AU2002301841B2

AU2002301841B2 - A Method of Construction

Info

Publication number: AU2002301841B2
Application number: AU2002301841A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brendan Robert Condon
Original assignee: STICKIT Pty Ltd
Current assignee: STICKIT Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-11-06
Filing date: 2002-11-06
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-06
Also published as: AU2002301841A1

Description

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O1 A METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION FIELD OF INVENTION.

The present invention relates to a method of construction including the z- 5 fixing together of separate components of structures. The invention is 00 0 particularly suited for, though not limited to, fencing and hanging gates, stockyards, shade houses and building applications.

N BACKGROUND PRIOR ART In the past metal fences have been built by setting posts in concrete and fixing prefabricated panels to them. The method of fixing can be bolting, screwing or welding the panels to the post. Building a structure, such as a fence, requires the posts to be set at the correct spacing and be properly plumbed so that standard panels wilt fit. This is particularly difficult if the posts are to be driven into the ground rather than set into concrete or simply buried in an excavated "post hole". When driving posts into the ground, the posts are prone to venture "off line" if a hard subterranean object, such as a rock or a root is encountered. Furthermore if the ground on which the fence is constructed is not level the panels may need to be raked out of square to accommodate the terrain. This requires customised construction of the panels at the factory as they are being built.. Panels raked at customised angles require the fence builder to measure, document and pass on the correct dimensions to the factory. This all of course adds to the cost of the fence and increases the opportunity for error.

Alternatively rails can be cut to length on site and welded to the set or driven posts. If circular pipe posts are used the end of the rail may be 00

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2 "scalloped out" or "squashed in" with a hammer so as to provide a closely fitting join facilitate welding. Similarly the rails may be checked into the posts (or visa versa) and the full length of the raw material used to build the rails.

The rails may extend beyond the post towards or past the next post. New 00 lengths of raw material can be butt joined to the fitted rail until it reaches the desired length. This method of construction is particularly suited to animal (Ni enclosures such as stockyards and the like. While such methods are far more labour intensive to work on site than the use of prefabricated panels, the fence can be built to suit the position of each post and cater for any irregularities in ground level, etc. Furthermore these methods of construction particularly suit driven posts and any posts that are not evenly spaced or that deviate off plumb.

If a circular fence is to be built the rails may be checked to fit around the posts and bent at the weakened "cut section". Once in place the rail is typically fully welded to the post in an effort to strengthen the checked, or cut, region. This method is time consuming but to date is the most preferred method of stockyard construction. Although more labour intensive the ability to fit the rails to the driven posts on site it is still a more economical method than trying to position the posts exactly to suit prefabricated rails or panels.

By segmenting the rails between each post or checking the join of the continuous rail into the posts, the posts do not jut out in such a way that is likely to injure an enclosed animal being "worked" in the yard or the leg of a person riding a horse or the like.

Shade houses are commonly built by anchoring to the ground hollow sectioned steel pipe in the form of bows and attaching battens to those bows. If battens of similar section are used they are usually cut to length and welded on site in between each adjacent pair of bows. Alternatively top hat section or the like can be used in a continuous length, screwed under the pipe bow rafters. As the bows then sit higher than the battens the bow rafters will place added stress onto the shade mesh that they are in contact with.

Another disadvantage of this system is that the top hat section is prone to hold water (which can pass through the shade mesh) making it susceptible to corrosion.

Another means of joining structures on site is to use metal clamps or bolts or the like. The pipe railslbattens can be cut to length to fit in between each pair of posts or bows (or whatever) and then clamped in place.

It is disadvantageous to have to cut the pipe to length on site. On many fence lines there is no power so the pipe or the like must be cut by hand.

Furthermore the users must either cart long lengths of the raw material with them or measure the length required and walk back to "base", cut the rail or the like to length and take it back to where it is required. This may sound simple but when it is considered that a fence line may be numerous kilometres long, it can be seen that any extra travel will prove costly.

Alternatively if power is available along a fence line it is within reason to expect that there will be a risk of starting a bush fire. Hence the production of sparks may be seen as unacceptable in many circumstances. In these situations the user is left with no option but to cut the rails or the like, to 00

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4 length, by hand. Accurate measurement and cutting is essential if the lengths N of cut pipe are to be welded into position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION We have now found a simplified method of construction that reduces 00 the requirement for accurate measuring and cutting of beams or rails and ameliorates or overcomes one or more of the problems referred to above or Nat least provides a useful or commercial choice.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of construction method of construction including: providing a selectable-length beam comprising a sleeve member having a hollow portion and a flattened portion formed by flattening a hollow part of the sleeve member, and a beam member telescopically engaged with the sleeve member, and securing the flattened portion to a post.

The method of the present invention is particularly suited to the on site fabrication of any structure that is based upon posts that have been driven into the ground. As previously mentioned posts that have been driven into the ground are prone to deviate from their intended position. Thus, being able to telescope the beams, rails or battens on the sleeve members on site advantageously caters for any irregularities in the positioning of the posts.

The present invention advantageously provided a means of joining different members of structures, with products that will fit the varied conditions that are to be expected in the real world. In one embodiment the invention 00

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takes the form of a fixing segment that enables telescoping engagement with c beams or rails. A portion of the sleeve members lay flat against the posts so as to facilitate easy welding or the like. Alternatively the sleeve members may be bolted 5 or screwed or the like as a means of fastening. Screws may also be used to retain 00 0 the sleeve member in position during welding to the post. The to-be-joined members may be posts and rails in the fence line of an animal enclosure or the Slike. Alternatively they may be the rafters and battens of a shade house or carport or the like.

In one form the fixing segment, or sleeve member, invention can be as simple as a piece of pipe that may engage telescopically with the rails or battens or the like. The section of pipe used should have adequate length to allow telescopic adjustment of the length of rails or the like that are to be used. In this form an end portion or an intermediate portion of the sleeve member is flattened and may have been pressed substantially flat so that it can be positioned close to the post or rafter or the like. A hole which may be placed in the flattened portion of the sleeve member adjacent to the joining post or rafter or the like allows the temporary or permanent fixing of the sleeve members to the post, rafter or the like.

In another form the sleeve member may be fixed to a timber rail or batten or the like.

Alternatively a similar joining segment according to another form of the invention could secure plastic lumber or the like to other structural members. This may be used for, but is not limited to, securing rails to a fence post or battens to rafters or the like.

The rails may be slidably engaged with the hollow portion of the sleeve member by sliding within the hollow portion of the sleeve member.

Alternatively, the rails may be of hollow section and slide over the hollow sleeve member.

The slidable engagement with the rails of a fence allows the sleeve member to be used to accommodate variations in distance between each pair of posts. This will be particularly beneficial if the rails are to be attached to driven-in posts, as these tend to vary more in their spacings. Although it should be noted that the invention would be suitable to be used with posts that were positioned in excavated holes and set in concrete or compacted soil or the like. Furthermore the invention would be equally suitable to be used with members of a structure that was free standing. Alternatively the invention may be used to join members of a structure that was fixed to a concrete slab or the like.

In one form the sleeve members have holes positioned in the flattened portion to allow the segment to be bolted to a post or the like.

Alternatively the substantially flattened portion of the joining segment could have a hole that would allow it to be temporarily screwed in place while the structure is being made and finally welded once the correctness of its position has been confirmed. Furthermore if the joining segment is to be held by a screw while the structure is being erected, the rotational position of the joining segment can be adjusted so as to allow varying angles of connection between the joining members of the structure. For example non-level rails can be fitted to plumb posts.

In a preferred embodiment the respective sleeve members comprise opposed hollow portions and an intermediate flattened portion for engagement with the respective posts. The opposed hollow portions allow respective beams or rails to be slidably engaged thereon either side of the respective posts.

Whilst sleeve members with flattened intermediate portions are preferred for engagement with posts having rails extending from either side, sleeve members with flattened end portions are preferred for engagement with end posts. In one embodiment the flattened end portions may be affixed to the body of post in the same manner as an intermediate flattened portion.

In another embodiment the end portions may be affixed to a flange extending from the post. Suitable flanges may be formed integrally with the posts. In one form a flange may extend the length of the post or alternatively comprise discrete tabs spaced for engagement with the sleeve member. Such tabs may be integrally formed with the posts or affixed to the posts at the desired heights.

Suitable tabs may be in the form of a bracket that is attached to the post by say tek screws or is welded in place. In this form where the bracket attaches to the post or the like it could have arms that would approximately follow the circumference of the joining post. This would allow the one size of bracket to be fitted to a range of sizes of posts. In one form the bracket could have an extended portion that facilitates joining to the rail, beam or the like.

The rail or beam could be affixed to the bracket by means of a screw or a bolt or the like and would be in such a way as to provide adjustment of the joining angle.

In one form posts with opposed flanges may be used to accommodate substantial variations in terrain by using sleeve members having flattened end portions on either side of the post. Suitably similar construction methods may be used to affix stays to posts using sleeve members having flattened end portions allowing a rail or beam to be angled to the base of an adjacent post or ground engaging member.

In one form a staying member could have one end fashioned so as to provide a flat surface to allow easy rotational positioning of the staying member about the fixing position of the metal bracket. The method of fashioning the staying member or the like, might be to press substantially flat one end of the member and provide a hole in that same end so as to facilitate a fastening screw or bolt. Thus the staying member has the sleeve member formed integrally therewith.

Furthermore the bracket may join to a sleeve member that may slidably engage the staying member or the like. In this form, if the staying member was to be fixed to two different members at some angle and spacing.

The joining angle and the length of the staying member could be adjusted to suit. In this form the joining segment that is to be joined to the bracket could have one end of its body fashioned as is explained above allowing the adjustment of the joining angle between the bracket and the joining segment.

Another advantage of fixing the bracket to a specially pressed flat stay member or the like, is that the one bracket can be used to fit a range of size and shape of joining members.

In another form, the invention may be used to anchor the ground end of a "stay rail" on a "strainer post" on a fence or the like. In this form the sleeve member may be at a raked angle such that a rail is angled down to a metal plate or the like, that will distribute the staying forces onto the supporting soil. Such a plate may be impacted into the ground using a sledgehammer or the like. Alternatively it may be fitted into a substantially excavated hole in the ground. The plate preferably has a slot in which the flattened end portion of a sleeve member or a substantially flattened end of the rail can be fitted and secured. The shape of the plate that is easiest to produce and insert into the ground is a rectangular shape. However, through testing, it was found that when putting a direct force, upon a rectangular shaped plate, of such a magnitude that the plate would move in the soil, the plate moved by displacing the soil at ground level first. Once this had happened the plate would tend to tilt in such a way that it would incline to rise out of the ground, as the direct force was continually applied by the "stay rail".

Upon further investigation it was realised that the soil at ground level was less resistant to movement than the soil under ground level. To combat this problem a plate was used that had a large surface area at ground level and continually decreased in surface area as the plate distanced itself from ground level, substantially in the shape of a trapezium. Therefore there was more surface area of plate to decrease the pressure put onto the soil at ground level where the soil is softer, and less surface area of plate under the ground. Hence this shaped plate was less prone to tilt in such a manner that the plate would be lifted out of the ground. It was also found that such a shaped plate was easier for one person to "get started" as they attempted to hit the plate in the ground with a sledgehammer or the like.

However it would be appreciated by those experienced in the art that as testing of this form of the invention can be done in earnest the shape of the plate may be further modified and still stay within the intended scope of the invention.

Another form of the staying member according to the present invention, could be a longitudinal body that has at each end a means to be attached directly to another member. Such a means might be a folded tab that can be screwed or bolted or welded or the like to the adjoining member.

The rotational position of the staying member with respect to its adjoining member could be adjusted by bending the folded tab. In another form of the invention the staying/joining member could be telescopic.

The form of the bracket forming a connecting flange on the posts was modified slightly to suit different manufacturing techniques. Although the appearance of this form of the invention has altered slightly its functionality has not changed. This form of the invention has the outwardly protruding arms that approximately follow the circumference of a range of sized and shaped members. This form of the invention has an extended portion of its body that can facilitate the securing of, but is not limited to, the end another member such as a rail or a stay in a fence or the like. Suitably the rail or stay will have a collapsed end that has been pressed together to form a straight end. This bracket can be made by substantially folding back upon itself a material such as some form of sheet metal. While the somewhat central portion of the material makes up the extended part of the body, the end sections of the material can be positioned in such a way that they form the outwardly protruding arms.

In another form the invention could be used to join post to anchors.

The invention here could be in the form of a longitudinal body which at one end may provide a means to be attached to the anchor, while the other end may provide a means of fixing to the post or the like. This form of the invention could be used to adjust the rotational position of the post with respect to the long axis of the anchor. This would be an advantage to the user if the driven-in anchor had deviated off its intended position with respect to say the line of the fence. By being able to rotate the joining segment about the long axis of the anchor the user can position the joining member so that it will allow the post to be positioned in the correct line of the fence. Such an invention will greatly benefit anyone who has concerns about the obtainable straightness of a driven-in fence line.

In another form the invention can be used for but is not limited to joining a cap rail or the like to posts or support members or the like. In this form the invention, a metal bracket that has holes to facilitate tek screws or the like could be used. Alternatively the bracket could be welded to the post and/or the rail. In this form the invention could have an elongated body, with protruding flanges at both of its ends. The flanges could be made, so as to approximately follow the contour of what ever size post or the like that they were to be joined to. In this form the top of the post could be fashioned so as to facilitate joining to the bracket. The method of fashioning could be to cut the post in a metal shear or the like. The resultant wedged shaped end loans itself well to the attachment of such a bracket as described in this form of the invention. And a wide range of post sizes and shapes may be used. In another form the invention could be two similar brackets that fix to the separate to-be-joined members at one end and then to each other at their other end. In this form the brackets could have the opposing protruding flanges at one end, that approximately follow the outline of the member that they may be fastened to. At their other end the brackets may have a substantially flat face and a hole to locate a fastening bolt or the like which may be used to fix them to each other. In this form the invention could be used for but is not limited to, securing a cap rail or the like to a post or the like. The advantage of this form of the invention is that this method of. fixing could allow the joining together of separate members of a structure that are at some angle to each other. For example it might be a cap rail (that is not level but follows the contour of the ground) that is to be joined to a post that is plumb.

In yet another form of the invention a bracket could be used to fix a member such as a chain or the like to another member of the structure such as a post in a fence. In this form the invention could have outwardly protruding flanges that substantially follow the circumference of the joining member. The invention could have a recess to locate the joining chain link and may have holes located in it's body, to house fixings such as tek-screws or the like. Alternatively the bracket may be welded to one or more of the joining members.

In one form of the invention the bracket of the previous paragraph 00

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O 13 may used so to secure an in situ wire strainer, such as, can be used to retention wires of a fence or the like. The securing of the strainer could be via an "off the shelf product such as a split link. Such a product can be threaded onto the two 1- 5 components and then clamped up, giving a secure fixing. Alternatively the 00 securing bracket could be made in such a way that it could couple directly to the Nstrainer or the like.

N The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing gates that can be performed readily on site.

In the past fence builders have tried to position gate posts so they will suit a standard size gate, ie 10' or 12'. Alternatively the fence builder may position all the gate posts and build the gates to suit afterwards. Either way, the terrain generally has the ultimate say in the final position, size and shape of the gate, ie there may be a rock or large roots to work around or the ground may be sloping.

Generally the builder is on many occasions forced to return to the fence site and fit gates that have been made to suit the actual gate openings.

In one form the present invention provides a method of constructing a gate comprising forming a pair of opposed gate ends, interconnecting said gate ends with a plurality of gate rails each comprising a selectable-length beam comprising a pair of opposed sleeve members having a hollow portion and a flattened portion formed by flattening a hollow part of the sleeve member, and a beam member telescopically engaged with the sleeve members, the flattened portions secured to the respective gate ends, the sleeve members; adjusting the gate to the desired size by sliding the opposed gate ends relative the plurality of rails and fixing the beam members relative to the respective sleeve members. In a yet further aspect 00 N 13A the invention provides a method of constructing a gate comprising forming a pair c of opposed gate ends wherein said gate ends comprise a plurality of laterally extending sleeve members; slid ably engaging first ends of a plurality of rails with a first of said gate ends; slid ably engaging second ends of the plurality of rails 00 with a second of said gate ends; adjusting the gate to the desired size by sliding (Ni Sthe opposed gate ends relative the plurality of rails and fixing the rails relative to Sthe respective sleeve members.

In one form this invention gives the builder a flexible gate system allowing them to work around many dominating circumstances. They can build and fit the gate on site as they position the gate posts.

Telescopic joins between the rails and the sleeve members can be screwed, bolted, welded or the like, depending on the loads the gate is likely to have to withstand.

Adjustable angle joins can be used where the sleeve members are pivotally connected to the gate ends. The sleeve members can be screwed, bolted or welded to the gate ends depending on the load likely to be applied to the gate.

Gates may use any combination of any size or shape of section.

They may have any number of rails.

This form of the invention can be made up using other forms of the invention. Alternatively this form of the invention may be made up from piece specially made to function as gate ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

Figure 1 shows a method of joining a segmented rail to a post as was known before the disclosure of this invention. Figure 2 depicts a member of a structure that has had one end of its length, fashioned into a shape that minimises welding, and has then been welded to the other structural member.

Figure 3 demonstrates a previously known method of scalloping out a member of a structure such as a fence or the like, so that it will fit neatly against another member of the same structure.

Figure 4 is a drawing of a known method of attaching battens to the curved bows of a shade house or the like. While the pipe batten has been flattened and welded to the bow, the "top hat section" batten has simply been secured using "tek screws".

Figure 5 shows a currently used method of joining members of a structure using metal clamps and bolts.

Figure 6 is the top view of a structure such as a fence of a cattle yard or the like.

Figure 7 depicts a joining segment of a structure according to one form of the invention.

A similar form of the invention is shown in figure 8.

A stepped washer according to another form of the invention is shown in figure 9.

A front view of a joining segment is shown in situ in Figure according to one form of the invention.

An end on view of a similar situation is shown in figure 11.

In figure 12 a, b, c, there are shown further forms of the invention.

Figures 13 a, b and c depict different variations of the invention.

Different forms of joining brackets according to another form of the invention are shown in figures 14 a, b and 15 a, b, c.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 demonstrate the previously mentioned brackets, as they might be used.

Figure 19 b and c) depict another joining bracket, according to a different form of the invention.

In figure 20 there is shown two of the joining brackets of figure 19 being used in a structure.

In figure 21 there is shown a slightly different version of the joining bracket of figure 19. As predicted in the provisional patent "A Method Of Joining Metal Structures And The Like", once manufacturing techniques were openly investigated, changes to the forms of the invention were expected to be made but would still be within the original scope of the invention. To manufacture this revised form of the invention requires simpler tooling, thus reducing the initial manufacturing costs.

Figure 22 shows another form of the invention that can be used to anchor the ground end of a "stay rail" or the like.

In figure 23 there can be seen a modified form of the invention that is used to secure a chain or wire strainers or the like to a member of a structure such as a post in a fence.

Figure 24 shows a post and stay assembly erected.

Figure 25 shows a front view of a gate end.

Figure 26 shows a front view of a gate constructed from a pair of post gate ends of the type shown in Figure 25 having rails slidably engaging the sleeve members extending from the respective gate ends.

Figure 27 shows a rakeable gate end.

Figure 28 shows another embodiment of a rakeable gate end.

Figure 29 shows a further configuration of a rakeable gate end.

Figure 30 shows a rakeabie gate in exploded view formed from rakeable gate ends of the type shown in Figure 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

In figure 7a (front view) and b (top view) there is depicted a joining segment 7.0 according to one form of the invention. This form of the invention has an elongate body with an internal portion of its body, 7.3, substantially flattened using a press or the like. There may be at least one hole 7.4, located in the flattened region, 7.3. At the ends of the elongate body are regions 7.1 and 7.2, which may be telescopic with joining members of the structure. Holes may be placed in the regions 7.1 and 7.2 to locate various forms of fixings, including but not limited to screws, bolts, rivets and the like.

Alternatively the holes may provide welding points to fix the adjoining members.

In figure 8 there can be seen a similar form of the invention, joining segment 8.0. This form of the invention has an elongate body with a substantially flattened region 8.2. At the ends of the body are regions 8.1, which may be telescopic with adjoining members. The hole, 8.3, (placed in the substantially flattened region, 8.2) may be sized so that it will accept the stepped washer, 9.0 as is depicted in figure 9. This washer consists of an internal hole 9.1 and raised sides 9.2. In use the segment 8.0 can be screwed or the like to a member of a structure such as a post in a fence line. If the joining segment was to secure to a hollow steel post or the like it could be secured with a tek screw. In this case, the washer shown in figure 9 could be used to locate the small diameter tek screw in the larger hole 8.3.

Alternatively the washer may be removed and the joining segment may be bolted to the post. Another feature of the stepped washer, 9.0, is that it can provide a countersunk effect for the screw or bolt or the like that it is locating.

This would have the advantage of minimising the risk of damaging people or property that come into contact with the structure. Alternatively the joining segment may be temporarily screwed or bolted or the like in place and then welded once it is known that it is in the correct position. If this was the case the screw or what ever and the washer may be removed leaving a larger hole permitting a stronger weld than if the hole was sized to locate the smaller fixer. Furthermore washers with different sized holes may be used to locate different sized bolts or screws or the like in the same sized original hole.

Although described here on a small scale it should be understood that the use of these forms of the inventions is not limited to any field or magnitude of use. For example a modified form of the washer 9.0 might be used with screws or bolts or the like, to secure rubber matting or the like to a floor or a wall of an enclosure. By using such washers the heads of the fixers can be set into the rubber and not pose any hazard, by protruding proud of the rubber.

Figure 10 depicts members of a structure such as a post and rail of a cattle yard or the like. The assembly, 10.0, consists of a joining segment 10.1, a post 10.2 and two adjoining rails 10.6. The joining segment consists of ends 10.3 that in this case are telescopic with the adjoining rails 10.6. A substantially flattened region 10.4 is shown with hole 10.5 fashioned somewhere within it. The post or the like can be set into the section 10.4 of the joining segment. The width of this same section can be of sufficient magnitude to allow the joining segment to sit at a range of angles to the post or the like. This may be required for rails of a fence built on undulating ground. Or angled battens or bracing in a carport or shade house or the like.

In figure 11 the end on view shows how the structural member 11.2 is located in the substantially flattened section 11.4 of the joining segment 11.0. The members 11.6 of the structure are telescopic with this form of the invention and allow members of a fixed length to fit in a range of spacings.

The joining segment may then be screwed or bolted or nailed or the like to the to-be-joined members of the structure. Alternatively the joining segment may have a combination of the above methods of fixing and it may or may-not be welded as well. Furthermore the joining segment may be just welded and lo none of the above fixings need be used. Furthermore the end portions 11.3 of the joining segment may have holes to locate fixings or provide a means of welding or the like.

In another form of the invention the joining segment may be shaped so that it provides a sufficient surface area to allow for the gluing or the like together of the to be joined components. For example it may be scalloped out to fit around the specific shape of the adjoining member.

It may be required to have room for adjustment in the fixing position of the joining segment. Shown in figure 12 a, c, are different forms of the invention that allow for such adjustment. In figure 12 b, there is shown yet 2 0 another form of the invention that could allow the use of cup head bolts or the like as a means of fixing. It would be expected that any combination of these three figures might be used in different applications of this invention. It would like wise be expected that any such combination would remain within the expected scope of this invention and be covered by these descriptions.

Figure 13 a, a front view and b, a top view, show a means of joining a rail and a post or any structural members according to another form of the invention. The assembly 13.0 is made up of joining segment 13.1, rail 13.2 and post 13.5. The elongate body of 13.1 may at one end be telescopic with rail 13.2. At the other end 13.1 may be substantially flattened as is shown at 13.8. This substantially flattened region aids in the location of the structural member 13.5, which in this case is a post. It would be appreciated by those experienced in the art, that the members 13.2 and 13.5 could be any joining members of any structure that would be suited to this type of construction. As shown in these two figures, the members of this structure have been welded together at 13.6 and 13.7. While the hole 13.6, has been filled with weld it should be appreciated that it might be desirable to use this hole to bolt or screw together the joining segment to the post 13.5. Notch 13.9, allows the escape of any residual moisture in the joining segment, 13.1.

Similar notches could be placed in other forms of the invention without taking them from their intended scope.

Figure 13 c, depicts a portion, 13.9, of a joined structure, consisting of the joining segment 13.16 and the joined members 13.11 and 13.14.

According to one form of the invention, the joining segment consists of a sheared end, an elongate body and an end that may be telescopic with the to-be-joined member. The easy-to-weld sheared end of this form of the invention may also have the drain 13.15 fitted. The elongate body 13.12 may provide telescopic attachment to 13.11. This coupling could be fixed by bolts or screws or the like. Alternatively it could be a welded join.

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In figure 14 a, there is shown the joining bracket 14.0, according to another form of the invention. The holes 14.3, 14.4 and 14.5 could be sized to take any size of fixing or a washer as detailed in figure 9. Alternatively the holes may provide a location for a fixing weld. Furthermore different combinations of holes may be used if the circumstances warrant a change, but the joining bracket will still remain within the broad cover of this invention.

Similarly, 14.6 of figure 14 b may be modified and remain within its original scope. These brackets are designed to join together different members of structures, including but not limited to posts and rails in a fence or the like, or rafters and battens in a shade house or carport or the like.

Typically but not exclusively one of the to-be-joined members may have a sheared end as is shown in figure 16. The action of shearing provides a similarly shaped end for many dissimilarly shaped sections. For example the shape of the sheared end of a hollow square section is basically the same as that of a sheared piece of hollow circular section. It will be appreciated by those experienced in the art, that as these sheared ends are basically the same shape a small range of brackets can be made to suit a wide range of sheared section. Furthermore, as the cut edge of the sheared end of a wide range of sizes approach the same dimensions a small range of brackets can be made to suit a wide range of sizes of sections to be joined.

Figure 16 depicts the joining brackets 16.3 and 16.7 at separate ends 16.1 and 16.3 of the structural member 16.0. While only one of the brackets 14.0 represented by 16.7 has been used to secure the members 16.0 to 16.4, two of the brackets 14.6, represented by 16.3 have been used at the other end of the member 16.0 to secure 16.2 to it. However it should be noted here that any combination of these brackets might be used depending upon the situation.

Figure 15 depicts the joining bracket 15.0 according to another form of the invention. This bracket consists of the protruding angular tabs 15.1 through to 15.6. Within the body of each tab may be at least one hole 15.7 (typical) to locate fixings. This form of the invention has been designed to accept a wide range of sizes and shapes of structural members.

In figure 17 the structural members 17.1 and 17.2 are shown secured by the joining bracket 15.0 (shown as 17.3) according to another form of the invention. The sheared end 17.0 of the member 17.1 falls into the broad spectrum of sizes and shapes of sections that will fit this bracket.

Similarly the other end of the joining bracket according to this form of the invention can be made to fit a wide range of sizes and shapes of structural members.

In figure 18 there is shown a structure 18.0, secured by a combination of forms of the present invention. Member 18.1 is secured to member 18.2 by the telescopic joining segment 18.6 and the joining bracket 18.9. 18.9 (which could be either joining bracket 14.0 or 15.0) is in this case screwed to member 18.2 and the sheared end 18.7, of the joining segment 18.6. Similarly in this case the telescopic end 18.8 of the joining segment 18.6 is secured to 18.1 by screw 18.10. It should be noted here that the method of fixing is not limited to screwing. The sheared end 18.11, of member 18.3 and 18. 13, of member 18.4 have been attached to member 18.1 by the joining brackets 18.12 and 18.13 respectively. Similarly the sheared ends 18.15 and 18.16 of the member 18.5, have been attached to members 18.4 and 18.3, respectively. In this case the attachment has been achieved using the fixing brackets 18.17 and 18.18, respectively. These brackets, 14.6, could be used where rotational stability of the secured member is not critical. Alternatively one end of a member of a structure might be secured by these brackets, while the other end is held fast by another means: Figure 19 depicts a different joining bracket 19.0 according to another form of the invention. In this form the joining bracket can have one end 19.1, fashioned to accept a bolt or a rivet or the like in hole 19.8, in such a way as to allow a wide range of joining angles. The other end of the joining bracket 19.0 has been designed to accept either the circumference of, or the sheared end of another joining member. The plurality of tabs shown here as 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4, may have any number of holes within their bodies. The multipurpose tabs disperse compressive forces that are transmitted through the bracket as well as to house the fixings. Therefore if one of the joining brackets according to the different forms of the invention was to be modified to suit a situation where it could be exposed to increased compressive forces it might be expected that the new form of the invention might include extended tabs that do not have holes to locate fixings.

Figure 20 depicts a structure 20.0 according to another form of the invention. The member 20.1 is secured to the staying member 20.2, via the joining bracket 20.5 and the joining segment 20.4. The structural member 20.3 is joined to the other end of 20.1 via the joining bracket 20.11.

The joining bracket 20.5 can be fixed to the member 20.1 by screws or bolts or the like. Alternatively it may be a welded coupling. One end of the joining segment 20.4 may be fashioned so that it may couple to the joining bracket at a variety of angles. The other end may be telescopic with the member 20.2 and may be welded screwed or bolted or the like to the same member. Holes may be provided fro fixings. According to this form of the invention the far end, 20.10, of the member 20.2 may be fashioned to accept directly the rotationally adjustable end of the joining bracket 20.11.

These two forms of the invention may be bolted or riveted together.

Alternatively they may be welded together once the correctness of their rotational position has been confirmed.

In figure 21 there is shown three views of a joining bracket 21.0 according to another form of the invention. This form of the invention is the same as that described in figure 19, in how it functions, but is slightly different in how it is made. In this form the joining bracket can have one end 21.5, fashioned to accept a bolt or a rivet or the like in hole 21.4, in such a way as to allow a wide range of joining angles. The other end of the joining bracket 21.0 has been designed to accept either the circumference of, or the sheared end of another joining member. The plurality of tabs shown here as 21.1 and 21.2 may have any number of holes 21.3 (typical) within their bodies. The multipurpose tabs disperse compressive forces that are transmitted through the bracket as well as to house the fixings. Therefore if one of the joining brackets according to the different forms of the invention was to be modified to suit a situation where it could be exposed to increased compressive forces it might be expected that the new form of the invention might include extended tabs that do not have holes to locate fixings. It can be seen viewing this figure that this form of the invention has been made by simply folding one piece of material. It would be appreciated by those experienced in the art that many different methods of fabrication could be used to manufacture this and similar forms of the invention and still remain within their intended scope.

Figure 22 depicts a base plate 22.0 accordingto another form of the invention. This form of the invention can be used to support the ground end of a stay member similar to that used in figure 20. Such a system in use is shown in figure 24. The smaller end of the plate 22.2 can be impacted into the soil by hitting the larger end 22.1 with a hammer or the like. The hole 22.3, in the plate can accept the end 20.10 of the staying member 20.2 of figure 20. Doing this would result in the system not requiring post 20.3 or joining bracket 20.11. Obviously this would result in cost savings for the user.

The plate has been shaped so that the surface area 22.4 at the 22.1 end of the plate is larger than the surface area at the 22.2 end of the plate. As described earlier the purpose of this is to give the plate more soil to support it at ground level than it has under the ground. Then as the load applied to the plate, via the stay, increases the soil at ground level is less likely to yield and thus the plate is less likely to lift out of the ground.

Figure 23 shows three views of a securing bracket 23.0 according to another form of the invention. The outwardly protruding flanges 23.1 and 23.2 are so shaped that they approximately follow the circumferences of a range of shaped and sized members. The holes 23.3 can be used to house fixings such as screws or bolts or the like. Alternatively the bracket could easily be welded in place if the user so desired. In the recess 23.4 there can be housed a chain link or piece of wire or chain or the like. Alternatively the bracket could be used to secure a wire strainer or the like to a structural member such as a fence post. In fact this form of the invention allows the easy on site securing of a range of components. Especially if it is secured with self-drilling screws such as tek screws.

Figure 24 shows a post and stay assembly 24.0, according to one form of the invention. The post 24.1 is being stayed by the staying member 24.4. The post is connected to the same member through the joining bracket 24.2. The staying member, according to one form of the invention, is being supported at its ground end by the stay plate 24.5 according to another form of the invention. In this case the connection is done by inserting the substantially flattened region 24.6 of the stay 24.4, into the hole (not shown) that has been put in the stay plate 24.5.

Figures 25 and 26 relate to the manufacture of a gate 26. Gate 26 is formed from a pair of opposed gate ends 25. The gate ends 25 are formed from an end bar 25.1 having a number of sleeves 25.2 extending horizontally therefrom. The respective gate ends 25 have bars 26.1, 26.2 extending therebetween engaging with the respective sleeves 25.2. The top bar 26.1 is a tubular member that slides over the top sleeves 25.2 of the respective gate ends 25. The remaining bars 26.2 may be solid or of tubular section and are received within respective sleeves 25.2.

In manufacture, the gate may be assembled in the field and adjusted to the desired length with the respective bars slidably engaged with the respective bars 26.1, 26.2 slidably engaged with the respective sleeves 25.2. Once the desired gate length has been set the respective bars 26.1, 26.2 may be permanently affixed to the respective sleeves 25.2. The bars 26.1, 26.2 may be welded to the sleeves 25.2.

Figure 27 shows a rakeable gate end 27. The rakeable gate end 27 has an end piece 27:1 formed from a vertical bar 27.2 and lateral extensions 27.3. The lateral extensions 27.3 have holes 27.4 for connection to pivoting sleeves 27.5. The pivoting sleeves 27.5 are pivotably mounted on the lateral extensions 27.3 by engagement such as using bolts through apertures 27.4 and corresponding apertures 27.6 in the pivoting sleeves 27.5.

Bars (not shown) may be slidably engaged onto or into the pivoting sleeves 27.5.

Figure 28 shows an alternative construction of the vertical member 27.1 shown in Figure 27. The vertical member 28 includes a vertical bar 28.1 and adjustable brackets 28.2 for affixing to the vertical bar 28.1. The preferred method of fixing is welding. The brackets 28.2 have flanges 28.3 for engagement with the vertical bar 28.1.

Figure 29 shows an alternative construction of a vertical bar 29.

The vertical bar 29 has a tubular portion 29.1 extending vertically along the length of the bar 29. A flange 29.2 extends along the tubular portion 29.1 and includes a series of apertures 29.3 for pivotal mounting of suitable sleeve portions (not shown).

Figure 30 shows a rakeable gate formed from a pair of opposed vertical bars 29. Sleeve portions 30.1 are pivotally mounted on the flange 29.2 of the vertical bar 29. Bars 30.2 are slidably engaged with the respective sleeve portions 30.1 for adjustment to the desired size. Upon suitable adjustment the rake of the gate may be fixed by tightening bolts through apertures 29.3 and 30.3 respectively. The length of the gate may be fixed by welding the bars 30.2 to the sleeves 30.1.

While it has been the intention of the author to use these diagrams to explain as best as possible the intended forms of the invention, it must be stressed that these drawing and the written descriptions are by no means intended to limit what form the invention might take once development and testing are under way in earnest. For example it is expected that two of the brackets 19.0 will be coupled together at the 19.1 end using a bolt or a rivet or the like, and the other end of the brackets be used to attach a combination of sheared ends and mid sections of members at a range of angles. This might be used for but is not limited to joining the top sheared end of a pipe fence post or the like, to a circular sectioned cap rail or the like on a fence being built on undulating terrain or the like. Alternatively once manufacturing procedures and costs can be openly analysed it may prove beneficial to fashion one end of the joining segment to accept the joining member directly.

ie bypassing the need for the joining bracket at all. The new joining segment could attach itself in a plane that could allow it rotational freedom in at least one plane. This might be achieved by, but is not limited by, substantially flattening one end of the joining segment and folding over a tab or the like 29 that can be fastened to the to-be-joined member.

It is also foreseen that the invention may take the form of hinges that may screw or the like on to a member of a structure such as a post or the like. In this form the invention would, but is not limited to, allow the securing on site of a gate to a post of unknown size or shape, without the use of a welder. In stating this it will be understood that the invention may be used for securing a range of specific members of different structures and still remain within its intended scope.

Claims

2. A method according to either claim 1 wherein the beam member telescopically engages the inside of the hollow portion of the sleeve member.
3. A method according to either claim 1 wherein the beam member is of hollow section and slidably engages over the hollow portion of the sleeve member.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the selectable-length beam comprises a said sleeve member telescoped to each end of the beam member, each of the sleeve members comprising opposed hollow portions and an intermediate flattened portion for engagement with a respective said post. A method according to anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the flattened portion is at the end of the sleeve member.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the flattened portion is affixed to the post by means selected from a flange or bracket extending from the side of the post.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the beam is a stay fixed to a ground anchor.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the ground anchor is in the form of a base of a post.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein the ground anchor is in the form of a substantially flat plate. 00 1 A method according to claim 9 wherein the flat plate is a trapezium.
11. A method of constructing a gate comprising forming a pair of opposed gate ends, interconnecting said gate ends with a plurality of gate rails each comprising a selectable-length beam comprising a pair of opposed sleeve members having a hollow 00 portion and a flattened portion formed by flattening a hollow part of the sleeve member, and a beam member telescopically engaged with the sleeve members, the flattened portions secured to the respective gate ends, the sleeve members; adjusting the gate to the desired size by sliding the opposed gate ends relative the plurality of rails and fixing the beam members relative to the respective sleeve members.
12. A selectable-length beam comprising a sleeve member having a mounting portion formed by flattening a hollow part of the sleeve member, and a beam member telescopically engaged with said sleeve member.
13. A post-and-beam construction including a post secured to a substrate and a selectable-length beam comprising a sleeve member having a mounting portion formed by flattening a hollow part of the sleeve member, and a beam member telescopically engaged with said sleeve member beam, the mounting portion being secured to the post.
14. A method substantially as hereinabove described with reference to the accompanying drawings Figures 7 to 13, 18, 20, and 25 to