NZ575016A - A connector system for attaching electric fence accessories to a post of a fencing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection system for attaching electric fence accessories to a fence post (2) is disclosed. The connection system includes one or more electric fence accessories (4) to be attached to the fence post (2), and a connector (3) for attaching the accessory (4) to the post (2). The connector includes a one-piece strap that passes through an aperture it the electric fence accessory (4) that is sufficient length to extend around at least a substantial part of the circumference of the fence post (2), and a strap securing device, such as an over-center latch. This arrangement can hold the electric fence accessory (4) in a fixed position relative to the post (2).

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 575016 Dated: 18 February 2009 FENCING SYSTEM l/WE Gallagher Group Limited, a New Zealand company of Kahikatea Drive Hamilton, New Zealand Matthew Henry Mckinley, a New Zealand citizen of 15 Smila Avenue, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Craig David Malins, a New Zealand citizen of 27 Whyte Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand Anthony Ian Parker, a New Zealand citizen of 91 Sar Street, Wadestown Wellington, New Zealand do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement: James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 This invention relates to a fencing system.

TECHNICAL FIELD FENCING SYSTEM BACKGROUND ART Reference throughout the specification will be made to electrified fencing systems.

However, it should be appreciated that many of the principles of the present invention can apply to aspects of non-electrified fencing systems as well and the reference to electrified fencing systems should not be seen to be limiting.

Electric fencing systems are used extensively in the agricultural industry. The 10 erection of such systems is a specialised skill requiring professional fencers or highly experienced farmers along with specialised equipment.

Similarly, in security situations even greater specialised skills are required to erect electrified security fences.

Typical fencing systems and their installation are discussed below.

To give stability to the whole fencing system, strainer posts are used which serve to anchor the parts of the fencing system against forces applied to it through animals impacting on the fence system and the wires/tapes being strained within the system.

Typically strainer posts are made from dense wood and are at least two - three 20 metres long being correspondingly very heavy and bulky to manipulate. In general, to give the required stability, about a third of the length of the strainer post is required to be inserted into the ground. This requires the use of a post hole borer to dig the hole. 2 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 It should be appreciated that the effort and equipment required to erect strainer posts as above is beyond what is preferred for a person wishing to erect a smaller or less robust system - such as a lifestyler or hobby farmer, events organiser and so forth. Thus, it would be desirable to find a way to erect semi permanent fencing 5 in an easier manner.

Another feature of fencing systems is the use of insulators on the fence post which either hold or guide the electrified fence line or tape. As most fence posts are wooden, the usual method of attaching insulators is to nail or screw them to the fence post which is a fiddly and time consuming task, requiring tools or specialised 10 methods of attachment.

The fencer also has to ensure that the level of the insulators on consecutive posts are substantially the same as each other so that the wires on the fence are evenly spaced and run parallel to each other and to the ground. Again, this can be difficult for an inexperienced person to achieve.

Likewise, wire strainers have to be placed on a strainer post equally distanced apart and at substantially the same height as insulators on consecutive posts in the fence system. The function of the wire strainers is not only to provide tension to the wires on the fence, but also to provide an electrical connection between the wires running at different levels on the fence. Again, this can be an awkward 20 process and often requires specialised tools to achieve.

Another complication with fencing is the mounting of gates.

Gates come in discrete sizes and therefore require that the strainer posts to which they are mounted or latched to are the correct distance apart so the gate can fit therebetween. Ensuring that the strainer posts are the correct distance apart is 25 difficult as well as adjusting the position of the gate through the use of gate gudgeons on the post to compensate for any variations. 3 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 Semi-permanent fencing is often not installed in a typical farming situation and greater variability of terrain must be accounted for. Therefore, it would be desirable if there could be provided a greater variability in gate sizes for such 5 situations.

Another complication that can arise with semi-permanent fencing is the lack of room for manoeuvrability. Often, the gate is required to be some metres in length to allow the passageway of livestock and vehicles.

However, to be fully open, there has to be a sufficiently clear room for an arc with a 10 radius of the length of the gate. This is not always achievable and would be desirable if it could be provided a fencing system which addresses this issue.

Another issue facing lifestylers is that of interruption of the power supply to the electric fence system. This is typically achieved in agricultural situations with a large cut out switch attached to the system.

This is typically operated by the user pulling up or down a handle which operates the switch. However, as a consequence of the operation of the switch and the knowledge of the large voltages passing through the system, many lifestylers are nervous about operating such a switch and an often approach it with some trepidation. Again, it would be desirable if there was a specially designed fence 20 system which took into account these concerns.

As can be appreciated, typical fencing systems are not designed to be user friendly for those who are not professional agriculturists or in the security industry. Many of the existing systems represent an over-kill where a semi permanent fencing situation is needed and do not allow for the more variable situations in which these 25 systems could be used. 4 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any 5 reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common 10 general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or 15 steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a strainer post 20 assembly for use in a fencing system, the strainer post assembly including a strainer post, and a stay attached to the strainer post such that when the strainer post is substantially vertical, the stay extends downwardly towards the ground at an angle therefrom, James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 and a brace extending outwardly from the base of the strainer post in same plane as the stay and the strainer post, and a brace platform that can be positioned at ground level to which the distal ends of 5 the stay and brace are connected, the strainer post assembly characterised in that the strainer post is configured to receive an auger at the base of the strainer post for securing the strainer post to the ground.

It is envisaged that the strainer post assembly can be used with other typical 10 elements of a fence assembly including line posts, wire/tape and so forth.

It is envisaged that the strainer post would be of lightweight construction in comparison to that used in more traditional fencing systems.

Preferably the strainer post is made from a strong but lightweight material such as plastic coated fibreglass. The plastic coating on the fibreglass ensures that the 15 brittle nature of fibreglass is less likely to be compromised.

Furthermore, this combination of material is aesthetically pleasing and can be readily moulded into functional aesthetic shapes and colours.

Likewise, other components in the fencing system including stays and braces may also be made from similar materials.

However, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the brace is constructed from steel rod.

However, the use of plastic coated fibreglass is not meant to be limiting, and in some embodiments of the present invention, the strainer post may be fabricated 6 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 from steel or a similar metal or plastic reinforced with steel.

It is envisaged that elements of the fence assembly may be substantially elliptical in the cross section, in particular the stays. This shape give greater strength to the components, as well as again providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In preferred embodiments, the major axis of the elliptical cross section for the stay and the brace is aligned with the plane of the stay, brace and strainer post and axis of the wires. This gives greater strength through the alignment of forces thereon as well as ensuring that the stay and brace do not protrude outside the circumference of the strainer post.

However, the choice of an elliptical shape should not be seen as limiting and other shapes could be used. The line post may have internal reinforcing using a combination of ribs and or be of composite construction.

The stay and brace can be connected to the strainer post by a variety of means.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a connection 15 system as detailed below on the strainer post where the stay and brace are connected by a pivot pin or similar pivoting connection.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the brace is attached to or near the bottom of the post by the pivoting connection. This allows the brace to rotate or move in the plane of the post and brace about the pivot point.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stay is attached to the post by a strap which may be fixed at different heights on the post.

The use of a pivoting connection for the brace enables the stay and brace platform combination to move relative to the variable terrain upon which the strainer post assembly is placed as the strap connection to the post is able to be adjusted up or 7 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 down. This allows for variation on the contours of the land over which the present invention is to be used.

Alternatively a telescoping stay and brace arrangement allows the connection end at the post to be fixed which provides for the force acting on the post through the 5 stay to be at the optimum position and angle.

That is, if the ground is not completely flat, the combination can be adjusted so that the brace platform sits flat upon the ground, even if this is elevated or depressed relative to the base of the strainer post.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector 10 system for attaching attachments to a post, the connector system including a strap configured to interact with the attachment and of sufficient length to extend around at least a substantial part of the circumference of the post, and a strap securing device, the connector system characterised in that the arrangement of the strap and the strap securing device is such that the strap and securing device can hold the attachment in a fixed position relative to the post when secured by the securing device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 20 securing an attachment to a post characterised by the steps of a) passing a strap through the attachment, and b) passing the strap at least substantially around the post to which the attachment is to be secured, and 8 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 c) tensioning the strap with a strap securing device such that the attachment is held in a fixed position relative to the post.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing an attachment to a post characterised by the steps of a) clipping the attachment to or over the strap, and b) passing the strap at least substantially around the post to which the attachment is to be secured, and c) tensioning the strap with a strap securing device such that the attachment is held in a fixed position relative to the post.

In some embodiments of the present invention the brackets on the strainer post holding the stay and brace may be attached by a strap on mounting as discussed above.

This may be achieved by a number of ways. For example, the brackets may have slots through which a tape/strap can pass and then be secured around the strainer 15 post.

Preferably the straps are made from a hardwearing non creeping durable material such as nylon or any other suitable plastic material. In some embodiments the straps are actually electric fence tape which passes through the strainers on the post.

The straps may be secured to the post by a variety of means including buckles, domes, clamps, or latches such as an over or under centre latch or a toggle latch.

It should be appreciated that this method of attachment can be used for other features of being attached to the strainer post including insulators and strainers, energisers, fence monitors, fence light indicators or any other electric fence 9 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 accessory.

A strap-on mounting has a number of significant advantages over other mounting systems.

Firstly, the user does not need to bore any holes into the strainer post. Instead, the 5 user can merely choose anywhere on the length of the post to place the attachment. If this choice is wrong, then it is a relatively easy matter for the user to shift the attachment to any desired height, without destroying part of the strainer post to do so.

A further advantage is that no additional tooling is required to mount attachments. 10 All that is needed is to secure the strap/buckle combination.

Another advantage is that the attachments can be placed anywhere around the post. For example, a single strap mounting could support a number of attachments around the whole of the post rather than just one positioned in a certain direction. This gives considerable flexibility when establishing the fence.

The stay and brace may be connected to the brace platform with a similar pivot bracket system as on the strainer post. The stay and brace may be connected to the brace platform at the same pivot point or at separate pivot points.

One purpose of the brace platform is to give a anchor point for the brace and stay so that the brace, stay and strainer post are in the classic high strength triangular 20 configuration giving additional support to the strainer post and resisting buckling.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a brace platform for use of the fencing system, the brace platform including: an attachment means for a stay, and an attachment means for a brace, James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 the brace platform characterised in that the bottom surface of the brace platform includes gripping means.

Preferably the bottom surface of the brace platform is such that it has gripping means so it does not readily slip with respect to the ground.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the gripping means includes sprigs which act to grip the ground when force is placed onto the brace platform. Other gripping means may include materials with a high co-efficient of friction such as rubber pads.

The brace platform may be secured to the ground through additional means such 10 as pins or augers being passed through apertures moulded therein.

It should be appreciated that the brace platform including the sprigs can be used in relation to fence systems other than that described herein.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention it is envisaged that the strainer post would be secured with respect to the ground by an auger depending from the 15 base therefrom.

While the auger may be integral with the strainer post, in preferred embodiments, the auger is a separate element. This enables the auger to be screwed into the ground in the appropriate position and then the strainer post (and the associated assembly) secured thereto.

In one embodiment the auger includes a screw depending from the end of a shaft which is held by a base support.

The base support may have a variety of forms, but in one embodiment it is comprised of an upwardly extending stub over which (or into which) the strainer post can fit. 11 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 Below the stub may be a flange which can act to rest flush against the ground when the auger is in position.

Below the flange may be a turn resistant bearing to prevent ready removal and to provide a bearing area against lateral forces exerted on the base support. In 5 preferred embodiments, this is in the form of one or more fins extending outwards from the base support into the ground.

In preferred embodiments, the fins are configured such that they form a spade like profile, to assist in penetration of the fins into the ground.

However, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be used such as 10 pins driven through the flange.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the auger shaft also extends upwardly from the stub, passing through an aperture in the stub. The auger shaft may interact with a removable auger handle enabling the auger to be readily turned into the ground.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the auger shaft may include a nut or collet. Once the base support has been properly sited, the nut or collet may be tightened to secure the base support to the auger shaft. This may be done by hand or by using a socket or the like.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the auger may include an anchor, 20 suitably configured to be driven into the ground.

In these embodiments of the present invention, the anchor is pivotally mounted to a shaft passing through an elongate cylinder. Alternatively, the shaft may be a length of cable, rope or wire. It should be understood that the shaft passes through an aperture within the base support. 12 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 The elongate cylinder shall now be referred to as a driving rod. The driving rod may be configured to interact with a post rammer, such that the driving rod and anchor may be driven into the ground.

Once sufficiently embedded in the ground, the driving rod may be removed, and 5 the base support slipped over the shaft and driven into the ground. Penetration of the base support into the ground may be assisted using a post rammer.

Once the base support is satisfactorily positioned, the shaft (or cable) may be tightened such that the embedded anchor pivots within the substrate. This assists in the anchoring of the base support and strainer post with which the base support 10 is to be used.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the stub of the base support may also be adapted to be used with a post rammer to assist in embedding the base support into the ground, rather than using a handle or the like.

It should be appreciated that having an auger associated with the strainer post 15 addresses a number of the problems associated with adapting traditional large scale fencing systems for a semi-permanent fence that a lift-styler/hobby farmer or event organiser may use.

The use of the auger means that the lifestyler does not have to need specialised equipment such as post-hole borers. With an auger separable from the main 20 strainer post, the lifestyler can screw the auger into the ground which pulls the strainer post mounting stub into the ground without the lifestyler having to contend with a strainer post at the same time.

Preferably the strainer post is made from lightweight material, and can be readily lifted and deposited onto a secure base formed by the auger/base support 25 combination. 13 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 It should therefore be seen that combination that although the individual components of the strainer post assembly are lightweight, the combination of the auger, the triangular configuration of the strainer post, stay and brace plus the base with the gripping platform all provide a very stable and strong configuration 5 for a semi-permanent fencing system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cut off switch for an electric fence assembly, the cut off switch characterised in that the cut off switch is configured in the form of a cap for a strainer post.

In preferred embodiments, the strainer post for which the cut-off switch is designed would be substantially hollow at its upper end. Thus, an embodiment of cut off switch is envisaged to be in a configuration that acts as a cap to the hollow end and therefore has a solid upper surface when in position.

It is also envisaged that the cut-off switch will give a visual indication of state, on or 15 off, by revealing a different colour through a window or opening in the cap when in one position relative to the other.

It is also envisaged that in preferred embodiments the strainer post would be substantially circular in cross section.

This enables the cut-off switch to be placed onto the strainer post and turn relative 20 thereto. The action of turning the cut off switch relative to the post can act to connect and disconnect the power supply to the wires on the strainer post itself.

For example, the main lead from the electric fence energiser used with the fencing system may pass through the cut-off switch via a groove or otherwise. The action of turning the switch can cause that wire (or terminal) to contact or disconnect from 14 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 the wires passing through the wire strainers on the post.

In preferred embodiment it may also be provided a gripping means on the outside of the cap enabling it to be readily turned.

The cut-off switch may connect to the strainer post by a variety of means.

One embodiment, the body of the cut-off switch may have two main parts. The uppermost part may be in the form of the cap which provides a water tight seal to the top of the strainer post.

The lower part of the body may have a smaller external diameter than the upper part allowing it to fit within the internal diameter of the strainer post. There may 10 also be a gap between the out circumference of the lower part of the body and the inner circumference of the cap portion of the body allowing a skirt of the cap to fit over the outside of the post with the upper part of the strainer post contained therein.

This configuration enables the cut-off switch to fit neatly with respect to the top of 15 the strainer post.

Typical fencing systems have line posts positioned between the strainer posts. The line posts are generally less robust than strainer posts and are used to guide the positioning of the wires and provide a physical barrier to constrained animals. However, these do not generally take tensioning forces, as these are usually borne 20 by the strainer post.

Therefore, in preferred embodiments of the present invention the line post is made from material that does not require as much structural strength as the strainer post, such as extruded polypropylene. This material provides the posts with flexibility minimising breakages. In addition, this material is recyclable. Of course, this is 25 not meant to be limiting and other materials may be used for fabricating the line James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 posts.

In preferred embodiments, the line post has a similar elliptical profile to that envisaged for the brace and stay which enables the post to readily orientate along the fence line.

Typically, the line posts will be designed so that they can guide or hold the tape or wire used in the fencing system. In one embodiment, the material from which the line post is made is such that the guides/insulators can be readily screwed therein. This eliminates the need for hammers and nails or other tooling.

In preferred embodiments, the line post is manufactured with markings that 10 indicate suitable sites for insulator placement and possibly optimum wire spacing for different live stock.

As discussed in the background art, the placement of the strainer posts may not be as precise with semi-permanent fencing compared to the more standard fencing. This may be due to the lesser skill of the person erecting the fence, or the 15 consequence of the variable terrain and situations that the semi-permanent fencing is required to be used in.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a gate for a fencing system the gate characterised in that the horizontal length of the gate is adjustable.

The gate may be adjusted by a number of ways. For example, in one embodiment, there may be provided a number of discrete segments which may be added together along the horizontal bars of the gate.

In preferred embodiments however, the horizontal bars of the gate may be 16 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 telescoping and thus the gate may be adjusted to the size required to fit within the erected strainer posts. The horizontal length of the gate may be fixed once the gate has been extended to the correct size by various fittings. In one embodiment this may be through the use of Tek™ screws.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inner horizontal lengths of the gate may be provided by straps such as that described in relation to the rest of the fencing system. These can be added once the gate has been extended to its final length, or in some embodiments may be wrapped around an upright of the gate and rolled out when required.

Preferably, the straps extend along the gate in line with the rest of the wires/tape or straps used in the electric fence system.

It is envisaged in preferred embodiments the gate shall be made with similar materials as the rest of the fencing system (say plastic coated fibreglass) and have similar cross section (say elliptical) or it may use hollow metal sections.

It can be seen that the telescoping gate offers considerable flexibility in the use of the fencing system.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a gate for a fencing system having at least two uprights spaced apart from each other by two parallel elements, the gate characterised in that the parallel elements are attached to the uprights in such a manner that one upright can move relative to the other upright such the combination of uprights and parallel elements form the shape of a parallelogram.

The gate configuration described above enables the gate to move upwards out of 17 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 the way of the opening and allows it to swing out over uneven ground and also reduces cantilevered loads being applied to strainer posts. This obviates the need to have a large clear space for the gate to swing outwards into.

It is envisaged that the connection between the uprights and the parallel elements 5 will be in the form of a pivot, possibly similar to that used in relation to the stay/brace combination.

It can be seen that the present invention has a vast number of features which makes the fencing system suitable for use as semi-permanent fencing and by those who are not professional fencers or agriculturalists.

Thus, according to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fencing system including at least one of the features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the 15 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a combination stay/brace in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a combination stay/brace in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3a. b shows a view of a strap assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a tape strainer in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and 18 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 Figure 5 shows a perspective view an auger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 shows a cross-section side view of an auger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7a-7c shows an alternative auger and method of using same in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8a.b shows yet another alternative auger and method of using same in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 shows a gate in accordance with one embodiment of the present 10 invention, and Figure 10 shows a close up exploded view of the brace platform.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a strainer post assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and generally indicated by arrow (1).

The strainer post (2) extends upwards from the ground (not shown) and bears a number of strap mounting assemblies (3) which support (in this figure) wire fence strainers (4)..

A stay (5) is attached via a pivot (6) to the strainer post (2). The distal end of the stay (5) is likewise attached via a pivot (7) to a brace platform (8).

The stainer post (2) includes a body (9) a portion of which is configured to be inserted into the ground (not shown). The strainer post (2) also includes an auger (10) to provide an anchor for fixing the post (2) in the ground (not shown).

The stay and brace may be arranged in line with the fence or in the case of a 19 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 corner, as depicted in Figure 2, a pair of stays (5) and brace platforms (8) in line with each side (11, 12) of the fence.

The brace platform (8), being attached by pivot points (6, 7) to the strainer post (2) and brace platform (8), allows the strainer post assembly (1) to accommodate 5 variations in terrain as the brace platform (8) can be moved to different heights with respect to the strainer post (2). Underneath the brace platform (8) are sprigs (13) which provide a grip to the ground (not shown).

Figure 3 is two views, A and B, of the strap mounting assembly (3) in which it can seen that the strap (14) is substantially circular. The latch (15) connects the ends 10 (16, 17) of the strap. The strap (14) includes a plurality of notches (18) into which the hook (19) of the latch (15) fits.

These notches (18) allows for variations in the size of the strainer post (not shown) with which the strap mounting assembly (3) is to be used.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot point (20) of the latch (15) 15 may be raised from the strap (14). This provides for greater clearance for the latch (15) as the strainer post (not shown) is less likely to hinder movement of the latch (15).

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a tape strainer (21) for use with the present invention. It will be appreciated that the tape strainer (21) includes a bracket (22) 20 and a spool (23) for the tape or wire (not shown). The spool (23) is configured with a slot (24) for fencing tape (not shown) and a circular aperture (25) for fencing wire (not shown).

A portion of the spool (23) is configured as an axle (26) to be located into the hole (27) of the bracket (22).

A separate screw (28) fits through a corresponding hole (29) of the bracket (22), James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 thus allowing the spool (23) to fitted to the bracket (22). The bracket (22) is provided with a pair of guides (30) to assist in the collecting or dispensing of tape or rope from the spool (23).

The rear (31) of the bracket (22) which abuts the strainer post (not shown) to which 5 the tape strainer (21) is fitted is configured as an arc, so as to better conform to the profile of the strainer post (not shown). The bracket (22) in the embodiment illustrated includes plastic overmoulding (32) to enhance its appearance. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this plastic overmoulding (32) is not strictly required.

Figure 5 illustrates the auger assembly, generally indicated by arrow (10) onto which the strainer post (not shown) fits. The auger assembly (10) includes an elongate shaft (33) at the bottom of which is a screw (34). The shaft (33) passes through a body (35).

The body (35), which may be thought of as the base, is made from a suitably rigid 15 plastic material as are a number of the other components of the present invention.

At the base of the body (35) are fins (36) which are designed to act as load bearing surfaces to resist lateral loads and resist lateral forces exerted on the strainer post (not shown) once the auger assembly (10) is in place. Above the fins (36) is a flange (37) which when the auger assembly (10) is properly positioned sits flush 20 upon the ground (not shown).

The body (35) includes a stub (38). It is over (or into) this stub that the stainer post (not shown) is fitted once the auger has been embedded in the ground (not shown). A screw (not shown) or similar fastening means may be used to fix the post (not shown) to the stub (38).

The auger assembly (10) is screwed into the ground (not shown) by rotating the 21 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 shaft (33) using a handle (39).

Figure 6 also shows a locking nut (40) which is pushed over the shaft (33) and which bears against an internal surface (41) of the body (35) to secure against the ground and pull it into the ground during installation.

There may be a washer (not shown) on the shaft (35) below the locking nut (40) and above the internal surface (41) of the body (35) which distributes the downward force while the screw (34) of the auger (10) is pulling the shaft (33) and the fins (36) of the body (35) into the ground (not shown).

Thus, in operation, the handle (39) is used to screw the auger (10) into the ground. 10 The height of the body (35) with respect to the auger (10) can be chosen accordingly as it is movable with respect to same.

Once the auger assembly (10) is in position, the handle (39) can then be removed and the strainer post (not shown) placed over the shaft (33) and stub (38).

An alternative embodiment of the auger assembly (10) is depicted in Figures 7a to 15 7c. Referring to Figure 7a, in this alternative embodiment, the auger assembly (10) includes an anchor (42), a driving rod (43), and a tie cable (44) connected to the anchor (42) and passing through the interior of the driving rod (43).

In use, a post rammer (45) is used to ram the anchor (42) and driving rod (43) into the ground (not shown).

Turning now to Figure 7b, the alternative auger assembly (10) also includes a body (35) substantially as previously described with respect to Figures 5 and 6. The body (35) is then inserted into the ground using the post rammer (not shown).

Once sufficiently embedded in the ground (not shown), as shown in Figure 7c, the driving rod (43) is removed, exposing the cable tie (44). In this embodiment, the 22 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 body (35) includes a winding bolt (46).

The exposed cable tie (44) is passed through the body (35) and is connected to the winding bolt (46). The winding bolt (46) is then wound until the tie cable (44) becomes taut, pivoting the anchor (42) and ensuring that it is firmly embedded.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in Figures 8a and 8b, instead of a cable tie, the auger assembly (10) includes a shaft (47) passing through the driving rod (not shown) and linked to the anchor (48).

A post rammer is used to drive the driving rod (not shown) and anchor (48) into the ground (not shown). The body (35) is slipped over the shaft (47) and the post 10 rammer (not shown) is then used to drive the body (37) into the ground (not shown).

In Figure 8b, a nut (49) is screwed onto the shaft (56). Once the body (37) is flush with the ground, as depicted in 8b, the nut (57) is then wound up using a handle (not shown) and socket head attachment (not shown).

The winding of the nut (49) pulls the anchor (48) into a locked position, ensuring that it is firmly fixed in the ground (not shown).

Figure 9 illustrates a portion of the fence assembly (50) which includes two strainer posts (2) and a gate (51) placed therebetween. It can be seen that the strainer post assembly (1) is aligned with the rest of the fence assembly (50).

The upper and lower horizontal elements (52) and (53) of the gate (51) each have the ability to telescope This means that the effective length of the gate (51) can be adjusted as necessary.

Screws (not shown) can hold the gate (51) into its final required length once it has been adjusted. The other horizontal members (54) and (55) are merely tape and 23 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 therefore can be added or extended along the gate (51) once the upper and lower horizontal members (52) and (53) have been fixed in position.

A foot or wheel (not shown) carries the weight of the gate when it is not mounted to the strainer post (2) or being lifted by the user.

A key feature of the gate (51) is its lightweight and ability to form a parallelogram shape (56 - shown in relief) allowing it to be easily lifted and opened then placed on the ground while avoiding the hinge end strainer (2) ever taking the full gate load.

The pivots (57) connecting the horizontal elements (52) and (53) to the uprights (58) and (59) can cause the gate to be moved upwards to form a parallelogram 10 shape (56).

Figure 10 is an exploded view of the brace platform (8).

The key features of the brace platform (8) include gripping means in the form of sprigs (13), and the securing aperture (not shown) for the pivot pin (60) of the stay (5). The invention may use 1 or 2 pivot points for the connection at the brace 15 platform (8).

The angle of the stay (5) relative to the brace platform (8) can be adjusted until a desired position is reached.

A cam (61) is then inserted through the side plates (62, 63). Rotation of the cam (61) to a locking position then secures a backing plate (64) against the stay (5), so 20 as to prevent further movement of the stay (5).

The backing plate (64) is slideably movable along protrusions (not shown) provided on the side plates (62, 63).

It should be apparent from examination of the enclosed drawings of the present invention offers a number of features to create a fencing assembly of considerable 24 James & Wells Ref: 130128/3 aesthetics as well as functionality for use in a semi-permanent situation.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

James & Wells Ref: 130128/47 Received at IPONZ 19 August 2010

Claims (14)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A connection system for attaching electric fence accessories to a fence post, the connection system including, one or more electric fence accessories to be attached to a fence post, and a connector, wherein the connector includes a one-piece strap configured to interact with an electric fence accessory to be attached to the fence post, wherein the strap is of sufficient length to extend around at least a substantial part of the circumference of the fence post, and a strap securing device, wherein the arrangement of the strap and the strap securing device is such that the strap and securing device can hold the electric fence accessory in a fixed position relative to the post when secured by the securing device, characterised in that the electric fence accessories are configured with an aperture through which the strap of the connector can pass to secure the accessories to the fence post.

2. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap securing device is a buckle.

3. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap securing device is a clamp.

4. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap securing device is a latch. 26 James & Wells Ref: 130128/47 Received at IPONZ 19 August 2010

5. A connection system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the latch is an over-centre latch.

6. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the strap is fabricated from plastics material.

7. A connection system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plastics material is nylon.

8. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the electric fence accessories are brackets.

9. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the electric fence accessories are strainers.

10. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the electric fence accessories are insulators.

11. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the electric fence accessories are energizers.

12. A method of securing an attachment to a fence post using a connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the method characterised by the steps of a) passing the strap of the connector through the electric fence accessory, and b) passing the strap at least substantially around the fence post to which the electric fence accessory is to be secured, and 27 „ Received at IPONZ 19 August 2010 James & Wells Ref: 130128/47 a c) tensioning the strap with the strap securing device such that the electric fence accessory is held in a fixed position relative to the fence post.

13. A connection system for attaching electric fence accessories to a fence post substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A method of using a connection system to attach an electric fence accessory to a fence post substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Gallagher Group Limited by its Attorneys JAMES & WELLS 28