WO2016019436A1

WO2016019436A1 - An extender coupling, extension member and strainer post engagement for a fence

Info

Publication number: WO2016019436A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050441
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cameron FRENCH
Original assignee: French Cameron
Priority date: 2014-08-05
Filing date: 2015-08-05
Publication date: 2016-02-11

Abstract

There is provided an extender coupling 105 for a fence. The extender coupling 105 comprises a post engagement (135) adapted for engaging a fence post (110) in use and an extension member engagement (130) adapted for engaging an extension member (115) in use. The extender coupling (105) can be installed with minimal labour to existing or new fencing and can heighten a traditional rural fence of about 1200mm high to about 1800mm or 6' high. Furthermore, the extension member (115) may imposing a 45 degree angle or the like at the top of the fence and may be provided in left- handed and right-handed configurations depending on the desired application.

Description

AN EXTENDER COUPLING, EXTENSION MEMBER AND STRAINER POST

ENGAGEMENT FOR A FENCE

Field

[1] The present invention relates to fencing systems and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to an extender coupling, extension member and strainer post engagement for a fence.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use with rural fences and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

[3] For certain reasons, fences may have been provisioned with and inappropriate configuration, such as inappropriate height so as to be ill suited in preventing animals jumping the fences.

[4] For example, farmers and the like may experience their fences being ill suited for preventing certain animals, such as kangaroos and the like from jumping across the fence. Kangaroos in particular are becoming quite a significant problem to farmers, graziers and also motorists. Due to urban sprawl, especially in NSW, VIC and ACT Australia, from Melbourne right through to Sydney on the Hume highway and also in and around Canberra and Queanbeyan and other areas in the country, kangaroos and deer are becoming quite a significant problem to motorists especially when the bigger kangaroos that can do enormous damage to a motor vehicle, and can easily jump the existing highway fences.

[5] However, to address the problem, these farmers and the like would be required to deconstruct the fence to substitute the existing fence posts for fence posts having greater height, being a very time-consuming and expensive exercise.

[6] The present invention seeks to provide an extender coupling, extension member and strainer post engagement for a fence, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

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

Summary of the Disclosure

[8] According to one aspect, there is provided an extender coupling for a fence, the extender coupling comprising a post engagement adapted for engaging a fence post in use; and an extension member engagement adapted for engaging an extension member in use.

[9] The extender coupling may be substantially tubular. [10] At least one of the post engagement and the extension member engagement may comprise a female portion adapted to receive at least a respective portion of at least one of the fence post and the fence extension member therein.

[11] The female portion may comprises a stop to arrest the travel of the at least a respective portion of the at least one of the fence post and the fence extension member.

[12] The female portion may comprise a cross-section shaped for substantial accommodation of a star picket.

[13] The extender coupling may be substantially elongate.

[14] The extender coupling may comprise at least one strand eyelet.

[15] The at least one strand eyelet may be positioned to substantially correspond with at least one strand eyelet of at least one of the fence post and the extension member.

[16] The at least one strand eyelet may be elongate along the elongate axis of the extender coupling

[17] The extender coupling may be manufactured from aluminium.

[18] According to another aspect, there is provided an extension member for a fence adapted for coupling with an extender coupling is described herein.

[19] The extension member may comprise a substantial star picket cross-section.

[20] The extension member may comprise a bend.

[21] The bend may be substantially 135°.

[22] The extension member may comprise at least one eyelet.

[23] According to another aspect, there is provided a strainer post engagement comprising a post engagement adapted for engaging a strainer post in use.

[24] The strainer post engagement may further comprise an extension member portion fastened to the post engagement.

[25] The strainer post engagement may further comprise an extension member engagement fastened to the post engagement, the extension member engagement adapted for engaging an extension member in use.

[26] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[27] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present disclosure, a preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [28] Figure 1 shows a fencing system comprising an extender coupling and extension member in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[29] Figure 2 shows the extender coupling figure 1 coupled to the extension member of figure 1 in accordance with another embodiment;

[30] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the extender coupling of figure 1 engaging a substantially star picket shaped fence post in accordance with another embodiment;

[31] Figure 4 shows a strainer post engagement adapted for engaging a strainer post in use in accordance with another embodiment; and

[32] Figure 5 shows a composite extension member and extender coupling arrangement in accordance with another embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[33] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[34] Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the extender coupling, extension member and strainer post engagement are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[35] In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[36] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[37] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterised by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. [38] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[39] Turning now to figure 1, there is shown a fencing system 100. In the embodiments that follow, the fencing system 100 will be described primarily with reference to the application for rural fencing. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein need not necessarily be limited to this particular application.

[40] As shown in figure 1, and in the embodiments that follow, there will be disclosed the use of an extender coupling 105 adapted for extending the height of an existing fence. Specifically, shown in figure 1 is an existing fencing system comprising a number of fencing posts 110, droppers (not shown) and straining posts (also not shown). The extender coupling 105 is adapted for extending the height of the existing fence using an extension member 115.

[41] In this manner, the extender coupling 105 is adapted for extending the height of an existing fence without the need for the removal of existing posts 110 or other similar remedial action.

[42] The extender coupling 105 can be installed with minimal labour to existing or new fencing and can heighten a traditional rural fence of about 1200mm high to about 1800mm or 6' high.

[43] Furthermore, the extension member 115 may imposing a 45 degree angle or the like at the top of the fence and may be provided in left-handed and right-handed configurations depending on the desired application. Furthermore, in embodiment, the extension member 115 may be straight.

[44] As is apparent, the extender coupling 105 and the extension member 115 are adapted for accommodating a new series of wire strands 125 through eyelets 120. In this way, new wire strands 125 may be provided at a height greater than the existing fence.

[45] Now, the extender coupling 105 defines a post engagement 135 adapted for engaging the fencepost 110 in use. Furthermore, the extender coupling 105 comprises extension member engagement 130 adapted for engaging the extension member 115 in use.

[46] In this manner, in use, in order to extend the height of an existing fence, the extender coupling 105 would be coupled to the existing fencepost 110 such that the post engagement 135 of the extender coupling 105 engages the fencepost and the extension member 115 coupled to the extension member engagement 130 of the extender coupling 105. Once arranged in this manner, new wire strands 125 would be provisioned accordingly.

[47] It should be noted that while in embodiments described herein the extender coupling 105 is described as being separate from the extension member 115, in certain embodiments, the extension member 115 and the extender coupling 105 may be manufactured as an integral unit. In this manner, the extension member 115 comprising the post engagement 135 which would be coupled directly to the existing fencepost 110. During manufacture, the extender coupling 105 may be manufactured separately from the extension member 115 and subsequently welded together.

[48] In a preferred embodiment, the extender coupling 105 is substantially tubular. In a further preferred embodiment, the post engagement 135 and the extension member engagement 130 comprises female portions adapted to receive a least respective portions of the fencepost 110 and extension member 115 therein.

[49] In this manner, when coupling the extender coupling 105, the fencepost 110 and extension member 115 are inserted into the respective female portions of the extender coupling 105. As shown in the drawings, the extender coupling 105 is preferably substantially elongate thereby comprising opposing female portions at distal ends of the extender coupling 105 adapted to receive the respective portions of the extension member 115 and the fencepost 110 respectively.

[50] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the extender coupling 105 may be substantially tubular such that the fencepost 110 or the extension member 150 may extend into and through the entire length of the extender coupling 105. However, as will be described in further detail below, the extender coupling 105 comprises wire strand eyelets 120 adapted for receiving wires therein. The interlock of the wire strand eyelets 120 and the wire strands 125 hold the extender coupling 105 in place with respect to the fencepost 110 and the extension member 115 in use.

[51] However, in one embodiment, the extender coupling 105 comprises a stop (not shown) to arrest the travel of the post 110 and the extension member 115. For example, in use, when coupling the extender coupling 105 to the fencepost 110, the extender coupling 105 may be inserted over the fencepost 110 such that the stop arrests the fencepost 110 at a predetermined depth within the extender coupling 105.

[52] In one embodiment, the extender coupling 105 is substantially bifurcated thereby comprising separate female portions for the respective extension member 115 and fencepost 110. However, in other embodiments, the extender coupling 105 may be crimped, or be penetrated by an appropriate fastener, such as a bolt or the like to arrest the travel of the fencepost 110 and the extension member 115 within the extender coupling 105.

[53] Turning now to figure 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the extender coupling 105. As is apparent, in a preferred embodiment of the extender coupling 105 comprises a cross-section adapted for accommodating a star picket shaped fencepost 110 and extension member 115 therein. In manufacture, the extender coupling 105 may be substantially cylindrical and subsequently passed through a crimping mechanism to collapse outer portions inwards to provide the cross-section as substantially provided in figure 3. [54] It should also be noted that while figure 3 shows the extender coupling 105 having a thickness of 2mm, in a preferred embodiment, the extender coupling 105 has a thickness of 3mm.

[55] It should be noted that in other embodiments the extender coupling 105 may comprise other cross-sections adapted for accommodating other shapes of fencepost 110 and extension members 115. In a yet further embodiment, the extender coupling 105 may be adapted for accommodating a fencepost 110 comprising a differing cross-section to that of the extension member 115. For example, the fencepost 110 may be substantially star picket shaped whereas the extension member 115 substantially cylindrical.

[56] Referring again to figure 1, there is shown the extender coupling 105 comprising at least one strand eyelets 120. The strand eyelets 120 is adapted for accommodating at least one wire strand 120 therein in use. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one strand eyelets 120 is positioned to substantially correspond with the least one strand eyelets of at least one of the fencepost 110 and the extension member 115 in use. In this manner, once the extender coupling 105 has been coupled to the fencepost 110 and extension member 115 respectively, the strand eyelets of the extension member 105 and of the respective fencepost 110 and extension member 115 are substantially aligned so as to allow for the passing of wire strands 125 there through. In this manner, the mechanical interlock of the wire strands 125 and the adjacent eyelets 120 of the extender coupling 105 and the respective fencepost 110 and extension member 115 hold the extender coupling 105 in place with respect to the fencepost 110 and extension member 115. As such, the fence cannot be disassembled without breaking the wires 125. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the extender coupling 150 may be fastened with respect to the fencepost 110 and extension member 115 by other mechanisms also.

[57] So as to provide a certain amount of tolerance, the at least one strand eyelets 120 may be substantially elongate along the elongate axis of the extender coupling 105.

[58] In a preferred embodiment, the extender coupling 105 is manufactured from aluminium. However, it should be noted that in other embodiment, the extender coupling 105 may be manufactured from other materials also, such materials being selected for durability and strength.

[59] Turning now to figure 2, there is shown the extension member 115 in further detail. As is apparent, the extension member 115 is adapted for coupling with the extender coupling 105 as described above. In the embodiment provided in figure 2, there is shown the extension member 115 coupled within the extension member engagement 130 of the extender coupling 105.

[60] In the embodiment shown, the extension member 115 comprises a substantial star picket cross-section so as to allow for manufactured from existing star pickets, rigidity advantages and the like. However, and as alluded to above, the extension member 115 may comprise other cross-sectional shapes also depending on the application.

[61] In a preferred embodiment, and as alluded to above, the extension member 115 comprises a bend 215. The bend 215 allows the provision of overhanging wires 125 in a chosen direction.

[62] Preferably, the bend 215 intersects a first substantially straight portion 205 and a second substantially straight portion 210. Preferably, the length of the first substantially straight portion 105 are substantially the same as the length of the second substantially straight portion 210. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the length of the first substantially straight portion 205 with respect to the second substantially straight portion 210 may be vary depending on the application. For example, for greater fence height, the length of the second substantially straight portion 210 may be extended. In a yet further embodiment, the extension members 150 may be sold in kit form, comprising extension members 215 comprising first substantially straight portion 205 and second substantially straight portions 210 of differing lengths. In this manner the user would be able to select appropriate heights and overhangs for fences, depending on the application.

[63] Turning now to figure 4, there is shown a strainer post engagement 400. Specifically, while in the embodiments described above, there has been described the extender coupling 105 for use with the fencepost 110, at certain intervals along a fence, strainer posts (not shown) are provided to provide the requisite strain for the straining of the fence. As such, the strainer post engagement 400 is utilised for the purposes of extending, or providing extension members 115 at the location of each strain a post also.

[64] As such, in the embodiment shown, the strainer post engagement 400 comprises a post engagement 405 comprising a cross-section adapted to fit about an existing strainer post.

[65] Furthermore, the post engagement 405 may comprise a series of apertures 405 adapted to receive fasteners 410 therein, such as screws, bolts, nails and the like to fasten the post engagement 405 to the strainer post. The strainer post engagement 400 may comprise an extension member 115 fastened thereto. However, in other embodiments, the strainer post engagement 400 may alternatively comprise an extension member engagement 130 adapted for engaging an extension member 115 therein in use.

[66] Referring to figure 5, there is shown in an alternative embodiment wherein the extender coupling 105 is integral with the extension member 115. In this embodiment, as opposed to the extender coupling 105 comprising openings at either end for receiving therein respective portions of the fencepost 110 and extension member 150 therein, the extender coupling 105 is integral with the extension member 115. In this embodiment, the composite extender coupling 105 and extension member 115 arrangement need only be inserted onto the fencepost 110. [67] In one embodiment, for manufacturing purposes, the extender coupling 105 is welded to the extension member 115 at weld 505.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[68] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[69] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[70] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[71] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

[72] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[73] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[74] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[75] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[76] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[77] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability

[78] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the fencing industries.

Claims

1. An extender coupling for a fence, the extender coupling comprising:

a post engagement adapted for engaging a fence post in use; and

an extension member engagement adapted for engaging an extension member in use.

2. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extender coupling is substantially tubular.

3. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the post engagement and the extension member engagement comprise a female portion adapted to receive at least a respective portion of at least one of the fence post and the fence extension member therein.

4. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 3, wherein the female portion comprises a stop to arrest the travel of the at least a respective portion of the at least one of the fence post and the fence extension member.

5. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the female portion comprises a cross- section shaped for substantial accommodation of a star picket.

6. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extender coupling is substantially elongate.

7. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extender coupling comprises at least one strand eyelet.

8. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one strand eyelet is positioned to substantially correspond with at least one strand eyelet of at least one of the fence post and the extension member.

9. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one strand eyelet is elongate along the elongate axis of the extender coupling

10. An extender coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extender coupling is manufactured from aluminium.

11. An extension member for a fence adapted for coupling with an extender coupling is described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An extension member as claimed in claim 11, wherein the extension member comprises a substantial star picket cross-section.

13. An extension member as claimed in claim 11, wherein the extension member comprises a bend.

14. An extension member as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bend is substantially 135°.

15. An extension member as claimed in claim 11, comprising at least one eyelet.

16. A strainer post engagement comprising a post engagement adapted for engaging a strainer post in use.

17. A strainer post engagement as claimed in claim 16, further comprising an extension member portion fastened to the post engagement.

18. A strainer post engagement as claimed in claim 16, further comprising an extension member engagement fastened to the post engagement, the extension member engagement adapted for engaging an extension member in use.