GB2439546A

GB2439546A - Fencing post extender

Info

Publication number: GB2439546A
Application number: GB0620834A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Brendan Harrison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-30
Filing date: 2006-10-20
Publication date: 2008-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-20
Also published as: GB0613049D0; GB2439546B; GB0620834D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a fence post extender 100 and a fencing apparatus. The fence post extender comprises a fence post engaging means 1a to engage a fence post, and further comprising an extension means 2a suitable in use for receiving an end portion of a second end post. First and second ends 1, 2 comprise first and second ends of a passageway defined by a wall 10. Fixing means 20a, 20b, are arranged between the first and second ends 1, 2 to fix the ends of posts received by the first and second ends 1, 2. Later embodiments relate to a fencing apparatus comprising at least one fence post extender and a fence panel coupled thereto, a kit of parts comprising a fencing post extender and a method of extending a height of a fence post.

Description

ThROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FENCING The present invention relates to

fencing apparatus and to methods of extending the height of a fence post.

The use of fence posts extending vertical] y from the ground is a well known technique for supporting panels or rai].s in a fence. However, if a fence is to extend over sloping ground it may be difficult to achieve accurate alignment of the fence posts in the vertical direction, and a range of fence posts of different lengths may be required.

Furthermore, the materials typically used for fence posts, and the techniques typically used for fixing fence posts into the ground make it difficult to alter the amount of post extending from the ground once the post has been fixed.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence post extender comprising a fence post engaging means arrangeable in use to engage a fence post, and further comprising an extension means; wherein, in use with the fence post engaging means engaging a fence post the extension means extends the height of the fence post.

Suitably, the tence post engaging means comprises an open ended cavity. Suitdbly, the open ended cavity is located at a first end of the fence post extender, the first end of the fence post extender thereby being suitable for in use receiving an end portion of a first fence post. Suitably, the fence post extender comprises a second end suitable for in use receiving an end portion of a second fence post. Suitably, the fence post extender comprises fixing means arranged between the first and second ends to in use enable the fence post extender to be fixed in place with end portions of first and second fence posts.

Suitably, the first and second ends of the fence post ext.ender comprise the first and second ends of a passageway. Suitably, the passageway is of substantially constant cross section along its length. Suitably, the cross section of the passageway is generally H-shaped.

Suitably, the passageway has internal dimensions substantially equal to the external dimensions of known standard fence posts.

Suitably, the passageway is 20cm to 30cm long.

Suitably, the passageway comprises a divider arranged therein to form a complete or partial barrier extending across the passageway. Suitably, the divider may lie substantially midway between the first and second ends.

Suitably, the divider may lie approximately one third of the way along the passageway from the first end.

Suitably, the fixing means may comprise apertures through the wall of the passageway, suitable for receiving screws or the like. Suitably the fixing means may comprise screws arranged in apertures through the wall of the passageway.

Sul t.ahly, -in use the fence post engaging means encloses the fence post. Suitably, the fence post means and the extension means are integral with one another.

Suitably the fence post engaging means and the extension means are in combination between 0.5m and 3m long.

Suitably, the open end of the cavity is generally H-shaped. Suitably, the cavity is of constant cross section along its length, preferably along its whole length.

Suitably, the extension means comprises a recess running along its length. Suitably, the recess is shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel.

Suitably, the fence post extender comprises a base-panel reception portion. Suitably, in use the fence post engaging means slot fits over a fence post, and a fence base-panel is received in the base-panel reception portion.

In a typical fence, the fence posts support edge portions of a base-panel which rests on the ground, and edge portions of a fence panel are supported by the fence posts as the fence panel rests on the base-panel. The base-panel is typically made from a concrete material, and serves to protect the typically wooden fence panel from damp in the ground and further serves to distance the fence panel from water splashing up onto the fence during periods of rain. However, the size and weight of a typical base-panels makes them difficult to move.

Including a base-panel reception portion in embodiments of the present invention allows these embodiments to be used without the need for the base-panel to he moved. Such embodiments also provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the fence.

Suitably, the fence post extender comprises a plurality of base-panel reception portions. Suitably, the fence post extender comprises two base-panel reception portions provided at opposed sides of the fence post engaging means.

Suitably, the base-panel reception portion comprises a cut out section in a wall of the fence post engaging means. Suitably, the base-panel reception portion comprises a cut out section at the open end of the cavity.

Suitably, the cut out section is between 10cm to 30cm in length from the open end of the cavity, preferably 30cm.

Suitably, the cut out section is between 40mm and 55mm in width, preferably 48mm.

Suitably, the fence post extender is in use maintained in position by engaging the interior surfaces of the cavity with a fence post, and/or by engagement with the ground, and/or by engagement of the base-panel reception portion with a base-panel.

Suitably, the fence post engaging means comprises a channel member, the channel member running along the length of the fence post extender. Suitably, the channel member comprises a recess running along its length.

Sihtably, the recess is shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided fencing apparatus comprising at least one fence post extender according to the first aspect and a fence panel coupled thereto.

Suitably, the fence panel is fixed immovably in position relative to the fence post extender.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of fence post extenders. Suitably, the apparatus comprises a first fence post extender and a second fence post extender, and a fence panel coupled therebetween.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising a fence post extender according to the first aspect of the present invention and a fence panel.

Suitably, the kit of parts further comprises a second fence post extender coupled to the fence panel. Suitably the fence panel is fixed immovably between the first and second fence post extenders.

According to fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of extending the height of a fence post, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fence post extender according to the first aspect; and (b) slot fitting the fence post extender over a first fence post.

Suitably, the method further comprises: positioning a first end of the fence post extender to receive an end portion of the first fence post; positioning an end portion of a second fence post so that it is received by the second end of the fence post extender; and fixing the fence post extender to first and second fence posts using fixing means.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a fence post extender according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the fence post extender of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the fence post extender of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the fence post extender of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side crosssectional view of the fence post extender of Figure 1 in use with first and second fence posts; Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional side view of a fence post extender accordinq to a second embodiment of the present invention slot fitted over a fence post; Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional side view of the fence post extender of Figure 6 being slot fitted over a fence post; Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the fence post extender of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a side schematic view of a fence post extender according to a third embodiment of the present invention slot fitted over a fence post, with a base-panel received in a base-panel reception portion; Figure 10 shows a front schematic view of the fence post extender of Figure 9 slot fitted over a fence post, with a base- panel received in a base-panel reception portion; Figure 11 shows a plan view of a fence post extender according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12 shows a front view of a fence post extender according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a front view of a fence post extender according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; As shown in Figures 1-5, a fence post extender 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention comprises a first end 1 comprising a post engaging means la suitable for in use receiving an end portion of a first fence post and a second end 2 comprising an extension means 2asuitahle in use for receiving an end portion of a second fence post. The first end I and second end 2 comprise Lhe first. and second ends of a passageway defined by a wall 10. Fixing means 20A,20B are arranged between the first and second ends 1,2 to in use enable the fence post extender to fix the first and second fence posts received by the first and seconds in place with one another.

Once a concrete or similar fence post has been fixed into the ground, for example by setting into a concrete, it is extremely difficult to reposition, or replace it.

In some circumstances, the owner of a fence may decide that a taller fence is required. The example embodiments of fence post extender described herein provide simple and effective ways of extending the height of a fence post, either by securing a second fence post to the upper end of a first, fixed fence post to allow a higher fence structure to be constructed, or by forming the extended fence post themselves.

To use the fence post extender 100, a user locates the fence post extender 100 on top of a first post using the post engaging means la, fixes the extender 100 to the first post, then places a second post into the extension means 2a of the extender and fixes the extender to the second post. Alternatively, the fence post extender can be fixed to the second post, before the combination ot fence post extender and second post are fixed to the first post. As will he understood, an amount of extension is also provided by the fence post extender 100, irrespective of whether a second fence post is placed into the extension means 2a.

Tue passageway defined by the wall 10 is of substant ally constant cross section along its length, and in cross section is generally Fl-shaped. The El-shape is chosen with internal dimensions equal to or slightly larger than the external dimensions of a known standard fence post. Typical approximate dimensions for the passageway are 20cm to 30cm in length (preferably 25), 10cm in width across the front face, and 13. 5cm in depth across the side face. The concave portions in the side face comprise a centrally positioned recess of 2.5cm depth from the side face by 5cm across.

Fence posts having dimensions to correspond with the fence post extender 100, or close approximations thereto in Imperial measurements are typically cast in concrete, and are commonly used to support wooden, in particular waney lath panels in the concave portions of the side faces. For convenience, the second fence post may be made from a material of lower mass density than the first fence post, for example a wooden second fence post could be coupled to a concrete first. fence post using the fence post extender of Figures 1-5.

With the fence post extender in place, a taller fence panel than can be supported by the first fence post alone can he supported properly along the whole vertical extent of it edge by the combination of the first and second fence posts and the fence post extender.

The fence post extender may further comprise a divider S arranged to form a complete or partial barrier extending across the passageway. The divider can prevent the fence post extender from sliding down the first fence post past a predetermined point, by abutting an upper end of the first fence post. This can ease installation of the fence post extender. Furthermore, the divider may be shaped to aid correct alignment of the first and second fence posts when the fence post extender is positioned therehetween, for example by providing shaped recess(es) to receive one or both of the first and second end portions.

The divider may lie substantially midway between the first and second end portions, or advantageously may be arranged closer to the bottom of the fence post extender than the top of the fence post extender so that in use a greater part of the second fence post is received by the fence post extender. This arrangement provides additional support to the second fence post.

In example embodiments, the divider may be integral, in part or completely, with the fixing means. In the fence post extender 100, the fixing means 20B comprise self tapping screws which can in use be used to clamp against or to locate in recesses in the first fence post.

The fixing means further comprises openings 20A through the wall 10 througli which a user can convenientiy pass screws, nails or other fixing elements to secure the first and second fence posts. The choice of fixing elements used can be based on the size of and material used for the first and second fence posts.

Figures 6-10 show further exemplary embodiments of the fence post extender.

Figure 6 shows a second emhodment of fence post extender 200.. The fence post extender 200 comprises a first end 203 comprising a post engaging means 203a suitab] e for in use receiving an end portion of a fence post 202. The fence post extender also comprises a second end 204 comprising an extension means 204a. The post engaging means 203a further comprises a cavity 205 open to at least the first end 203. The post engaging means and cavity are dimensioned to receive a fence post 202. The cavity 205 is further dimensioned so that in use the fence post extender encloses the part of a fence post 202 which extends above ground.

The extension means 204a is provided to extend the height of a fence post extender. The height of the fence post extender 200 is chosen to match the height that a user wants the fence post to be increased to. The height may typically be in the range of lm to 5m.

Figure / shows how the fence post extender 200 can be located over a fence post 202 to increase the height of the fence post 202. Once a fence post extender 200 is located over a fence post 202 it is used to receive and support a fence panel of a greater height than would have been advisable with the fence post 202.

In use, the post engaging means 204a is positioned to be pilaced on to a fence post 202 and the fence post extender 200 is then slot fitted over said fence post 202.

The fence post extender 200 is head tn posLtion by engagement with the fence post and the ground, and by its own weight. In other embodiments fixing means may be provided t.o fix the fence post extender 200 in position on said fence post 202.

The fence post 202 when viewed from the top has an H-shaped cross section, and the post engaging means and cavity 205 are fabricated with a corresponding H-shape.

In another example, if a fence post to be extended is square-shaped when viewed from the top the open end arid cavity 205 are sized and shaped to correspond with that.

square-shape.

Figure 8 shows that, when viewed from the top, the fence post extender 200 has a generally 1-1-shaped cross-section. The fence post extender is dimensioned to enable a standard fence panel to be fitted into recesses 206.

The fence post extender comprises a recess 206 along at least one side of the extension means. The fence post extender can in other example embodiments comprise a recess 206 provided on each opposed side of the fence post extender 200.

Figures 9 and 10 show a third embodiment 300 of the fence post extender. The fence post extender 300 is like the second embodiment, and further comprises a base-panel reception portion 311. The base-panel reception portion 311 is provided in a recess 306 at a first end 303.

As shown by Figures 9 arid 10 in fences of the type discussed above, a base-panel 312 is typically used to form the lowermost part of the structure present between the fence posts. Such base-panels 312 are usually made of concrete, arid by virtue of their size and weight are hard to move once in position in a fence structure. The base-panel reception portion 311 is provided to enable the fence post. extender 310 to be fitted over bot.h an existing fence post 302 and a base-panel 312. Where the base-panel reception portion 311 is defined on the fence post extender 310 no material is provided. However, the fence post extender 300 could be provided with built-in line(s) or point(s) of weakness to facilitate removal of material in the area of the base-panel reception portion.

The base-panel reception portion 311 is dimensioned to extend from the first end 303 to a height corresponding to the height of typical base-panels. Such a height will generally be in the range 10cm to 50cm, most usually around 30cm. A base-panel reception portion may be provided in each recess 306.

Figure 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of fence post extender 400 comprises a post engaging means 401. The fence post engaging means 401 comprises a channel member 402 that runs along the length of the fence post extender 400. The channel member is shaped to receive a portion of a fence post and engage the fence post on 1, 2, or more faces thereof. The fence post extender 400 further comprises a recess 403. The recess shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel. The recess portion 403 is provided to run along the length of the channel member 402.

Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fiFth embodiment shows a fencing apparatus 500 comprising a fence post extender 501 coupled to a fence panel 502. Conveniently, the fence post extender 501 is provided immovably coupled to a fence panel 502.

The fence post extender 501 and fence panel 502 are of suitable dimensions to allow the combination to be slot fitted to an existing fence post in a singJe operation.

The fence post extender used in the fencing apparatus of Figure 5 may comprise any combination of features of the first through fourth embodiments.

Figure 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is an fencing apparatus 600 comprising a plurality of fence post extenders 601, 602 and a fence panel 603. Conveniently, at least a first fence post extender 601 and a second fence post extender 602 are provided with a fence panel 603 immovably fixed therebetween. The first and the second fence post extenders 601, 602 and fence panel 603 are of suitable dimensions to allow the combination to be slot fitted over two existing fence posts in a single operation.

The at least first and second fence post extenders used in the fencing apparatus may comprise any combination of features of the first through fourth embodiments.

The exemplary embodiments of the fence post extender described above may conveniently be formed from a metallic material. Steel based materials offer a good baJance between strength, cost and ease of working. Example embodiments may he galvanized, painted or otherwise treated for protection or to give a desired surface finish. Example embodiments may be formed by casting, extrusion or folding from sheet material.

With the fence post extender in place, a taller fence panel than can be supported by the first fence post alone can be supported properly along the whole vertical extent of it edge. The fer1ce post extenders described herein, and the methods of use thereof enable the height of a fence to be increased simply, securely and at low cost, compared to replacing an original fence post with a longer one.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A fence post extender comprising a fence post engaging means

arrangeable in use to engage a fence post, and further comprising an extension means; wherein, in use with the fence post engaging means engaging a fence post the extension means extends the height of the fence post.

2. The fence post extender according to claim 1, wherein, Lhe fence post engaging means comprises an open ended caviLy.

3. The fence post extender according to 2, wherein the open ended cavity is located at a first end of the fence post extender, the first end of the fence post extender arrangeable in use to receive an end portion of a first fence post.

4. The fence post extender according to claim 3, wherein, the fence post extender comprises a second end for in use receiving an end portion of a second fence post.

3. The fence post extender according to claim 4, wherein the fence post extender comprises fixing means arranged between tlie first and second ends to in use enable the fence post extender to be fixed in place with end portions of first and second fence posts.

6. The fence post extender according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second ends of the fence post extender comprise the first and second ends of a passageway.

7. The fence post extender according to claim 6, wherein the passageway is of substantially constant cross section along its length.

8. The fence post extender according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cross section of the passageway is generally H-shaped.

9. mc fence post extender according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the passageway has internal dimensions substantially equal to t. he external dimensions of known standard fence posts.

10. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein the passageway is 20cm to 30cm long.

11. The fence post extender according to any one of claim 6-10, wherein the passageway comprises a divider arranged therein to form a complete or partial barrier extending across the passageway.

12. The fence post extender according to claim 11, wherein the divider lies substantially midway between the first and second ends.

13. The fence post extender according to claim 11, wherein the divider lies approximately one third of the way along the passageway from the first end.

14. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprises apertures through a wall of the fence post engaging means, the apertures suitable for receiving screws or the like.

15. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein in use the fence post engaging means encloses the fence post.

16. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means and the extension means are integral with one another.

17. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means and the extension means are in combination between 0.5m and 3m long.

18. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 2-17, wherein the open end of the cavity is generally H-shaped.

19. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 2-18, wherein the cavity is of constant cross section along its length.

20. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension means comprises a recess running along its length.

21. The tence post extender according to claim 20, wherein the recess is shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel.

22. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim comprising a base-panel reception portion.

23. The fence post extender according to claim 22, wherein in use the fence post engaging means slot fits over a fence post, and a fence base-panel is received in Lhe base-panel reception portion.

24. The fence post extender according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the fence post extender comprises a plurality of base-panel reception portions.

25. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein the fence post extender comprises two base-panel reception portions provided at opposed sides of the fence post engaging means.

26. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 22-25, wherein the base-panel reception portion comprises a cut out section in a wall of the fence post engaging means.

27. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 22-26, wherein the base--panel reception portion comprises a cut out section at the open end of the cavity.

28. The fence post extender according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the cut out section is 30cm in length from the open end of the cavity.

29. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 2-28, wherein the fence post extender is in use maintained in position by engaging the interior surfaces of the cavity with a fence post, and/or by engagement with the ground.

30. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means comprises a channel member.

31. The fence post extender according to claim 30, wherein the channel member comprises a recess running along its length.

32. The fence post extender according to claim 31, wherein the recess is shaped Lo in use receive arid support an edge portion of a fence panel.

33. A fencing apparatus comprising at least one fence post extender according to any one of claims 1-32 and a fence panel coupled thereto.

34. The fencing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the fence panel is fixed immovably in position relative to the fence post extender.

35. The fencing apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of fence post extenders.

36. The fencing apparatus according to any one of claim 33-35, wherein the apparatus comprises a first fence post extender arid a second fence post extender, and a fence panel coupled therebetween.

3/. A kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising a fence post extender according to any one of claims 1-32 and a fence panel.

38. The kit of parts according to claim 37 further comprising a second fence post extender coupled to the fence panel.

39. The kit of parts according to claim 38, wherein the fence panel is fixed immovably between the first and second fence post extenders.

40. A method of extending the height of a fence post, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fence post extender according to the first aspect; and (b) slot fitting the fence post extender over a first fence post.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the method further comprises: positioning a first end of the fence post extender to receive an end portion of the first fence post; positioning an end portion of a second fence post so that it is received by the second end of the fence post extender; and fixing the fence post extender to first and second fence posts using fixing means.

42. A fence post extender substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A fencing apparatus substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 12 and 13.

44. A kit of parts substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of extending the height of a fence post, the method substantially as herein described.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS: 1. A fence post extender comprising a fence post engaging means arrangeable in use to engage a fence post, and further comprising an extension means; wherein, in use with the fence post engaging means engaging a fence post the extension means extends the height of the fence post, wherein, the fence post engaging means comprises an open ended cavity of constant cross section along its length and the open end of the cavity is generally H-shaped.

2. The fence post extender according to 1, wherein the open ended cavity is located at a first end of the fence post extender, the first end of the fence post extender arrangeable in use to receive an end portion of a first fence post.

3. The fence post extender according to claim 2, wherein, the fence post extender comprises a second end :.:: 20 for in use receiving an end portion of a second fence * *** post. * *. * * * **

4. The fence post extender according to claim 3, wherein the fence post extender comprises fixing means arranged between the first and second ends to in use enable the fence post extender to be fixed in place with end portions of first and second fence posts.

5. The fence post extender according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second ends of the fence post extender comprise the first and second ends of a passageway. I..

6. The fence post extender according to claim 5, wherein the passageway has internal dimensions substantially equal to the external dimensions of known standard fence posts.

7. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the passageway is 20cm to 30cm long.

8. The fence post extender according to any one of claim 5-7, wherein the passageway comprises a divider arranged therein to form a complete or partial barrier extending across the passageway.

9. The fence post extender according to claim 8, wherein the divider lies substantially midway between the first and second ends.

10. The fence post extender according to claim 8, wherein the divider lies approximately one third of the way along *,*.* 20 the passageway from the first end.

11. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprises apertures through a wall of the fence post engaging means, the apertures suitable for receiving screws or the like. I..

12. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein in use the fence post engaging means encloses the fence post.

13. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means and the extension means are integral with one another.

14. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means and the extension means are in combination between O.5m and 3m long.

15. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension means comprises a recess running along its length.

16. The fence post extender according to claim 15, wherein the recess is shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel.

17. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim comprising a base-panel reception portion.

18. The fence post extender according to claim 17, :. wherein in use the fence post engaging means slot fits over a fence post, and a fence base-panel is received in the base-panel reception portion. * ** ** * * **

19. The fence post extender according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the fence post extender comprises a plurality of base-panel reception portions. ** *

20. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the fence post extender comprises two base-panel reception portions provided at opposed sides of the fence post engaging means.

21. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the base-panel reception portion comprises a cut out section in a wall of the fence post engaging means.

22. The fence post extender according to any one of claims 17-21, wherein the base-panel reception portion comprises a cut out section at the open end of the cavity.

23. The fence post extender according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the cut out section is 30cm in length from the open end of the cavity.

24. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post extender is in use maintained in position by engaging the interior surfaces of the cavity with a fence post, and/or by engagement with the ground.

25. The fence post extender according to any preceding claim, wherein the fence post engaging means comprises a channel member.

26. The fence post extender according to claim 25, wherein the channel member comprises a recess running along its length.

* * 25 27. The fence post extender according to claim 26, wherein the recess is shaped to in use receive and support an edge portion of a fence panel.

28. A fencing apparatus comprising at least one fence post extender according to any one of claims 1-27 and a fence panel coupled thereto.

29. The fencing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the fence panel is fixed immovably in position relative to the fence post extender.

30. The fencing apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of fence post extenders.

31. The fencing apparatus according to any one of claim 28-30, wherein the apparatus comprises a first fence post extender and a second fence post extender, and a fence panel coupled therebetween.

32. A kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising a fence post extender according to any one of claims 1-27 and a fence panel.

33. The kit of parts according to claim 32 further comprising a second fence post extender coupled to the fence panel. **..

34. The kit of parts according to claim 33, wherein the fence panel is fixed immovably between the first and second fence post extenders.

* * 25 35. A fence post extender substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

36. A fencing apparatus substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 12 and 13.

37. A kit of parts substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. as * *** * * a... * .* * * S * 5*

S a. a

S

S..... S *

S a..

S