate member comprising: a pair of longitudinally extending rail portions spaced apart from one another so as to define a longitudinally extending channel between the rail portions, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a panel of the wall, and wherein one of the rail portions comprises a cut-out portion configured to permit a portion of the panel to enter the channel from a side of the post.

It is known to assemble a wall by lifting a panel of the wall above a top end of a post of the wall, so that the panel is received within a channel of the wall. However, it will be appreciated that by doing so it is often necessary to vertically lift the panel to a position above a safe working height for a user.

This may increase the likelihood of injury to the user, as the user will be less able to safely manoeuvre the panel when it is at a height above the safe working height for the user, and as such the panel may become unbalanced and fall onto the user. The present invention avoids such a problem as a portion of the panel (i.e. an end of the panel) is passed through the cut-out portion, thus negating the need to lift the panel above the top end of the post of the wall. Furthermore, the cut-out portion may be located at approximately the waist height of the user, and as such the user’s ability to manoeuvre the panel is improved. The panel may then be raised or lowered within the channel of the post. It will be appreciated that when the panel is raised or lowered within the channel of the post, the movement of the panel is constrained by the presence of the rail portions which define the channel, and as such the user does not need to balance the panel.

The post may be configured to vertically extend from a foundation of the wall. A foundation of the wall may be a hole dug into the ground within which a lower portion of the post is received. The hole may be filled with material, such as soil or concrete, so as to maintain the post in a vertically upright position. Alternatively, the foundation may be a free-standing foundation placed upon the ground. A free-standing foundation may comprise a platform configured to support the post and maintain the post in a vertically upright position.

The cut-out portion may be spaced from the foundation of the wall by a distance equal to or greater than a height of the panel. It will be appreciated that a first panel may be passed through the cut-out portion and vertically lowered to rest upon the ground or the foundation of the wall. As such, in order to permit a subsequent panel of the wall to be passed through the cutout portion, the cut-out portion may be positioned such that the first panel does not protrude into a part of the channel which is adjacent the cut-out portion.

The cut-out portion may be spaced from the foundation by a distance within the range 0.5 m to 1.5 m. It will be appreciated that by being spaced from the foundation of the wall by a distance within the range of 0.5 m to 1.5 m, the cut out portion is located at approximately the waist height of a user. As such, the user’s ability to manoeuvre of the panel when constructing the wall is improved.

One of the rail portions may comprise an aperture configured to receive a pin. The aperture may be a hole formed in the rail portion. The aperture may be positioned such that when the post is oriented vertically the aperture is vertically above the cut-out portion. The aperture may be a first aperture and the other of the rail portions may comprise a second aperture configured to receive the pin. The second aperture may be positioned such that when the post is oriented vertically the second aperture is horizontally aligned with the first aperture. The pin may be configured to at least partially support the weight of a panel held in a position vertically above the pin and within the channel.

According to a second aspect described herein, there is provided a panel for constructing a wall, the panel comprising an end configured for receipt by a channel of a post, and wherein the panel further comprises a hole configured to receive a portion of a handle, the hole being spaced from the end of the panel by an amount greater than a depth of the channel.

It will be appreciated that the term “depth” relates to a distance defined between an outermost part of the rail portions and an innermost part of the channel. It will be appreciated that because the hole is spaced from the end of the panel by an amount greater than the depth of the channel, a handle which is received within the hole does not interfere with the rail portions of the post. That is to say, when viewed from a side of the post, the hole is always visible irrespective of the position of the panel within the channel. The hole may be a through-hole. The hole may be an elongate slot.

According to a third aspect described herein, there is provided a handle for lifting a panel, wherein the handle comprises: a grip portion configured to be gripped by a user, and a shaft configured for receipt by a hole of the panel.

The handle may comprise a circumferential groove configured to receive a cord of a pulley system. The circumferential groove may be a pulley wheel configured for rotation relative to the grip portion and the stem.

The grip portion may be a first grip portion, and the shaft may be configured to receive a second grip portion. The first grip portion may be located at a first end of the shaft and the second grip portion may be located a second end of the shaft substantially opposite the first grip portion. It will be appreciated that the hole of the panel may be a through hole and the shaft may substantially penetrate the through hole such that a portion of the shaft protrudes from a side of the panel. The second grip portion may then be received over the portion of the shaft which protrudes from the side of the panel. It will be appreciated that the second grip portion may comprise a circumferential groove configured to receive a cord of a pulley system. Alternatively, the second grip portion may comprise a pulley wheel configured for rotation relative to the grip portion and the stem.

According to a fourth aspect described herein, there is provided a system for constructing a wall, comprising a post according to the first aspect described herein; and wherein the system further comprises a panel. It will be appreciated that the panel may be a simple panel, such as a concrete or wooden fence panel well-known in the art.

The system may comprise a pin configured to at least partially support the panel. It will be appreciated that the pin may penetrate into the channel of the post so as to substantially block the channel and prevent the panel from moving beyond the pin. As such, the panel may be brought to rest upon the pin under gravity, such that the pin at least partially supports the weight of the panel.

The post may be a first post and wherein the system may comprise a second post defining a channel configured to receive a portion of the panel. The channel of the second post may be oriented so that it faces the channel of the first post. It will be appreciated that the second post may be spaced apart from the first post by a distance dependent upon a length of the panel and a depth of the channels of the posts. As is described above, the depth of the channel relates to a distance defined between an outermost part of the rail portions and an innermost part of the channel. So as to permit the panel to move within the channels of the posts, the innermost parts of the channels may be spaced from one another by a distance greater than the length of the panel. However, in order to prevent the panel from falling over, the outermost parts of the rail portions may be spaced from one another by a distance which is less than the length of the panel. It will be appreciated that contact between the panel and the rail portions prevents the panel from falling over.

The system may further comprise a second pin configured to at least partially support the panel, and the second post may comprise an aperture configured to receive the second pin. The second pin may penetrate the channel of the second post so as to substantially block the channel. As such, the panel may be brought to rest upon the second pin under gravity, so that the second pin at least partially supports the weight of the panel. As such, the panel may rest upon both the pins of the system so as to hold the panel above the apertures of the posts.

The second post may extend vertically from a foundation of the wall, and the aperture of the second post may be positioned such that during use the aperture of the second post is horizontally aligned with the aperture of the first post. The panel may be a panel according to the second aspect described herein.

The system may comprise a pulley wheel supported by an anchor portion, and wherein during use the pulley wheel and anchor portion may be positioned vertically above the cut-out portion. It will be appreciated that the pulley wheel may be freely rotatable relative to the anchor portion. The anchor portion may comprise a laterally extending shaft upon which the pulley wheel is supported. Alternatively the anchor portion may comprise a loop or hook to which the pulley wheel may be attached via a clip. The anchor portion may be formed of a generally U-shaped cross-section configured to receive a portion of a top end of the post. Alternatively, the anchor portion may be formed of an elongate bar configured to substantially penetrate a through-hole of the post.

The system may comprise a handle according to the third aspect described herein, and the system may further comprise a cord configured to loop around a portion of the handle and the pulley wheel. During normal use when a user urges the cord away from the pulley wheel the panel is lifted by the handle. The cord may be attached to the post or to the anchor portion. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement may provide a mechanical advantage when lifting the panel. That is to say, the force required by the user to lift the panel using the cord may be reduced in comparison to the force required when lifting the panel without using the cord.

The system may comprise a plurality of panels. It will be appreciated that the panels may be brought to rest one atop the other so as to provide a continuous section of wall positioned between the posts.

According to a fifth aspect described herein there is provided a method of constructing a wall according to the system of the fourth aspect described herein, wherein the method comprises the steps of: passing a portion of the panel through the cut-out portion, and receiving the portion of the panel within the channel.

The method may further comprise the steps of: vertically raising the panel within the channel, and supporting the panel upon the pin vertically above the cut-out portion.

The method may further comprise the steps of: vertically lowering the panel, and supporting the panel upon a second panel of the wall.

It will be appreciated that that steps of vertically raising or lowering the panel may be achieved by using the handle of the third aspect described herein in combination with the anchor portion and pulley wheel of the fourth aspect described herein. For example, a cord may be tied to the anchor portion and may be looped around both the handle and the pulley wheel of the anchor portion. A user may pull on the cord to vertically raise the panel, or may feed the cord towards the pulley wheel to vertically lower the panel.

According to a sixth aspect described herein there is provided a panel for a wall, the panel comprising a longitudinally extending recess disposed along an end of the panel and configured to at least partially receive an elongate extension portion; wherein the panel is configured such that during use the recess is orientated parallel to a longitudinally extending channel of a post of the wall, and wherein the extension portion is further configured to be at least partially received by the channel.

It will be appreciated that the post may be oriented vertically, and as such the channel of the post may also be oriented vertically. The extension portion permits the panel to be inserted within a pair of channels defined by two posts of a wall without the need to lift the panel above the highest point of the posts. It is known that in order to hold the panel between the posts, the posts may be spaced such that an outermost part of each of the channels of the posts are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is less than a length of the panel. The outermost part of the channels is a part of the channel that is closest to the other of the posts. The sixth aspect provides the advantage that the extension portion acts to shorten the length of the panel, such that the length of the panel is less than the distance between an innermost part of one of the channels of the posts and an outermost part of the other of the posts. As such, the panel can fit between the posts without the need to raise the panel vertically above the posts. The extension portion may then be inserted within the recess, thus extending the length of the panel to a length longer than the distance between the outermost parts of each of the posts. As such, the panel is held within a space defined between the channels of the posts. It will be appreciated that in order to permit the extension portion to be received by the recess once the panel has been inserted between the posts; the recess may define an open top region that may be accessed from a position vertically above the recess. A part of the extension portion may be configured to protrude from the panel in a direction substantially normal to the end of the panel. It will be understood that during normal use the end of the panel is oriented substantially parallel to the channel of the post. Furthermore, because the posts extend vertically, the direction of the extension of the part of the extension portion configured to protrude from the panel may be horizontal.

The part of the extension portion which protrudes from the panel in the direction substantially normal to the end of the panel may be at least partially received by the recess. The recess may define a first face and the extension portion may define a second face configured to contact the first face when the extension portion is received by the recess. The first surface may be an inner surface of the recess disposed between two side surfaces of the recess. The second surface may be a rear surface of the extension portion arranged between two sides of the extension portion.

The first face may be non-parallel to the end of the panel. It will be understood that by the term “non-parallel” it is meant that the first face and the end of the panel are inclined at a non-zero angle. The second face of the extension portion may be non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension portion, and wherein during normal use the longitudinal axis of the extension portion may be oriented parallel to the longitudinally extending channel of the post. As such, the extension portion may comprise a wedge-shaped portion.

The end of the panel may be a first end of the panel, and the panel may further comprise a second end substantially opposite the first end, the second end being configured for receipt by a longitudinally extending channel of a second post of the wall. It will be appreciated that due to the presence of the extension portion, movement of the panel relative to the posts is constrained. That is to say, the panel may move parallel to the longitudinally extending channels of the posts, however movement of the panel in any other direction is prohibited.

When the extension portion is received by the recess, urging of the extension portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis may urge the extension portion against the post. It will be appreciated that by urging the extension portion against the post, the panel is held in place between both posts of the wall. That is, due to the inclination between the first and second faces and the longitudinally extending channels of the posts, movement of the extension portion parallel to the channels causes movement of the extension portion in a lateral direction. Lateral movement of the extension portion results in the application of a lateral force against the posts of the wall, holding the panel in place. The extension portion may be secured to the recess by an adhesive.

According to a seventh aspect described herein there is provided a method of constructing a wall, the wall comprising a panel according to the sixth aspect described herein, wherein the method comprises: orienting the recess parallel to the longitudinally extending channel of the post; at least partially receiving the extension portion within the recess; and at least partially receiving the extension portion within the longitudinally extending channel of the post.

According to an eighth aspect described herein, there is provided an apparatus for constructing a wall which comprises one or more panels retained between two wall posts. The apparatus comprises a frame configured for secure attachment to the wall posts. The frame comprises a first frame for attachment to a first wall post, the first frame comprising a first beam extending vertically above the first wall post when attached to the first wall post, and a second frame for attachment to a second wall post, the second frame comprising a second beam extending vertically above the second wall post when attached to the second wall post. The apparatus further comprises fixing means for attaching a wall panel between first and second beams such that the wall panel may be suspended between the first and second frames above the first and second posts.

In this way, a wall panel may be held between the wall posts by the apparatus to aid with lifting the wall posts above and between the wall posts, providing both improved safety and improved ease of handling.

At least one of the first and second frames may further comprise a ledge member arranged to support a wall panel prior to lifting.

The apparatus may further comprise a top beam extending between the first beam and the second beam.

The apparatus may further comprise a pulley system to assist lifting of a wall panel suspended between the first and second frames above the first and second posts.

The pulley system may comprise at least one pulley affixed to the top beam to assist lifting of a wall panel towards the top beam.

The apparatus may further comprise a first sliding member arranged to slide vertically relative to the first beam and a second sliding member arranged to slide vertically relative to the second beam. A portion of the first and second beams may be hollow and the first and second sliding members may be arranged to be received and to slide within the first and second beams.

The first and second sliding members may comprise respective guide members which protrude through vertically extending slots in the first and second beams.

The apparatus may further comprise a first pulley wheel attached to the first or second sliding member and a second pulley wheel attached to the corresponding first or second beam. The apparatus may further comprise an anchor point on the corresponding one of the first or second beams for attachment to a pulley cord for use with the first and second pulley wheels to provide for mechanically assisted lifting and descending of the first or second sliding member relative to the corresponding one of the first or second beams.

At least one of the first and second frames may comprise a guide portion configured to engage a portion of a post so as to maintain the at least one of the first and second frames in an upright position. The guide portion may be configured to engage posts of varying widths.

At least one of the first or second frames may comprise a brace configured to engage an upper end of a wall post. It will be appreciated that bv engaging the upper end of the wall post, the brace is able to support the weight of the first or second frames upon the post.

The at least one of the first or second frames may comprise an auxiliary beam extending parallel to the first or second beam. For example, the auxiliary beam may be positioned on an opposite side of the first or second posts to the first or second beams. The auxiliary beam may extend vertically above the first or second posts. It will be appreciated that both of the first and second frames may comprise an auxiliary beam. The auxiliary beam may be connected to the first or second beams by the brace.

The at least one of the first or second frames may comprise a clamp portion configured to engage the auxiliary beam and the first or second beams. It will be appreciated that by engaging the first or second beams and the auxiliary beam, the clamp portion prevents deformation of the auxiliary beam away from the first or second beams. For example, the weight of the wall panel to be assembled between the first and second posts may be supported in a plane defined between the first and second beams, which may be offset from a longitudinal (i.e. central) axis of the first and second posts. The weight of the wall panel may therefore act upon the brace to cause outward deflection of the auxiliary beam relative to the first or second beams; however such outward deflection may be arrested or substantially prevented by the action of the clamp portion. The clamp portion may be a swivel clamp.

It will be appreciated that any of the above aspects may be combined with others of the above aspects. For example, the sixth aspect may be combined with the second aspect. A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a first embodiment of a post for a wall;

Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of a second embodiment of a post for a wall;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a panel for a wall;

Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 6 is a schematic isometric view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 8 is a schematic isometric view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a lifting system for a wall panel;

Figure 10 is a schematic side-on view of the lifting system of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of an anchor portion of a lifting system;

Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a panel for a wall;

Figure 13 is an enlarged schematic isometric view the panel of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged schematic isometric view of the panel of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 is a schematic top-down view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 16 is a schematic top-down view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 17 is a schematic top-down view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 18 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional front view of a wall;

Figure 19 is an enlarged schematic isometric view of a second embodiment of a lifting assembly;

Figure 20 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a post frame comprising a first and a second embodiment of a guide portion;

Figure 21 is an enlarged schematic isometric view of a second embodiment of a lifting assembly;

Figure 22 is an enlarged schematic isometric view of a third embodiment of a lifting assembly;

Figure 23 is a schematic front view of a step in the construction of a wall;

Figure 24 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a post frame comprising a swivel clamp; and

Figure 25 is an enlarged schematic top-down cross-sectional view of a post cover for a wall.

Throughout the description and drawings it will be appreciated that like reference signs are used to denote like features of different embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a post 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The post 100 is formed of a substantially elongate l-shaped beam. The post 100 is oriented vertically. A channel 101 is formed between two longitudinally extending rail portions 102 spaced apart from one another by a web 108 of the l-shaped beam. The channel 101 is configured to receive a portion of a wall panel inserted between the rail portions 102. In the embodiment shown, the rail portions 102 are formed by flanges of the I-shaped beam that are connected by the web 108. The l-shaped beam is typically constructed from metal, such as steel; however it will be appreciated that the l-shaped beam may be composed of other suitable construction materials, for example: concrete, reinforced concrete, or wood.

The post 100 further comprises a cut-out portion 103 which is defined by one of the rail portions 102. The cut-out portion 103 is typically formed by removing material from the rail portion 102, although it will be appreciated that the cut-out portion may be formed by alternative methods, such as by casting. The cut-out portion 103 is configured to permit a portion of a panel (not shown) to enter the channel 102 from a side 104 of the post 100, without the need to lift the panel above a top end 105 of the post 100. As such, the cutout portion 103 defines a height A which is greater than a height of the panel.

The post 100 further comprises a pair of apertures 106 positioned vertically above the cut-out portion 103. The apertures 106 are configured to receive a pin (not shown). The apertures 106 are substantially the same size and are aligned such that they are concentric to one another.

Figure 2 shows a post 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The post 100 of Figure 2 is similar to an ordinary concrete fence post well-known in the art of wall construction, such as, for example, in the construction of garden fences. The post 100 includes a cut-out portion 103 and pair of apertures 106. The post 100 of Figure 2 includes the same features as the post of Figure 1, including a channel 101 defined between a pair of rail portions 102, a cut-out portion 103 formed in one of the rail portions 102 and defining a height A, and apertures 106 also formed within the rails portions 102. The cut-out portion 103 and apertures 106 may be formed by removing material from a standard concrete fence post, such as by machining, or may be formed during casting of the fence post.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a panel 200 according to the present invention. The panel 200 is formed as an elongate cuboid and is configured to be received between two posts of a wall. The panel 200 defines a first end 201 and a second end 202, the first and second ends respectively comprising protrusions 203 and 204 which are configured to be received by a channel of a post, such as the channel 101 of the post 100. It will be appreciated that the protrusions 203, 204 may alternatively be received by a channel of a post which does not comprise a cut-out portion, such as an ordinary concrete fence post or an l-shaped beam.

The panel 200 further comprises a tongue portion 205 formed as a substantially elongate protrusion running along a top face of the panel, and a groove portion 206 formed as a substantially elongate recess running along a bottom face of the panel. During normal use, multiple panels 200 may be assembled into a wall by placing bottom face of one panel onto the top face of another panel, with both panels supported between two posts. As such, the grooves 206 of the panels 200 are sized so that they are larger than the tongues 205, so as to permit the tongues 205 to be received by the grooves 206 of a vertically adjacent panel 200.

The tongues 206 and grooves 205 of the panels 200 are positioned such that an outwardly facing side 208 of each panel 200 is substantially vertically aligned with an outwardly facing side 208 of a vertically adjacent panel 200. It will be appreciated that this ensures a visually pleasing impression of the wall. The panel 200 may be formed of a strong, dense material such as concrete. Alternatively, the panel 200 may be formed of bricks and mortar. Additionally, where the panel 200 is formed of concrete, the outwardly-facing side 208 may comprise a textured surface, for example a surface formed to resemble a brick or stone section of wall.

The panel 200 further comprises four slots 207, formed as through-holes of the panel and which are configured to receive a portion of a handle (not shown). The slots 207 are horizontally spaced from the ends 201, 202 by a distance C, which is greater than a depth of the channel 101 of the post 100. That is to say, by being spaced from the ends 201, 202 in this manner, the slots 207 are not obscured or covered by the rail portions 102 of the post 100 when the panel 200 is received within the channel 101. This ensures that when a handle is inserted into one of the slots 207, the handle may be used to raise or lower the panel 200 within the channel 101, such as by lifting of the handle by a user. It will be appreciated that the slots 207 may be located at substantially any position within the panel 200, provided that it is possible to access the slot 207 when it is received by a channel 101 of a post 100 (i.e. provided that the slot 207 is not obscured by a rail portion 102 of a post 100). The handles may be positioned on both sides of the panel 200, such that the panel 200 may be lifted by two or more users located on opposite sides of the panel 200.

Figures 4 shows a first step in the construction of a wall comprising a first post 100a, second post 100b, and a first panel 200a. The posts 100a, 100b are arranged such that the channel 101 of the first post 100a faces a longitudinally extending rear channel 107 of the second post 100b. The posts 100a, 100b are oriented vertically and are spaced apart by a distance dependent upon a length of the panel 200a and a depth of the channel 101 of the first post 100a and a depth of the channel 107 of the second post 100b. It will be appreciated that in order to permit the panel 200a to be moveable within the channels 101,107 of the posts 100a, 100b, an innermost part of the channels 101 of the first post 100a must be spaced from an innermost part of the channel 107 of the second post 100b by a distance greater than the length of the panel 200a. However, in order to retain the panel 200a within both channels 101,107 simultaneously, an outermost part of the rail portions which define the channels 101, 107 must be spaced apart by a distance which is less than the length of the panel 200a. It will be appreciated that the innermost part of the channels 101, 107 is a surface of the channel 101, 107 that is furthest from the other of the posts 100a, 100b. Likewise, the outermost part of the rail portions is a part of the posts 100a, 100b which is closest to the other of the posts 100a, 100b. The posts 100a, 100b may be positioned within a foundation of the wall, such as a hole or a concrete-filled hole.

The first panel 200a is inserted by its second end 202 into the rear channel 107 of the second post 100b in a direction denoted by the arrow D. To insert the first panel 200a into the rear channel 107, the user lifts the panel using two handles 300, received by the slots 207. The first panel 200a is inserted into the rear channel 107 at a position horizontally level to the cut-out portion 103 of the first post 100a. Once the panel 200a has been inserted into the channel 107 of the second post 100b, the first end 201 of the panel 200a is passed through the cut-out portion 103 of the first post 100a in a direction denoted by the arrow E so that it is received by the channel 101. It will be appreciated that once the panel 200a is received by the channel 101, further movement of the panel 200a in the direction of arrow E is prevented by the presence of the rail portion 102 of the first post 100a.

Figure 5 shows a second step in the construction of the wall of Figure 4. Once the first panel 200a has been received within the rear channel 107 of the second post 100b and the channel 101 of the first post 100a, the first panel 200a is vertically lowered by the user in the direction denoted by arrows F. The first panel 200a is lowered to a resting position, normally such that it rests directly upon a patch of ground which extends between the posts 100a, 100b. Flowever, it will also be appreciated that the first panel 200a may be lowered such that it rests upon a foundation or substrate of the wall.

So that the first panel 200a does not protrude into a part of the channel 101 of the first post 100a that is adjacent the cut-out portion 103, the first post 100a is positioned such that the cut-out portion 103 is located above the top of the panel 200a when it has been lowered to its resting position. As such, the cutout portion 103 is located a distance G above the resting position of the bottom of the panel 200a, which is greater than the height B of the first panel 200a. It will be appreciated that the distance G may be different to the distance between the cut-out portion 103 and an end of the post 100. In particular, the distance G is dependent upon the position of the post 100 when it is placed in the ground or the foundations of the wall. For example, the post 100 may be secured into the ground by placing a portion of the post 100 into a foundation of the wall in the form of a hole or concrete-filled hole. As such, the distance between the cut-out portion 103 and the end of the post will be greater than the distance G between the cut-out portion and the resting position of a given panel 200.

Figure 6 shows a third step in the construction of the wall of Figures 4 and 5. Once the first panel 200a has been lowered to its resting position, the handles 300 are removed from the slots 207. Safety blocks 301 may then be placed over the top of the first panel 200a. The handles 300 are then inserted into slots 207 of second panel 200b, so that the second panel 200b may be lifted by the user via the handles 300. Additional handles 300 may be inserted into a lower pair of slots 207 of the second panel 200b to aid lifting by the user. The second panel 200b is then inserted into the rear channel 107 of the second post 100b in a like-manner to that described above with reference to Figure 4. The second panel 200b is then passed through the cut-out portion 103 of the first post 100a in the direction of the arrow E such that the second panel 200b is received within the channel 101 of the first post 100a. Next, the second panel 200b is lifted vertically in a direction denoted by the arrows H such that it is positioned vertically above apertures 106 of the first post 100a formed in the rail portions 102. A pin 302 is then inserted into the aperture 106 such that a portion of the pin 302 laterally crosses the channel 101. The pin 302 is passed into a second aperture (not shown) of the other of the rail portions 102 such that the pin is supported by both rail portions. The rear channel 107 of the second post 100b also comprises a pair of apertures 106 positioned such that they are level with the apertures 106 of the first post. A second pin 302 is inserted between the apertures 106 of the second post 100b, and then the second panel 200b is lowered such that either end of the second panel 200b is supported by one of the pins 302. As such, the panel 200b is safely supported at both ends 201, 202 in a position vertically above the cut-out portion 103 of the first post 100a. It will be appreciated that when the second panel 200b is supported in this manner, the user may let go of the handles 300, and the panel 200b will remain in place, supported by the pins 302 and held within the channels 101, 107 by the rail portions 102.

The safety blocks 301 comprise a u-shaped body configured to receive a portion of the first panel 200. It will be appreciated that should the second panel 200b accidentally be dropped or fall from height whilst the user is handling the second panel 200b, the safety blocks 301 provide a small raised area for the second panel 200b to fall upon. As such, the safety blocks significantly reduce the chance of part of a user’s body being crushed by the second panel 200b if the second panel 200b is accidentally dropped. It will further be appreciated that in order to permit the second panel 200b to pass through the cut-out portion 103, the distance G between the resting position of the first panel 200a and the cut-out portion 103 may be sized to incorporate additional space for the safety blocks 301. That is to say, the distance G may be chosen such that it is equal to or larger than the sum of a height of the raised surface of the safety blocks 301 above the top surface of the first panel 200a, and the height B of the panel 200a.

Figure 7 shows a fourth step in the construction of the wall of Figures 4 to 6. A third panel 200c is inserted into the rear channel 107 of the second post 100b, and a portion of the third panel 200c passed through the cut-out portion 103 of the first post 100a to receive the third panel 200c within the channel 101 of the first post 100a. The safety blocks 301 are removed, and the third panel 200c is vertically lowered such that it rests upon the top surface of the first panel 200a.

Although not shown in the Figures, to complete the construction of the wall, the second panel 200b is lifted by the user such that it no longer contacts either of the pins 302, and the pins 302 are removed from the apertures 106. The second panel 200b is then lowered so that it rests upon a top surface of the third panel 200c to form a continuous section of wall between the posts 100a, 100b. It will be appreciated that the channels 101, 107 of the posts retain the panels in an upright position through contact between the rail portions 102 of the channels 101, 107 and the panels 200a-c. As such, the panels 200a-c are prevented from falling out of a space defined between the posts 100a, 100b.

Although the construction methodology detailed above has been described with respect to a wall comprising first, second and third panels 200a-c, it will be appreciated that a wall according to the present invention may incorporate any number of panels. For example. Figure 8 shows a step in the construction of a wall according to the present invention in which the wall comprises 6 panels 200a-f. To construct the wall of Figure 8, a first panel 200a is inserted between the posts 100a, 100b by passing a portion of the first panel 200a through the cut-out portion 103. The first panel 200a is then lowered so that it rests upon a patch of ground extending between the posts 100a, 100b. Next, a second panel is inserted between the posts 100a, 100b by passing a portion of the second panel 200b through the cut-out portion 103. The second panel 200b is then raised vertically above the cut-out portion 103 to a position close to the top ends 105 of the posts 100a, 100b where it is supported upon pins 302. A third panel 200c is inserted between the posts 100a, 100b in the same manner and raised vertically to a position just below the second panel 200b and is supported upon pins 302. In the same fashion, a fourth panel 200d is supported below the third panel 200c, and a fifth panel 200e is supported below the fourth panel 200d. A sixth panel 200f is then inserted between the posts 100a, 100b and is vertically lowered so that it rests upon a top surface of the first panel 200a. Although not shown in Figure 8, the pins 302 are removed and the second, third, fourth and fifth panels 200b-e are lowered to rest one atop the other above the first and sixth panels 200a, 200f. Once all of the panels 200a-f have been lowered into position, construction of the wall is complete.

Furthermore, the construction methodology described above may be applied to a wall which includes multiple pairs of posts 100. For example, the posts 100 may be spaced apart from one another in a straight line, and panels 200 inserted between each pair of posts 100 in the manner described above. Alternatively a wall may be constructed which incorporates an angle between two adjacent sections of wall. That is to say, where a first panel held between a first pair of posts 100 is at a non-zero angle to a second panel held between a second pair of posts 100. For example, one of the posts 100 of the wall may be modified to define a pair of channels 101, 108 that are positioned on mutually orthogonal sides of the post 100. It will be appreciated that such a post 100 therefore creates a 90° angle between the first panel 200 held between the first pair of posts 100 and the second panel 200 held between the second pair of posts. It will be appreciated that such a post 100 may alternatively be modified to define three separate channels configured to receive a portion of a panel 200; two of the three channels being positioned on opposite sides of the post 100, and a remaining one of the channels begin positioned so that it is mutually orthogonal to the other channels. Likewise, a post 100 may be modified to define four separate channels configured to receive a portion of a panel 200; a first two of the four channels being positioned on opposite sides of the post 100, and a remaining two of the four channels being positioned on opposite sides of the post 100 such that they are mutually orthogonal to the first two of the four channels.

It will be appreciated that the wall may form part of a boundary wall around a building, or may form part of an internal or external wall of a building. As such, the fourth panel 200d and sixth panel 200f comprise window portions 209 to allow light to pass through the wall. It will be appreciated that the window portions may comprise glass, or any other transparent construction material. The window portions 209 may alternatively comprise security bars, or may be formed of a simple hole.

As well as being positioned so that the panels 200 do not protrude into the portion of the channel 101 adjacent the cut-out portion 103, the distance G of the cut-out portion 103 may be chosen so that it is at or close to the waist-height of a user. For example, the distance G may be 1 m, or may be anywhere generally within the range 0.5 to 1.5 m. It will be appreciated that because the cut-out portion is positioned close to the waist height of the user, handling and manoeuvrability of the panels 200 as they are positioned between the posts 100 is improved over a conventional wall construction system in which the panels 200 must be lifted vertically above a set of posts before being inserted between the posts. As such, the likelihood of user injuries associated with a panel 200 being dropped from height is reduced. Furthermore, because the panels 200 are manoeuvred and inserted between the posts 100 at waist height, user injuries (e.g. back injuries) associated with unsupported lifting of the panels above waist height are also significantly reduced. It will further be appreciated that because the panels 200 are constrained to move within the channels 101, 106 of the posts 100a, 100b, the likelihood of a panel falling from height due to a sudden gust of wind is also significantly reduced.

Figures 9 and 10 show a first embodiment of a lifting system configured to vertically raise and lower a panel 200 between a pair of posts 100a, 100b. The lifting system comprises a pair of pulley wheels 303 rotatably supported by a pair of anchor portions 304 positioned at a top end 105 of each post 100a, 100b. Additionally, a handle 300 is received by a slot 207 of the panel 200. The handle 300 comprises a grip portion 306 configured to be gripped by the user and an elongate cylindrical shaft 307 which is received by the slot 207 of the panel 200. The shaft 307 substantially penetrates the slot 207 such that a portion of the shaft 307 protrudes from an opposite side of the panel 200 to the grip portion 306. A second grip portion 314 is selectively attachable to the protruding portion of the shaft 307. The handle further comprises a pulley wheel portion 308 configured to freely rotate relative to the shaft 307 and grip portion 306. A cord 305 is attached to the anchor portion 304 and is looped around the pulley wheel portion 306 of the handle 300 and then looped back around the pulley wheel 303 attached to the anchor portion 304 to form a simple pulley system. When the panel 200 is desired to be lifted, a user, denoted by hands 309, pulls the cord 305 away from the pulley wheel 303 of the anchor portion 304 in the direction of arrows F to cause lifting of the panel 200 in the direction of the arrow H. Alternatively, when the panel 200 is desired to be lowered, the user feeds the cord 305 towards the pulley wheel 303 of the anchor portion 304 in the direction of the arrow H to cause lowering of the panel 200 in the direction of arrows F.

It will be appreciated that the pulley system above may be used with the construction method described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. It will further be appreciated that the pulley system described above provides mechanical advantage that works to reduce the force required by the user to lift the panel 200. As such, lifting of the panel 200 is easier for the user, and the user may be able to lift heavier panels that they would ordinarily be able to. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that strain injuries caused to the user which are associated with lifting heavy panels 200 are significantly reduced by using the pulley system.

Although the embodiment of the handle depicted in Figures 9 and 10 comprises a rotatable pulley wheel portion 308, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the handle 300 may instead comprise a circumferential groove rotationally fixed relative to the shaft 307 and grip portion 306. In such circumstances, the cord 305 is looped around the circumferential groove of the handle 300, and will slide within the groove when urged by a user. Alternatively, the handle 300 may not comprise a circumferential groove, and the cord 305 may instead be looped around the grip portion 306 of the handle 300.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an anchor portion 304 and pulley wheel 303. The anchor portion 304 is formed of a generally U-shaped cross-section comprising sides 310 connected by a base 311. The sides 310 and base 311 are configured to receive a portion of a post 100 in the form of an l-shaped beam (i.e. a post according to Figure 1). As is depicted in Figures 9 and 10, during use a portion of a rail portion 102 located at a top end 105 of a post 100 is received between the sides 310 of the anchor portion. The sides 310 are downwardly orientated, such that the anchor portion 304 is held in place by contact between the base 311 and the top 105 of the post 100. A generally cylindrical shaft 312 is joined to a side 310 of the anchor portion 304 at approximately the centre of the side 310, and is arranged to protrude away from the anchor portion 304 in a direction normal to the side 310. The shaft 312 supports the pulley wheel 303, which is free to rotate relative to the shaft 312. In an alternative embodiment of the anchor portion 304, the shaft 312 is replaced with a hook, and a pulley wheel 303 is attached to the hook via a clip.

Both of the sides 310 further comprise cut-outs 313, which are configured to receive a portion a post 100 in the form of an l-shaped beam (i.e. a post according to Figure 1). In particular, the cut-outs 313 are configured to receive a portion of a web 108 connecting the rail portions 102 of a post 100. Due to the spacing C between the ends 201,202 of the panel 200 and the slots 207, during use, when a user pulls on the cord 309 of the lifting system, the anchor portion 304 is urged in a horizontal direction towards the handle 300 received in the slots 207. In order to prevent such movement, the anchor portion is arranged such that the web 108 of the post 100 connecting the rail portion 120 is received within one of the cut-outs 313. Contact between the cut-out 313 and the web 108 therefore prevents movement of the anchor portion 304 towards the handles 300.

It will be appreciated that the anchor portion 304 described above is not suited to a post 100 in the form of a concrete fence post (i.e. a post according to Figure 2). In such case, the post 100 is provided with a through-hole 109 configured to receive an alternative embodiment of an anchor portion in the form of an elongate shaft. The shaft defines a first end comprising a hook portion and an opposite second end comprising a threaded portion. The second end of the shaft is inserted full through the hole 109, and is secured to the post 100 by a nut. A pulley wheel 303 may then be attached to the hook portion of the first end of the shaft by a clip.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a panel 400 according to the present invention. The panel 400 is similar in construction to the panel 200 of Figure 3, and comprises a first end 401, a second end 402 defining an elongate protrusion 404, an elongate groove portion 405, an elongate tongue portion 406, slots 407 and outwardly facing sides 408. The wall panel 400 may be composed of any suitable construction material, such as for example wood or concrete. The outwardly facing side 208 of the wall panel 400 may comprise a textured surface made to resemble a brick, stone, or wooden wall.

Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the panel 400. The panel 400 further comprises a longitudinally extending recess 409 configured to partially receive an elongate extension portion 410. The recess 409 is defined by the first end 401 of the panel 400, and comprises a sloped inner surface 412 disposed between two opposing sides 411. The recess 409 is orientated vertically with respect to the orientation of the panel 400 during use. The extension portion 410 is formed as a generally elongate bar comprising sides 414 arranged either side of a sloped rear surface 413. The extension portion 410 is received within the recess 409 by inserting the extension portion 410 into the recess 409 vertically downwards in the direction of arrow F. The recess 409 defines an open region adjacent a top surface of the panel 400 so that the extension portion 410 may be inserted into the recess from a position vertically above the recess 409. In order to fix the extension portion 410 to the panel 400, adhesive may be applied to the sides 414 and rear surface 413 of the extension portion 410. In particular, the adhesive may be applied to sides of the extension portion in the shaded regions depicted in Figure 13. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to the sides 411 and inner surface 412 of the recess 409.

Figure 14 shows an enlarged view of the extension portion 410 once it has been received within the recess 409. Once inserted into the recess 409, it can be seen that a part 416 of the extension portion 410 protrudes from the first end 401 of the panel 400 in a direction normal to the end 401 of the panel 400. The extension portion 410 further defines a length which is substantially the same length as a length of the recess 409. As such, when the extension portion 410 is received within the recess 409, a top face 415 of the extension portion 410 is horizontally level with a top surface of the panel 400. It will be appreciated that although the length of the extension portion 410 is described above as being substantially the same length as that of the recess 409, the actual length of the extension portion may be shorter than the length of the recess 409. However, it will be appreciated that if the length of the extension portion 410 is longer than the recess 409, the top face 415 of the extension portion 410 may extend above the top face of the panel 400 and therefore interfere with the position of a vertically adjacent panel 400 placed above it.

Figure 15 shows a step in the construction of a wall incorporating the second embodiment of the panel 400. The wall includes a first post 500a and a second post 500b spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than a length of the panel 400. The first and second posts 500a, 500b each define a longitudinally extending channel 401 which extends substantially along an entire length of the post 400a, 400b. The first and second posts 400a, 400b are arranged such that the channels 101 face each other. The posts 400a, 400b are orientated vertically, and may be supported in a foundation of the wall, such as a hole or a concrete-filled hole. The posts 400a, 400b may be ordinary concrete fence posts well-known in the art of wall construction. Alternatively, the posts 400a, 400b may be formed of an l-shaped beam. It will be appreciated that the posts 400a, 400b may be posts according to either Figure 1 or Figure 2 above (i.e. posts comprising a cut-out portion). A panel 400 is inserted by its second end 402 into the channel 501 of the second post 500b. In particular, the elongate protrusion 404 of the second end 402 of the panel is received by the channel 501. In the example shown, the channel 501 and the elongate protrusion 404 define similar cross-sections, such that movement of the elongate protrusion relative to the channel 501 when the panel 400 is inserted into the channel 501 is minimised. The first end 401 of the panel 400 is then passed into the space defined between the posts 500a, 500b in the direction of arrow E.

Figure 16 shows a next step in the construction of a wall. In particular. Figure 16 shows the position of the panel 400 when the recess 409 is aligned with the channel 501 of the first post 500a. It will be appreciated that the panel 400 is vertically orientated so that the recess 409 runs vertically parallel to the channel 501 of the first post 500a. As such, the recess 409 and channel 501 define a space between them which is sized to receive the extension portion 410.

Figure 17 shows the extension portion 410 inserted within the space defined between the recess 409 of the panel 400 and the channel 501 of the first post 500a. It can be seen that a part of the extension portion 410 is received within the recess 409 and a part of the extension portion 410 protrudes from the recess 409 and into the channel 501. It will be appreciated that the extension portion therefore acts as a wedge between the panel 400 and the channel 501 to prevent the panel 400 from falling out of the space defined between the posts 500a, 500b. In particular, contact between the sides 411 of the recess 409 and the sides 414 of the extension portion 410 prevents separation of pane 400 and the extension portion 410 in the direction of arrow E. Likewise, contact between the sides 414 of the extension portion 410 and the channel 501 also prevents separation of the extension portion 410 and the post 400a in the direction of arrow E. As such, the panel 400 is held in position between the posts 400a, 400b by the presence of the extension portion 410.

During normal use, a first panel 400 is inserted between the posts 500a, 500b such that it rests upon a patch of ground extending between the posts 500a, 500b or so that it rests upon a foundation of the wall. A second panel 400 may then assembled atop the first panel 400 in a like manner to that described above. It will be appreciated that any number of panels may be used one atop the other in the construction of the wall. Furthermore, where the panels 400 comprise a tongue-and-groove arrangement, the groove 405 of a first panel 400 may be received within the tongue 406 of a second panel 400.

In the example shown, the part of the extension portion 410 which protrudes from the recess 409 comprises a similar cross-sectional shape to the groove 501. It will be appreciated that this minimises movement of the extension portion relative to the channel 501. It will be appreciated that the channel 501 may comprise any of a number of different cross-sectional shapes (for example, a triangular groove or semi-circular groove) and that the extension portion may be similarly shaped so as to minimise movement between the channel 501 and the extension portion.

Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional side view of the wall of Figure 17. It can be seen that the inner surface 412 of the recess 409 and the rear surface 413 of the extension portion 410 are inclined at a common angle φ relative to a longitudinal axis 510 of the first post 500a. It will be appreciated that because the post 500a is oriented vertically, the longitudinal axis 510 is also oriented vertically. The angle φ shown is approximately 5 degrees, although the angle φ may be anywhere generally within the range 5 to 10 degrees. It will be appreciated that when the extension portion 410 is inserted into the recess 409, the angle of incline of the inner surface 412 of the recess 409 and the rear surface 413 of the extension portion 410 causes movement of the extension portion 410 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 510. That is to say, as the extension portion 410 is inserted into the recess 409, the extension portion is pushed in a horizontal direction due to the incline of the surfaces 412, 413. It will be appreciated that for every unit of length that the extension portion 410 is moved vertically downwards relative to recess 409, the extension portion is moved horizontally towards the post 500a by an amount equal to tangent of the angle φ.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the angle φ may be zero. That is to say, the rear surface 413 of the extension portion 410 and the inner surface 412 of the recess 409 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 510. It will be appreciated that the rear surface 413 and the inner surface 412 are inclined towards the longitudinal axis 510 at substantially the same angle, and as such the rear surface 413 and the inner surface 412 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 510 or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 510.

In some embodiments, the extension portion 410 will come into contact with an inner surface 508 of the channel 501 of the first post 500a. The inner surface 508 is an outwardly facing surface of the first post 500a which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 510 and faces the first end 401 of the panel 400. As such, a force applied to the extension portion in a vertically downwards direction will urge the extension portion towards the first post 500a. This force may be applied via impact, such as by using a hammer or mallet. As a result, the panel 400 will be urged away from the first post 400a and towards the second post 400b by the extension portion 410. The extension portion 410 therefore acts as a wedge between the first post 400a and the second post 400b that holds the panel 400 in compression between the two posts 400a, 400b.

It will be appreciated that because the panel 400 comprises a recess 409 and an extension portion 410, there is no need to lift the panel 400 vertically above the posts 500a, 500b in order to construct the wall. That is to say, each panel 400 only needs to be vertically raised to the height at which it will rest within the wall, and therefore, for a wall comprising multiple panels 400 resting one atop the other, the need to lift every panel 400 of the wall above the top of the posts 500a, 500b is avoided. As such, injuries caused to the user due to lifting of heavy wall panels 400 are reduced. This is particularly advantageous where the panels 400 are made from a dense material such as concrete.

Figure 19 shows a second embodiment of a lifting assembly 600 used to construct a wall composed of panels 700. The panels 700 may be identical to the panels 100 according to the embodiment of Figure 3 above, or alternatively the panels 700 may be identical to the panels 400 comprising an extension portion 410 according to the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 above. Alternatively, the panels 700 may be wall panels that are well-known in the art (i.e. wall panels which do not comprise apertures, a tongue-and-groove arrangement, or a recess configured to receive an extension portion). As such, the panels 700 illustrated in the figure are formed of a simple elongate cuboid. The panels 700 may be made of any suitable construction material, such as, for example, wood or concrete.

The lifting assembly 600 comprises two identical post-frames 601 which are configured to fit around each one of a pair of spaced-apart upright posts 500a, 500b. Each post-frame 601 is composed of a pair of elongate beams 602, 603 positioned either side of the posts 500a, 500b and oriented vertically. The beams 602, 603 are connected by a lower brace 604 and an upper brace 605 which run perpendicular to the beams 602, 603. The lower brace is configured to rest upon a topmost portion of the posts 500a, 500b to support the weight of the post-frame 601. It will be appreciated that the lower brace 604 and upper brace 605 define a spacing between the beams 602, 603 which is larger than a corresponding thickness of the posts 500a, 500b so as to enable the lifting assembly to fit around the posts 500a, 500b. The beams may be formed of metal and the lower brace 604 and upper brace 605 may be joined to the beams 602, 603 by welding, or may be fastened in place using fastenings well-known in the art. Alternatively, the beams 602, 603 may be formed of wood, and the lower brace 604 and upper brace 605 may be joined to the beams 602, 603 by fixtures such as screws or nails.

The beams 602, 603 further comprise guide portions 606 which are configured to centrally locate the beams 602, 603 relative to a side of the posts 500a, 500b. That is to say, when viewed from the side of the posts 500a, 500b the beams 602, 603 are located along a centreline of the posts. The guide portions 606 are formed of elongate bars which extend from the beams 602, 603 in a horizontal direction such that the guide portions 606 define a length which is longer than a corresponding width of the posts 500a, 500b. The guide portions 606 comprise inwardly extending protrusions 607 which point towards the channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b. The protrusions 607 are positioned such that the posts 500a, 500b may be received within a space defined between the protrusions 607. During normal use, the upright portions are lifted above the posts 500a, 500b and such that the posts 500a, 500b are received between the protrusions 607. The protrusions 607 are used to guide the post-frames 601 as they are fitted over the posts 500a, 500b and ensure that the beams 602, 603 are centrally located relative to the posts 500a, 500b. Furthermore, contact between the protrusions 607 and the posts 500a, 500b acts to orient the post-frames 601 in a vertical direction, and therefore prevent the post-frames 601 from falling away from the posts 500a, 500b.

So that the protrusions do not inhibit the insertion of a panel 700 between the posts 500a, 500b; the protrusions 607 define a length which is shorter than a distance between the beams 602, 603 and the channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b. The protrusions 607 may be formed of a bolt that is passed through an aperture of the guide portions 606. Alternatively, the protrusions 607 may be formed of a bent part of the guide portion 606. Each beam 602, 603 may comprise multiple guide portions 606. For example, each beam 602, 603 may comprise a first guide portion 606 arranged so that it is located at a top end of posts 500a, 500b when the post-frames 601 are received over the posts 500a, 500b, and a second guide portion 606 arranged so that it is located at a bottom end of the posts 500a, 500b when the when the postframes 601 are received over the posts 500a, 500b. Each beam 602, 603 may further comprise a third guide portion 606 located equidistant between the first and second guide portions 606.

Figure 20 shows an enlarged perspective view of a first and a second embodiment of the guide portions 606. The first embodiment of the guide portion 606a comprises an elongate bar 627a extending generally perpendicular to the first beam 602 of the post frame 601. The elongate bar 627a comprises an elongate slot 628 configured to receive a pair of clamp portions 629. The clamp portion 629 defines a generally T-shaped body comprising a threaded portion configured to receive a nut 630. The clamp portion 269 and nut 230 may be considered to define the protrusion 607 of Figure 19. The clamp portions 629 are movable within the slot 628 in the direction shown by the arrow J. The elongate bar 627a and slot 628 are sized so that they extend beyond opposite sides of the post 500. During use, the clamp portions 629 are received by the elongate slot 628 either side of the post 500, and are moved within the slot 268 so that the clamp portions 629 engage the sides of the post 500. The nuts 630 are then tightened so as to prevent relative movement of the clamp portions 629 within the slot 628. It will be appreciated that because the clamp portions 629 are movable within the slot 628, the guide portion 606a is operable to receive posts 500 of varying widths.

Figure 20 further shows a second embodiment of a guide portion 606b. The second embodiment of the guide portion 606b differs from the first embodiment 606a in that it comprises an elongate bar 627b having a plurality of internally threaded apertures 631 configured to receive externaliy threaded bolts 632. The elongate bar 627b sized so that it extends beyond opposite side of the post 500. During use, a pair of bolts 632 are received by the apertures 631 either side of the post 500 such that a portion of each bolt 632 engages a side of the post 500. It will be appreciated that the apertures 631 are spaced apart such that the guide portion 606b is operable to receive posts 500 of varying widths.

The upper braces 605 of the post-frames 601 are joined by a horizontally extending top beam 608, which further comprise a pair of pulley wheels 611 located at either end of the top beam 608. The top beam 608 may be formed of any suitable construction material such as, for example, metal or wood. As is shown in Figure 19, the top beam 608 may be attached to the upper braces 605 by a bolt which is passed through an aperture of the top beam 608 and secured by a nut such as a wing-nut 609. It will be appreciated that the distance between different pairs of posts 500a, 500b of the wall may not always be exactly equal, and therefore the aperture of the top beam 608 may be formed of an elongate slot configured to accommodate a range of different spacings defined between the post-frames 601. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 21, in which one end of the top beam 608 is attached to a first post-frame 601 via a nut and bolt arrangement. The other end of the top beam 608 is slotted through an aperture 610 located upon the upper brace 605 of a second post-frame 601b. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement may accommodate a large range of different spacings defined between the first and second post-frame 601a, 601 b.

Each post-frame defines a ledge 612 which is configured to support a panel 700 of the wall. The ledges 612 extend from each of the post-frames 601 horizontally towards the other of the post-frames 601, and further extend outwardly away from the wall. As such, during normal use when the posts 500a, 500b are received by the post-frames 601, the ledges 612 define a distance between one another that is shorter than a corresponding length of the panels 700. As such, a panel 700 may be lifted onto the ledges 612 so that it is supported by the ledges 612 at either end. The ledges 612 are located on either side of the posts 500a, 500b such that the lifting system 600 comprises four ledges in total (i.e. so that a different panel may be supported either side of the posts 500a, 500b). However, it will be appreciated that the lifting system 600 may comprise only two ledges located on a common side of the posts 500a, 500b.

During normal use, the user lifts the panel 700 onto the ledge 612 and a pair of slings 613 are fitted over either end of the panel 700. The slings 613 are attached by clips 614 to a pair of cords 615 which are looped over the pulley wheels 611. When a user wishes to insert the panel 700 within the space defined between the posts 500a, 500b, the user pulls on the cords 615 in a direction away from the pulley wheel 611. This causes the cords 615 to become taut and to vertically lift the panel 700. The panel 700 is lifted further so that it is vertically higher than the posts 500a, 500b, at which point it can be aligned with the channels 501 of the posts. Alignment of the panel 700 with the channels 501 may occur naturally due to gravity acting upon the panel 700; however it will be appreciated that some manual alignment by the user may also be required. As is best shown in Figure 21, the user may then feed the cords 615 back towards the pulley wheels 611 so as to cause the panel 700 to be vertically lowered within the channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b. If the panel 700 is a first panel inserted between the posts 500a, 500b then the panel 700 is lowered such that it rests upon a patch of ground extending between the posts 500a, 500b or a foundation of the wall. If the panel 700 is a second or subsequent panel inserted between the posts 500a, 500b then the panel 700 is lowered such that it rests upon the first or a previous panel 700 inserted between the posts. In such a manner, the panels 700 are assembled one atop the other to form a continuous section of wall between the posts 500a, 500b. It will be appreciated that when the panels 700 are lowered into position, a user may be required to temporarily hold the panel 700 above its resting position by a small elevation so as to allow the clips 614 to be detached from the slings 613 and the slings 613 removed. The panel 700 can then be lowered by the user manually (i.e. without the assistance of the lifting assembly 600).

The ledges 612 are arranged such that when the posts 500a, 500b are received by the post-frames 611, the ledges 612 are at approximately waist-height. For example, the ledges 612 may be located 1 m above ground, or anywhere generally within the range 0.5 m to 1.5 m above ground level. It will be appreciated that by providing ledges 612 at waist-height, a user is not required to lift the panels 700 above the tops of the posts 500a, 500b unsupported. As such, the risk of injuries associated with handling heavy panels 700 at height is greatly reduced. This is particularly advantageous where the panels 700 are made of a dense material such as concrete.

It will be appreciated that in order to permit the panel 700 to enter the channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b, a height of the top beam 608 relative to an uppermost point of the channels 501 must be sufficient to permit a panel 700 to fit between the pulley wheels 611 and the channels 501. That is to say the height of the top beam 608 relative to the uppermost point of the channels 501 must be greater than the sum of a height of the pulley wheel, a height of the panel 700, a height of the clips 614 and a height due to a slack portion of the slings 613.

It will further be appreciated that the lifting assembly 600 may comprise more than two pulley wheels 611. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 21, in which the lifting assembly 600 comprises three pulley wheels 611.

Figure 22 shows a third embodiment of a lifting assembly 600. A post-frame 601 comprises a first vertically oriented elongate beam 602 connected to a second vertically oriented elongate beam 603 via a brace 604. The brace 604 is configured to support the weight of the post-frame 601 upon a top end of a post 500. The second beam 603 extends vertically beyond the brace 604. The post-frame 601 comprises guide portions 606 which are configured to receive the post 500 so as to prevent the post-frames 601 from falling over.

The second beam 603 is a hollow beam which defines a generally rectangular cross-section, and further comprises a slot 616 which runs substantially along an entire length of the second beam 603. A third beam 617 is configured to fit within the second beam 603 such that the third beam 617 is slidable within the second beam 603. The third beam 617 also defines a generally-rectangular cross-section. A bottom end of the third beam 617 comprises a slide guide 618 formed as a rail which extends from the third beam 617 through the slot 616 of the second beam 603. The slide guide 618 may additionally act as handles to allow the third beams to be manually lifted or descended within the second beams 603. The second and third beams 603, 616 may be made of metal. It will be appreciated that the second beam 602 and third beam 617 need not define rectangular cross-sections, provided that the cross-section of the second and third beams 602, 617 are shaped such that the third beam 617 is slidable within the second beam 602.

The post-frame 601 further comprises a pulley system 620 comprising a first pulley wheel attached to a bottom end of the slide guide 618 and a second pulley wheel attached to the second beam 603. A cord 621 is attached to the second beam 603, and is wound around the first and second pulley wheels. When a user pulls the cord 621 away from the second pulley wheel, the pulley system 620 causes lifting of the third beam 617 within the second beam 603.

Figure 23 shows a step in the construction of a wall using the post-frame 601 of Figure 22. A first post 500a is spaced apart from a second post 500b by a distance greater than a width of a wall panel 800 which is desired to be inserted in between the posts 500a, 500b. The posts 500a, 500b define longitudinally extending channels 501 configured to receive opposite ends of the panel 800. The panel 800 depicted in Figure 23 is a generally rectangular wooden fence panel that is well-known in the art, and as such the panel 800 defines a height that is a similar distance to a width of the panel 800. A first post-frame 601a is mounted upon the first post 500a, and a second postframe 601b is mounted upon the second post 500b. A top end of each of the third beams 617 comprises a laterally extending bar 622 to which a pair of guide ropes 623 and pulley wheels 625 are attached.

During normal use, the first and second post-frames 601a, 601b are received over the first and second posts 500a, 500b. A user pulls upon the cord 621 of the pulley system 620 of each post-frame 601a, 601b so as to cause the third beams 617 to slide vertically upwards within the second beams 603. The third beams 617 are elevated above the posts 500a, 500b by a distance which is greater than a height of the panel 800. The cords 621 may then be tied in place against the post-frame 601 so as to hold the third beams 617 in their elevated position. Alternatively, a pair of pins (not shown) may be passed through an aperture (not shown) located in a side of each of the second beams 603 of the post-frames 601 in order to support the third beams 617 upon the pins and therefore hold the third beams 617 in their elevated position. The guide ropes 623 are attached to the laterally extending bars 622 of the third beams 617 and are held taut by pegs 624. A two cords 626 are attached to the panel 800 and are looped over the pulley wheels 625. The cords 626 may be attached to the panel 800 in any suitable manner, such as for example by a sling, a hook or a G-clamp tied to the cords. When a user pulls on the cords 626 in a direction away from the pulley wheels 625, the panel 800 is vertically lifted to a height above the tops of the posts 500a, 500b. The panel 800 is then aligned with the channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b and the user lowers the panel 800 into a space defined between the posts 500a, 500b by feeding the cord 626 towards the pulley wheels 625. The panel 800 is lowered until it is brought to rest upon a patch of ground extending between the posts 500a, 500b or a foundation of the posts 500a, 500b. Alternatively, the third beams 617 and the panel 800 may be lifted vertically at the same time using the pulley system 620.

It will be appreciated that contact between the ends of the panel 800 and channels 501 of the posts 500a, 500b once the panel 800 has been received between the posts 500a, 500b prevents the panel 800 from falling down. It will be appreciated that to ensure that the panel 800 is elevated above the posts 500a, 500b, the distance by which the third beams 617 are elevated above the posts 500a, 500b may depend upon a sum of: the height of the panel 800; a height of the pulleys 625, and any height associated with an intermediate component between the panels 800 and the third beams 617 (such as, for example: a g-clamp or a sling).

It will be appreciated that because the height of the panel 800 is similar to the width of the panel 800, when the panel 800 is lifted above the posts 500a, 500b, the panel 800 is prone to being blown by wind. This is particularly problematic where the panel 800 is lifted by hand, where, due to its shape, it may be blown over by a gust of wind and potentially injure a user. However, where the panel 800 is lifted via the lifting system 600, the panel 800 is less likely to be blown over as it is attached to the lifting system 600 via the cords 626. As such, the likelihood of injury to a user due to the panel blowing over is reduced.

Figure 24 shows a pair of swivel clamps 633 configured to provide engagement between a lower portion of the first beam 602 and a lower portion of the second beam 603 of the post frame 601. The first beam 602 defines a first end piece comprising an elongate bar 634 which extends perpendicular to the first beam 602. The swivel clamps 633 are attached to the bar 634 via a hinge portion 635 and are supported for rotation by the hinge portion 635 about an axis parallel to the bar 634, as shown by the arrow K. The second beam 603 of the post frame 601 defines a second end piece comprising an elongate plate 636 which extends perpendicular to the second beam 603. The plate 636 of the second end piece comprises a pair of slots 637 each configured to receive a shaft 638 of the swivel clamps 633. The swivel clamps 634 further comprise nuts 639 supported upon a threaded end of the shafts 638 opposite the hinge portions 635. During use, a portion of each of the shafts 638 is received by the slots 637 and the nuts 639 tightened so as to engage the elongate plate 636. When a wall panel 800 is lowered within the channel 501 of the post 500, the nut 639 of the swivel clamp on the side of the post 500 comprising the channel 501 is loosened, and the shaft 638 disengaged from the slot 637 of the plate 636. The wall panel 800 may then lowered within the channel 501 beyond the swivel clamp 633.

It will be appreciated that before the panel 800 is lowered into the channel 501 of the post 500, the centre of mass of the panel 800 is positioned above the post 500 parallel to the second beam 603. As such, the weight of the panel 800 is offset from a longitudinal (i.e. central) axis of the post 500. This may result in bending of the brace 604 which may cause the end pieces of the first and second beams 602, 603 to bend away from one another. By providing an engagement between the end pieces of the first and second beams 602, 603 the swivel clamps 633 therefore act to hold the first and second beams 602, 603 together, thus improving the stability and durability of the post frame 601. Figure 25 shows a first post covers 900 and a second post cover 910 located either side of a post 901 of a wall. The post 901 is vertically orientated and defines two opposite channels 902 configured to receive a part of a panel 903. The post covers 900, 910 are configured to hide the post 901 from view. This is desirable where panels 903 are textured to resemble stone, wood, or brick, and where the sight of the post 901 would be detrimental to the appearance of the wall. The panels 903 define through-holes 904 which penetrate the panels 903. The first post cover 901 comprises a pair of nuts 905 that are located within a recess of the post cover and configured to receive a threaded portion of a bolt 906. During normal use, the bolts 906 are received by a pair of through-holes formed in the second post cover 910, and are passed through the holes 904 of the panels 903 before being received by the nuts 905 located in the first post cover 900. The bolts 909 are then tightened so as to secure the second post cover 910 to the first post cover 900. A head portion of the bolts 906 is received within a recess 907 such that the bolts 906 do not protrude from the second post cover.

The through-holes 904 of the panels 903 define a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the bolts 906. As can be seen from Figure 25, this permits each of the panels 903 to be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the channels 902 of the post 901. To accommodate a non-perpendicular angle between the channels 902 and the panels 903, the post covers 900, 10 may define generally U-shaped cross-sections. It will be appreciated that by allowing the panels 903 to be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the channels 902 of the posts 901, a wall may be constructed which defines a non-linear path. This is particularly advantageous where a minor diversion in the wall may be required to fit around an obstacle (such as, for example, a tree) or where a wide, curved, boundary wall is desired.

In order to permit a greater variation of angular orientation between the panels 903 and the post 901, it will be appreciated that the holes 904 of the panels 903 may alternatively be formed as slots. As such, the panels 903 may be identical to the panels 200 according to Figure 3 (i.e. panels which comprise slots 207), or may be identical to the panels 400 according to Figure 12 (i.e. panels which comprise slots 407). It will further be appreciated that the post 901 may be a post 100 according to either Figures 1 or 2 (i.e. a post comprising a cut-out portion 103), may be an ordinary concrete fence post such as a post 500 according to any of Figures 15-24.

It will be appreciated that the post covers 900, 910 define a longitudinally extending length which is equal to or greater than a height of the post 901 above the ground. The post covers 900, 910 may comprise multiple pairs of mating nuts 905 and bolts 906 longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the length of the post covers 900, 901. As such, the post covers 900, 910 may be secured to one another at regular intervals along their lengths. Alternatively, the post covers 900, 910 may be attached to the panels 903 by adhesive.

It will be appreciated that the features, aspects and embodiments described above are exemplary in nature and may be otherwise implemented within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while various features are described separately, it will be readily apparent from the forgoing that various features may be combined.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A post for constructing a wall, the post formed as an elongate member comprising: a pair of longitudinally extending rail portions spaced apart from one another so as to define a longitudinally extending channel between the rail portions, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a panel of the wall, and wherein one of the rail portions comprises a cut-out portion configured to permit a portion of the panel to enter the channel from a side of the post.

2. A post according to claim 1 wherein the post is configured to vertically extend from a foundation of the wall.

3. A post according to claim 2 wherein the cut-out portion is spaced from the foundation of the wall by a distance equal to or greater than a height of the panel.

4. A post according to claim 3 wherein the cut-out portion is spaced from the foundation by a distance within the range 0.5 m to 1.5 m.

5. A post according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the rail portions comprises an aperture configured to receive a pin.

6. A post according to claim 5, wherein the aperture is positioned such that when the post is oriented vertically the aperture is vertically above the cut-out portion.

7. A post according to any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the aperture is a first aperture and the other of the rail portions post further comprises a second aperture configured to receive the pin.

8. A post according to claim 7, wherein the second aperture is positioned such that when the post is oriented vertically the second aperture is horizontally aligned with the first aperture.

9. A panel for constructing a wall, the panel comprising an end configured for receipt by a channel of a post, and wherein the panel further comprises a hole configured to receive a portion of a handle, the hole being spaced from the end of the panel by an amount greater than a depth of the channel.

10. A panel according to claim 9, wherein the hole is a through-hole.

11. A panel according to claim 10, wherein the hole is an elongate slot.

12. A handle for lifting a panel, wherein the handle comprises: a grip portion configured to be gripped by a user, and a shaft configured for receipt by a hole of the panel.

13. A handle according to claim 12 wherein the handle further comprises a circumferential groove configured to receive a cord of a pulley system.

14. A handle according to claim 13 wherein the circumferential groove is a pulley wheel configured for rotation relative to the grip portion and the stem.

15. A handle according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the grip portion is a first grip portion, and wherein the shaft is configured to receive a second grip portion.

16. A handle according to claim 15 wherein the first grip portion is located at a first end of the shaft and the second grip portion is located a second end of the shaft substantially opposite the first grip portion.

17. A system for constructing a wall, comprising a post according to any of claims 1-8; and wherein the system further comprises a panel.

18. A system according to claim 17 when dependent upon any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the system further comprises the pin and wherein the pin is configured to at least partially support the panel.

19. A system according to any of claims 17 to 18, wherein the post is a first post and wherein the system further comprises a second post defining a channel configured to receive a portion of the panel.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the system further comprises a second pin configured to at least partially support the panel, and wherein the second post comprises an aperture configured to receive the second pin.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the second post extends vertically from a foundation of the wall, and wherein the aperture of the second post is positioned such that during use the aperture of the second post is horizontally aligned with the aperture of the first post.

22. A system according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the panel is a panel according to any of claims 9 to 13.

23. A system according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the system further comprises a pulley wheel supported by an anchor portion, and wherein during use the pulley wheel and anchor portion are positioned vertically above the cut-out portion.

24. A system according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the system further comprises a handle according to any of claims 14 to 16, and wherein the system further comprises a cord configured to loop around a portion of the handle and the pulley wheel, and wherein during normal use when a user urges the cord away from the pulley wheel the panel is lifted by the handle.

25. A system according to any of claims 17 to 24, wherein the system comprises a plurality of panels.

26. A method of constructing a wall according to the system of any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the method comprises the steps of: passing a portion of the panel through the cut-out portion, and receiving the portion of the panel within the channel.

21. A method of constructing a wall according to claim 26 when dependent upon claim 25 further comprising the steps of: vertically raising the panel within the channel, and supporting the panel upon the pin vertically above the cut-out portion.

28. A method of constructing a wall according to claim 27 further comprising the steps of: vertically lowering the panel, and supporting the panel upon a second panel of the wall.

29. A panel for a wall, the panel comprising a longitudinally extending recess disposed along an end of the panel and configured to at least partially receive an elongate extension portion; wherein the panel is configured such that during use the recess is orientated parallel to a longitudinally extending channel of a post of the wall, and wherein the extension portion is further configured to be at least partially received by the channel.

30. A panel according to claim 29, wherein a part of the extension portion is configured to protrude from the panel in a direction substantially normal to the end of the panel.

31. A panel according to claim 30, wherein the part of the extension portion which protrudes from the panel in the direction substantially normal to the end of the panel is at least partially received by the recess.

32. A panel according to any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the recess defines a first face and the extension portion defines a second face configured to contact the first face when the extension portion is received by the recess.

33. A panel according to claim 32 wherein the first face is non-parallel to the end of the panel.

34. A panel according to either of claims 32 or 33, wherein the second face of the extension portion is non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension portion, and wherein during normal use the longitudinal axis of the extension portion is oriented parallel to the longitudinally extending channel of the post.

35. A panel according to any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the end of the panel is a first end of the panel, and wherein the panel further comprises a second end substantially opposite the first end, the second end being configured for receipt by a longitudinally extending channel of a second post of the wall.

36. A panel according to claim 35 when dependent upon claim 34, wherein during normal use when the extension portion is received by the recess, urging of the extension portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis urges the extension portion against the post.

37. A panel according to any of claims 29 to 36 wherein during normal use when the extension portion is a least partially received by the recess, the extension portion is secured to the recess by an adhesive.

38. A method of constructing a wall, the wall comprising a panel according to any of claims 29 to 37, wherein the method comprises: orienting the recess parallel to the longitudinally extending channel of the post; at least partially receiving the extension portion within the recess; and at least partially receiving the extension portion within the longitudinally extending channel of the post.

39. An apparatus for constructing a wall, the wall comprising one or more panels retained between two wall posts, the apparatus comprising: a frame configured for secure attachment to the wall posts, the frame comprising: a first frame for attachment to a first wall post, the first frame comprising a first beam extending vertically above the first wall post when attached to the first wall post; a second frame for attachment to a second wall post, the second frame comprising a second beam extending vertically above the second wall post when attached to the second wall post; and fixing means for attaching a wall panel between first and second beams such that the wall panel may be suspended between the first and second frames above the first and second wall posts.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein at least one of the first and second frame further comprises a ledge member arranged to support a wall panel prior to lifting.

41. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, further comprising a top beam extending between the first beam and the second beam.

42. The apparatus of any of claims 39 to 41, further comprising a pulley system to assist lifting of a wall panel suspended between the first and second frames above the first and second posts.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 as dependent on claim 41, wherein the pulley system comprises at least one pulley affixed to the top beam to assist lifting of a wall panel towards the top beam.

44. The apparatus of any of claims 39 to 43, further comprising a first sliding member arranged to slide vertically relative to the first beam and a second sliding member arranged to slide vertically relative to the second beam.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein a portion of the first and second beams are hollow and the first and second sliding members are arranged to be received and to slide within the first and second beams.

46. The apparatus of clam 45, wherein the first and second sliding members comprise respective guide members which protrude through vertically extending slots in the first and second beams.

47. The apparatus of claim 44, 45 or 46, further comprising a first pulley wheel attached to the first or second sliding member and a second pulley wheel attached to the corresponding first or second beam; an anchor point on the corresponding one of the first or second beams for attachment to a pulley cord for use with the first and second pulley wheels to provide for mechanically assisted lifting of the first or second sliding member relative to the corresponding one of the first or second beams.

48. The apparatus of any of claims 39 to 47, wherein at least one of the first and second frames comprises a guide portion configured to engage a portion of a post so as to maintain the at least one of the first and second frames in an upright position.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the guide portion is configured to engage posts of varying widths.

50. The apparatus of any of claims 39 to 49, wherein at least one of the first or second frames comprises a brace configured to engage an upper end of a wall post.

51. The apparatus of any of claim 50, wherein the at least one of the first or second frames comprises an auxiliary beam extending parallel to the first or second beam.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the auxiliary beam is connected to the first or second beams by the brace.

53. The apparatus of claims 51 or 52, wherein the at least one of the first or second frames comprises a clamp portion configured to engage the auxiliary beam and the first or second beams.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the clamp portion is a swivel clamp.