GB2604618A

GB2604618A - Fence element support

Info

Publication number: GB2604618A
Application number: GB2103269.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henman Alastair; White Matthew
Original assignee: Zaun Ltd
Current assignee: Zaun Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-09
Filing date: 2021-03-09
Publication date: 2022-09-14
Also published as: GB202103269D0

Abstract

A fence element support having a frame with an alignment track, a first and second element holder and a securing mechanism. The first element holder is attached to the frame and has a first coupler for engaging a fence element at a first location on the fence element. The second element holder comprises a second coupler for engaging a fence element at second location on the fence element different from the first location. The second coupler has an elongate member extending therefrom. The securing mechanism engages the elongate member and secures the elongate member to the alignment track. The position along the elongate member at which the securing mechanism is engaged is adjustable such that a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction can be altered. The securing mechanism is also movable along the alignment track in a direction transverse to the first direction and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track. The frame may include a support plate or container for ballast. The frame may have wheels which engage the ground when the frame is tilted, to allow the frame to be moved.

Description

Fence Element Support The present invention relates to a support for, and to a method of supporting, a fence element, particularly a fence post or a fence panel, and more particularly to support for a temporary fence post or fence panel.

Fences may be erected to prevent access to a selected area, for example to prevent unauthorised access to an event, construction site, premises or roadworks. These fences may be permanent or temporary and may be formed using wire mesh fence panels having a substantially rigid frame and legs extending from the frame. To support the panels the legs may be inserted into openings in weighted bases and, with the legs inserted into the bases, the frames may be secured together, for example using temporary ties, to provide the fence. In other examples fence posts, each supported by a post base, are erected along a planned fence line and frameless wire mesh panels are secured between the posts to provide the fence.

The present invention provides a fence element support comprising: a frame having an alignment track; a first element holder attached to the frame and having a first coupler for engaging a fence element at a first location on the fence element; a second element holder comprising a second coupler for engaging a fence element at second location on the fence element different from the first location, the second coupler having an elongate member extending therefrom; and a securing mechanism engaging the elongate member and securing the elongate member to the alignment track; wherein a position along the elongate member at which the securing mechanism is engaged is adjustable such that a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction can be altered; and the securing mechanism is movable along the alignment track in a direction transverse to the first direction and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track.

The fence element support permits the distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction to be altered and the position along the alignment track in a direction transverse to the first direction to be adjusted thereby allowing the orientation of the fence element to be adjusted with at least two degrees of freedom. For example the orientation may be adjustable to change both the pitch and the roll of the fence element. This may also be referred to as adjusting the orientation of the fence element in two planes or pluming the fence element. These adjustments are carried out by adjusting the position of the securing mechanism relative to the elongate member and the alignment track. These adjustments allow the fence element to be adjusted to a substantially vertical orientation when the frame is not on level ground.

The fence element may be any element of a fence. The fence element may be a fence post, or may be a fence panel.

The frame may be any suitable size or shape. The frame may comprise a base to rest on a surface such as the ground or a floor. The alignment track may be arranged above the base, for example at least 30 cm or at least 100 cm above the base. The frame may comprise a platform on which one or more weights may be arranged. The weights may be, for example metal or concrete, plates or blocks, or they may be water, or other ballast, filled containers. One or more weights may rest upon the base, or may be coupled to the base. One or more weights may rest upon, or be coupled to, a weight arranged on the platform. The platform may be formed on, or by, the base.

The frame may be so formed as to nest together for transportation and storage.

The fence element support may include wheels arranged on the frame to facilitate movement of the frame. The wheels may be arranged on the frame such the wheels do not engage a surface on which the base rests when in use. The wheels may be arranged on the frame such the wheels can engage the surface and support the frame above a surface when the base is tilted relative to that surface. The wheels may be removable to facilitate storage, nesting and / or stacking.

The frame may comprise a container into which ballast can be added at act as a weight.

The ballast may be a liquid such as water, or may be an aggregate material such as sand, gravel, crushed concrete, or soil. The container may be open at an upper surface, or may include an opening, through which ballast may be added. The container may include a lid or plug to close or cover such an opening.

The frame and / or container may be stackable for transportation and storage.

The alignment track may be an elongate slot formed in the frame, or may be a rail supported by the frame, for example a rod, bar or pole. The rod, bar or pole may have any suitable cross sectional shape, for example it may be circular, square or rectangular in cross section.

The alignment track may be linear or curved. The alignment track may be continuous, or the alignment track may be separated into a plurality of parts.

The first element holder is attached to the frame. The first element holder may be attached to the frame by any suitable means, for example welding, a fixing or coupling, and may be attached to the frame by being integrally formed with the frame, or a part of the frame. The first element holder may be attached to the frame such that the location of the first coupler is substantially fixed relative to the frame. In this way the first coupler can act as a rough pivot about which the orientation of the fence element can be adjusted.

The first coupler may be any suitable means for attachment to a fence element, for example a clamp, cup, or plate which could be fixed to a post, for example using a screw, belt or other fixing. The first coupler may comprise a coupling feature which cooperates with a corresponding coupling feature of a fence element, for example the first coupler may comprise a projection, such as a pin or a hook, which engages within a corresponding opening of the fence element at the first location to couple the first element holder to the fence element.

The second element holder is attached to the frame by the engagement of the securing mechanism with the elongate member and the engagement of the securing mechanism with the alignment track. The elongate member may extend from the second coupler beyond the alignment track, for example it may extend through an alignment slot, or past a rail.

The second coupler may be any suitable means for attachment to a fence element, for example a clamp, cup or plate which could be fixed to a post, for example using a screw, belt or other fixing. The second coupler may comprise a coupling feature which cooperates with a corresponding coupling feature of a fence element, for example the second coupler may comprise a projection, such as a hook, which engages within a corresponding opening of the fence element at the second location to couple the second element holder to the fence element, or bolt/threaded bar with nuts that clamp into a slot in the fencing element. The first and second coupler may be the same style of coupler, or different types of coupler.

The first and second locations on the fence element differ from one another so that alterations to the position along the elongate member at which the securing mechanism is engaged, or the position along the alignment track at which the securing mechanism is secured can move the first location relative to the second location so that the orientation of the fence element can be adjusted or plumbed.

The first and second locations may be separated along an elongate axis of the fence element, for example a length of a fence post, or a height of a fence panel. In use, the first location may be lower than the second location. The first and second location may be separated by at least 25 cm, at least 50 cm, or at least 75 cm.

As set out above, the securing mechanism engages with both the elongate bar and the alignment track. In some examples the elongate member and/or the alignment track may comprise a threaded bar. If a threaded bar is provided, the securing mechanism may comprise one of more nuts engaged with the threaded bar, for example a pair of nuts. A pair of nuts can be individually moved along the threaded bar by rotating and can moved towards one another so that they act against one another, either directly, or via one or more intermediate members, they can effectively lock one another in place. The nuts may be hexagonal nuts, which may be self-locking, but it should be understood that the term nut is used to refer to any internally threaded element that can be moved along a threaded bar by rotation to perform the function.

As set out above, the elongate member may comprise a threaded bar and the alignment track may comprise an elongate slot. With such a combination of features the securing mechanism may comprise a pair of nuts engaged with the threaded bar on opposite sides of the alignment track such that the nuts can be adjusted to clamp to a component in which the alignment track is formed to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track. Washers, or other elements, may be provided between one or both nuts and the alignment track to spread the load and / or enhance the grip between nuts and the component being clamped.

The elongate member may comprise a threaded bar and the alignment track may be a rail. With such a combination of features the securing mechanism may comprise a pair of nuts engaged with the threaded bar on opposite sides of clamping plates that extend to opposing sides of a alignment track such that the nuts can be adjusted to cause the clamp plates to clamp onto to the alignment track to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track. The securing mechanism may be rotatable about the rail to allow the second coupler to move along the fence element. This may allow the elongate member to extend from the fence element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fence element.

The securing mechanism may comprise a first clamp and a second clamp. The first clamp may releasably clamp to the elongate member and the second clamp may releasably clamp to the alignment track to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track.

As set out above, the securing mechanism allows the position along the elongate member at which the securing mechanism is engaged to be adjusted and releasably secured such that a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction can be altered. The first direction may be a direction towards or away from the frame. The position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track in a direction transverse to the first direction can be adjusted and releasably secured. This allows the relative position of the elongate member and frame to be adjusted and secured. In this way the orientation of the fence post can be adjusted with two degrees of freedom, for example pitch and roll. As noted above, this may also be referred to as adjusting the orientation of the fence element in two planes or plumbing the post.

The securing mechanism may be configured to release, and be separated from, and then reengage one or both of the alignment track and the elongate member during movement. The securing mechanism may be configured to translate along one or both of the alignment track and the elongate member during movement, for example by sliding, without being separated therefrom.

The invention also provides a method of supporting a fence element, the method comprising: engaging the fence element at a first location with a first coupler of a first element holder secured to a frame; engaging the fence element at a second location different to the first location with a second coupler of a second element holder secured to an alignment track of the frame by a securing mechanism; adjusting a first orientation of the fence element by altering a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction by altering a position along an elongate member at which the securing mechanism is releasably engaged, the elongate member extending from the second coupler; and adjusting a second orientation of the fence element by altering the location of the securing mechanism along an alignment track of the frame to which the securing mechanism is releasably secured in a direction transverse to the first direction.

The elongate element may comprise a threaded bar. Adjusting a first orientation of the fence element may comprise altering the position of a pair of nuts of the securing mechanism along the threaded bar.

The alignment track may comprise a slot. Adjusting a second orientation of the fence element may comprise altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and releasably fixing the position of the securing mechanism relative to the alignment track by using the nuts to clamp a side of the alignment track between the nuts.

The alignment track may comprise a rail. Adjusting a second orientation of the fence element may comprise altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and releasably fixing the position of the securing mechanism relative to the alignment track by using the nuts to cause a clamp to clamp onto the rail.

The clamp may comprise clamp plates. The clamp plates may be flat clamp plates or may be clamp plates configured to fit around a portion of the rail. The clamp plates may be formed of a section, for example a metal, such as steel, cut to fit around the rail. Cutting or forming the clamp plates to fit around a portion of the rail may improve the effectiveness of the clamping.

The securing mechanism may comprise a first clamp and a second clamp. Adjusting a first orientation of the fence element may comprise altering a position along the elongate member at which the first clamp releasably clamps to the elongate member. Adjusting a second orientation of the fence element may comprise altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and using the second clamp to releasably clamp to the alignment track. The first and second clamps may releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which: Figures 1 to 4 show views of a fence element support supporting a fence post; Figures 5 to 8 show views of a different fence element support supporting a fence post, Figures 9 and 10 show a view of a securing mechanism for use with an alignment track comprising an elongate slot; Figure 11 and 12 show a view of a securing mechanism for use with an alignment track comprising an elongate rail; Figures 13 and 14 show a fence element support comprising wheels; Figure 15 shows a view of a fence element support supporting a fence post; Figures 16 to 20 show detailed views of parts of the fence element support of Figure 15.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a fence element support 1 supporting a fence post 2. The fence element support 1 comprising a frame 4 having an alignment track 6 (seen more clearly in Figures 3 and 4). In this example the frame 4 comprises a base 8 to rest on a ground surface, a riser 10 which extends upwards from the base 8 and a weight 12 which is secured to, or rests upon, the base 8. The alignment track 6 is formed in the riser 10.

The weight 12 may be solid, for example a concrete block, or may be a container into which ballast material such as water, sand or gravel can be loaded to provide a variable weight. In this example the weight 12 is secured to the base Band it may also be secured to the riser 10. In other examples the weight may be formed integrally with the base and / or riser, or other part of the frame 4. In further examples, the weight may rest on the base without any connection.

The fence element support 1 comprises a first element holder 14 attached to the frame 4 and having a first coupler 16 engaging the fence post 2 at a first location 18 adjacent to a bottom end of the fence post 2. In this example the location of the first coupler 16 is fixed relative to the frame 4.

The fence element support 1 further comprises a second element holder 20 comprising a second coupler 22 engaging a fence post 2 at second location 24 which is higher up the fence post 2 from the first location 18. The second coupler 22 has an elongate member 26 extending therefrom.

In this example the first and second couplers 16, 22 surround the fence post 2 and engage the fence post 2 by clamping.

The fence element support 1 comprises a securing mechanism 28 engaging the elongate member 26 and securing the elongate member 26 to the alignment track 6. Examples of securing mechanisms 28 will be described in more detail with reference to later figures.

The position along the elongate member 26 at which the securing mechanism 28 is engaged can be adjusted. This adjustment allows a distance 32 between the second coupler 22 and the alignment track 6 in a first direction 30 On this view, right to left across the page) to be altered.

The securing mechanism 28 is movable along the alignment track 6 in a direction transverse to the first direction 30 On this view the direction transverse to the first direction is into, or out of the page) and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track 6. This adjustment will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the fence element support 1 of Figure 1 in which the position along the elongate member 26 at which the securing mechanism 28 is engaged has been adjusted to increase the distance 32 between the second coupler 22 and the alignment track 6 in a first direction 30.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the first coupler 16 has provided a pivot in the region of the first location 18 about which the post 2 has rotated. This adjustment changes the orientation of the fence post 2 in a first plane to alter the pitch of the fence post 2 relative to the frame 4.

20 25 30 Figure 3 shows a view from the front of the fence element support 1 supporting a fence post 2 of Figure 1. This view from the front shows that the alignment track 6 is an elongate slot 34 formed through the riser 10 of the frame 4. It should be understood that an elongate slot 34 can be provided on the frame 4 in a variety of different ways.

The securing mechanism 28 (not visible in this Figure) is movable along the alignment track 6 in a direction 36 (n this view right to left across the page) transverse to the first direction 30. The securing mechanism 28 can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track 6. This adjustment allows the position of the second coupler 22 to be adjusted relative to the first coupler 16 to change the orientation of the fence post 2.

Figure 4 shows a view from the front of the fence element support 1 of Figure 1 in which the location in which the securing mechanism 28 is releasably secured to the alignment track 6 has been changed from that in Figure 3.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the first coupler 16 has, again, provided a pivot in the region of the first location 18 about which the post 2 has rotated. This adjustment changes the orientation of the fence post 2 in a second plane to alter the roll of the fence post relative to the frame 4.

In the examples of Figures 1 to 4 the elongate member 26 extends through the securing mechanism 28 so that, in this example the elongate member 26 extends through the slot 34.

Figures 1 to 4 show that using the securing mechanism 28, and changing the location at which it engages the elongate member 28 of the second element holder 20 and at which it is secured to the alignment track 6 it is possible to change the orientation in two planes. This provides two degrees of freedom so that the pitch and roll of the fence post 2 can be adjusted to ensure that the fence post can be made substantially vertical even when the frame 4 is placed on a non-horizontal surface.

Although the elongate slot 34 is shown as linear in this example, the elongate slot, or a rail providing the alignment track, may be curved and have a centre of curvature which viewed from the front that substantially matches the position of the first location 18. This may avoid movement of the second coupler 22 along the fence post as the roll orientation is adjusted.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a fence element support 101 supporting a fence post 2.

Functionally the fence element support 101 is similar to fence element support 1 of Figure 1 and like elements will be referenced with the same reference numerals.

The fence element support 101 comprises a frame 104 having an alignment track 106 (seen more clearly in Figures 7 and 8) In this example the frame 104 comprises a base weight 112 to rest on a ground surface, a riser 110 which extends upwards from the base 112.

The fence element support 101 comprises a first element holder 114 attached to the frame 104 and having a first coupler 116 in the form of a cup in which a bottom of the fence post 2 is engaged.

The fence element support 101 further comprises a second element holder 120 comprising a second coupler 122 engaging a fence post 2 higher up the fence post 2 than the first coupler 116. The second coupler 122 has an elongate member 126 extending therefrom. The second coupler 122 comprises a projection feature that extends into a corresponding opening in the fence post 2 at the second location 24.

The fence element support 101 comprises a securing mechanism 128 engaging the elongate member 126 and securing the elongate member 126 to the alignment track 106. Examples of securing mechanisms 128 will be described in more detail with reference to later figures.

The position along the elongate member 126 at which the securing mechanism 128 is engaged can be adjusted of in the example of Figure 1. Also, the securing mechanism 128 is movable along the alignment track 106 and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track 106. This adjustment will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the fence element support 101 of Figure 1 in which the position along the elongate member 126 at which the securing mechanism 128 is engaged has been adjusted. This adjustment changes the orientation of the fence post 2 in a first plane to alter the pitch of the fence post relative to the frame 104.

Figure 7 shows a view from the front of the fence element support 1 supporting a fence post 2 of Figure 1. This view from the front shows that the alignment track 106 is an elongate rail 38. The riser 110 comprises two legs 40,42 and the elongate rail 38 extends across a gap between the two legs 40,42 of the riser 110. It should be understood that a single riser 40 could support a rail 38 adjacent an end of the rail 38, or in another location, for example a central location.

As with the example of Figure 1, the securing mechanism 128 is movable along the alignment track 6 and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track 6. This adjustment allows the position of the second coupler 122 to be adjusted relative to the first coupler 116 to change the orientation of the fence post 2.

Figure 8 shows a view from the front of the fence element support 1 of Figure 1 in which the location in which the securing mechanism 128 is releasably secured to the alignment track 6 has been changed from that in Figure 7.

As can be seen in Figure 8, the first coupler 116 has, again, provided a pivot about which the post 2 has rotated. This adjustment changes the orientation of the fence post 2 in a second plane to alter the roll of the fence post relative to the frame 104.

In the examples of Figures 5 to 8 the elongate member 126 extends through the securing mechanism 28 so that, in this example the elongate member 126 extends past the slot rail 38.

Figure 9 shows a securing mechanism 228 suitable for use in the fence element support 1 of Figure 1. The securing mechanism 228 is for use with an elongate member 26 in the form of a threaded bar and comprises a pair of nuts 44,46 which are located on opposite sides of a slot 34 formed in a riser 10 which provides the alignment track 6.

A first end 48 of the elongate member 26 extends to the second coupler 22 (not shown). In use the nuts 44,46 are adjusted to separate them so that they can be moved more easily and the position of the nuts 44,46 along the elongate member 26 adjusted to achieve the desired distance between the slot 34 and the second coupler and to locate the securing mechanism 228 in a desired position along the slot 34, The nuts 44,46 can then be moved towards one another to clamp the riser 10 on each side of the slot 34 between the nuts 44,46. When the riser 10 is clamped between the nuts 44,46 the nuts 44,46 are secured in position on the elongate member 26 and fix the relative position of the elongate member 26 and the riser 10.

Figure 10 shows a securing mechanism 328 suitable for use in the fence element support 1 of Figure 1. The securing mechanism 328 is for use with an elongate member 26 in the form of a solid bar and comprises a pair of collars 50,52 which are located on opposite sides of a slot 34 formed in a riser 10 which provides the alignment track 6.

A first end 48 of the elongate member 26 extends to the second coupler 22 (not shown). In use the collars 50,52 are loosened by releasing a respective clamp bolt 54,56 to allow the collars 50,52 to move along the elongate member 26. The collars 50,52 are moved along the elongate member 26 to achieve the desired distance between the slot 34 and the second coupler and the elongate member 26 and collars 50,52 are moved to locate the securing mechanism 328 in a desired location along the slot 34. To facilitate the gripping of the collars 50,52 to the riser 10 a gripping washer 58,60, for example a rubber washer or washer with an abrasive and / or textured surface is provided between each collar 50,52. The collars 50,52 can then be pressed towards one another to clamp the riser 10 between them and the securing bolts 54,56 can be tightened to secure the collars 50,52. When the riser 10 is clamped between the collars 50,52 the collars 50,52 are secured in position and fix the relative position of the elongate member 26 and the riser 10.

In other examples one collar and one nut could be used with an elongate member comprising a threaded bar to provide similar functionality.

Figure 11 shows a securing mechanism 428 suitable for use in the fence element support 101 of Figure 5. The securing mechanism 428 is for use with an elongate member 126 in the form of a threaded bar and comprises a pair of nuts 62,64 which are located on opposite sides of clamp plates 66,68 which extend to opposite sides of a rail 38 which provides the alignment track 106.

A first end 48 of the elongate member 126 extends to the second coupler 122 (not shown). In use the nuts 62,64 are adjusted to separate them so that they can be moved more easily along the elongate member 126 and the position of the nuts 62,64 along the elongate member 126 adjusted to achieve the desired distance between the rail 38 and the second coupler and the clamp plates 66,68 are moved along the rail to locate the securing mechanism 428 in a desired location along the rail 38, The nuts 62,64 can then be moved towards one another to clamp the rail 38 between the clamp plates 66,68. When the rail 38 is clamped between the clamp plates 66,68 the nuts 62,64 are secured in position and fix the relative position of the elongate member 126 and the rail 38.

Figure 12 shows a securing mechanism 528 suitable for use in the fence element support 101 of Figure 5. The securing mechanism 528 is for use with an elongate member 126 in the form of a bar or rod and comprises ta body 74 with two clamp bolts 70, 72. A first clamp bolt 70 is arranged to extend though a portion of the body 74 to engage the elongate member 126 and clamp the elongate member 126 to another part of the body 74. A second clamp bolt 72 is arranged to extend though a portion of the body 74 to engage rail 38 and clamp the rail 38 to another part of the body 74.

A first end 48 of the elongate member 126 extends to the second coupler 122 (not shown).

In use the first clamp bolt 70 can be loosened, the position of the securing mechanism 528 along the elongate member 126 adjusted as required and the first clamp bolt 70 then tightened. The second clamp bolt 72 can be loosened, the position of the securing mechanism 528 along the rail 38 adjusted as required and the second clamp bolt 72 then tightened.

In some examples both clamp bolts 70,72 may be loosened and the securing mechanism 528 arranged with respect to the elongate member 126 and the rail 38 prior to tightening of both clamp bolts.

Figures 13 and 14 show a fence element support 201 comprising wheels 76. The wheels 76 are offset from the base 208 so that they are arranged above the base 208 and, in this example, on the fence post side of the base 208.

When the base 208 of the fence element support 201 is resting on the ground 78 the wheels 76 are not in contact with the ground 78, as shown in Figure 13. However, the fence element support 201 can be tilted so that the wheels 76 engage the ground 78 and support the fence element support 201. This facilitates movement of the fence element support 201.

Figure 15 shows view of a fence element support 301 supporting a fence post 302, in this example the fence post 302 is a hollow square section post. The fence support element 301 comprises a frame 304. The frame comprises a base 308 on which weight 312 is arranged.

A first coupler 316 engages the fence post 2 at a first location and a second coupler 322 engages the post at a second location higher up the post than the first location.

As in previous examples, an elongate member 326 extending from the second coupler 322 is releasably fixed relative to a rail 338 which provides an alignment track by a securing mechanism 628.

Figure 16 shows a securing mechanism 628 suitable for use in the fence element support 101 of Figure 5. The securing mechanism 628 is for use with an elongate member 126 in the form of a threaded bar and comprises a pair of nuts 362,364 which are located on opposite sides of clamp plates 366,368 which extend to opposite sides of the rail 338 and are shaped to extend around a portion thereof. The securing mechanism 628 functions in the same way as the securing mechanism 428 of Figure 11.

Figure 17 shows a side view of the second coupler 322 of Figure 15. The second coupler comprises a pin 80 having an enlarged head 82. The pin 80 fits into a pin slot 84 in the post 2. The pin 80 is secured to the post 80 by clamping a portion of the post 2 between the enlarged head 82 and a pin nut 86.

The elongate member 326 extends substantially perpendicular to the post 2. As the orientation of the post 2 is changed by changing the position at which the securing mechanism 628 engages the elongate member 326 the securing mechanism 628 may rotate about the rail 338.

Figure 18 shows a view from the rear of the second coupler 322 of Figure 15. As can be seen, the pin slot 84 into which the pin 80 is engaged includes an adjustment portion 88. The adjustment portion 88 is a slot aligned along an elongate axis of the post 2. This adjustment portion 88 allows the pin 80 that provides the second coupler 322 to move along the post 2, for example as the orientation of the post 2 is adjusted by moving the securing mechanism along the rail 338 which provides the alignment track. Using a curved alignment track may minimise the movement along the post 2 that may be required.

Figures 19 and 20 shows views of the first coupler 316 of Figure 15. The first coupler 316 comprises a hook 90 which passes through a hook slot 92 to couple the post 302. In this example the hook slot 92 is elongate in a direction perpendicular to the height of the post 302 and the hook 90 includes a vertically extending portion 94. To insert the hook 90 through the hook slot 92 the post 302 can be tilted to align the hook slot 92 and vertically extending portion 94 of the hook 90 so that the hook 90 can pass through the hook slot 92 before the post 302 is returned to a substantially vertical orientation and the hook 90 can the act as a pivot about which the post 302 can rotate as the post 302 is plumbed.

It should be understood that the first coupler 316, second coupler 322 and securing mechanism 628 shown in combination in Figures 15 to 20 can be used together or individually with other compatible parts.

Claims

Claims 1. A fence element support comprising: a frame having an alignment track; a first element holder attached to the frame and having a first coupler for engaging a fence element at a first location on the fence element; a second element holder comprising a second coupler for engaging a fence element at second location on the fence element different from the first location, the second coupler having an elongate member extending therefrom; and a securing mechanism engaging the elongate member and securing the elongate member to the alignment track; wherein a position along the elongate member at which the securing mechanism is engaged is adjustable such that a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction can be altered; and the securing mechanism is movable along the alignment track in a direction transverse to the first direction and can be releasably secured in a plurality of locations along the alignment track.
2. A fence element support as claimed in claim 1, in which the alignment track is an elongate slot or a rail.
3. A fence element support as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the alignment track is curved.
4. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate member comprises a threaded bar and the securing mechanism comprises a pair of nuts.
5. A fence element support as claimed in claim 4, in which the elongate member comprises a threaded bar, the alignment track is an elongate slot and the securing mechanism comprises a pair of nuts engaged with the threaded bar on opposite sides of the alignment track such that the nuts can be adjusted to clamp to the alignment track to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track..
6. A fence element support as claimed in claim 4, in which the elongate member comprises a threaded bar, the alignment track is a raised bar and the securing mechanism comprises a pair of nuts engaged with the threaded bar on opposite sides of clamping plates that extend to opposing sides of a alignment track such that the nuts can be adjusted to cause the clamp plates to clamp to the alignment track to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track.
7. A fence element support as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the securing mechanism comprises a first clamp and a second clamp, the first clamp to releasably clamp to the elongate member and the second clamp to releasably clamp to the alignment track to releasably fix the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track.
8. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the position of the first coupler relative to the frame is fixed.
9. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame comprises a frame weight for stabilising the frame.
10. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame includes a support plate onto which a ballast weight can be added.
11. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame comprises a container into which ballast can be added to adjust the weight of the frame.
12. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fence element is a fence post or a fence panel.
13. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame is tapered so as to stack within, or over other identical frames.
14. A fence element support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame includes a base to rest on a surface and wheels arranged on the frame.
15. A fence element support as claimed in claim 14, in which the wheels are arranged on the frame such the wheels can engage the surface and support the frame above the surface when the base is tilted.
16. A fence element support as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, in which the wheels are removable.
17. A method of supporting a fence element, the method comprising: engaging the fence element at a first location with a first coupler of a first element holder secured to a frame; engaging the fence element at a second location different to the first location with a second coupler of a second element holder secured to an alignment track of the frame by a securing mechanism; adjusting a first orientation of the fence element by altering a distance between the second coupler and the alignment track in a first direction by altering a position along an elongate member at which the securing mechanism is releasably engaged, the elongate member extending from the second coupler; and adjusting a second orientation of the fence element by altering the location of the securing mechanism along an alignment track of the frame to which the securing mechanism is releasably secured in a direction transverse to the first direction.
18 A method as claimed in claim 17, in which the elongate element comprises a threaded bar and adjusting a first orientation of the fence element comprises altering the position of a pair of nuts of the securing mechanism along the threaded bar.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which the alignment track comprises a slot and adjusting a second orientation of the fence element comprises altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and releasably fixing the position of the securing mechanism relative to the alignment track by using the nuts to clamp a side of the alignment track between the nuts.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which the alignment track comprises a rail and adjusting a second orientation of the fence element comprises altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and releasably fixing the position of the securing mechanism relative to the alignment track by using the nuts to cause clamp plates to clamp the rail.
21. A method as claimed in claim 17, in which the securing mechanism comprises a first clamp and a second clamp, and in which adjusting a first orientation of the fence element comprises altering a position along the elongate member at which the first clamp releasably clamps to the elongate member, and in which adjusting a second orientation of the fence element comprises altering the position of the securing mechanism along the alignment track and using the second clamp to releasably clamp to the alignment track, the first and second clamps releasably fixing the position of the elongate member relative to the alignment track.
22. A method of supporting a fence element as claimed in any of claims 17 to 21, in which the method uses a fence element support as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16.