WO2024042492A1

WO2024042492A1 - Mobile fencing system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2024042492A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/058432
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adriaan Nicolaas OOSTHUIZEN
Original assignee: Oosthuizen Adriaan Nicolaas
Priority date: 2022-08-25
Filing date: 2023-08-25
Publication date: 2024-02-29

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile fencing system (100) comprising a plurality of stanchions (10), each stanchion (10) comprising an elongated member (12) and a plurality of line retaining elements (14) that are affixed to the elongated member (12) at spaced positions for retaining a plurality of lines (42) adjacent the elongated member (12). The system (100) further comprises a line dispensing assembly (40) for dispensing or retrieving the lines (42) as required. The system (100) is configured such that, in use, the plurality of stanchions (10) is secured in the ground wherein each stanchion (10) is spaced from an adjacent stanchion, and the lines (42) are inserted into the line retaining elements (14) of each stanchion (10) so to form a fence extending along the plurality of stanchions (10).

Description

MOBILE FENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the fencing of an area of land. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a mobile fencing system for fencing an area of land as required. This invention also relates to components of the mobile fencing system as well as to a method of constructing a fence.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In agriculture, fences are utilised to keep herds of animals such as livestock or game within a cordoned off area in order to better manage the animals, the vegetation quality of the area, or the like.

Such fences are generally permanent fixtures comprising a plurality of vertically spaced wires which are supported at spaced intervals along their respective lengths by sturdy posts that are secured into the ground. A number of smaller posts are positioned between adjacent sturdy posts in order to retain the wires a preferred distance apart. In some instances, fences are energised in order to protect farm animals against predators.

Farmers’ operational needs change from time-to-time, which could necessitate a reconfiguration of at least part of an existing fence. Also, some farmers’ farming practices require the construction of temporary fences on a regular or an ad hoc basis. As conventional fences are constructed to be a permanent fixture, it is generally a cumbersome task to construct or reconfigure the same.

Furthermore, fences are damaged from time-to-time, mainly by the farm animals, and as a result it is required of farmers to perform regular maintenance thereon in order to prevent animals from breaching the fence. This is known to present a significant expense to farmers. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a mobile fencing system that will, at least partially, alleviate the abovementioned problems and/or that will be a useful alternative to existing mobile fencing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile fencing system comprising:

- a plurality of stanchions, each stanchion comprising an elongated member and at least one line retaining element that is affixed to the elongated member for retaining a line adjacent the elongated member; and

- a line dispensing assembly for dispensing or retrieving the line as required, the system being configured such that, in use, the plurality of stanchions is secured in the ground wherein each stanchion is spaced from an adjacent stanchion, and the line is inserted into the line retaining element of each stanchion so to form a fence extending along the plurality of stanchions.

In some embodiments of the invention, each stanchion may include a plurality of the line retaining elements which are affixed to the elongated member at spaced positions for retaining a plurality of the lines a preferred lateral distance apart adjacent the elongated member, and wherein the line dispensing assembly is configured to dispense or retrieve the plurality of lines as required.

There is provided for the line retaining element, or each of the line retaining elements, as applicable, to comprise a hook that is configured to retain the line extending perpendicularly with respect to a length of the elongated member. Preferably, the hook may be configured to catch hold of the line during lateral displacement of the line relative to the elongated member. Most preferably, the hook may be configured to catch hold of the line only if a portion of the line located adjacent to and opposing the hook, when extending linearly, is orientated at an acute angle with respect to an axis of the hook. The hook may comprise an annular body that defines a slotted inlet extending through the body via which the line is received in the hook for the hook to catch hold of the line. The slotted inlet may extend at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the hook. There is provided for the slotted inlet to be located in any one of an operatively upper portion, operatively lower portion, or operatively middle portion of the hook.

The line retaining element, or each of the line retaining elements, as applicable, may further include a spacer for radially spacing the hook from the elongated member. Preferably, the spacer may include a non-conductive material. More preferably, the spacer may comprise a synthetic polymer, including nylon. The spacer may be in the form of a tube. The spacer may be press-fitted over the elongated member to prevent movement of the spacer along the length of the elongated member, in use.

The line retaining element, or each of the line retaining elements, as applicable, may also include a sleeve extending about the spacer, onto which the hook is mounted to. Preferably, the sleeve may comprise metal and the hook may be mounted to the sleeve by way of a weld joint.

The elongated member may comprise a conductive material. Preferably, the elongated member may be manufactured of spring steel material.

The line dispensing assembly may allow for the independent dispensing or retrieval of the line, or each of the plurality of lines, as applicable. There is provided for the line dispensing assembly to include at least one line dispensing unit which is adapted for dispensing the line. In an embodiment where each stanchion includes a plurality of the line retaining elements, the line dispensing assembly includes a plurality the line dispensing units.

The line dispensing units may be independently displaceable relative to one another in order to alter their positions relative to one another. Preferably, there is provided for the line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, to include attaching means for attaching the line dispensing unit to another line dispensing unit in various configurations, including side by side, and above and below each other.

The line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, may include a line dispensing frame and a spool that is mounted for rotation to the line dispensing frame. In an example embodiment of the invention, the line dispensing frame may be in the form of a hexahedron and extend around the spool.

There is provided for the line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, to include brake means for slowing rotational movement of the spool.

There is also provided for the line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, to include holding means for holding the spool in a desired position by preventing rotation thereof. In an example embodiment, the holding means includes a holding element connected to the frame that is configured to releasably connect to the spool in order to retain the spool in the desired position.

The line, or each of the lines, as applicable, may include a catch at a free end thereof. In an example embodiment of the invention, at least part of the line may comprise a conductive material such as a wire or cable. In some example embodiments of the invention, the catch is a first catch and the line comprises a first length extending from the line dispensing assembly and includes a second catch located at a distal end thereof, and a second length attached to and extending from the second catch to the first catch located at a free end of the second length. The second length may be of a non-conductive material. Preferably, the second length may comprise a rope.

In at least some embodiments of the invention, the mobile fencing system may include a line dispensing carrier that is adapted for carrying at least the line dispensing assembly on someone’s back. There is provided for the line dispensing carrier to comprise a seat formation for receiving therein the line dispensing assembly wherein the line dispensing assembly is held against the line dispensing carrier. Preferably, the seat formation may comprise a hook in which the line dispensing assembly operatively seats. The line dispensing carrier may further include shoulder straps to allow it to be carried on someone’s back. In a preferred embodiment, the line dispensing carrier includes the shoulder straps, a cushioned portion operatively below the strap for abutting the person’s back when the straps are located over shoulders of the person, and a line dispensing carrier frame secured to the cushioned portion and on which the seat formation is defined.

There is still further provided for the system to include a stanchion carrier which is adapted for carrying the plurality of stanchions. More specifically, the stanchion carrier comprises a stanchion carrier frame that defines a pair of spaced apart opposing handles for holding the stanchion carrier, and a pair spaced apart sides extending between the handles, wherein a cavity is defined between the handles and sides which is sized and shaped to be able to receive a user therein. The stanchion carrier frame further defines a plurality of laterally projecting arms for supporting thereon the stanchions. At least some of the arms may be spaced vertically such to permit support of the stanchions at different vertical positions. In some embodiments, the stanchion carrier frame may define at least one or a plurality of securing elements for releasably securing the line or lines, as applicable, to the stanchion carrier. The securing element, or securing elements, as applicable, may be in the form of a hook.

In some embodiments, the system includes an onboard energising unit for supplying an electric current to the line or lines, as applicable, to give an electric shock to any mammal touching the line or lines, in use.

A second aspect of the invention pertains to the stanchion as defined hereinabove.

A third aspect of the invention pertains to the line dispensing assembly as defined hereinabove. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to the stanchion carrier as defined hereinabove.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a fence, including the steps of: a) at a first location, inserting a first stanchion into the ground, the first stanchion comprising an elongated member and at least one line retaining element that is affixed to the elongated member; b) inserting a line into the line retaining element of the first stanchion; c) connecting the line to a stanchion carrier; d) moving the stanchion carrier to a second location that is spaced from the first location, wherein the line passes through the line retaining element of the first stanchion as the stanchion carrier is moved to the second location; e) at the second location, inserting a second stanchion into the ground, the second stanchion being similar to the first stanchion; and f) inserting the line into the line retaining element of the second stanchion, to form the fence between the first and second stanchions.

The method may involve repeating steps d) - f) until the fence is of a desired length.

In some embodiments of the invention, the stanchions may be inserted such that they extend at an acute angle relative to the ground. Preferably, the stanchions may be angled by between 10 and 50 degrees relative to the ground. More preferably, the stanchions may be angled by between 20 and 45 degrees relative to the ground.

The line may be inserted into the line retaining element by laterally displacing the line relative to the elongated member.

The method may include dispensing the line from adjacent the first stanchion.

The line may be dispensed by unwinding the line from a separate spool. The method may also involve securing a free end of the line to an anchor and tensioning the line to secure the fence in position.

In an example embodiment the anchor may comprise an assembly from which the line is dispensed. Alternatively, the anchor may comprise an object fixed in the ground. For example, the anchor may comprise a tree, post, structure, or the like.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first stanchion includes a plurality of the line retaining elements which are affixed to the elongated member at spaced intervals, wherein the aforementioned steps are carried out with a plurality of lines.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stanchion in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the stanchion of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a line dispensing assembly in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a line dispensing unit forming part of the line dispensing assembly shown in Figure 3, without a line to reveal otherwise concealed details; Figure 5 is a rear view of a line dispensing carrier for carrying the line dispensing assembly shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a similar view to that shown in Figure 5 with the carrier carrying the line dispensing assembly;

Figure 7 is perspective view of part of a mobile fencing system, in use, in accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, wherein lines of the system are anchored to the line dispensing assembly;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a corresponding portion of the mobile fencing system shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a side view of the mobile fencing system shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a stanchion carrier in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an energising unit that forms part of the mobile fencing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the Figures, a mobile fencing system according to one aspect of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 in Figures 7 and 9, a stanchion according to another aspect of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1 , 7 and 9, a line dispensing assembly according to a still further aspect of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 40 in Figures 3 and 6-9, and a stanchion carrier according to yet another aspect of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 200 in Figure 10. The mobile fencing system 100 comprises a plurality of stanchions 10 which are securable in the ground, a line dispensing assembly 40 for dispensing a plurality of lines 42, a line dispensing carrier 80 that is adapted to carry at least the line dispensing assembly 40 on someone’s back, and a stanchion carrier 200 which is adapted to carry the plurality of stanchions 10.

All the stanchions 10 are similar and hence only one will be described further below with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in particular. The stanchion 10 comprises an elongated member 12 and at least one but preferably a plurality of line retaining elements 14 that are affixed to the elongated member 12 at spaced positions for retaining the lines 42 (not shown in Figure 1 ) a preferred lateral distance apart adjacent the elongated member 12.

As is best shown in one of the detailed views in Figure 1 , each line retaining element 14 includes a hook 16 that is configured to retain the line 42 extending perpendicularly with respect to a length of the elongated member 12. The hook 16 is configured to catch hold of the line 42 in a hook-on fashion during lateral displacement of the line 42 relative to the elongated member 12 substantially along a length of the elongated member 12. More specifically, the hook 16 is configured to catch hold of the line 42 only if a portion of the line opposing the hook 16, when extending linearly, is orientated at an acute angle a with respect to an axis A of the hook 16. Preferably, the angle a is between 10 and 80 degrees, more preferably, between 25 and 65 degrees, and most preferably between 35 and 55 degrees. It is noted that the axis A extends perpendicular to the length of the elongated member 12 and to a point on the elongated member 12 where the hook 16 is affixed to the elongated member 12. It will be appreciated that the angle a could alternatively be measured with respect to a length of the hook 16.

The hook 16 comprises an annular body that defines a slotted inlet 18 extending through the body via which the line 42 is received in the hook 16 for the hook 16 to catch hold of the line 42. The slotted inlet 18 extends at the acute angle or with respect to the axis A of the hook 16. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 18 is located in an operatively upper portion of the hook, however, in other embodiments the inlet 18 could be located in any one of an operatively lower portion or operatively middle portion of the hook 16. The hook 16 is arranged on the elongated member 12 wherein the axis A extends perpendicular with respect to the length of the elongated member 12, and the hook 16 and elongated member 12 are coplanar.

Each line retaining element 14 further includes a spacer 20 for radially spacing the hook 16 from the elongated member 12. The spacer 20 is in the form of a tube and is of a non- conductive material, preferably a synthetic polymer, such as nylon. The spacer 20 is press-fitted over the elongated member 12 to prevent its movement along the length of the elongated member 12.

Each line retaining element 14 also includes a sleeve 22 extending about the spacer 20, onto which the hook 16 is mounted to. In the example embodiment, the sleeve 22 comprises metal and the hook 16 is mounted to the sleeve 20 by way of a weld joint.

As shown, the stanchion 10 of this example embodiment includes five line retaining elements 14 which are spaced along the elongated member 12. It is, however, envisaged that in other embodiments of the invention, the stanchion 10 could include any number of line retaining elements 14.

The elongated member 12 is manufactured of conductive material, preferably spring steel, and an operatively lower end 24 thereof is flattened in order to facilitate insertion of the member into the ground, and to inhibit rotation of the member 12 once inserted into the ground.

Turning to Figure 3, there is shown the line dispensing assembly 40 which includes a plurality of line dispensing units 44, each of which includes a line 42 and is adapted to independently dispense or retrieve the line 42 supported thereon as required. The line dispensing units 44 are separate units wherein they are displaceable relative to one another to alter their positions relative to one another and the positions from which the lines 42 are dispensed. As a result, the units 44 could be arranged side by side (shown in Figure 6), above and below one another (shown in Figures 3 and 6), or the like, depending on a user’s requirements and/or preferences. Each unit 44 includes attaching means 46 for allowing the units 44 to be attached together in various configurations. The attachment means 46 is shaped and dimensioned to receive therethrough an elongated fastener 48, such as a bolt. In the example embodiment, the attachment means 46 is in the form of a plurality of rounded formations located adjacent a periphery of the unit 44.

As shown in Figures 7-9, stabilizing rods 49 are receivable through the lowermost attachment means 46 to extend right through a lowermost unit 44, in order to stabilise the assembly 40 in an upright position and prevent it from falling over during use.

Referring to Figure 4, each unit 44 includes a line dispensing frame 50 and a spool 52 that is mounted for rotation to the line dispensing frame 50. The line dispensing frame 50 is in the form of a hexahedron and surrounds the spool 52 to thereby protect the spool 52 and prevent interference with rotation of the spool 52 when the units 44 abut each other. The attachment means 46 is located at corners of the line dispensing frame 50 and configured to allow the fastener 48 to pass therethrough from sides of the line dispensing frame 50 adjacent thereto. The line 42 is wound around the spool 52.

Each unit 44 further includes brake means 54 for slowing rotational movement of the spool 52. The brake means 54 includes at least one friction element that abuts a side of the spool 52. The friction element comprises a polymeric material. In the example embodiment, the brake means 54 includes a friction element on either side of the spool 52 that respectively abuts opposite sides of the spool 52.

Each line dispensing unit 44 also includes holding means 56 for holding the spool 52 in a desired position by preventing rotation thereof. In an example embodiment, the holding means 56 includes a holding element 58 connected to the line dispensing frame 50 and configured to releasably connect to the spool 52 in order to retain it in the desired position. In this example embodiment, the spool 52 includes a plurality of apertures 60 extending through it and which are angularly spaced about flanges 62 thereof, and the holding element 58 comprises an elongated element that is connected to the line dispensing frame 50 at a first end thereof and an opposing second end thereof that is receivable in an aperture 60 to thereby hold the spool 52.

A handle 64 is secured to the flange 62 for a user to rotate the spool 52. There is provided for the handle 64 to be removably secured to the spool 52. There is also provided for the handle 64 to engage opposing sides of the frame 50 for storage purposes. The handle 64 may be in the form of a tool wherein at least one end, but possibly both ends, are adapted to engage a fastener.

Turning to Figures 7-9, each line 42 includes a first catch 66 at a free end thereof for catching an anchor in order that the line 42 could be tensioned during the construction of a fence. In the example embodiment shown, the line 42 comprises a first length 68 extending from the line dispensing assembly 40, and a second length 70 attached to and extending from a free end of the first length 68. Here, the first catch 66 is located at a free end of the second length 70, and there is also a second catch 72 position at a distal end of the first length 68. The second catch 72 is used to connect the first and second lengths 68, 70 to each other. The first length 68 is of a conductive material, whereas the second length 70 is of a non-conductive material. The first and second lengths 68, 70 comprise wire or cable, and rope respectively. It will be appreciated that the aforementioned configuration of the line 42 is especially useful in instances where the system 100 is utilised in constructing an electrified fence, where the first lengths 68 of lines are energised, without a short circuit being created between the lines 42 and the anchor.

There is still further provided for the system 100 to comprise a line dispensing carrier 80, shown in Figures 5 and 6, that is adapted to carry at least the line dispensing assembly 40 on someone’s back. The line dispensing carrier 80 comprises a seat formation 82 for receiving therein the line dispensing assembly 40 wherein it is held against the line dispensing carrier 80. The seat formation 82 comprises a hook in which the frame 50 of the line dispensing unit 44 operatively seats. The line dispensing carrier 80 further includes shoulder straps 84 to allow it to be carried on a someone’s back, a cushioned portion (not shown) operatively below the straps 84 for abutting the person’s back when the straps 84 are located over shoulders of the person, and a line dispensing carrier frame 86 secured to the cushioned portion and on which the seat formation 82 is defined. As shown in Figure 6, here the line dispensing units 44 are attached to one another in a 2x2 configuration to allow for more convenient movement of the assembly 40 on the line dispensing carrier 80.

Referring to Figure 10, in this example embodiment, the system 100 further includes the stanchion carrier 200 which is adapted to carry the plurality of stanchions 10. The stanchion carrier 200 comprises a stanchion carrier frame 202 that defines a pair of spaced apart opposing handles 204 for holding the stanchion carrier 200, and a pair spaced apart sides 206 extending between the handles 204, wherein a cavity 207 is defined between the handles 204 and sides 206 which is sized and shaped for receiving therein a user (not shown). The stanchion carrier frame 202 further defines a plurality of laterally projecting arms 208 for supporting thereon the stanchions 10 in a horizontal orientation. At least some of the arms 208 may be spaced vertically such to permit support of the stanchions 10 at different vertical positions. The stanchion carrier frame 202 also defines a plurality of securing elements 210 for releasably securing the line or lines 42, as applicable, to the stanchion carrier 200. Each securing element 210 is in the form of a hook.

Referring to Figure 11 , in at least some embodiments of the invention, the system 100 includes an onboard energising unit 300 for supplying an electric current to the line 42 or lines 42, as applicable, to give an electric shock to any mammal touching the line or lines 42, in use. The energising unit 300 could be installed within an energising frame 302 that is mountable to the line dispensing assembly 40 and is like the line dispensing frame 50, preferably in the form of a hexahedron. It will be appreciated that there will be no spool located in the energising frame 302, instead, remaining components of the energising unit 300 take up internal space of the energising frame 302. The energising unit 300 includes a power source 304, an energizer 306 for converting power received from the power source 304 into a brief high voltage pulse, and conductive wires 308 for connecting a positive fence terminal 310.1 of the energizer 306 to the line or lines 42 to convey the high voltage pulse to the line or lines 42, preferably the first length 68, and for connecting a negative ground terminal 310.2 of the energizer 306 to a grounding source (not shown), wherein an electrical circuit is formed when a mammal touches simultaneously the line 42 and grounding source. The high voltage pulse could range from 2 000 to 10 000 volts. In a preferred embodiment, the power source 304 includes at least one photovoltaic panel 312, preferably a plurality, mounted to the energising frame 302, a solar charger controller (not shown) and a battery (not shown) that are mounted inside the energising frame 302. In some embodiments the solar charger controller and/or battery could be integrated with the energizer 306, or could be separate.

In use, in order to construct a fence with the system 100, as a first step, and at a first location, a first stanchion 10 is inserted into the ground. As a next step, lines 42 are dispensed from the line dispensing assembly 40 and inserted into separate line retaining elements 14 of the first stanchion 10 wherein the lines 42 are spaced apart along the length of the first stanchion 10.

The stanchion carrier 200 is then moved to second location that is spaced from the first location, wherein the lines 42 are connected to the securing elements 210 so to cause the lines 42 to pass through the line retaining elements 14 of the first stanchion 10 as a result of said movement of the stanchion carrier 200. At the second location, a second stanchion 10 is inserted into the ground, the second stanchion 10 being similar to the first stanchion 10. The lines 42 are then inserted into separate line retaining elements 14 of the second stanchion 10, to form the fence between the first and second stanchions.

The aforementioned steps are repeated until the fence is of a desired length. Respective free ends of the lines 42 are secured to an anchor to hold the fence in position. It should be appreciated that start and end points of the fence may either be located adjacent each other (typically where an area is to be fenced off), as shown in Figures 7-9 or they may be spaced a distance apart (typically where an area is to be divided by the fence), not shown.

Where the start and end points of the fence are adjacent each other, the anchor could comprise the line dispensing assembly 40. This example application of the system 100 is illustrated in Figures 7-9 which show only part of the fence in proximity to the line dispensing assembly 40. According to this application, the lines 42 are tensioned before the respective free ends of the lines 42 are secured to the spools 52 in order to prevent the spools 52 from rotating which will cause slacking of the lines 42. In the alternative, where the start and end points of the fence are spaced apart, the anchor could comprise an object fixed to the ground, such as a structure, tree or the like. Here, the lines 42 are tensioned by rotation of the spools 52, whereafter the holding elements 58 are placed in apertures 60 of spools 52 associated therewith in order to prevent the spools 52 from rotating.

It is envisaged that the invention teaches a manner of constructing fences on-demand quickly and with relative ease. The Applicant believes the invention will be especially useful in constricting a night camp, kraal, or the like. Due to its durable construction, user’s maintenance of the system is minimized. Furthermore, fences are damaged from time-to-time mainly by the farm animals, and as a result it is required of farmers to perform regular maintenance thereon in order to prevent farm animals from breaching the fence. This is known to present a significant expense to farmers.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It will further be appreciated that the foregoing example has been provided merely for the purposes of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment only, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. The present invention is also not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . A mobile fencing system comprising:

2. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each stanchion includes a plurality of the line retaining elements which are affixed to the elongated member at spaced positions for retaining a plurality of the lines a preferred lateral distance apart adjacent the elongated member, and wherein the line dispensing assembly is configured to dispense or retrieve the plurality of lines as required.

3. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the line retaining element includes a hook that is configured to catch hold of the line during lateral displacement of the line relative to the elongated member.

4. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hook is configured to catch hold of the line only if a portion of the line located adjacent to and opposing the hook, and when extending linearly, is orientated at an acute angle with respect to an axis of the hook.

5. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hook comprises an annular body that defines a slotted inlet extending through the annular body via which the line is received in the hook for the hook to catch hold of the line, and wherein the slotted inlet extends at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the hook. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the line retaining element includes a spacer of a non-conductive material for radially spacing the hook from the elongated member. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spacer is in the form of a tube and is press-fitted over the elongated member in order to prevent movement of the spacer along the length of the elongated member. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the line retaining element includes a metal sleeve extending about the spacer, onto which the hook is mounted to by way of a weld joint. The mobile fencing system as claimed in 1 , wherein the elongated member is manufactured of spring steel material. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the line dispensing assembly includes a line dispensing unit that dispenses or retrieves the line, the line dispensing unit including a frame and a spool that is mounted for rotation to the frame, wherein the frame includes attaching means for attaching the line dispensing unit to another line dispensing unit in various configurations, including side-by-side, and above and below each other. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the line dispensing assembly includes a plurality of line dispensing units, each line dispensing unit is configured to independently dispense or retrieve a line of the plurality of lines, each line dispensing unit including a frame and a spool that is mounted for rotation to the frame, wherein the frame includes attaching means for attaching the line dispensing unit to another line dispensing unit in various configurations, including side-by-side, and above and below each other.

12. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 , wherein the line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, includes brake means for slowing down rotational movement of the spool.

13. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 , wherein the line dispensing unit, or each of the line dispensing units, as applicable, includes holding means for holding the spool in a desired position by preventing rotation thereof, wherein the holding means includes a holding element connected to the frame that is configured to releasably connect to the spool in order to retain the spool in the desired position.

14. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the line includes a first catch at a free end thereof, and the line comprises a first length extending from the line dispensing assembly and includes a second catch located at a distal end thereof, and a second length attached to and extending from the second catch to the first catch located at a free end of the second length.

15. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , including a line dispensing carrier that is adapted for carrying at least the line dispensing assembly on someone’s back, wherein the line dispensing carrier comprises a seat formation for receiving therein the line dispensing assembly wherein the line dispensing assembly is held against the line dispensing carrier.

16. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , including a stanchion carrier which is adapted for carrying the plurality of stanchions, wherein the stanchion carrier comprises a stanchion carrier frame that defines a pair of spaced apart opposing handles for holding the stanchion carrier, and a pair spaced apart sides extending between the handles, wherein a cavity is defined between the handles and sides which is sized and shaped to be able to receive a user therein, the stanchion carrier frame further defining a plurality of laterally projecting arms for supporting thereon the stanchions. The mobile fencing system as claimed in claim 1 , including an onboard energising unit for supplying an electric current to the line to give an electric shock to any mammal touching the line or lines, in use. A stanchion as claimed in any one of claims 1 -9. A line dispensing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 -11. A stanchion carrier as claimed in claim 16. A method of constructing a fence, including the steps of: a) at a first location, inserting a first stanchion into the ground, the first stanchion comprising an elongated member and at least one line retaining element that is affixed to the elongated member; b) inserting a line into the line retaining element of the first stanchion; c) connecting the line to a stanchion carrier; d) moving the stanchion carrier to a second location that is spaced from the first location, wherein the line passes through the line retaining element of the first stanchion as the stanchion carrier is moved to the second location; e) at the second location, inserting a second stanchion into the ground, the second stanchion being similar to the first stanchion; and f) inserting the line into the line retaining element of the second stanchion, to form the fence between the first and second stanchions. The method as claimed in claim 21 , including inserting the line into the line retaining element by laterally displacing the line relative to the elongated member.