AU2012220366B2

AU2012220366B2 - Stay assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2012220366B2
Application number: AU2012220366A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lawrence O'toole
Original assignee: Infrabuild Wire Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Infrabuild Wire Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-02-25
Filing date: 2012-02-24
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-24
Also published as: WO2012113033A1; NZ614618A; AU2012220366A1; AU2016202237B2; AU2016202237A1; NZ706139A

Abstract

Disclosed is a pad (10) for use with a prop (30) for supporting post (P) in a fence line (F). The pad comprises a base (12), and a support, region (15) located with respect to the base and adapted for supporting a remote end of the prop. The pad is configured such that an in-use upper surface of the base slopes from an edge of the base up to the support region.

Description

- 1 STAY ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD Improved components for a stay assembly are disclosed. The components are 5 employed with a strainer post in a fence line (e.g. in agricultural applications, etc). A kit for supplying the stay assembly is also disclosed. BACKGROUND ART Components for a stay assembly for a strainer post in a fence line (e.g. for 10 agricultural applications) can comprise the stay itself (e.g. a prop that may take the form of a pipe), a thrust pad for supporting a remote end of the stay with respect to the ground, a bracket for connecting the stay remote end to the thrust pad, and a tensioning rod which, when tensioned, secures together the bracket, stay remote end, and thrust pad (i.e. it tensions the assembly together). 15 An example of a known fence post stay assembly is shown in AU 2002100597. The pad of this assembly has been observed to trap moisture, dirt and debris, and a number of the components can be relatively complex and costly to manufacture and supply. The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that 20 the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the components as disclosed herein. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 25 In a first aspect there is disclosed a pad for use with a prop for supporting a strainer post in a fence line. Such a pad is often referred to as a thrust pad, in that in can transfer force at the strainer post to adjacent ground in use. The pad comprises a base, and a support region located with respect to the base. The support region is adapted for supporting a remote end of the prop and a plurality of discrete ribs upstanding from the 30 upper surface of the base and that each radiate out from the support region. 7420233_1 - 2 In accordance with the first aspect the pad is configured such that an in-use upper surface of the base and ribs slope down from the support region towards an edge of the base. The provision of this sloping upper surface means that water, moisture, dirt, 5 dust, debris, etc do not accumulate on the pad when out "in the field" in use. Rather, such matter "runs off' the pad. This can enhance pad function, improve its aesthetics, as well as improve the life of the stay assembly (e.g. corrosion is less likely to occur). In one form the support region can generally be centrally located with respect to the base. Thus, the upper surface can slope up to the support region from the edge 10 around a perimeter thereof (i.e. the upper surface can be sloped right around the base). In one form the support region can be configured such that an upper part thereof also slopes up in use. This slope can extend from an end of the support region that faces a remote (i.e. in-use rearward) part of the base edge, to an opposing end of the support region that faces a distal (i.e. in-use forward) part of the base edge. This sloping of the 15 support region helps to better orient it (and thus the pad) to the line of force transferred through the prop. The pad may further comprise a plurality of discrete ribs upstanding from the upper surface of the base. Each such rib may radiate out from the support region (i.e. to terminate near or at the edge of the base). The ribs function to strengthen the pad, and 20 help in transferring and distributing thrust forces more evenly throughout the pad in use. In one form the support region can be adapted for supporting a bracket. The bracket can be adapted for receiving thereat the remote end of the prop. For example, when the remote end of the prop is open, a part of the bracket can locate within the open end to locate and support the prop at the support region. 25 Usually the pad is moulded from plastic (e.g. from a lower cost recycled or low grade plastic). In a second aspect there is disclosed a bracket for use with a pad (e.g. a thrust pad) that in use forms part of a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line. A tensioning rod extends from the strainer post to the pad. The bracket of the 30 second aspect comprises: 7420233_1 - 3 - a body for secure location at a region of the pad, the body configured such that the tensioning rod can be connected to the pad at the body; and - a support part extending from the body. The support part comprises a protrusion for location within an opening at a remote end of a prop of the assembly, and 5 a step for supporting an in-use lower edge of the prop at its remote end. The combination of the step and protrusion functions to better retain and maintain the lower edge of the prop at its remote end. This also results in a better translation of thrust force through to the pad in use. In one form the protrusion can extend forwardly in use from an edge of the 10 body. The step can extend orthogonally downwards in use from this edge of the body and then forwards. Thus, as the protrusion and step project from the same body edge, again they are better able to work together to retain and maintain the lower edge of the prop at its remote end. In one form a flange extends orthogonally downwards in use from an opposite 15 edge of the body. This flange, together with the step, can be adapted (e.g. sized and configured) to locate on opposite ends of a bracket support region (e.g. the support region as defined in the pad of the first aspect), to locate the bracket on the pad. In this form, the flange may extend downwards to a greater extent than the step. A hole can be provided in that extent of the flange. The spacing of the flange and step can be such that 20 the bracket is push- or press-fit onto the support region to be retained thereat. In this form the hole in the extent of the flange can receive therethrough a distal end of a tensioning rod of the stay assembly which, when tensioned (e.g. by a tensioning nut) can secure the bracket to the pad. In this regard, a protruding end of the tensioning rod can be externally threaded to receive the tensioning nut thereon. The nut 25 can engage against the flange in use of the stay assembly. When so located, and when the tensioning nut is screw-tightened on the rod, the flange (and thus the bracket) can be forced against to become secured to the support region of the pad. Because the bracket engages the prop, screw-tightening of the tensioning nut also creates tension in the rod, to thereby tension the stay assembly. 30 In one form the bracket can be formed (e.g. punched or cut) from a single piece of sheet metal. This can provide a bracket that is simple and of low cost to manufacture. 7420233_1 - 4 The bracket of the third aspect can be adapted for being located at the support region of the pad of the first aspect. In a third aspect there is disclosed a prop for use as part of a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line. The prop of the third aspect comprises a head 5 at one end of the prop that is adapted for close-facing engagement with a profile of the strainer post. In this regard, a distal edge of the head is shaped so as to generally match the profile of the strainer post. This close-facing matching of the head distal edge to the strainer post profile results is less slippage between the prop and strainer post when e.g. the assembly is 10 adjusted in situ (e.g. during set-up when, for example, the pad is initially moved about to an optimal location). In other words, the prop and strainer post tend to remain "connected". In one form, when the strainer post has a circular profile, the distal edge of the head can be provided with a corresponding concave curvature to generally match and 15 closely receive thereat the circular profile of the strainer post. In one form, when the prop comprises a tube, the head can be defined by a flattened end of the tube. In one form a spigot can be defined to project from an intermediate location along the distal edge of the head. A corresponding recess can be defined at the strainer 20 post to receive and locate the spigot therein. An opposite end the prop of the fourth aspect can be adapted (e.g. made open) for locating at the bracket as defined in the third aspect. In a forth aspect there is disclosed a tensioning rod for use as part of a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line, the stay assembly comprising a 25 pad spaced from the strainer post in use, the rod comprises first and second lengths, each having first and second ends, a first end of the first length for location at the pad whereby tension is able to be applied to the tensioning rod, the tension in the rod able to be adjusted at the pad, a first end of the second length for location at the strainer post, and a connector is provided for interconnecting the first and second lengths at 30 respective adjacent second ends thereof so as to define a full length of rod for use in the stay assembly. 7420233_1 - 5 The use of a connector means that the tensioning rod can be dismantled into its first and second lengths (e.g. for supply and storage, especially when supplied as part of a kit). In one form the first and second lengths can be externally threaded at their 5 second ends, adjacent to their interconnection. In this form, the connector can comprise a nut sized (e.g. of sufficient length) for threadably coupling with and joining the first and second lengths at the first and second ends. This length of nut can be sufficient such that the first and second lengths resists bending and deflection at their interconnection. The tensioning rod of the forth aspect wherein the first end of the first length 10 can be adapted for locating at the support region of the pad as defined in the first and second aspects, and can secure to the bracket as defined in the third aspect. In a fifth aspect there is disclosed a kit for supplying a stay assembly for use with a fence line. The kit comprises a hollow strainer post. The kit also comprises a prop and a tensioning rod. Each of the prop and tensioning rod is adapted (e.g. sized) 15 for location within the hollow of the strainer post so as to enable their supply therewith (i.e. as part of the kit). Thus, a stay assembly for use with a fence line can be supplied (e.g. to a farmer) in kit form. This can enable a neatly packaged, self-contained assembly to be provided to a user (e.g. a farmer) at point of sale. The kit can also provide for portability (e.g. 20 when the stay assembly is to be used in remote locations). The prop can comprise the prop of the fourth aspect, and the tensioning rod can comprise the rod of the fifth aspect (i.e. that can be dismantled into first and second lengths for ease of supply within the strainer post). The kit of the fifth aspect can further comprise a pad for supporting a remote 25 end of the prop when in use in a stay assembly for supporting the strainer post in a fence line. Usually the pad is supplied separate to the strainer post and not in a dismantled/collapsed form (i.e. whereby it could be located within the strainer post). The pad may take the form of the pad of the first or second aspects. The kit of the fifth aspect can further comprise a bracket for use with the pad to 30 support the remote end of the prop when in use in a stay assembly. In such case, the bracket may also be adapted (e.g. sized) for location within the hollow of the strainer 7420233_1 - 6 post so as to enable its supply therewith. The bracket may take the form of the bracket of the third aspect. In one form of the kit, the hollow strainer post can be open at one end, and the kit can further comprise a cap for releasably closing the open end. Thus, the prop, 5 tensioning rod, and (when suitably sized) the bracket can be located within the hollow, and then the open end can be closed by the cap, for a secure supply of components with the strainer post. The hollow strainer post can be closed at an opposite end (e.g. welded closed by a plate or closable such as by another cap) to help retain the components therewithin prior to use. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the components and kit for the stay assembly as set forth in the Summary, specific component embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with 15 reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A to IC show perspective, plan and reverse end views of a first pad embodiment for use with a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line; Figure 2A shows a side view of the pad of Figure 1 with a first bracket embodiment positioned thereon, and Figure 2B shows a schematic end view of two of 20 the pads of Figure 1 in a stacked configuration; Figures 3A to 3C show side, plan and end views of the first bracket embodiment for use with the pad of Figures 1 and 2 to form part of the stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line; Figure 4A shows a perspective view and Figure 4B shows a side schematic of 25 the bracket of Figure 3, when mounted to a central support region of the pad of Figure 1, with an open end of a prop being supported at the bracket, and with a tensioning rod extending through a rear of the bracket; Figure 5 shows a side view of a first tensioning rod embodiment for use with a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line; 30 Figures 6A and 6B show plan and side views of a first prop embodiment for use with a stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line; 7420233_1 - 7 Figure 7 shows a perspective schematic detail of two respective props of Figure 6, with a specially formed end of each prop being supported at opposing respective sides of a circular strainer post; Figures 8A to 8D show plan, side, end and perspective views of a first stay 5 assembly embodiment for supporting a first strainer post in a fence line, the assembly comprising a dual (opposing) arrangement of the pad, bracket and tensioning rod components of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a second stay assembly embodiment for supporting a second strainer post in a fence line, the assembly comprising the pad, 10 bracket, prop and tensioning rod components of Figures I to 7; and Figures 1OA and 1OB show perspective views of two different strainer post configurations that can form part of the stay assembly of Figure 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 15 Prior to describing the components of Figures I to 7, two different stay assemblies will first be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Several of the components of Figures 1 to 7 can be employed with each of these assemblies. First Stay Assembly 20 Referring firstly to Figure 8, a first stay assembly A is shown for supporting a strainer post P in a fence line. The assembly A is a dual assembly in that it comprises two thrust pads 10, with each pad supporting a respective prop support bracket 20. The assembly A also comprises two props 30 and two collapsible tensioning rods 40. The dual pads, brackets, props and rods in assembly A are arranged in an opposing 25 configuration (as shown). Each prop 30 supports the strainer post in the fence line, enabling it to better withstand fence tension and loading forces, and knocks and bumps from livestock. The tensioning rod 40 is used to tension the stay assembly. The strainer post P of Figure 8 comprises elongate angle (e.g. of L-section) 30 driven into the ground G. The angle has a number of slots S defined near its upper end, 7420233_1 - 8 in flanges of the angle and/or in a plate mounted thereto. The slots S receive and locate a respective flattened upper end of each prop 30 (as described hereafter). The strainer post P of Figure 8 also comprises two lugs L affixed thereat intermediate its ends. These lugs can receive and locate ground securing pins SP (as 5 described hereafter). In addition, locating plates LP for receiving and locating respective ends of the tensioning rods 40 can be affixed to the post P (as described hereafter). Second Stay Assembly 10 Referring now to Figure 9, a second stay assembly A' is shown for supporting a strainer post P' in a fence line F. The assembly A' is a single assembly in that it comprises one each of a thrust pad 10, prop support bracket 20, prop 30 and collapsible tensioning rod 40. It should be understood that the assembly A' can equally assume a dual configuration as per assembly A, or even a multiple configuration (e.g. up to four 15 props 30, etc). The strainer post P' of Figure 9 comprises elongate pipe or tube (e.g. circular pipe or tube) that can be secured in the ground G. The post P' has a number of holes H defined near its upper end to each receive and locate a respective upper end of a given prop 30 (as described hereafter). 20 The strainer post P' employed in the assembly of Figure 9 can take a number of forms. A first form is shown in Figure 1OA as pipe P1'. Pipe P1' comprises two lugs L affixed thereat intermediate its ends for receiving and locating the ground securing pins SP. In addition, rod end locating plates LP can be affixed to the post Pl', adjacent to the lugs L, with the plates LP receiving and locating thereat a respective end of the 25 tensioning rod 40. A second form of the strainer post P' employed in the assembly of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 1OB as pipe P2'. In this case, the lugs L and rod end locating plates LP are affixed to a collar-shaped bracket B. This bracket B is able to be slidingly located along and affixed to the post P2' at a desired location intermediate its ends. 30 7420233_1 - 9 Each of the components for use with the first and second stay assemblies A and A' of Figures 8 and 9 will now be described in greater detail, under respective headings. Pad 5 In Figures 1 and 2, a pad in the form of a thrust pad 10 is shown for supporting an in-use lower distal end of the prop 30. The thrust pad 10 is optimised to transfer fence tension and loading forces, and knocks and bumps, to the adjacent ground G in use. In this regard, the pad has been elongated and narrowed compared to existing thrust pads to allow for better transfer of thrust forces in use from its front (or forward) end 10 1 IF to its back (or rearward) end 11 B. Usually the thrust pad 10 is moulded from plastic (e.g. from a low cost recycled or low grade plastic) to make the pad simple and cheap to produce. The thrust pad 10 comprises a rectangular base 12 which, adjacent to its perimeter, is generally flat at its underside for better engaging with the ground. The 15 base 12 may or may not comprise elongate feet 13 (as shown Figures 2A & B). Away from the perimeter and towards to centre, the base may be concave at its underside, to allow for stacking of like pads (Figure 2B), e.g. when the pads are supplied as part of a kit. Further, the base may comprise four discrete upstanding tabs 14 to facilitate stacking and packing (Figure 2B). 2 0 A support region in the form of a central formation 15 is formed integrally (e.g. moulded into) the base 12 to be located generally centrally with respect to the base. The formation 15 is adapted for supporting a remote end of the prop 30 through the use of the prop support bracket 20. Figure 2A shows the bracket 20 mounted on the formation 15. The bracket is force fit (e.g. press- or push-fit) onto the formation 15 and is further 25 retained thereon by the tensioning rod (see Figure 4B). In use, the bracket 20 directly transfers forces from the prop 30 through to the pad 10 (as described below). As best shown in Figure 2A, the central formation 15 slopes up from a lower rear end that faces back end 11 B of pad 10, to an opposing forward facing end that faces front end 1 IF of pad 10. This sloping of formation 15 helps to better orient it and 30 the bracket 20 to the prop 30 (i.e. to better or more fully receive the in-use line (or main 7420233_1 - 10 vector) of thrust force from the prop 30), enabling the bracket and formation to on transfer this force to the pad. As shown in Figure IC, the central formation 15 comprises opposing and parallel walls 15W that define a groove 15G therebetween. The walls space the bracket 5 20 above the pad such that the tensioning rod 40 can lie in the groove 15G, and extend under and through a rear part of the bracket 20, and against which rear part a tensioning nut can act (as described below). The central formation 15 is supported at its rear by integrally moulded buttresses 16, which translate thrust forces through to upstanding rearwardly projecting ribs 17A 10 and 17B. These ribs terminate from a perimetal edge of the base 12. The central formation 15 is also forwardly supported by forwardly projecting ribs 17C and 17D and also by upstanding laterally projecting ribs 18, with the rib 17D extending right through to the edge of the base 12. The ribs 17 and 18 are integrally moulded into the pad 10 to radiate out from the central formation 15 and to translate forces throughout the pad 10 15 in use. The pad 10 is designed such that an upper surface 19 of the base 12 slopes up from the perimetal edge of the base 12 to the central formation 15 (i.e. sloping right up to the central formation 15 and sloping up right around the base). The provision of this slope means that water, moisture, dirt, dust, etc does not accumulate on the pad when 20 out "in the field" in use. Such matter can thus "run off' the pad. This can enhance the function of the pad, improve its aesthetics, as well as improve the life of the stay assembly (e.g. corrosion and fouling is less likely to occur in and around the bracket 20 and at the prop distal end). Figure 4B shows the central formation 15 supporting the bracket 20, with the 25 tensioning rod 40 extending therethrough. A tensioning nut 41 applies tension to rod 40 and also helps to secure the bracket 20 to formation 15. Bracket 20 supports a lower open distal end 31 of the prop 30. A projecting tongue 22 of the bracket is able to locate within the open end 31 to laterally and vertically support the prop at the pad 10. 30 7420233_1 - 11 Bracket In Figure 3, a bracket in the form of a prop support bracket 20 is shown for supporting the lower open distal end 31 of the prop 30 at the thrust pad 10. The bracket 20 translates fence tension force and fence loading force from the strainer post P, P' via 5 the prop 30, through to the thrust pad 10, and hence through to the ground. The bracket 20 is formed (e.g. punched or cut) from a single piece of sheet metal (e.g. hot-dipped galvanised steel sheet of 3mm thickness) making the bracket simple and economic to manufacture. The bracket 20 comprises a body 21 for location at the central formation 15 of 10 the thrust pad 10. From body 21, a protrusion in the form of the tongue 22 is defined to extend forwardly in use from an edge 23 of the body 21 (i.e. as a continuation of the body 21). The tongue 22 is adapted to locate within the open lower end of 31 of the prop 30 (Figure 4B). A step formation 24 is cut or punched and then bent into the bracket 20, with the step formation extending orthogonally downwards in use from the 15 edge 23 and then forwards. As best shown in Figure 4B, the step formation 24 supports a lower edge of the prop 30 at its open end 31. The tongue 22 and step formation 24 work together to better retain and maintain the prop lower end 31 at the bracket 20, and thus at the thrust pad 10. In this regard, they work together to resist lateral (side-to-side) and vertical (up and down) movement 20 of the prop lower end. This results in a more secure assembly when tensioned, and results in a better translation of thrust force from the prop 30 through to the pad 10 in use. A rear flange 26 of bracket 20 is bent to extend orthogonally downwards in use from an opposite edge 27 of the body 21. The step formation 24 and rear flange 26 are 25 adapted (e.g. spaced and configured) to locate and "grip" onto to respective ends of the formation 15, to help secure the bracket 20 to the thrust pad 10, and to support the bracket against backwards and forwards thrust forces. To further secure the bracket 20 to the formation 15, a hole 27 for a securing screw (e.g. self-tapping screw) can be defined in body 21. This hole may also align with 30 a preformed pilot hole in the formation 15. 7420233_1 - 12 It will also be seen that the rear flange 26 extends downwards from the body 21 to a greater extent than the step formation 24. An elongate hole 28 is provided in this lower extent of the rear flange. As shown in Figure 4B, the hole 28 is able to receive therethrough a distal end 42 of the tensioning rod 40 in the stay assembly. The 5 tensioning rod 40 passes under step formation 24. As also shown in Figure 4B, the protruding distal end 42 or rod 40 can be externally threaded to receive the tensioning nut 41 thereon. The nut is screw-tightened to engage against the rear flange 26 in use of the stay assembly to further secure the bracket to the formation 15 of the thrust pad 10 and to tension the assembly A. A'. 10 Prop Referring to Figures 6A & B and 7, a modified prop 30 for use as part of the stay assembly A' of Figure 9 is shown. The prop 30 connects to the strainer post P' in a fence line and translates fence tension force and fence loading force from the strainer 15 post P', via the bracket 20, to the thrust pad 10 and thence to the ground G. As explained above, the bracket 20 locates the prop open end 31 at the thrust pad 10. The prop 30 is of tube (e.g. of mild steel) and comprises a head 32 at a proximal end of the prop, the head being defined by a flattening/squashing at 33 an end of the tube. The flattened part 33 of head 32 is adapted (e.g. cut to shape along a radius R) to 20 enable its close-facing engagement with a corresponding profile of the strainer post P' (see Figure 7). In this regard, when the strainer post P' has a circular profile (e.g. see Figures 1OA & B), its end is cut such that a resultant distal edge 34 of the head is provided with a corresponding concave curvature to generally match the circular profile of the strainer post P'. 25 This close-facing matching of the distal edge 34 to the strainer post profile results is less slippage between the prop and strainer post in use and when, for example, the assembly A' is adjusted in situ. This adjustment can occur during set-up of the assembly when e.g. the pad is initially moved about to an optimal location. A spigot 36 is formed at the distal edge 34 of the head 32 at an intermediate 30 location along the distal edge. The spigot 36 projects and locates in a corresponding hole H defined in the post P'. 7420233_1 - 13 In the case of the post P of assembly A as shown in Figure 8, the head 32 of the prop may simply be flattened to be inserted into a slot S defined in a plate affixed (e.g. welded) to the strainer post P or a slot S defined in a flange of the angle. Instead of slots, the holes H can be formed in the plate or flange to receive the spigot 36. In either 5 case, this secures the prop 30 to such a post to improve the overall security of the assembly A in use. Tensioning Rod In Figure 5, a modified tensioning rod 40 for use as part of the stay assembly of 10 Figure 6 is shown. The tensioning rod 40 comprises a first section 42 and a second section 44. The first and second rod sections 42, 44 are externally threaded, typically for their full length and at least adjacent to their interconnection. The first and second rod sections 42, 44 can be the same or of different (unequal) length. The protruding distal end 41 defined by the first rod section 42 is also externally threaded. Usually the 15 first and second rod sections are 42, 44 are threaded for their entire length for ease of use. A connector in the form of long nut 46 is provided for interconnecting the first and second sections together so as to define a full length of the rod 40 for use in the stay assembly. 20 The long nut 46 allows the tensioning rod to be dismantled into its first and second rod sections 42, 44. This means that the rod can be supplied and stored as part of a kit. The long nut 46 is of a length to threadably couple with and securely join the first and second rod sections 42, 44 (i.e. for a sufficient distance along each section from their interconnection to prevent rod bending and flexing at the interconnection). 25 Kit for Stay Assembly The stay assembly A or A' can be stored, transported and supplied in a kit form. In the kit, a hollow strainer post P' (e.g. Pl' or P2') having a sufficient effective diameter is employed (i.e. defining a sufficient hollow area to fit the components 30 therein). In this regard, the post P' is sized to receive therein, via its open lower end, the prop 30 and dismantled tensioning rod 40, together with the long nut 46. The post P' is 7420233_1 - 14 also sized to receive therein the prop support bracket 20 and the tensioning nut 41. The thrust pad 10 is supplied separately, although could be redesigned to enable it to be dismantled (e.g. into a number of smaller interconnectable parts) to then be located within the post P'. 5 The kit can be supplied with a suitably sized (e.g. plastic) cap for releasably closing the lower open end of the post P'. Thus, the prop, tensioning rod, and bracket, and all necessary parts, can be located within the hollow of the post. Then, the open end can be closed by the cap, to enable a secure storage, transportation and supply of these components with the strainer post. 10 The kit can be supplied to a user (e.g. a farmer) at point of sale as a neatly packaged, self-contained and portable assembly. For example, the loaded strainer post P' can be shrink-wrapped (or otherwise bundled together) with the thrust pad(s) as a single unit, the unit containing everything the farmer needs to erect the stay assembly. The stay assembly kit is also useful when it is to be employed in remote or 15 difficult-to-access locations (i.e. the kit can be carried to site before being unpacked). Whilst a number of specific stay assembly component and kit embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that the components and kit may be embodied in other forms. 20 For example, the thrust pad 10 can be modular for dismantling and inclusion into the kit. The prop 30 need not take pole/tube form and could, for example, take the form of a strut, rod etc. Whilst the bracket 20 is formed from steel plate, it could be cut and welded from two or more angles etc. Also, the tensioning rod 40 may comprise one or more further 25 sections in addition to the first and second sections 42, 44. This can allow for more compact dismantling. Additional long nuts 46 can be provided. Components of the kit may also be supplied within the prop, which is then located within the strainer post P'. Also, the components can be adapted for use with other than hollow strainer posts, such as the post P, a timber post, a solid (e.g. concrete) 30 post, etc. In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the 7420233_1 - 15 context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and 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 stay assembly components 5 and kit. 7420233_1

Claims

1. A pad for use with a prop for supporting a strainer post in a fence line, the pad comprising a base, and a support region located with respect to the base and adapted for 5 supporting a remote end of the prop, and a plurality of discrete ribs upstanding from an in-use upper surface of the base and that each radiate out from the support region; wherein the pad is configured such that the in-use upper surface of the base and ribs slope down from the support region towards an edge of the base. 10

2. A pad as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support region is generally centrally located with respect to the base such that the upper surface slopes up to the support region from the edge around a perimeter thereof.

3. A pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein an upper part of the support region slopes up in 15 use from an end of the region that faces an in-use rearward part of the base, to an opposing end of the region that faces an in-use forward part of the base.

4. A pad as claimed in claim 1 to 3 wherein the support region is adapted for supporting a bracket, with the bracket being adapted for receiving thereat the remote end of the 20 prop.

5. A pad as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that is moulded from plastic.

6. A stay assembly for supporting a strainer post in a fence line, the stay assembly 25 comprising: a pad as defined in any one of claims I to 5; a bracket; a prop; and a tensioning rod able to extend from the strainer post to the pad; 30 the bracket comprising: 7420233_1 - 17 a body for secure location at a region of the pad, the body configured such that the tensioning rod can be connected to the pad at the body; and a support part extending from the body, the support part comprising a protrusion for location within an opening at a remote end of the prop, and a step for supporting an 5 in-use lower edge of the prop at its remote end.

7. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the protrusion of the bracket extends forwardly in use from an edge of the body, and the step of the bracket extends orthogonally downwards in use from the edge of the body and then forwards. 10

8. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein a flange of the bracket extends orthogonally downwards in use from an opposite edge of the body.

9. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the step and flange of the bracket are 15 adapted to locate on opposite ends of a support region defined with respect to the pad, to locate the bracket on the pad.

10. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the flange of the bracket extends downwards to a greater extent than the step, and comprises a hole in that extent of the 20 flange, through which a distal end of a tensioning rod of the stay assembly can extend.

11. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein a protruding end of the tensioning rod is externally threaded to receive an adjusting nut thereon, the nut being able to engage against the flange of the bracket in use of the stay assembly. 25

12. A stay assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the bracket is formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

13. A stay assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the bracket is 30 adapted for being located at the support region of the pad . 7420233_1 - 18

14. A stay assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the prop comprises a head at one end that is adapted for close-facing engagement with a profile of the strainer post, whereby a distal edge of the head is shaped so as to 5 generally match the profile of the strainer post.

15. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the strainer post has a circular profile, and wherein the distal edge of the head of the prop defines a corresponding concave curvature to generally match the circular profile of the strainer post. 10

16. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the prop comprises a tube, with the head of the prop being defined by a flattened end of the tube.

17. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein the remote end of the prop that 15 locates at the support part of the bracket is defined by an open end of the tube.

18. A stay assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein a spigot is defined to project from an intermediate location along the distal edge of the head of the prop. 20

19. A stay assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein the pad is spaced from the strainer post in use, and wherein the tensioning rod comprises: first and second lengths, each having first and second ends, a first end of the first length being for location at the pad whereby tension is able to be applied to the 25 tensioning rod, the tension in the rod is able to be adjusted at the pad, and a first end of the second length being for location at the strainer post, and a connector for interconnecting the first and second lengths at respective adjacent second ends thereof so as to define a full length of rod for use in the stay assembly. 30

20. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and second lengths of the tensioning rod are externally threaded at their second ends, adjacent to their 7420233_1 - 19 interconnection, and the connector is a nut sized for threadably coupling with and joining the first and second lengths at the first and second ends.

21. A stay assembly as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the first end of the first length 5 of the tensioning rod is adapted for locating at the support region of the pad.

22. A kit for supplying a stay assembly for use with a fence line, the kit comprising a hollow strainer post, a prop and tensioning rod, each adapted for location within the hollow of the strainer post so as to enable their supply therewith, the kit further 10 comprising a pad as defined in any one of claims I to 5.

23. A kit as claimed in claim 22 further comprising a bracket for use with the pad to support a remote end of the prop when in use in a stay assembly. 15

24. A kit as claimed in claim 23 wherein the bracket is also adapted for location within the hollow of the strainer post so as to enable its supply therewith.

25. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the hollow strainer post is open at one end, and the kit further comprises a cap for releasably closing the open end 20 so as to secure the prop, tensioning rod, and (when suitably sized) the bracket, for secure supply with the strainer post.

26. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25 that comprises a bracket as defined in any one of claims 6 to 13, a prop as defined in any one of claims 14 to 18, and a 25 tensioning rod as defined in any one of claims 19 to 21. 7420233_1