WO2011096828A1

WO2011096828A1 - Locking mechanism for straining post assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2011096828A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2011/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Andrew Wade; Matthew Henry Mckinley; Hendrik Christiaan Dorlas
Original assignee: Gallagher Group Limited
Priority date: 2010-02-08
Filing date: 2011-02-07
Publication date: 2011-08-11

Abstract

This invention relates to a strainer post assembly including: a brace for connection to a post; a brace platform configured to accept the brace such that the brace platform can slide along the brace; a stay, one end of which is pivotally connected to the post and the other end is slideably connected to the brace platform; and a locking assembly including a locking member having an aperture configured to accept the brace such the locking member can slide along the brace from a first position; characterised in that the locking member is located relative to the brace platform such that sliding the stay in relation to the brace platform applies force to the locking member to move the locking member to a second position which is inclined with respect to the first position, the configuration of the strainer post assembly being such that in a second position the locking member is held in a fixed location with respect to the brace.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM FOR STRAINING POST ASSEMBLIES

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a locking mechanism for straining post assemblies. BACKGROUND ART

Reference throughout the specification will be made to electrified fencing systems. It should be appreciated that many of the principles of the present invention can apply to aspects of non-electrified systems as well and this should not be seen to be limiting. Electric fencing systems are used extensively in the agricultural industry. The 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 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 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 often requires the use of a post hole borer to dig the hole.

l Such strainer posts can be disadvantageous if the farmer requires the fencing to be removed or repositioned to a different location, which is often the case when farmers are trying to utilise limited space. For example, for permanent strainer posts, the posts would need to be dug out from the ground, the resulting hole filled up and a new hole dug in a different location. Each of these steps is time consuming and labour intensive. Without the appropriate equipment, these tasks would be very difficult or practically impossible.

A further problem of many strainer posts, and especially those intended to be temporarily fixed, is they can be unstable and susceptible to collapse due to an animal's contact, harsh Weather conditions (e.g. snow or wind) or the tension of wiring.

Typically, a brace element is nailed into the strainer post at one end and inserted into the ground at the other end (so the brace in on an angle relative to the post) to provide additional support to a strainer post. However, this method cannot easily accommodate different contours of the land, especially if the strainer post needs to be a temporary fixture and be adapted easily to different terrain.

Furthermore, many strainer posts cannot be easily adapted to adjust for local changes in the land contour, such as subsidence.

Also, adjustable strainer posts can collapse or loosen under the tension of the fencing element or animal. Of course, collapsing and/or loosening of the strainer post can lead to malfunctioning of the fence, which can lead to serious consequences which can also effect the functioning of the fence.

One type of adjustable strainer post system produced from Waratah has tried to overcome the disadvantages known in the art of strainer post assemblies. The system relies on an adjustable mechanism including, like the present invention, a post, a stay, brace and a brace platform. The stay is rigidly connected to the brace platform, with the brace being adjustably connected only to the stay. The system can be adjusted by rotating a nut upon a thread located along the length of the brace. By rotating the nut, the brace (and therefore the stay) can be moved with respect to the post. However, there are numerous disadvantages with this system as outlined below:

- the adjustment system is at a difficult position to reach and manipulate

- the actual adjustment can be painstakingly long, as adjustment requires the nut to be rotated along the thread of the brace.

- The nut and brace are subject to rusting, which can make adjustment difficult or impossible. Also high tension on the nut may lead to warping of the brace, thread or nut, making it very difficult to adjust the system. If malfunctioned, the entire brace would likely need to be replaced

- The locking mechanism is provided only by the friction between the nut and the brace (provided by the thread). - Requires tools to install and adapt.

It should be appreciated that the effort and equipment (e.g. tools) 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 provide a semi permanent fencing system which can be easily installed and adjusted without tools, and is able to accommodate different land contours, and is still able to provide sufficient stability and strength to prevent collapse/loosening of the strainer post. 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 do not allow for the more variable situations in which these systems could be used.

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 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 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 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 INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a strainer post assembly including: a brace for connection to a post; a brace platform configured to accept the brace such that the brace platform can slide along the brace; a stay, one end of which is pivotally connected to the post and the other end is slidably connected to the brace platform; and a locking assembly including a locking member having an aperture configured to accept the brace such that the locking member, can slide along the brace from a first position; characterised in that the locking member is located relative to the brace platform such that sliding the stay in relation to the brace platform applies a force to the locking member to move the locking member to a second position which is inclined with respect to the first position, the configuration of the strainer post assembly being such that in the second position the locking member is held in a fixed location with respect to the brace. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of locking a straining post assembly including the steps of: a) connecting a brace to a post; b) pushing the brace through a brace platform; c) sliding the brace platform along the brace into a desired location; d) pivotally connecting a first end of a stay to the post e) connecting a second end of the stay to the brace platform so that the stay can slide with respect to the brace platform; characterised by the steps of f) sliding the stay with respect to the brace platform to apply a force to a locking member causing the locking member to move to a second position, inclined with respect to the first position to lock the brace. Preferably the post assembly includes a post, although some embodiments of the present invention the assembly may only include connecters enabling the assembly to join to a post.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kitset for an strainer post assembly; wherein the kitset includes: a post; a brace platform; a brace configured to be connected at one end to the post and slidably connected to the brace platform a stay configured to be pivotally connected at one end to the post and slidably connected to the brace platform and a locking member having an aperture configured to allow the locking member to slide along the brace.

Preferably, the strainer post assembly is configured to have a substantially triangular form made up of the post, the stay and the brace (components are discussed further below). This configuration has been identified to aid the overall strength of the assembly. It is envisaged that the post and stay may be substantially elliptical in cross section. This shape may help give greater strength to the components, as. well ^'as providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The choice of an elliptical cross section however should not be seen as limiting and other cross sections could be used, for example a circular cross-section.

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

Preferably, the post is made from a strong lightweight material. This is in comparison to other materials often used in more traditional fencing systems, such as dense wood. However, the applicant acknowledges that dense wood could be used for the post material in the present invention.

Preferably, the post is made from plastic or fibreglass. Additionally, the applicant acknowledges that a composite material may be included, to aid the strength of the post. Plastic coated fibreglass is used in some embodiments as it ensures that the brittle nature of fibreglass is less likely to be compromised. Further, this combination of material is aesthetically pleasing and may be readily moulded into functional aesthetic shapes and colours. This may also increase UV protection of the post, and help to reduce the weight of the post in comparison to wooden posts. In an alternative embodiment the post may be made from plastic reinforced with metal rods moulded into the plastic.

In an alternative embodiment the post may be made from a metal, such as steel.

In preferred embodiments the material used is a wood/polypropylene composite material as this gives the required durability and strength for good value. Preferably, the post includes a base plate. This may sit on top of the surface (e.g. the ground or top surface of a wall) and also may be used to attach different components, such as the brace.

Preferably, the post may include ground attachment means. For example, the bottom surface of the post may have apertures that are configured to accept pegs, nails or other fasteners able to fix (either temporarily or permanently) the post to the ground on which it is configured to sit. Alternatively, the post may have built-in fastening means such as spikes or cleats that aid maintaining a given position of the post. Similarly, the post may include an auger to allow the post to be secured to the ground beneath.

Alternatively a ground attachment means such as an auger may be screwed into the ground similarly (or additionally) or a spade shaped ground insert may be driven into the ground with the post mounted on top of the ground fixing means.

If an auger is screwed into the ground, this may help allow a spade shaped ground insert to be driven into the ground helping to prevent translational movement along the ground in the direction of wire tension. The auger may help prevent the post from being pulled from the ground.

In an alternative embodiment a ground anchoring means such as a ground anchor (a metal casting shaped like a ground anchor with a cable attached to its middle) is driven into the ground vertically, then tensioned until it sits horizontal. This may be used to help prevent the post from being pulled from the ground.

Preferably, the brace is made of a strong material such as galvanized steel.

Preferably, the brace is an elongate rod.

Preferably, the brace is configured to have a circular shaped cross-section. Preferably, the brace includes a hook at one end. This hook may be used to attach to an appropriately sized aperture on the base plate of the post. Alternative attachment means are also envisioned, such as a strap mounted pivot connection.

In any case, it may be beneficial to allow a pivotal connection between the post and brace. The use of a pivoting connection for the brace enables the brace to move relative to the post which may make it easier to mount the strainer post assembly on a sloping surface.

Throughout the specification, the term brace platform should be taken as meaning any object configured to accept a stay and a brace. Preferably, the brace platform is made of plastic material, although alternative materials may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

One purpose of the brace platform is to provide a connection point for the brace and stay so that the brace, stay and post may be in a triangular configuration, which may give additional strength and support to the post and help resist buckling. Preferably, the brace platform has a substantially flat bottom surface.

As the brace platform may, in some embodiments, be positioned on a ground surface, the bottom surface may include a gripping means to provide better traction of the brace platform to the ground. For example, the gripping means could be spikes. In another example, the gripping means are 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.

Preferably, the brace platform is configured to have an oval shaped outer circumference. In this embodiment, the elongate length of the brace platform's circumference, in use, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the brace to which it may be slidably attached. This may help to distribute the downward pressure when the strainer post assembly is in use. Preferably, the brace platform includes a passage configured to accept the brace such that the brace may slide freely within the passage in the absence of any additional restraining body.

Preferably, the passage runs parallel to the length of the brace platform.

Preferably, the brace platform includes a housing configured to retain one end of the stay (described below).

Preferably, the housing is configured to have two side walls and a backing wall. These walls may be effective to retain the stay.

Preferably, the backing wall is angled.

This provides a backing surface intended to allow tilting of the locking member (discussed later) within the brace platform's housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing is configured to only have two side walls (without a backing wall). This configuration may allow for a particularly preferred mechanism of the current invention (described later). It may also provide the advantage of helping to prevent stones and other contamination from getting stuck behind the locking member which may affect the locking mechanism. Instead, any dirt or stones may simply be easily removed, either manually or automatically (e.g. due to the locking mechanism, gravity or rain) rather than potentially disrupting the locking mechanism.

Preferably, the two side walls each include an elongate aperture. The elongate aperture is preferably aligned substantially parallel to the base of the brace platform. This configuration may allow an appropriate pivot pin to roll or slide along the elongate length of the aperture when in use.

In an alternative embodiment, the two side walls each include a circular shaped aperture. This configuration may allow a rod (or pin) to rotatably fit within the circular aperture.

Preferably, the rod is substantially cylindrical in shape. This may allow the rod to pass through both circular shaped apertures in the housing to provide an alternative to a backing wall in the housing. This configuration may still allow the locking member to rest upon the rod (instead of the backing wall) but allow dirt and stones for example to be easily removed from the housing.

Preferably, the rod includes a flat recess along the elongate length of its cylindrical shape. This may allow a flat surface upon which the locking member, in use, is able to abut. Preferably, the rod is configured to be rotatable within the circular shaped cross- section. In this regard, the rod may include a gripping means at one end to aid turning. Rotating the rod, such that the flat portion is no longer facing the locking member, may provide a mechanism to restrict the movement of the locking member and therefore temporarily prevent locking. This may be advantageous if the user does not wish the strainer post assembly to lock for a particular reason (e.g. adjustment of the strainer post assembly, during transport or while preparing for storage).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two side walls of the housing each include an internal track, the tracks running parallel to each other along the elongate length of the housing, instead of an elongate aperture. The rod (or pin) may therefore be able to slidably move along the internal tracks of the housing. This embodiment is considered to be more aesthetically pleasing, and may be considerably easier to assemble. Furthermore, the parts are not exposed to the outside environment to the extent of other embodiments. For example, this may provide increased protection from abrasion from animals and/or foul play. Throughout the specification, the term stay should be taken as meaning any member that is intended to support, prop or steady the post.

The applicant envisions that, in use, the stay is connected to the post such that when the post is substantially vertical, the stay may extend downwardly towards the ground at an angle therefrom. Generally, the stay may be attached near to the top of the post. This may impart increased support to the post. However, there may be circumstances where the stay may be connected further down the post's length.

Similar to the post, the stay may be made of any material, however the applicant considers plastic, fibreglass or other composite material to be particularly beneficial.

Preferably, the stay is attached to the post with a pivot connection.

Having a pivot connection between the stay and post helps the strainer post assembly to be manoeuvrable so It may be easily adjusted to accommodate different terrain, or adapt to local subsidence. The strainer post assembly may be adjusted easily to suit the conditions addressing many of the problems in the prior art.

Preferably, the stay includes a head portion positioned on the opposite end to the end attached to the post.

The head portion may be a separate component configured to be fitted on to the stay. Alternatively, the head portion may form part of the stay as one single component.

The applicant envisions that the head portion will most likely be configured as substantially cylindrical in shape, wherein the cylinder shape is substantially perpendicular to the length of the stay. Preferably, the head portion includes a hollow passage configured to pass through a width of the head portion.

Where the head portion is cylindrical in shape, the hollow passage preferably passes through its elongate length.

Preferably, the hollow passage of the head portion is configured to accept a pivot pin.

Preferably, the pivot pin is configured to be longer than the length of the passage in the head portion. This may have the advantage of the pivot pin being able to extend from either end of the hollow passage and through the elongate aperture in the brace platform's housing. . ^,~ Preferably, the pivot pin includes (at one or both ends) a nut shaped head. The nut shaped head may be permanently or temporarily fixed to the pivot pin.

The applicant envisions that the nut shaped head on the pivot pin may be configured to retain, in use, the pivot pin and head portion of the stay, yet allow the pivot pin to movably slide within the cylindrical shaped aperture in the brace platform. This may allow the head portion of the stay to slide with respect to the brace platform. The- advantages of this will become clear with the ensuing description.

In an alternative embodiment, the head portion includes a rod which passes through the width of the head portion. In this embodiment, the head portion is not configured to accept a separate pivot pin, instead incorporating a rod on which the head portion may pivot and/or slidably move within the housing.

Throughout the specification, the term locking member should be taken as meaning any device or component used in the strainer post assembly which is configured to fix or lock the position of the brace relative to the brace platform in at least one position.

Preferably, the locking member is made of material having sufficient strength to resist the tension and/or . ^'force applied to it during normal use. Preferably, the locking member is metal. The importance of this feature will become apparent with the ensuing description.

The description below describes one particularly preferred form of a locking member, although it should be considered that other forms of locking members are not beyond the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the locking member is in the form of a locking plate. This may be a substantially flat and rectangular although this is not limiting.

Preferably, the locking member is configured to fit within the housing of the brace platform. The applicant considers a particularly preferred method to fit the locking member into the housing of the brace platform is as follows.

Before the brace is inserted through the passage in the brace platform, the locking member may be placed into the housing. When the brace is pushed through the passage, and passes through the bottom region of the housing, the brace may insert into the aperture in the locking member. The brace may then be passed through a second portion of the passage in the brace platform substantially in line with the first portion of the passage. In this manner, the locking member may be slidably held in place within the housing of the brace platform. Preferably, the position of the locking member within the housing is adjacent and in front of the head portion of the stay. However, the Applicant foresees that alternative embodiments may be used. For instance, the locking member may be positioned adjacent to, but outside the brace platform. The locking mechanism of the present invention includes an aperture configured to accept a brace.

Typically, the aperture may be sufficiently larger in cross-section than the cross- section of the brace to allow the locking member to slide relatively easily along the length of the brace when the locking member is substantially perpendicular to the length of the brace. This free sliding position is referred to as the first position.

Most preferably, the aperture is located closer to the bottom edge than to the top edge of the locking member.

The position of the aperture on the locking member may also have an important effect on the locking force applied by the locking member on the brace. For instance, if the aperture is very close to the bottom edge of the locking member, contact of the head portion to the locking member may impart greater effect to the locking ability. . It may also affect the bending force and stress on the locking member. The chosen position of the aperture on the locking member needs to be considered in any given application, as there may be a compromise between having sufficient locking force to prevent the brace from sliding and not having such a high bending force on the locking member that it becomes expensive to avoid breakage.

Preferably, the locking member is located such that, in use, the head portion of the stay is able to contact the upper portion of the locking member in at least one position. When sufficient force is applied to the upper portion of the locking member, it may tilt, which may result in the locking member becoming fixed with respect to the brace on which it is located. This fixed position is referred to as the second position. The stay is arranged on the post such that as tension from the fence wires increases, the head of the stay may slide along the elongate aperture (in the housing) of the base platform. With sufficient movement, the head of the stay may push against the locking member causing it to tilt into the second position, where the edge of the aperture of the locking member is forced against the brace, fixing the location of the locking member with respect to the brace.

A significant and advantageous result of this tilting is that the aperture in the locking member may tightly interact with the brace at both the upper surface and the lower surface of the aperture.

Additionally, if increased force is applied to the upper surface of the locking member (for instance, due to greater tension on the fencing system) the strength of the interaction between the locking member and brace may be increased. This increase is provided by the tilting of the locking member with respect to the brace, which increases the interaction between both the upper and lower surfaces of the aperture and the brace surface. Also, greater tension of the fence system results in increasing the locking force in the strainer post assembly in a "positive feedback" mechanism. Therefore, the strainer post assembly effectively may adapt, without human intervention, to the conditions of the fence or forces applied to it, such as may be caused by an animal pushing against the fence or temperature drop resulting in contraction of fence wires. In the present invention when force is removed from the locking plate, the locking member automatically loosens its grip on the brace, substantially disengaging the locking mechanism allowing the brace to move freely with respect to the brace platform for easy and efficient readjustment aind control.

The present invention allows one to easily and quickly adjust the position of the brace relative to the brace platform, and thus the entire strainer post assembly. This is because the locking member may be slid along the brace when no force is applied to the upper surface of the locking member.

This locking mechanism also has advantages when there is local subsidence under the strainer post assembly. If the ground shifts under the strainer post assembly, the strainer post assembly may temporarily disengage the locking mechanism as a result of force being removed from the locking member. The strainer post assembly may then adjust due to the adjustable/slidable features of the strainer post assembly. Once force has been reapplied to the locking member (as a result of the brace platform resettling to a new position), the locking mechanism may reengage. This may occur without the need for human interaction at the locking mechanism.

In other words, with no force being applied from the stay the locking mechanism may naturally release its grip against the bracing rod such that the locking member may slidably move along the brace. When tension is reapplied on the post, this tension may be transferred to the stay, which may cause the locking member to tilt, which may reactivate the lock. This may allow for easy adjustment of the brace length.

The Applicant envisions that to aid the locking member to return to the first position (the untilted position), a locking release mechanism may be included.

Preferably, the locking release mechanism is positioned behind the locking member in the housing of the brace platform. In this preferred embodiment, the Applicant envisions a spring loaded mechanism aids the locking member to return to the first position. Alternatively, a toggle switch may be used. The Applicant acknowledges that numerous alternatives may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Alternatively, the locking release mechanism may be positioned on the head portion of the stay. In this embodiment, the locking release mechanism may be a pivot rod release that is configured to interact with the top edge of the locking member. Again, the Applicant acknowledges that many alternatives may be used in order to aid the locking member return to a first position (unlocked) which should not be considered outside the scope of the invention.

One advantage of having a cylindrical shaped aperture in the housing of the brace platform is now clarified below. When force is applied to the head portion of the stay, the pivot pin on which the head portion is located may slide or roll down the cylindrical shaped aperture to contact the locking member. This may lead to tilting of the locking member and engagement of the locking mechanism.

Conversely, when the head portion is retracted away from the locking member (i.e. the force is removed), it may slide back through the housing aperture, allowing the disengagement of the locking mechanism.

This provides space for the locking member to return to the first position. The Applicants have identified that the locking release mechanism is not essential as the lock is partially disengaged once the force on the locking member is removed. The locking release mechanism may help to bring the locking member back from the second position to the first position, and therefore may increase the slidability of the components. Some advantages of the present invention are as follows:

- quick to install;

- easily manoeuvrable from one site to another as it is not a permanent fixture;

- lightweight but strong;

- utilises a sturdy triangular configuration;

- the design is aesthetically pleasing

- may be effectively used by lifestylers, farmers, or other users needing temporary fencing systems (e.g. for securing fencing);

- able to be easily adjustable to different terrain or changes in local ground

- may be easily compacted for transport and storage (different components all of which are elongate);

- no tools required for adjustment or fixing the strainer post assembly in place;

- the locking mechanism has a synergistic effect resulting from force being applied to the locking member. The greater the tension, the greater the locking ability;

- the locking mechanism may be engaged and disengaged substantially instantaneously due to force being applied and removed, respectively, to the locking member;

- once locking mechanism is engaged, substantially no movement of the brace relative to the brace platform will occur; - the rod may provide a means to prevent locking (for example, by rotating the rod, a portion of the rod may prevent the locking member from tilting).

- the housing without the backing wall helps to prevent material build-up in the housing, which otherwise may lead a hindering of the locking mechanism.

- when the locking mechanism is disengaged, the locking member and the brace platform may be slidably moved along the brace, making it a very efficient form of adjustment (opposed to known methods of rotating a nut upon a threaded rod); - simple construction for locking mechanism - no mechanical parts; cheap to manufacture and/or replace missing/faulty parts;

- the locking mechanism utilises tension supplied by fencing system - no other external forces are required; and

- the locking release mechanism aids to bring the locking member back to a fully disengaged position (first position, which is upright).

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

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 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a view of a combination of a straining post assembly (strainer post assembly) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 2 shows a strainer post assembly in use according to a further embodiment of the present invention , and

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of numerous components in the strainer post assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of some components in the strainer post assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 5 shows the stay, brace and brace platform in combination according to further embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism within the housing of the brace platform according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in a first position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in an second position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in a first position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in an second position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention

Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in a first position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism together with a preferred type of locking release mechanism (in a second position) according to a further embodiment of the present invention

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 assembly (1) is configured in a substantially triangular shape.

The triangular configuration of the strainer post assembly is made up of a post (2), a stay (4), and a brace (6).

The brace is configured as an elongate rod with a circular cross-section. The rod is attached to the post by way of a hook and socket connection.

The opposite end of the rod is slidably attached to the brace platform (7) through an elongate passage configured as a hole (8) that extends the majority of the brace platform's (7) length. A stay (4) is attached via a pivot pin (100) to the post (2). The other end of the stay (4) includes a cylindrically shaped head portion (5). The head portion includes a hollow passage (9) which passes from one side of the head portion to the other side. The hollow passage (9) is configured to accept a pivot pin (10), with a threaded bolt (11) at one end.

The head portion is configured to sit within a housing (12) located on the upper surface of the brace platform (7).

The housing has two side walls (13) and a backing wall (14) wherein the backing wall is angled beyond 90 degrees (as shown in Figures 5-11). In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the housing does not have a backing wall.

In one embodiment (as shown in Figure 3 for example), the side walls (13) of the housing each include one cylindrical shaped aperture (15) wherein the elongate length of the aperture runs parallel to the base of the brace platform. The apertures (15) are configured to allow a pivot pin (10) to slide or roll along its length. The apertures (15) are also configured to align with the passage (9) of the head portion (5) when the head portion sits within the housing (12) of the brace platform (7).

In a further particularly preferred embodiment (as shown in Figure 4 for example), the mechanism for the stay (4) to be slidably moveable on the housing (12) is provided by a bar (25) which is configured to be slidably moveable along an internal track (24) on the inner wall of the housing side walls (13). The aperture (15) in the side walls (13) is located at one end of the internal track. The aperture (15) is circular in shape, and is configured to accept a rotatable rod (23). The rod (23) is substantially cylindrical in shape, and includes a flat recess (26) along its elongate length upon which the locking member (16), in use, is able to abut. The rod (23) is turnable, such that the non-flat region of the rod is able to abut the locking member (16) and prevent locking.

The locking member (16) is made of steel and is configured to be a flat, rectangular shaped plate. The locking member (16) is configured to fit within the housing (12) of the brace platform (7) in a position substantially adjacent to, and in front of, the head portion (15) of the stay (4) when in use.

The locking member (16) includes an aperture configured as a hole (17) located slightly below the centre position of the plate. The cross-section of the hole (17) is configured to be slightly larger than the cross-section of the brace (6). The locking member (16) is configured, such that, when in position in the housing (12), the head portion (5) of the stay will contact the upper portion of the locking member (16).

The strainer post assembly includes a locking release mechanism. (18), as shown in Figures 6-11. In one embodiment (shown in Figure 6-7) the release mechanism (18) includes a spring (19). In an alternative embodiment (shown in Figure 9) the release mechanism (18) is configured as a pivot catch (20).

In a further alternative embodiment (shown in Figures 10-11) the release mechanism (18) is configured as a toggle switch (21).

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 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 of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A strainer post assembly including: a brace for connection to a post; a brace platform configured to accept the brace such that the brace platform can slide along the brace; a stay, one end of which is pivotally connected to the post and the other end is slideably connected to the brace platform; and a locking assembly including a locking member having an aperture configured to accept the brace such the locking member can slide along the brace from a first position; characterised in that the locking member is located relative to the brace platform such that sliding the stay in relation to the brace platform applies force to the locking member to move the locking member to a second position which is inclined with respect to the first position, the configuration of the strainer post assembly being such that in a second position the locking member is held in a fixed location with respect to the brace.

2. A strainer post assembly as claimed in claim 1 which includes a post.

3. A strainer post assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the post is

elliptical in cross-section.

4. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the stay is elliptical in cross-section.

5. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 which is substantially made of a wood and polypropylene composite material.

6. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the post includes a base plate.

7. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the post includes ground attachment means.

8. A strainer post assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ground

attachment means is an auger.

9. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the brace is in the form of an elongate rod.

10. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the brace is configured to pivot with respect to the post.

11. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the brace platform includes gripping means on its bottom surface.

12. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the brace platform includes a passage configured to accept the brace such that the brace may slide freely within the passage in the absence of any additional restraining body.

13. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the brace platform includes housing configured to retain one end of the stay.

14. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the brace platform includes housing configured to retain at least part of the locking assembly.

15. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the locking member is in the form of a locking plate.

16. A strainer post assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein sliding the stay in relation to the brace platform causes the locking plate to tilt such that it is held in a fixed location with respect to the brace.

17. A strainer post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 which includes a locking release mechanism.

18. A method of locking a strainer post assembly including the steps of: a) connecting a brace to a post; b) pushing the brace through a brace platform; c) sliding the brace platform along the brace into a desired location; d) pivotally connecting a first end of a stay to the post e) connecting a second end of the stay to the brace platform so that the stay can slide with respect to the brace platform; characterised by the steps of f) sliding the stay with respect to the brace platform to apply a force to a locking member causing the locking member to move to a second position, inclined with respect to the first position to lock the brace.

20. A kitset for a strainer post assembly; wherein the kitset includes: a post; a brace platform; a brace configured to be connected at one end to the post and slidabiy connected to the brace platform a stay configured to be pivotally connected at one end to the post and slidabiy connected to the brace platforrji and a locking member having an aperture configured to allow the locking member to slide along the brace.

21. A strainer post assembly substantially as herein described in the Best Modes Section and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A method substantially as herein described in the Best Modes Section and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A kitset substantially as herein described in the Beat Modes Section and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.