Improved fence post profile

Abstract

A fence post comprises a profile extrusion assembly of two parts. The first part comprises an elongate rectangular section having an open side configured to receive a fence panel and opposite the open

Description

The present invention relates to fence posts. Specifically, the invention provides a fence post with an improved profile. Wherein the profile includes a plurality of anchor points allowing the post to be securely fastened to both a fence panel and a supporting structure such as a wall or another post. The profile further comprises means of removably securing a protective plate / post configured to cover and protect the fasteners used to secure the post to the other structures. This post is preferably made from a lightweight material such that the post and the fencing it is attached to may be deployed quickly, for example as part of flood defences. Background The present invention relates to a fence post. It is noted that fences can be used for a variety of purposes, some of these purposes may require the fence to be removed and / or replaced regularly. Examples of such uses include decorative fences used around homes and commercial properties, wherein the user may wish to swap the fence panels for a different design, perimeter fences for an event wherein the user would need to be able to both erect and disassemble the fence quickly, using minimal time and labour as the fence will only be needed for the duration of the event, similarly fences may be used as part of a flood defence wherein the fence provides a physical barrier to help stop and redirect the flood water away from a protected area, in these cases the fence would need to be quickly assembled when there is a risk of a potential flood. In each of these uses it is preferable for the user that the fence they use be quick to assemble and easy to transport. Especially the fence would require posts and panels that are easy to transport to the desired area as the user may be required to transport them in large number or over a wide area depending on the use, or in the case of a flood defence the user may have little time to erect the fence therefore they need to be able to transport the parts of the fence quickly. Once these parts have been transported to the desired area the user will be required to assemble the parts to form a functional fence. As previously mentioned, creating the fence needs to occur quickly therefore the fence needs to be designed in a manner that the posts and panels can be coupled quickly and with minimal effort, to ensure the process of constructing the fence is not tiring nor tedious, and can be performed quickly when the fence is needed in scenarios where there is short notice. Lastly, if this fence is used as part of a flood defence system, the parts of the fence should be designed to minimise the amount of water that can leak through or otherwise traverse through the fence. Therefore, the fence will also require features that can prevent water from leaking or otherwise entering the fence. Though such features will be most useful for a flood defence barrier, it is noted that such features can also be useful for other fence types as these features can prevent liquids, such as water, and other debris, like sand, from pooling within the structure of the fence. As such pooling may cause wear or erode the fence structure thereby weakening the fence. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved fence design, wherein the improved fence can be both transported and assembled quickly. Additionally, this improved fence design would be configured such that, once constructed, there is little to no risk of water entering through the fence structure. The present invention The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides an improved profile for a fence post. Specifically, the claimed profile provides a fence post that can be rapidly deployed, for example when the post is used as part of a flood defence. The claimed profile also provides multiple anchor points wherein the post can be fastened to a fence panel, and another where the post can be fastened to a wall or another post. Lastly the profile provides features to anchor a protective post that is configured to cover and protect the fasteners used to secure the fence post to the panel and / or wall. The claimed post profile is preferably made of a lightweight metal or alloy, such as aluminium. Using such materials ensures that the post is easy to move and deploy. This may be especially useful when the fence is used on a temporary basis such as for flood defences or during an event. It is noted that the lightweight of the claim fence post, will also make it easier for a user to store and transport the post to the desired area for the fence. However, it is also noted that forming the post from such materials may weaken its structurally. That is to say a fence post made from aluminium would be more likely to bend or break when impacted, compared to a post made from heavier metals or alloy like a steel post. For this reason, the claimed fence post is less likely to be used as a security fence, and is therefore better suited for temporary purposes. The specific profile used in the claimed post comprises at least two sections, one section is configured to receive the fence panel and another configured to receive the fasteners used to secure the panel in place and to receive a protective plate, post or panel that is configured to cover an protect the fasteners. As previously noted, a fence post formed from aluminium is more susceptible to impacts and may be damaged more easily by an intruder. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a means of protecting the fasteners, as this would make it harder for an intruder to decouple the fence panel when trying to gain entry into the fence off area. The fence profile may comprise a further section configured to receive fasteners that are used to secure the fence to an external support structure. These support structure may include walls, or other fence posts. These structures can be used to secure the fence post in place, and to provide additional support to the fence, thereby reducing the risk of the fence post breaking when impacted. It is noted that this secures would preferably comprise means for removably coupling a protective feature as described above so as to protect the fasteners used with this section. In the preferred embodiment the fence profile will be configured such that the same protective feature can be used to protect the fasteners used for the fence panel and the supporting structure, thereby reducing the complexity of the design and reducing the number of components required to construct the fence. In the preferred embodiment, the fence profile would comprise a panel section, this is the section configured to receive the fence panel that is to be coupled to the post. The panel section would be defined by two parallel walls wherein the parallel walls are elongate and define the body of the post. One end of the walls is sealed by a third wall, while the other end of the parallel walls remains open creating a U-shape profile to this section. When in use a fence panel can be inserted between the parallel walls via the open end of the parallel walls. Once inserted the user may secure the panel in place by inserting one or more fasteners through the body of the post and the panel that is housed within. It is noted that the fastener may be inserted through any of the walls that define the fence body as long as there is sufficient space for the fastener to enter the body of the fence panel thereby securing the panel to the post. To this end, it is preferable for the fasteners to be inserted through one or both of the parallel walls. It is noted that when using a fence post formed from aluminium the walls of the fence post will be easier to penetrate with a fastener, such as a self-tapping screw or similar self-tapping fasteners. By using these types of fasteners, the user may remove the need to provide apertures within the body of the post. This can be preferable as such fastener apertures may create weak points with the post making it easier for an intruder to tamper and damage the aluminium post body. However, it is noted that if a user is going to use this approach when inserting fasteners into the fence body, then it is preferable for the fence panel to be formed from a material that the fasteners can penetrate, such as aluminium, wood or a suitable composite, metal or alloy. This way the user can insert the fastener through both the post body and the fence panel when securing the panel to the post. It is noted that by using such materials we remove the need for fastener apertures in both the post and the fence panel. As previously noted, such apertures may create weak points within the fence structure. It is also noted that by using lightweight materials for both the fence panel and the post the user can more freely align the panel to the post, more specifically there are no apertures that need to be aligned before inserting the fasteners. This way the user can deploy the fence faster. Additionally, depending on where the fence is being used, the user can increase or decrease the number of fasteners. For example, when the fence is used for flood defence wherein the fence will be under force from the rising water, the user can insert more fasteners to strengthen the coupling between the panel and the post. Another benefit of making the post from a light material, such as aluminium, is that the user may be able to bend the profile when necessary. This will allow the user to make the gap between the parallel walls wider or narrower as necessary to accommodate different fence panels. Thereby allowing the same post to be used with a wider range of panels. Additionally, once the panel is inserted into the post, the user may fold one or both of the parallel walls inwards, such that the walls contact the surface of the panel. This way the walls of the post are able to grip the panel, thereby securing the panel in place while the user inserts the fasteners. It is noted that gripping the panel in this way may also strengthen the coupling between the panel and the post body, thereby reducing the risk of the fence panel and post decoupling. It is also noted that the thickness of the parallel walls used to form the panel section may differ. More specifically, the thickness of one or both walls may be increased to increase the amount of surface contact between the wall and the inserted fasteners thereby allowing the fasteners to be gripped more firmly. These thicker walls would also be able to endure greater impact force without buckling or breaking. In other cases, one or more walls of the panel section may be made thinner so that the wall is more malleable, thereby allowing the walls of the post to be folded more easily when forming the desired post profile and also to widen or narrow the width of the panel section as described above. Using thinner walls can also reduce the amount of material needed to form the fence post thereby reducing the cost and the amount of pollution produced when forming the fence posts. The next section of the post comprises a protective panel section. This section includes a means to couple a protective plate or other protective feature to the panel section. More specifically, the outer surface of one or more of the walls of the panel section may include features configured to receive the protective plate. Note that in this case, the term outer surface refers to the surface of the panel section walls that face away from the panel receiving aperture and the inserted panel. This section preferably comprises a means of coupling the protective plates in a manner where the plate can be easily removed. For example, the feature may comprise one or more tabs or protrusions configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the protective plate, thereby allowing the protective plate to be quickly couple or decouple from the fence post as necessary. It is noted that the coupling features for the protective plate would be positioned such that the protective plate is positioned over the fasteners used to couple the panel to the post. More specifically there will be coupling features positioned to be on either side of the fasteners inserted into the panel section. This may mean that there are coupling features at either side edge of the parallel wall of the panel section. More preferable the coupling featured will be positioned in two parallel lines along the elongated axis of the post wall. Wherein, the lines for a strip along the length of the post indicate where to insert the fasteners for the panel. This way the user can ensure that the protective plate will be a reasonable size, meaning it will not be too large or heavy allowing the user to produce and transport the protective panels more easily. The features ensure that the protective panel when used is positioned over the fasteners within the fence post. When the fasteners are inserted the head of the fasteners is exposed, this means that an intruder may be able to tamper with the fence by impacting or removing the fastener heads and thereby decoupling the panel from the fence post. Note that as the post is made from a lightweight material that is likely weaker than the steel that is usually used for such posts, the intruder may find it easier to damage the fastener and / or fence post when tampering with the fence. Similarly, if the fence is impacted, it may cause the fence post to buckle, resulting in the fasteners decoupling. When in use the user can couple the protective plate or feature to the post by coupling the coupling features on the protective plates to the corresponding features on the post. The features will be configured to allow the user to couple and decouple the protective feature. This way the user can decouple the protective feature when necessary to access the fasteners, for example during maintenance. When coupled to the post, the protective plate or similar protective feature is positioned over the fastener heads to protect them from impacts and potential tampering. It is noted that the protective plate may be formed from the same material as the fence post. This way the protective plates will be lightweight making them easier to transport and allowing the user to deploy them more quickly. In other cases, the protective plates may be made from a different material to the rest of the post. More specifically the protective plate may be made from a strong metal or alloy such as steel. Such materials would be able to absorb more force and therefore provide better protection. It is also noted that the protective plate would be relatively smaller than the post so the difference in the material mass would have less of an effect. However, it is noted that the protective plate may need some flexibility in order to decouple the plate from the coupling feature. This is necessary as the user would need to remove the protective plate to access the fasteners, for example when disassembling the fence. To this end the user may need to bend or otherwise deform the protective plate to decouple the coupling features. To this end, it would be preferable to use a more lightweight material, similar to the material used for the post such that it requires less force to couple and decouple the protective plate. When the post is used it may be necessary to couple the post itself to another feature. For example, the post is configured to receive a single panel therefore when forming a perimeter fence it may be necessary to couple two of these posts together to form an intermediate post between two panels. Or when the post is used as part of a flood defence or barrier, the post may need to be coupled to a supporting structure such as a wall to anchor the end of the fence, and by extension the post, in place. To achieve this the user may insert further fasteners through the fence post and into the adjacent structure. The type of fastener used would depend on the structure it is being coupled to, for example when fastening the post to a wall the user would need to use fasteners that are suitable for coupling to masonry. In the post as described above these support structure fasteners may be inserted through the wall which couples the parallel walls of the panel section. This way the fastener can pass through the post in a direction that is parallel to the panel to be inserted into the adjacent structure. It is noted that in such cases the user would need to insert these fasteners before inserting the panel into the post. Once the panel is inserted it will cover the fastener head, protecting the fasteners in the same manner as the protective feature described above. However, it is noted that when using this method, the fastener head may obstruct the panel, which may result in the user being unable to fully insert the panel into the post body. As a result, the coupling between the post and the panel would be more susceptible to impacts, as there would be less surface contact between the post and the panel. To this end, the profile of the post would preferably include a further section that is used to couple the post to the external structure such as a wall or other post. More specifically, the post profile may comprise a further wall which extends from the sealed end of the panel section, in a direction perpendicular to the parallel walls of the panel section. When in use this protruding wall will be positioned against the support structure, the user may then insert a suitable fastener through the surface of the protruding wall and into the adjacent structure so as to couple the post to the structure. By positioning these fasteners into a separate wall, the user can ensure that the fasteners do not obstruct the panel inserted into the panel section. It is noted that this protruding wall would preferably be made from the same material as the rest of the post thereby allowing fasteners to penetrate through the wall of the post in the same manner as the fasteners used in the panel section. It is noted that the head of the fasteners used in this section may also need protection. Therefore, the protruding wall may also comprise coupling features configured to allow a protective plate or similar protection feature to be coupled to this wall to cover the fasteners used to couple the post to the supporting structure. In the preferred embodiment of the claimed post, the protective feature would comprise an elongated feature configured to cover both the panel fasteners and the support structure fasteners with a single protective feature. For example, the protective feature may comprise an elongated member with multiple sides, wherein one side will comprise coupling features configured to couple to the corresponding coupling features on the wall of the panel section. On another wall of the protection feature there may be further coupling features configured to couple to corresponding features on the wall coupled to the support structure. With this arrangement a single protective feature can be used to protect the fasteners inserted into the panel and the supporting structure. Doing so will reduce the number of parts that would need to be produces and transported when constructing the fence, helping to reduce the amount of time needed to produce the desired fence. To this end the protective plate may require multiple sides to be able to attach to the post profile at multiple points, as such the protective feature may be in the form of an elongate metal member similar to the post, with attachment features on one or more sides of the features elongate body. It is noted that the post as described above would preferably be made in a continues process, wherein the chosen metal or alloy is processed into one continuous elongate piece which comprises the claimed profile. Such that as the metal is process the user need only cut the produced elongate product at predetermined lengths to form multiple posts with identical profiles. It is noted that the protective feature may be produced using a similar process. One problem with this process is that the produced posts will be open at each end, further as described above the panel section of the post is hollow to receive the desired fence panel. As such the inside of the fence post is exposed. This may result in water pooling inside the fence post. This water can cause wear and erosion overtime. Therefore, it is preferable to have a means to avoid water and other debris from entering the fence post body. To address this problem the fence post may comprise a waterproof cap that is configured to fit over the open ends of the post body. These caps may be made from rubber, plastic or another suitable water-resistant material. In some cases, the cap may be configured to stretch over the edges of the post body such that the cap is held in place using friction. More specifically, the cap in these cases would be formed from an elastic material such that the user can stretch the cap to apply the edges of the cap to cover the edges of the post, at that point, the elasticity of the cap secures the cap in place through friction between the walls of the post body and the edges of the cap. In other cases, the post body may include a cap fastener aperture, this is an aperture that is formed into the wall of the post body, for example by a round aperture that extends out of the wall of the post body such that the aperture is facing the direction parallel to the elongate axis of the post body. When used the user position the cap over the end of the post body before inserting the fastener through the cap and into the aperture so as to anchor the cap into place. It is noted that this aperture can have a shape other than round such as an oval or quadrilateral. It is noted that a fastener aperture with a quadrilateral shape is preferable as the flat sides can prevent the fastener from deflecting. This is to say the fastener will remain straight as it travels through the aperture, preventing the fattener from obstructing the panel. It may also prevent the end of the fastener from penetrating other parts of the post potentially causing damage to the walls. It is noted that due to the continuous method used to produce the post, the fastener aperture may extend down the length of the post body. In these cases, the extended aperture can prevent the fastener from deflecting regardless of its shape. It may still be preferable to have an aperture with flat sides such that the panel can contact the wall of the fastener without leaving a gap thereby ensuring that liquid and debris cannot enter the space between the panel and the aperture. It is noted that in these cases where the aperture extends along the length of the post, the aperture may include a break in the surface of the aperture, such as a slot that extends the length of the aperture. This gap in the aperture wall will allow the aperture to expand when the fastener is inserted to allow the use of larger fasteners. These larger fasteners will have a greater surface area and / or a larger thread both of which can increase the amount of contact friction between the fastener and the wall of the fastener aperture. It is noted that when using a protective feature with the post it may be necessary to use a larger cap configured to cover the end of the protective feature in addition to the post. In these cases, the cap may be large enough to cover both parts of the fence post, in other cases the protective feature may have its own separate cap. it is noted that a single larger cap is preferable as there may be gaps between the separate caps that would trap moisture that may erode the fence post. Regardless of the type of cap chosen the cap will be coupled to the protective feature as described above. It is noted that in cases where the protective feature comprises an elongated member, pole or post, the protective feature may comprise a fastener aperture as described above for the post body. It is noted that the design for the fence post is compatible with a range of fence panels. So long as the panel can be inserted into the panel section of the post profile and can be penetrated by the user’s chosen fasteners. As such the user may use different types of panels depending on the fence's purpose. For example, if the fence is used to be decorative the user can use a decorative panel or a panel that is made from a plurality of smaller panels each with a respective fastener. When the fence is used to provide protection, such as part of a flood defence barrier the user may instead use a solid panel formed from one or more sheets of metal or a suitable alloy. It is noted that for use as a flood defence, the panel may comprise one solid piece of material that simply slots into the post body. In the cases wherein the fence is used for flood defence, the panel may include a waterproof seal, such as rubber sealing, around the edges of the panel to help prevent flood water from entering the protected area through any gaps around the edges. Further, as previously noted, the fence post and panel do not comprise any pre-drilled fastener aperture, the user can help ensure that there are no gaps in the fence panel through which water may leak through the fence. These features assist in reducing the risk of water leaking through the fence. However, it is noted that there is still a risk that water may travel through the fastener apertures produced by the fasteners, or the aperture used for the cap fastener. To this end the claimed post may further comprise a water seal in the form of a water proof foam or liquid sealant. Wherein, before the fence is used, the user or manufacturer may insert the foam or liquid sealant into the cap fastener aperture. It is noted that these sealants will begin in a foam or liquid state so as to fill a desired volume, after which the sealant will solidify forming a solid waterproof barrier within the desired volume. For example, after the sealant is inserted, it can solidify within the channel formed by the aperture preventing water from entering the channel. It is noted that the solidified sealant will be softer than the surrounding metal of the fence post, such that the self-tapping fasteners used to construct the fence can pierce through the sealant. It is also noted that when the fence is constructed the user may similarly use a sealant as described above to waterproof other sections of the fence profile. For example, the user may insert this sealant in the spaces between the end of the panel and the end of the panel section after the panel has been inserted. Similarly, the user may insert a foam sealant in the space between the post walls and the protective feature to reduce the risk of water leaking and pooling behind the protective feature, which can potentially erode the fasteners. However, the problem with such a sealant is that they will be difficult to remove when the fence is deconstructed, or when they need to be replaced. Therefore, a more preferable alternative would be to provide a sealing member into the fence post. Wherein the sealing member comprises a first end that is configured to be inserted into the cap fastener aperture to anchor the sealing member in place. The second end of the sealing member comprises one or more waterproof seals configured to bridge the space between the fence post and the inserted pole, such that the surface of the seal provides a waterproof barrier that covers the volume of the gap. Wherein the ends of the sealing member are coupled by a connecting portion configured to extend through the gap in the surface of the cap fastener aperture. Additionally, the end of the sealing member inserted into the aperture can prevent water from entering the aperture channel from the open ends of the channel. It is noted that a similar sealing member may be inserted into the cap fastener aperture of the protective feature. Further the coupling features of the protective member may include a waterproof coating or a waterproof seal positioned over the feature. This coating will seal any gaps between the coupling features of the fence post and the protective feature. Thereby preventing liquids and debris from entering the fence post through any gaps between the coupled coupling features. As previously noted, this can prevent any additional wear or erosion to the fasteners covered by the protective feature. By using a fence post with a profile as described above the user is provided with a fence that can be transported easily due to the relative light weight of the materials used to form the fence post. Additionally, the fence using said fence post can be constructed quickly using self-tapping fasteners to secure the post to an adjacent structure, such as a wall or another post, and then using further fasteners to secure the fence panel to the fence post. This method removes the need for pre-drilled apertures and allows the user to couple the post faster as they will not need to align such apertures before inserting the fasteners. This fence may also provide improved flood defence when the fence includes the sealing members and other features that prevent liquids such as water from travelling through the structure of the fence post. Drawings The present invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings in which like features are designated with like numerals. The figures provide Figure 1 - depicts the preferred embodiment for the profile of the claimed fence post Figure 2 - depicts the profile of the preferred protective feature to be used with the fence post of Fig. 1. Figure 3 - depicts how the protective feature of Fig.2 is coupled to the fence post of Fig.1. Figure 4 - depicts an isometric view of the claimed fence post with the protective feature attached. Figure 5 - depicts how a fence panel can be coupled to the fence post of Fig. 1. Figure 6 - depicts how the fence post of Fig. 1 is coupled to an adjacent structure, in this case a further fence post. Figure 7 - depicts the fence post of Fig.5 further comprising an example sealing member with a rounded head. Figure 8 - depicts the fence post of Fig.5 further comprising an example sealing member with a straight head. Figure 9 - depicts the fence post of Fig.5 further comprising an example sealing member with a plurality of heads. Figure 10 - depicts the protective member of Fig.2, further comprising waterproof coatings around the coupling features and a sealing member. The features of the drawings are listed as follows: 10 - Fence post 11 - Panel section 12 - Parallel walls (of the panel section) 13 - Adjoining wall (of the panel section) 14 - Structure coupling wall 15 - coupling feature (of the panel section) 16 - coupling feature (of the structure section) 17 - Cap fastener aperture 20 - Protective feature 21 - Panel section coupling feature 22 - Structure section coupling feature 23 - Cap fastener aperture 30 - Self tapping fastener 31 - Fastener bolt 40 - Fence panel 50 - Sealing member with a rounded head 60 - Sealing member with a linear head 70 - Sealing member with a plurality of heads 80 - Sealing member with flat head 90 - waterproof seal / coating Detailed description The claimed invention provides an improved fence post design. In particular, the present invention provides a fence post that is suitable for a variety of uses wherein the fence needs to be transports and erect quickly. Further the claimed fence post has a profile that allows the fence post to be constructed using self-tapping fasteners without the need for pre-drilled apertures. The claimed fence post may further comprise additional features that helps to waterproof the fence structure. These effects are achieved using the shape of the post profile, it is noted that the fence post would be made using a continuous machining process which shapes the desired material to the desired profile, then the material is cut at specific length to form a plurality of posts in quick succession. The material used for the post is preferably aluminium, or a similar lightweight metal or alloy. Aluminium is preferable as it provides suitable strength and toughness, despite its light weight, and is chemically resistant making it suitable for use outside. In general, the fence post comprises at least a panel section configured to receive a fence panel. The panel section comprises a pair of parallel walls what are open at one end and adjoined by a third perpendicular wall at the opposing end. In use the user inserts the edge of the panel through the open end of the panel section. Once in position the user can insert self-tapping fasteners through one or both of the parallel walls through the panel to couple the panel to the post. In these cases, the fence post may be coupled to a structure such as a wall or building by inserting a further self-tapping fastener through the adjoining wall of the panel section and into the adjacent structure. However, such fasteners may be hard to reach when the fence is deconstructed. Further one or both of the parallel walls would comprise coupling features that would surround the inserted fasteners. These coupling features would be configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling feature on a protective feature. A protective feature in this case is one or more elongate members, such as a plate, post or rod, that is suitably shape to cover the fasteners used to couple the fence to the panel. This protective feature prevents an intruder from tampering with the fasteners, shelters the fasteners from the weather and other hazards in the surroundings, and can be used to hide the fasteners if the user considers them visually unpleasing. The profile may further comprise another wall that extends parallel to the adjoining wall described above. This wall is used to fastener the post to an adjacent structure. These adjacent structures may be a structure that will provide support to the post, such as a wall. In other cases, the post may be fastened to another post facing the opposite direction. These coupled posts form a post that can receive two panels, one from each side of the post as a means on joining two panels to form longer sections of fencing. It is noted that this wall would be fastened to the adjacent structure by passing a suitable self-tapping fastener that would pass through this securing wall and into the adjacent structure. As such this wall may also have coupling feature to receive a protective feature as described above. In some cases, a protective feature may be formed using a similar machining process used to form the post, wherein this protective feature has a profile that will couple to both the panel section features and the securing wall features. This removes the need for multiple protective features, thereby reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and transported. This also simplifies the overall design of the fence post as the post will comprise only two parts while still hiding all of the fasteners coupled to the post. Figure 1 depicts an example profile for a fence post 10 as per the claimed invention. This profile comprises a panel section 11, wherein the panel section 11 comprises a pair of parallel walls 12. Wherein one end of the parallel walls 12 is open and the opposing end is adjoined to the corresponding end of the other wall via the adjoining wall 13. The open end of the walls 12 and the volume between the walls 12 creates a space suitable for receiving the end of a fence panel that is to be coupled to the post 10. Note that in this depicted example one of the parallel walls is thinner than the other, as the post 10 is preferably made from a lightweight metal or alloy, the post will have some flexibility. In the case of the depicted post 10 the user may bend the thinner parallel wall to better grin the fence panel and hold it in place as the fasteners are inserted. The panel section further comprises a fastener aperture 17. This aperture is configured to receive a fastener that is used to secure an end cap over the ends of the fence post, because due to the post being made using a continuous machining process the ends of the post will be open, this can result in liquid, especially rail water, polling within the post which may cause erosion. Therefore, the user will need to couple a cap or similar feature designed to close the end of the post. In the case of the depicted post, the user would place a waterproof cap over the end of the post then insert a fastener through the cap and into the aperture 17 to hold the cap in place. This aperture is moulded into the adjoining wall 13 and due to the process used to create the panel the sides of this aperture will extend the entire length of the post. As a result, the user may be unable to insert a fastener through the adjoining wall 13 to anchor the post to an adjacent structure. Because of this the preferred embodiment include a further wall 14 which extends from the surface of the panel section 11 in a direction parallel to the adjoining wall 13. Preferably this securing wall 14 will be an extension of the adjoining wall 13 as shown in the depicted example. This way both the securing wall 14 and adjoining wall 13 can abut the same surface of the supporting structure. When this fence post 10 is in use the user may insert a fastener through the securing wall 14 to secure the post to an adjacent structure, such as a building, pillar or another post. In this depicted example both the panel section 11 and securing wall comprise coupling features configured to receive a protective feature. In the case of the panel section 11, the coupling features comprise a pair of hooks 15 that raise out of the surface of the wall 12. In use the user would insert fasteners through the wall 12 between the two hooks 15 to ensure that the ends of the fasteners are covered by the protective features. It is also noted that due to the material used to make the fence post 10 the hooks 15 will be slightly flexible. This will allow the user to couple and decouple the protective feature more easily by bending one or both of the hooks. In contrast the coupling feature for the securing wall 14 comprises a further wall 16 that ends from the aft end of the securing wall 14 in a direction parallel to the parallel walls 12 towards the open end of the panel section 11. This coupling wall 16 will preferably be more ridged than the hooks 15, and will be configured to abut the surface of the protective feature to help hold the feature in place over the fasteners in the wall 14. Figure 2 depicts the profile of the preferred embodiment of the protective feature 20 to be used with the fence post depicted in Fig. 1. As previously noted, these protective features 20 are configured to be coupled to the fence post 10 in a position that will cover the ends of the fasteners used on the fence post. Therefore, the specific shape of the protective feature 20 would vary to match the profile of the fence post 10. In the case of the depicted example the protective feature 20 comprises a smaller elongate post, or member, that is configured to cover both the wall 12 of the panel section 11 and securing wall 14. This protective feature would preferably be made using a continuous machining process similar to the fence post 10, as this would allow multiple protective feature 20 to be manufacture in quick succession and allows all of the coupling features 21,22 to be moulded into the profile of the protective feature 20. In the case of the depicted example the protective feature comprises a pair of hooks 21 that are configured to couple with the hooks 15 of the fence post 10. Note that there is no wall between the hooks 21, this will allow the hooks 21 to be more flexible compared to the hooks 15 of the post. This way the user can couple and decouple the protective feature by deforming one of the hooks 21 usually by squeezing the side of the protective feature 20. The protective feature 20 also comprises a wall 22 that extends perpendicular to the side of the feature 20 that when in use faces the securing wall 14. This coupling wall 22 is configured to abut the corresponding wall 16. The friction between the walls 16,22 helps to hold the protective feature in place. It is also noted that the depicted protective feature 20 will also have open ends due to the process used to manufacture the feature. As such the protective feature 20 may also require an end cap just like the fence post. In some cases, the post may comprise a large cap configured to cover both the fence post 10 and the protective member 20. In either case the protective feature comprises a fastener aperture 23 that functions the same as the fastener aperture 17. Note that in these depicted examples the aperture 17,23 is round, it is noted that the aperture may have other shapes and that a shape with straight size may be preferable as the walls of the aperture 17,23 as the wall will prevent the fastener from deflecting, in this case deflecting refers to the fastener being at an angle relative to the elongate axis of the post 10. As such deflection may damage the cap or the walls of the post 10 or protective feature 20. Additionally, these apertures 17,23 may include a gap or break in the wall of the aperture to allow the aperture to expand when using larger apertures to increase the amount of friction between the aperture and the fastener. Figure 3 depicts the method for coupling the protective feature 20 to the post 10. In this case the user would first insert the coupling wall 23 of the feature under the corresponding wall 16 of the post. This will prevent the user from overturning the feature 20 in the next step and will help to hold the feature 20 in place. Once in position the user can rotate the member to insert one of the feature hooks 21 into the corresponding hook 15 of the post 10. Once the first hook is coupled the user can squeeze the feature 20 to contract the hooks 21 so that the second pair of hooks can be coupled. Once this is complete the member 20 will be anchored in three places helping to secure the member firmly, even during an impact to the fence regardless of the direction of the impact. Figure 4 depicts an example of the coupled fence post 10 and member 20 in an isometric view. This angle shows how the profiles depicted in Figs. 1 to 3 are continuous along the entire length of the post. As previously noted, this is due to the continuous machining process used to form both the fence post 10 and the protective member 20. Using such a process the user can create multiple post 10 and feature 20 in quick succession by cutting the produced product at a predetermined length as it is continuously produced. Figure 5 depicts how a fence panel 40 is coupled to the fence post 10. As previously noted, when coupling a fence panel 40 to the post 10 the user inserts the edge if the panel 40 into the open side of the fence portion 11. It is noted that in the depicted example the fence panel 40 is a solid panel, this panel would be made from a suitable material that can be penetrated by the self-tapping fasteners 30. It is noted that depending on the intended purpose for the fence the fence panel 40 may take other forms, for example the panel 40 may comprise a plurality of smaller panels or may comprise a decorative panel with apertures through the panel to produce a desired pattern. Regardless of the shape of the panel the process for coupling the panel is the same. As described above the user will insert fasteners 30 through both the wall 12 of the post and the body of the panel. Note that even though the diagram shows one fastener 30 there would be multiple fasteners at different points along the elongate length of the post 10. Figure 6 depicts how a fastener 30 can be used to fasten the post 10 to an adjacent structure. These structures may include a supporting structure, such as a wall or pillar, that will help to anchor the fence in place and absorb the force of any impacts to the fence. In other cases, the post 10 may be coupled to another post 10 facing in the opposite direction, doing so produces an intermediate post that can be used between two panels 40 to extend the length of the fence panels. In either case, a fastener 30 is inserted into the securing wall 14 and / or adjoining wall 13 through into the adjacent structure thereby coupling the post 10 to the anchor. Note that in the depicted example the fastener is longer than the walls 16 as such the user may couple a suitable nut or other member that will secure the loose end of the fastener 30. The fasteners 30 used in both Figs.5 and 6 are preferably self-tapping fasteners. Such fasteners remove the need to pre-drill apertures into the surface of the post 10, panel 40 and other structures. These apertures may create weak points within the post 10 further when the fence is used as a flood defence barrier these apertures may allow water to leak through the post structure. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the need for such apertures by choosing suitable fasteners that can self-tap through the fence. When the claimed fence post is used as part of a flood defence barrier it is necessary to provide a means of preventing water from passing through the post structure. Figures 7 to 9 depicts different sealing members that may be used to prevent water from entering the protected area through the gap between the post 10 and the fence panel 40. In all these cases, the sealing member comprises a first end that is inserted into the fastener aperture 17 configured to anchor the sealing member in place, and a second sealing end that comprises a water proof member that extends from the aperture 17 to the surface of the panel 40 thereby blocking the path of any water that enters the panel section 11. The ends of the sealing members are coupled together by a joining section that passes through the break in the aperture wall. The user may position the sealing member in place by inserting the first end through the aperture 17. It is noted that the sealing member would be made from a soft material, such that the fasteners inserted into the aperture 17 can pierce through the member when inserted. The first sealing member 50 comprises a solid rounded head. This head is capable of enduring more force from the water due to the curved surface reducing the contact friction with the water, and the solid structure can endure more force before breaking. The problem with such a sealing member 50 is that the large head may put additional stress on the connecting section of the member 50. This may increase the risk of the ends of the sealing section 50 becoming decoupled thereby breaking the seal. This may be reduced by reinforcing the connecting section. The other sealing members 60, 70 replace the rounded head with one or more linear heads. These linear heads have less mass thereby reducing the stress on the rest of the member. However, a problem with the member 60 is that the linear head can endure less force before bending or breaking, thereby breaking the seal. Member 70 addresses this issue by using multiple linear heads in these cases the later heads act as a fail safe to stop the water should the former head fail. Figure 10 depicts the different waterproofing features that can be coupled to the protection feature 20. It is noted that there is a risk of water entering the gaps between the protection feature 20 and the body of the post 10. One means that may be used to reduce this risk is applying a waterproof coating 90 or a waterproof seal over the surface of the coupling features of the member 20. This coating will seal any gaps between the coupled features thereby blocking the paths through which water may enter the structure. Additionally, the member may include a sealing member 80 similar to the sealing members 50,60,70 described above, wherein the first end is inserted into the fastener aperture 23 and the second sealing end extends from the aperture 20 to the surface of the post 10 or at least to the coupling feature 21. In the depicted example the first end of the member 80 is round allowing the member to rotate, this can be used to rotate the member 80 to cover and uncover the fasteners 30 as necessary and may also prevent the seal from being damaged when the member 20 is decoupled as the seal will be moved when the hook 21 is bent when the member is being decoupled.

Claims

1. A profile extrusion assembly having two parts, the assembly being for use as a fence post, the extrusion having a first part comprising the features, as viewed in cross-section:a) an elongate re-rectangular slot having an open side and opposite the open side on an internal wall a slot for receiving a sealing member;b) on a further side, on its external wall an inwardly facing L-shaped extension and lateral to this:c) on that further side a retention slot for retaining: a second part of the extrusion comprising the features, as viewed in cross-section;d) the second part of the extrusion being rectangular having an open face terminated in hooks configured to engage with, and engaged with as assembled, the retention slot and further comprising:e) and after an extension to an external wall for lapping under the L-shaped extension of the first exclusionf) the, extruded, cross-section being of indeterminate length perpendicular to the cross section.

2. The assembly of claim one wherein the extrusions are aluminium extrusions.

3. The assembly of claim 1 of claim 2 further comprising a sealing member received in the slot of the first part.

4. The assembly of claim 3 were in the slot of the first part is rectangular and the sealing member is a corresponding profile for sitting within and being retained by said slot.

5. The assembly of claim 3 or claim 4 further comprising a wall section inserted into the internal wall slot and configured to abut the seal for the purposes of creating a watertight seal between the wall sections, the seal and thereby the assembly.

6. A fence comprising the assembly of claim 5, the fence having at least focused and second extrusion assemblies for being secured to a base as fence posts and a wallsection inserted at lateral ends into the internal wall slots of the assemblies such that the lateral edges of the wall sections abut the sealing members of the assemblies so as to form a watertight barrier for the lateral movement of water through the barrier.

7. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the assembly is between 0.5 m and 3 m in height (i.e. the dimension perpendicular to the cross section as defined).

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