Rotational coupling for fencing

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotational coupling having first and second, perpendicular self-securing positions, the coupling comprising an elongate pivot (60) located within a housing, the housing having a first securing position and two opposed quadrants of a housing through which the pivot is rotational to the second position, the elongate pivot being inserted into and coupled to the housing by means of a diagonal channel (30) impinging upon one of the quadrants. The coupling is particularly useful for galvanised metal fence posts were the ability to secure a fencepost in an upright and a stowed position whilst only requiring only one moving part and wherein the parts suitable for galvanising whilst assembled.

Description

[0001] Rotational coupling for fencing

[0002] The present invention relates to a rotational coupling for use in portable fencing. In particular, a rotational pivot for enabling components to be rotated and secured in a plurality of positions.

[0003] Background portable fencing is widely used, simple examples include crowd control barriers and similar temporary fences along with semi-permanent structures. The more relevant temporary fences for the present invention are those which do not require a footing, i.e. a hole in the ground to be provided, such as for a fencepost.

[0004] A particular requirement for temporary fencing, particularly with higher fences, such as those above head height is a requirement for a substantial base along with a substantial elongated post. This makes such base / post combinations cumbersome to move and it is therefore advantageous to have arrangements which can be readily erected on site.

[0005] Fencing components which can be assembled on site are well known but the typical disadvantages are of multiple separate components, requiring complexity and assembly and the potential for losing parts, Miss assembly et cetera. Other disadvantages are that a multiplicity of parts is required making manufacture complex and also the requirement for bolt snorts and associated features which are difficult to be made durable. For example, fences are typically made of metal, such as steel and galvanising is therefore important. However, heavy gauge galvanising for nuts and bolts is not practical, or at least adds considerably to cost and points of wear and centre on such features.

[0006] The background art includes GB 1909 13881 to Burge.

[0007] What is needed is a simple, two components, assembly for the rapid, reliable and corrosion resistant erection of a fencepost, or similar fencing features.

[0008] The present invention

[0009] The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims.

[0010] The present invention provides a rotational coupling having first and second, perpendicular self-securing positions, the coupling comprising an elongate pivot located within a housing, the housing having a first securing position and two opposed quadrants of a housing through which the pivot is rotational to the second position, the elongate pivot being inserted into and coupled to the housing by means of a diagonal channel impinging upon one of the quadrants. In particular, the claimed coupling comprises two members the first member comprises a securing member that comprising of the elongated pivot proximate to one end of the member. Wherein the pivot comprises members who extend perpendicular to the elongated axis of the securing member. These pivots can be inserted into the channels present on the opposing member to lock the members together, the user may then lock the pivots into different positions to lock the first member in a position relative to the second member.

[0011] The second member comprises a receiving member, this member comprises an elongated base, with walls rising vertically from the base, these walls may extend the length of the secondary member so as to form a space between the walls and base that may be used as a housing for the first member. The walls of the receiving member comprise a channel that is configured to receive the pivots of the first member. This receiving channel extends from an open end on the top edge of the wall to a closed end positioned within the wall. The end of the channel remote from the wall's edge comprises a plurality of slots. The channel consists of one slot for each of the positions the first member may be locked into, so in the most basic example, the channel would comprise two slots positioned perpendicular to each other, with one slot parallel to the elongated axis of the receiving member and the other slot positioned perpendicular to the first slot and the elongate axis of the receiving member. It is noted that in some cases, the channel may comprise additional slots depending on the desired position of the securing member relative to the receiving member

[0012] In general, the user may place the receiving member in the desired position such that the member is resting on the base, with the walls of the member raising vertically upwards. Once in position, the user may insert the pivots of the securing member into the open end of the channel. Once inserted the user may slide the pivot along the change until it reaches the closed end. When the pivot is in this position, the user may rotate the securing member until the pivot aligns with one of the slots at the end of the channel. Then the user may pull or push the securing member so as to insert the pivot into one of the slots, once within the slot, the pivot will not be able to rotate any further, thereby locking the securing member into its current position until the pivot is removed from the slot.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, the pivots of the securing member would comprise an elongated profile, such as an oval or rectangle, which may extend parallel to the elongated axis of the securing member, by using pivots with such a profile, it becomes easier to lock the member in place. More specifically, the channel, or at least the closed end of the channel may be configured to be wide enough for the pivot to rotate as the end of the securing member is rotated relative to the securing member. In contrast, the slots would be thinner than the change such that the pivot may only enter the slots when correctly aligned so that the elongated axis of the pivot is aligned with the slot. This means that, once the pivot is inserted into the slot there is no longer sufficient space for the pivot to rotate, thereby locking the pivot and by extension the securing member into the desired position.

[0014] Once the members have been locked the user may change the member's position by moving the member laterally to remove the pivot from a slot. When the pivot is removed from the slot it will be free to pivot relative to the receiving member, the user may align the pivot with a second slot, inserting the pivots into the second slot to lock the securing member in a second position. Alternatively, the user may decouple the members, by aligning the pivot with the channel and sliding the pivot to the open end of the channel removing the pivot from the channel entirely.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism would have a vertical slot and a horizontal slot such that the securing member can be locked such that the two members are perpendicular or parallel. To separate the channel from the slots the channel will extend diagonally through the wall thereby ensuring the channel is separated from the slots.

[0016] In some cases, the closed end of the channel may feature a form of guide that limits the movement of the pivot after the pivots have been inserted into the channel. These guides are configured to limit the angles the pivot can rotate through to make it easier for the user to align the pivot with the slots extending from the channel. For example, the end of the channel may be expanded into a circular aperture to provide sufficient space for the pivot to rotate. In cases where the channel includes a guide, the circle may be separated into quadrants, wherein two opposing quadrants are open, meaning the material is removed forming a quarter circle aperture, while the remaining two are filled. This shape will thereby form edges that can block the motion of the pivot within the slot. In this case, the edges of the filled quadrant would align with the vertical and horizontal slots, such that the pivot's rotation will be stopped when the pivot is aligned with the slots, this makes it easier to correctly align the rotating member, and to hold the member in place while the user moves the member laterally to insert the pivots into the slots. It is noted that these guiding edges can also prevent the securing member from over rotating, and past the point where the pivot is aligned with the slot. Additionally, as previously noted these edges may support the rotating member thereby helping the user to hold the securing member in position while they insert the pivots into the desired slot. This added support and guidance from the edges within the aperture will allow the user to couple the members quickly and with better accuracy when compared with the circular aperture. This allows the members to be deployed quickly which is especially useful when constructing fences as there will likely be many fence posts that need to be constructed and deployed using this method, thus this coupling allows the user to construct the fence faster.

[0017] A further advantage of the coupling mechanism described above is that each of the features used in the coupling, namely the pivots, channel and slots can be formed as part of their respective member, when the members are formed. This means the coupling will comprises fewer parts and will not require any welding of separate pieces to form the coupling. This means that the manufacturer will require less heat, and by extension less electricity when forming the members, and may also reduce the amount of pollution and / or waste products formed when producing the members, as they will use less power per member and will not produce waste associated with welding during the manufacturing process. Further, it is noted that when using the members for fences, the welded points may provide weak points that an intruder can exploit to damage and bypass the fence. By removing the need for welding and by having each member be formed from a single piece of material, the user can ensure that the members have no such weak points. This means that the fences that use the above-mentioned coupling system may be more secure as the individual members will be harder to break.

[0018] Another advantage of using this method where the members are formed from a single piece of material is that the entire arrangement can be galvanised. More specifically all the surfaces of each of the members can be galvanised such that the entirety of each member is galvanised. This galvanisation helps to form a protective layer over the surface of each member helping to protect the members from wear and rust. This is particularly helpful for fence applications as the fence members will likely be deployed outside where they will be exposed to frost, wind, rain and other weathering conditions. It is also noted that there are other ways of protecting the members, such as applying paint, however these other types of protective layer are more susceptible to wearing and will likely need to be reapplied more often when compared to the galvanised layer. This means that the galvanised members would require less maintenance over a given time window, thereby reducing the materials and labour the user will need to maintain the members over time.

[0019] In the cases where the members comprise a protective layer, such as the galvanised layer described above, it may be preferable to use members, wherein the pivot and / or slots comprising curved edges, for example by having pivots or slots with an oval profile. These curved surfaces may help reduce the surface area of the pivot and slot edges that are in contact with each other at any given time. This will help reduce the amount of contact friction between the members, especially when the securing member is being moved. As the amount of contact friction is reduced, there is a lower risk of the protective layer being worn over time, especially when moving the position of the securing member. This may help to further reduce the amount of maintenance that needs to be performed on the members, which in turn helps to increase the working lifespan of the members with the coupling mechanism described above.

[0020] In some embodiments the user may wish for the members to be permanently coupled. That is to say the user does not wish for the securing member to be decoupled from the receiving member once inserted, but may still require the member to be able to rotate. In these cases, the open end of the channel of the receiving member may be configured to be sealed, such that the pivot cannot be removed from the channel once inserted, while still being able to rotate within the channel and be able to enter and exit the various slots at the closed end of the channel. In these cases, the open end of the channel may include a wedge or lip which may be bent with a hammer, or other suitable tool, so as to seal the open end of the channel. It is noted that this sealing lip would form part of the channel and as such would be formed when the channel is cut into the receiving member. This means that the receiving member is still formed from a single piece of material and will still require no welding to use.

[0021] An example of where this coupling system may be implemented in in the deployment of fences around a protected area, more specifically, in cases where a fence needs to be deployed temporarily and / or deployed quickly the user may use a plurality of base feet to secure the fence posts rather than embedding the fence posts into the ground. In such cases, the fence can be deployed swiftly and can also remove and / or reposition the fence with ease as the user will not need to dig holes for each post of the fence. Instead, the user simply places a base foot for each fence post in the desired position of the post and secures the post to each foot. These base feet provide a universal footing that can be coupled to a range of different fence posts, securing the posts to the ground. In particular, this base foot provides an easy means to deploy a fence onto a desired area without the need for specialized tools to dig the post into whatever surface the fence covers.

[0022] In a claimed embodiment of the invention consists of a fence base foot that comprises the above-mentioned coupling mechanism. More specifically, the claimed base foot would comprise a base plate which acts as the base of the foot, and a securing arm which is fastened to the fence post. In use the base plate and securing arm may be coupled using the coupling described above, wherein the base plate is the receiving member and the securing arm forms the securing member. The base foot may further comprise a weight arm coupled to the opposite end of the plate relative to the securing area, this arm may also be coupled to the base plate using the coupling mechanism described above.

[0023] More specifically, the claimed base foot comprises a base plate that is configured to provide a flat planar surface that acts as the base of the fence post, helping to secure the post into place and provide structural support to the fence it is coupled to. This plate features an elongated plate with detentions in at least one direction being larger than the diameter of the post, such that when the fence post is placed over the base plate, the plate extends beyond the edge of the post. This extending portion of the base is used to receive weights that will be used to hold the base foot in place and in turn secure the fence post in place. It is preferable that the base plate is shaped such that the elongated length of the plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the fence post that extends inwards relative to the perimeter of the fence. This way the weights used to secure the base plate will be positioned within the area protected by the fence, thereby reducing the risk of the weights being removed or otherwise tampered with. In some cases, the base plate may also include one or more apertures within the planar surface of the base plate, configured to receive a fastener. Said fasteners can take any suitable form such as a nail, screw, or bolt, among others. In use these fasteners may be inserted through the base and the weights there upon, to secure the weights in place over the base plate. This again reduces the risk of the weights being removed or tampered with. In some cases, the fasteners may pass through the base into the surface below to help secure the base into place before attaching the fence post.

[0024] In some cases, the bottom side of the base plate, which in this case refers to the side of the plate in contact with the ground, may include a textured surface. The surface of the plate comprises a raised pattern design to increase the amount of friction between the plate and the surface of the ground, thereby allowing the plate to grip the surface of the ground more firmly reducing the risk of the plate sliding, especially when force is applied to the fence the foot is attached to or when the surface below the plate is smooth. It is noted that this patterned surface may comprise groves, ridges, or other shapes that raise out of the surface of the plate to increase friction with the ground, the preferred embodiment of this pattern would include a thread plate pattern that features alternating rows of diagonal thread to improve grip in all directions along the plane of the plate.

[0025] The base may further comprise a stopping plate, which is a small plate that is raised vertically upwards from the planar surface of the base plate, wherein the stopping plate is configured to hold the fence post in a desired position above the plate before being secured into position. These stopping plates comprise a plate that raises vertically out of the plane of the base plate, proximate to the end of the base plate that faces outwards relative to the fence perimeter. In use the user would rest the fence post against the stopping plate, using the stopping plate to guide the post into a desired position above the base plate, and thus holding the post in the desired position while it is fastened into place. It is noted that these stopping plates may take different shapes depending on the profile of the fence post the user intends to couple to the base.

[0026] In some cases, the base place may include a plurality of such stopping plates such that the fence post may be gripped by a stopping plate on each side thereby holding the post more firmly and possibly allowing the post to free stand as the user fastens the post into place. In other cases, the base plate may incorporate multiple stopping plates, to allow a chosen post to be placed in different positions and / or orientations relative to the base plate. However, it may be preferable to use one or two plates with a round or otherwise curved surface such that the post may be pivoted relative to the base plate while still resting on the stopping plate.

[0027] The securing arm is an elongate member configured to extend vertically upwards, out of the plane of the base plate, and is also configured to be affixed to the fence post via a suitable fastener. Once the arm is fastened to the post, the arm will secure the fence post to the base plate. It is noted that the arm would be coupled to the base plate such that the arm can rotate around the end coupled to the base plate, wherein the securing arm is configured to pivot around the end coupled to the base plate so that the arm can move from a first position parallel to the base plate to a second position perpendicular to the base plate. This rotation of the securing arm can be achieved using the coupling mechanism described above.

[0028] In some cases, the arm may comprise a locking mechanism such that once the arm is moved to the second position the mechanism can releasably lock the arm in place, this prevents the arm from folding down once the fence post is attached. This locking mechanism may also allow the arm to be locked within a plurality of positions beyond the first and second positions described above. These additional positions would allow the arm to extend above the base plate at a non-perpendicular angle. This may be necessary in cases wherein the surface below the base plate is not level, therefore requiring the post to be non-perpendicular relative to the base plate to keep the elongated axis of the post vertical.

[0029] This can also be achieved using the coupling mechanism described above, wherein the closed end of the channel comprises additional slot, with one slot for each of the different positions that the securing arm can be locked into. In these cases, the user can align the pivot on the end of the securing arm with the respective slot for the desired position by rotating the arm relative to the base plate. Then inserting the pivot into the slot by moving the arm laterally, by pushing or pulling the securing arm relative to the base plate, thereby locking the arm in that position. Then when adjusting or removing the fence the user can simply push or pull the securing arm in the opposite direction to release the locking mechanism.

[0030] When the securing arm is configured to rotate as described above for the first member, this rotation allows the arm to be foldable. More specifically, this rotation allows the user to fold down the securing arm by moving the arm into the first position such that the elongated axis of the arm is parallel to the plane of the base, in this configuration, the size of the base foot is minimized allowing more bases to be stored in a given volume, especially as the near-flat profile of the folded base foot would allow the feet to be stacked for ease of storage.

[0031] It is noted that the aft end of the securing arm, this term referring to the end of the securing arm that is not connected to the base plate, is configured to be coupled to the fence post. The aft end of the arm comprises a member or plate with an aperture. In use the post would comprise a corresponding aperture, such that once aligned a fastener may be passed through the aperture in the arm and the aperture in the post to secure the two together. In the preferred embodiment, the aperture in the arm would comprise a slot that extends along the width of the member or plate that is coupled to the post such that the post can be adjusted left or right relative to the base plate and still be coupled to the arm. This is useful as it would allow the user to keep the post vertical even when the surface beneath the fence is not flat as the user can adjust the post left or right while still coupling it to the securing arm. Note that in some cases, the aperture in the post may comprise a bolt nut attached to the surface of the post. In these cases, the fastener used to couple the post and the arm is a bolt, this way the nut on the post grips the bolt preventing the post from sliding along the aperture of the securing arm once the bolt is fastened. It is also noted that the user can use such a bolt to adjust the post forward or backward relative to the securing arm by using bolts of different lengths, with the longer bolts pushing the post further forward. This again allows the position of the post to be adjusted to keep the post vertical relative to the ground even when the surface beneath the post is not level.

[0032] By using a securing arm as described above the user can adjust the position of the arm and post fastened to the arm in multiple directions to allow the user to ensure that the post is always vertical relative to the ground. This prevents the post from leaning which may weaken the fence, or the need for additional components to prevent the post from leaning. It is also noted that the surface under the base feet may have different heights, therefore the user may need to adjust the height of the fence posts to keep the fence panels at a consistent height. To this end, the securing arm may be configured to have an adjustable height, wherein the arm is configured to extend and / or contract vertically relative to the base plate. This may be achieved by using a securing arm that is telescopic or ratcheted, such that the arm can be set to different heights as required by the user. As noted, this may allow the user to adjust the height of the post coupled to the rail such that the fence it is attached to has a consistent height along its entire perimeter.

[0033] Further, to the securing arm, the base foot may comprise a secondary arm referred to as the weight arm that is configured to hold the base weights in place over the base plate. The weight arm is coupled to the base plate in the same manner as the securing arm using the same coupling mechanism described above. Such that the weight arm is foldable for ease of storage, and can be locked into position as described above. The difference between the weight arm and the securing arm is that the weight arm is positioned at the end of the base plate remote from the fence post, the weight arm may not comprise any further aperture like the securing arm, as the weight arm is configured to act as a backstop preventing the weights positioned over the base plate from sliding off of the base, this arm also prevents an intruder from sliding the base plate out from under the weights thereby making it more difficult for an intruder to tamper with the fence.

[0034] In use the weight arm can have a variety of designs, with some designs being longer or wider than others, wherein the size of the weight arm may be chosen based on the dimensions of the weight to be used. More specifically, depending on the size of the weight being used to secure the base foot the weight arm may be made taller and / or wider to better grip and support the weights. In some cases, the arm may include a curve, hook, or perpendicular portion configured to hook over the top of the weights to better hold the weights in place further reducing the risk of the weights being removed from the base foot. It is noted that the weight arm is also configured to rotate between at least two positions the first position being parallel to the base plate and the second position being perpendicular to the base plate. As with the securing arm, the weight arm can be placed in the first position to reduce the size of the base foot and allow for easier storage as the feet would be relatively flat and therefore easier to stack when stored or in transit. The weight arm can then be placed into the second position to allow the arm to act as a backstop helping to hold the weights used to anchor the foot over the base plate. As with the securing arm, the weight arm and the base plate may include one or more apertures, such that the user may lock the arm into one of the positions by aligning certain apertures in the arm and base and then inserting a suitable fastener or member into the aligned apertures. In some cases, the weight arm may be configured to rotate between a plurality of positions, wherein the arm and or plate would comprise additional apertures for each of the other positions. It is noted that these extra positions may be needed based on the size and shape of the weights being used on the base foot. For example, the arm may need to be set to an angle above 90 degrees if the weight is larger than the base plate, similarly for smaller weights the weight arm may need to be at an angle less than 90 degrees to interface and grip the weights.

[0035] In some cases, the end of the weight arm remote from the base plat may also include an aperture configured to receive a fastener. More specifically, the weights used with the base foot may include an aperture that can be aligned with the aperture in the base arm. Once aligned the user may insert a suitable member or fastener to secure at least one of the weights to the weight arm allowing the arm to grip the weight more firmly. In cases where the weight arm includes a hook that goes over the weights, this aperture may be positioned on the hook instead of, or in addition to the aperture on the end of the arm. In some cases, the weigh arm may be removable, such that the user can remove the arm to allow the weights holding the base to be slid on or off the base plate as required without the need to lift the weights. This may be useful in cases where the weights are too massive to be lifted safely by the user.

[0036] It is also noted that the securing arm and weight arm would preferably comprise members with different lengths and / or widths. More specifically, the arms would have different sizes such that the arms can rest parallel when both arms are folded into the first position where they are parallel with the base plate. This way the base foot can have a smaller volume when both arms are folded, and would also allow the base foot to fold flat, both of these features allow the base foot to be stored and transported more easily. It is noted that this may be achieved by having the arms rest end to end, or by having the smaller arm rest within the larger arm when both are folded. It is also noted that in the cases where the arms overlap the base plate can be made narrower, further reducing the size of the overall base foot. This again allows the base feet to be stacked and transported more easily especially as more bases can now be stored within the same given volume compared to other designs. In addition, by using the coupling mechanism described above with the base foot, the foot may have a simpler design as it will not require moving parts within the locking mechanism. Further, the coupling mechanism provides a more robust design as the removal of moving parts means there are fewer weak point that may break under stress, for example when the fence is impacted or when an intruder tries to tamper with the fence. This way the claimed coupling system can provide an improved base foot which is more resistant to damage. And may also be more resistant to wear if the surfaces of each member, the base plate, the securing arm and when present the weight arm are all galvanised.

[0037] Drawings

[0038] 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 a perspective view of the rotational coupling of the present invention; figure 2 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot ready for entering the housing; figure 3 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot entering the housing; figure 4 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot in an intermediate position between, in normal use, horizontal and vertical orientations; figure 5 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot in the, in normal use, vertical orientation; figure 6 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot in the, in normal use, horizontal orientation ready for moving to the stowed position; figure 7 a side view of the invention showing the elongate pivot in the, in use, horizontal orientation in the stowed position; figure 8 a side view of the invention showing a substantially inserted, c.f. Figure 3, position of the elongate pivot and a method of distortion of the housing entrance so as to stop withdrawal of the elongate pivot without any requirement for welding or fasteners; figure 9 a side view of the invention showing a variation in which the housing has a slot for accommodating the elongate pivot when in a vertical orientation, this having maximal strength for anticlockwise rotation; figure 10 a side view of the invention showing a further variation in which the housing has a deeper slot for accommodating the elongate pivot when in a vertical orientation; this having maximal strength for clockwise rotation; figure 11 a side view of a post having an elongate pivot indicating the vertical and horizontal orientations in normal use, presented separately from the housing for the purposes of clarity; and figure 12 a side view of the invention showing use in a post-base with four and asked popes in a vertical orientation secured in the manner of figure 10.

[0039] The features of the drawings are listed as follows:

[0040] 10 - coupling mechanism

[0041] 20 - receiving member

[0042] 22 - member wall

[0043] 30 - receiving channel

[0044] 32 - open end of the channel

[0045] 40 - end aperture

[0046] 42 - guiding edges

[0047] 50, 50’ - positioning slot

[0048] 60 - pivot

[0049] 70 - arrow indicating pivot insertion

[0050] 80 - arrow indicating pivot rotation

[0051] 90 - arrow indicating lateral movement of the pivot

[0052] 100 - folded lip

[0053] 120 - securing member

[0054] 200 - base foot

[0055] 210 - base plate

[0056] 212 - Base walls

[0057] 214 - handle

[0058] 216 - bumper

[0059] 218 - stopping feature

[0060] 220 - securing arm

[0061] 222,222’ - legs 224 - bar

[0062] 226 - pivot plate

[0063] 228 - fastener aperture

[0064] 230 - weight arm

[0065] 232,232’ - legs

[0066] 234 - bar

[0067] 236 - pivot plate

[0068] 240, 240’ - arrows indicating lateral movement of the arms

[0069] 300 - post bracket

[0070] 320 - first frame

[0071] 322 - elongated apertures

[0072] 340 - second frame

[0073] 360 - fastener

[0074] Detailed description

[0075] The present invention provides a coupling means for releasably coupling a pair of elongated members. Wherein the couple means allows the members to be rotated relative to each other, at least between a first and second perpendicular position. This mechanism also allows the members to be releasably locked with in one or more positions, thereby locking the relative positions of the members with a desired angle between the members.

[0076] Figure 1 depicts an example embodiment of the claimed coupling mechanism. In general the mechanism comprises coupling two members, wherein one member is the securing member 120 comprising a pivot 60 attached to one or both sides of the member proximate a first end of the member, and the receiving member 20 which comprises at least one raised wall 22 which extends vertically from the member 20, this wall 22 containing a channel 30 configured to receive the pivot 60 of the securing member 120, wherein the channel 30 has an open end 32 along an edge of the wall 22, and a closed end with the wall 22, such that the pivot 60 can be received through the open end 32 of the channel 30 and housed within the wall 22 of the receiving member 20 with sufficient space to rotate within the closed end channel. The channel 30 will further one or more slots 50. These slots 50 are configured such that the received pivot 60 may be inserted into the slot 50 by rotating the securing member 120 such that the pivot 60 aligns to the slot 50, and then moving one of the members laterally to insert the pivot 60 into the slot 50. It is noted that there will be no space within the slot 50 for the pivot 60 to rotate, therefore by inserting the pivot 60 into the slot 50 the user can lock the securing member 120 in place preventing the members from rotating relative to each other. The securing member 120 can then be released by moving the member laterally to remove the pivot 60 from the slot 50, thereby freeing the members to rotate once more. Then the user may decouple the members by rotating the pivot 60 to align with the channel 30 and then moving the pivot 60 through the channel 30 and out of the open end 32 of the channel.

[0077] It is noted that Figure 1 depicts a preferred embodiment for the coupling mechanism 10. In this example, the pivot 60, is elongated. This makes it easier to limit the motion of the pivot and to determine when the pivot has been aligned to the channel 30 or slot 50. As the pivot 60 is elongated the user can ensure that the pivot 60 will only enter the channel 30 or slot 50 in one specific alignment, and ensure that the pivot 60 cannot rotate when traveling through the channel 30 or slot 50. This ensure the securing member will be lock in position when inserted into the slots 50, via locking the orientation of the pivot 60.

[0078] In the depicted example it is noted that the closed end of the channel 30 has be widened into an aperture 40 with sufficient space for the pivot 60 to rotate. This way the user can ensure that the securing member 120 will only rotate when the pivot 60 has been fully inserted, this may help prevent wear to the surface of the channel 30 and the pivot 60, especially to the protective layers on these parts of the mechanism as there would be little to no friction between the channel 30 and the pivot 60 as the pivot 60 slides down the channel, then the pivot 60 would only rotate in the aperture 40, which is sufficiently wide to no abrase the surface of the pivot 60 as it rotates.

[0079] In some cases, the aperture 40 at the closed end of the channel 30 may simply be a hollow aperture allowing the pivot 60 to rotate freely. However, a problem with such a design is that it may be hard to align the elongated pivot 60 with a specific slot, as the member may rotate before the pivot 60 can be inserted. To this end the aperture 40 may include guiding edges 42 configured to limit the movement of the pivot 60 so that it can be aligned more easily. These guiding edges 42 may be in the form of walls, notch or other protrusions that extend into the aperture 40 so as to block the pivot’s rotation. In the depicted example the circular aperture has been divided into quadrants, with to diagonally opposed quadrants being open and the other two remaining closed so as to form guiding walls 42 that will stop the pivot 60 in either the vertical or horizontal position. While the position of the open quadrant still allows the pivot 60 to rotate between these two perpendicular positions. In the depicted case the guiding edges 42 help to hold the securing member in the horizontal position so that the pivot 60 aligns with the slot 50 allowing the user to insert the pivot 60 more easily as they would not need to hold the member at the right angle as they attempt to move it laterally when inserting the pivot 60 into the slot 50, instead they can simply let the pivot 60 rest on the guiding edges 42 within the wall 22 while they move the member laterally. Figures 2 to 7 depict the stages when coupling the members using the claimed coupling mechanism and the steps used to lock the members in place, when using the preferred embodiment from Fig.1 . In particular, Figures 2 to 4 depict how the pivots of the securing member 120 can be inserted into the receiving member 20 via the channel 30. Specifically, the pivot 60 is aligned with the open end 32 of the channel 30, note that in the depicted example the channel 30 extends diagonally through the wall 22 of the receiving member 20, however, the channel 30 may have a different position so long as the channel 30 has an open end positioned at the edge of the wall 22 that the pivot 60 may be inserted. Once the pivot 60 is aligned, the user may have to rotate the securing member about the pivot 60 so that the elongate axis of the pivot is parallel to the elongate axis of the channels 30, as depicted in Fig.2, such that the pivot 60 may slide down the channel 30 after being inserted into the open end 32 of the channel, as depicted in Fig.3.

[0080] When the pivot 60 reaches the closed end of the channel 30 within the wall 22 of the receiving member 20, there will be an aperture that widens the channel such that the pivot 60 may rotate. The shape and size of the aperture 40 may change depending on the specific elongated shape of the pivot 60. As noted, the aperture 40 at the end of the channel will be shaped such that the pivot 60 may rotate within the aperture 40 as depicted in Fig.4, as indicated by the arrow 80. This rotation allows the relative angle between the coupled members to be adjusted to the user’s requirement before the members are locked in position. Though not depicted it would be understood that the same arrangement depicted in Figs. 1 to 7 would be present along both sides of the members, this means that there are two parallel walls 22 along the receiving member 20, with the space between the walls 22 forming a housing that will prevent the pivot 60 from moving horizontally out of the channel 30, slot 50, or aperture 40 when moving as part of the coupling mechanism 10.

[0081] As previously noted, the aperture 40 may allow the pivot 60 to rotate freely, meaning the pivot may rotate 360 degrees so long as there is sufficient space for the members to rotate. However, in many cases, the pivot 60 will not require this full range of motion. Additionally, in order to lock the mechanism 10, the user will align the pivot 60 with a slot 50 that extends from the sides of the aperture 40. In cases, where the pivot 60 can move freely it may be difficult to align the pivot 60 this way as the pivot 60 may overturn. This is why, in some cases, the aperture 40 may include one or more guiding edges 42 that limit the rotation of the pivot 60. These guiding edges 42 may take the form of walls or protrusions that extend from the sides of the aperture 40. Is it noted that small protrusions may be used to stop the pivot 60 while still allowing it to rotate past the protrusion when additional force is applied to the securing member 120, thereby allowing the pivot 60 to move freely while still providing some guidance to help allow the pivot 60 to be aligned with the locking slot 50. This may be useful in cases where there is a plurality of slots, such that the pivot would need to pass over one slot to reach the desired one, here the user would need means to guide the pivot 60 into the intermediate slots while still being able to move to the end slots of the plurality of slots. In the depicted example the guiding features are in the form of guiding walls, wherein the edges 42 of the walls align with the desired positions of the pivot 60, namely the vertical position and the horizontal position indicated by the slots 50 and 50’. Figures 5 and 6 depict how these walls can be used to guide the pivot 60, in this case, the walls of the aperture 40 are shaped to form quadrants, such that the edges 42 of the quadrants block the rotation of the pivot 60 in one of two perpendicular positions either in the vertical position as shown in Fig.5 or in the horizontal position as shown in Fig.6. It is noted that the walls may have a different shape depending on the desired positions that the user wishes to lock the pivot 60 into to.

[0082] As previously noted, the mechanism 10 may comprise one or more slots 50,50’ that extend from the closed end of the channel 30. These slots 50 will be sufficiently wide for the pivot 60 to be inserted into, but sufficiently thin such that once inserted into the slot 50 the pivot 60 may no longer rotate. In use, the user rotates the securing member 120 to align the pivot 60 with the open end of the slot 50, when aligned the user may insert the pivot 60 into the slot 50 by moving one of the members laterally, thereby moving the pivot 60 as shown by the arrow 90 in Fig.6, until the pivot 60 is inserted into the desired slot. As previously noted, once the pivot 60 is inserted into the slot 50, as depicted in Fig.7 the pivot 60 will be locked in its current position and will no longer be able to rotate, until the member is moved once more to remove the pivot 30 from the slot 50. It is noted that Figures 9 and 10 depict an example of the aperture 40 with two slots 50, 50’, the previously depicted horizontal slot 50 for locking the member in the horizontal position where the receiving member and securing member are parallel, and a further vertical slot 50’ can be used to lock the securing member in a vertical position wherein the members are perpendicular. It may be possible for the guiding edges to be configured to grip the pivot so as to lock the member in a desired position without the need for the slots 50,50’. However, it is noted that that these gripping features are likely to be worn over time, this would eventually lead to the gripping feature failing. Whereas a slot would not wear as quickly and is therefore preferable.

[0083] It is noted that in many cases, the members may be decoupled by removing the pivot 60 from the channel 30. In general, the user can remove the pivot 60 from the locking slots 50 as described above, then member may be rotated so that the pivot 60 is aligned with the channel 30. After which the user may move the securing member laterally so that the pivot 60 is moved along the channel 30 until the pivot 60 exits the open end of the channel 30.

[0084] In some cases, the user may desire that the members be sealed together such that once the members are coupled, they cannot be decoupled. However, in these cases, it is still desirable that the pivot 60 can rotate and be locked in different positions with the slots 50 as described above. Therefore, the coupling mechanism 10 would be configured such that the channel 30 may be sealed after the pivot 60 has been inserted to seal the members together. Figure 8 shows the preferred method for sealing the channel 30. In this example the channel is configured to be sealed by applying force to the wall 22 of the receiving member, for example using a hammer, to close or partially close the channel 30. It is noted that applying large amounts of force to the wall 22 may cause the wall 22 to warp, which may damage the receiving member 20, or may deform the aperture 40 or slot 50 housing the pivot 60. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the open end 32 of the channel 30 includes an edge, corner, or lip that can be deformed to seal the end of the channel 30 thereby sealing the members together. In the depicted example, the channel 30 extends diagonally through the wall 22, thereby creating a corner 100 at the top of the channel that can be deformed, for example with a hammer, as shown in Fig.8, with the deformed corner 100 covering the open end 32 of the channel 30. In some cases, the edge of the wall 22 may include a protrusion that may be deformed to form a lip that covers the channel 30 similar to the deformed corner 100 shown in the figure. By using this method to seal the channel 30 the user reduces the risk of the slots 50 or aperture 40 being damaged when force is applied to the wall 22.

[0085] Figure 11 provides an example of one of the members used in the coupling mechanism described above, namely the securing member 120. This member comprises an elongated member with pivots 60 attached to the sides of the member proximate the end of the member 120. These pivots 60 are protrusions that are formed on the sides of the member 120 when the member is formed. As the pivot is part of the member itself there is no need to weld the pivots into place and therefore there is no weak point at the base of the pivot. This reduces the risk of the pivot being damaged when force is applied to the member 120, thereby reducing the risk of the coupling mechanism breaking when one of the members is impacted. The figure also shows how the user can rotate the pivot 60 by rotating the member that the pivot 60 is attached to, to rotate the pivot within the coupling mechanism. In the depicted example the elongated axes of the pivot 60 and member 120 are parallel, in these cases, the orientation of the member will be the same as the orientation of the pivot 60, but this may not always be the case, depending on the location of the channel 30 and slots 50 in the receiving member it may be preferable to have the pivot 60 be at an angle relative to the rest of the member.

[0086] In contrast to the securing member 120, the receiving member 20 comprises a base, that is typically a planar base, with two parallel walls 30 which raise out vertically out of the plane of the base. Each wall will comprise a channel 30 with a number of slots extending from the channel as described above, wherein the channel is configured to receive the pivot of the securing member and the slots are configured to lock the pivot in place. It is noted that these features are typically located near the end of the receiving member but may be located at any point along the wall 22 so long as the channel 30 has an open end along the wall’s edge. Some receiving members may be configured to receive multiple securing members or allow the securing member to be coupled to different points along the elongated axis of the receiving member, in these cases, the walls 22 of the receiving member 20 may comprise a plurality of channels 30 as described above located at different points along the receiving member.

[0087] Figures 1 to 11 depict generic examples of the claimed coupling mechanism 10 which may be used in a range of applications using different types of members. As part of the claimed invention, we provide a specific application of the coupling mechanism 10 as used in a deployable base foot 200 for a fence. A user may use such a base foot 200 when deploying a fence quickly or when constructing a temporary fence. These base feet are used to anchor the fence posts in place without the need to embed the end of the fence post into the ground. It is preferable for these base feet to be easy to carry and stack so that a plurality of such bases can be stored and transported more easily. To this end, the base foot may use the coupling mechanism described above to allow the foot to fold down when not in use to allow the feet to be stacked more easily.

[0088] Figure 12 depicts an example base foot 200 using the claimed coupling mechanism 10. In general, the base foot 200 comprises a base plate 210, which is a planar plate that will rest on the ground acting as a foot to the attached fence post. The user can secure this base plate 210 in position by placing weights over the body of the base plate, the foot further comprises a pair of arms 220,230 that extend vertically upwards from the plane of the base plate 210. these arms comprise a securing arm 220 that will be fastened to the fence post to couple the post to the foot, and an optional weight arm 230 that is used as a backstop to prevent the weights placed over the base plate from sliding off. It is noted that both of these arms would be configured to fold so that the elongate axis of the arms is parallel to the elongate axis of the base plate 210, to flatten the foot for easier storage. Note that the base plate 210 comprises a pair of raised parallel walls 22 that extend the length of the plate, these walls 22 form a void in the center of the plate that can be used to house the folded arms to protect them when the foot is being transported. The claimed base foot 200 would use the coupling mechanism 10 described above to couple the arms 220,230 to the base plate 210, such that the arms may be rotated between a horizontal position when not in use, to one or more vertical positions when coupled to a fence. Note that in most cases the user will desire the arms to be perpendicular to the base plate 210. However, there may be some situations where the user requires the arms to be at a non-perpendicular angle to the base plate 210, so as to keep the fence post vertical, for example when the plate is positioned on an uneven surface. It is noted that the claimed coupling system may comprise a plurality of slots 50,50’ to allow the arms to be locked at various angles, beyond the two slots required for the parallel and perpendicular positions.

[0089] Figure 13 depicts a detailed view of the securing arm 220 and weight arm 230 used in the preferred embodiment of the base foot 200. In the depicted example each arm comprises a frame consisting of two legs 222, 222’, 232, 232’ with a bar 224,234 connecting the top ends of the legs 22, 222’, 232, 232’. This bar 224,234 may act as a handle to easily rotate the arms into position, and the frame structure reduces the weight of each arm, thereby reducing the overall weight of the base foot 200, to make the base foot 200 easier to lift and carry, thereby making the base foot easier to transport. Note that the bar on the securing arm 220 comprises one or more fastener apertures 228 for receiving a suitable fastener that may be used to fasten the fence post to the base foot 200. In contrast, the weight arm 230 is broader and shorter than the securing arm 220 so that it can better support the weights placed onto the base plate 210.

[0090] Note that in the depicted examples both the securing arm 220 and the weight arm 230 have a plate 226,236 that passes through the ends of the legs that are aft from the bars 224,234. This plate 226,236 passes through a pair of apertures in each leg of the frames, so that the ends of the plate 226,236 protrude from the legs, these protrusions form the pivot 60 used to couple the arms to the base plate 210 using the mechanism 10 described above.

[0091] Another key feature of these arms is that when both arms are folded, they are configured to be parallel to each other this may be achieved by having the arms have different lengths, such that the arms rest end to end when folded. In other cases, the arms may have different widths such that the thinner arm can rest within the larger arm. In some cases, the pivots 60 and apertures 40 used to rotate the arms may be located at different heights in the walls 22 of the base plate 210, such that one arm will rest atop the other arm when both arms are folded. In any case, these features allow the base foot 200 to be folded flat so that they may be stacked more easily.

[0092] Figure 14 depicts the preferred embodiment of the base plate 210. note that the base plate comprises the planar plate that will act as the foot for the fence post, and a pair of raised parallel walls 22 which contain the channels 30, apertures 40 and slots 50 used to couple the arms to the base plate and to allow the position of the arm to be locked in place using the method described above. It is noted that the walls 22 comprise an aperture 40 at each end so that the securing arm 220 can couple to one end of the wall 22 with the weight arm 230 coupling to the other end of the wall 22. Note that in the depicted example the ends of the wall have different heights. As previously noted, this allows the pivot 60 of each arm to be housed at different heights, such that when the arms are folded into the horizontal position, they will stack so that one arm rests flat atop the other arm.

[0093] The base plate 210 also has one or more bars 212 connecting the inner surfaces of the walls 22. This bar 212 acts as a bumper that can cushion the arm as it is folded into the space between the walls 22. This bumper helps to protect both the surface of the base plate and the legs of the arms from being damaged as they are folded, especially after repeated uses. Additionally, part of the base plate 210 between the walls has been removed so as to reduce the overall weight of the base foot. This will allow the base foot 200 to be moved more easily. The base plate may include additional features as shown in the depicted example. Namely, the edge of the depicted base plate 210 includes a handle 214 that protrudes within the plane of the plate. This handle 214 makes the plate easier to carry when being transported. Additionally, as the handle 214 is in the same plane as the plate 210, it ensures that the handle 214 does not obstruct the fence post or the rotation of the arms coupled to the plate, the base plate 214 also features small apertures suitable for fasteners, such as nails screws, and bolts. These fasteners may be used to fasten the weight over the plate to the plate itself to prevent them from sliding off the foot, especially in the absence of the weight arm.

[0094] Further, the plate 210 may include a stopping feature or stopping plate, proximate to the end of the base plate that the post will be coupled to. This stopping feature comprises a plate or other feature that will raise vertically upwards from the plane of the plate. This feature acts as a guide to help guide and hold the fence post that is to be coupled to the base plate 210. In some cases, the base plate 210 may include a plurality of such stopping features such that the fence post may be gripped by a different feature on each side thereby holding the post more firmly and possibly allowing the post to free stand as the user fastens the post into place. In other cases, the base plate 210 may incorporate multiple stopping plates or features, to allow a chosen post to be placed in different positions and / or orientations relative to the base plate. However, it may be preferable to use one or two features with a round or otherwise curved surface, such as the depicted cylindrical feature 216, so that the post may be pivoted relative to the base plate while still resting on the stopping feature.

[0095] The arms 220 and 230 of Fig.13 can be coupled to the base plate 210 of Fig.14 using the steps shown in Figs.2 to 9 as described in detail above. Wherein the user can insert the pivots 60 of each arm into a respective channel 30 in the walls 22 of the base plate.

[0096] Figures 15 and 16 depict a simplified representation of how the claimed coupling mechanism 10 can work within the fence base foot 200. Both arms comprise the same elongated pivot 60, with each of the channels 30 in the wall 22 of the base plate 210 comprising an aperture 40 that is divided into quadrants to allow the arms to fold between two perpendicular positions, one parallel and one perpendicular to the plane of the base plate 210. The channels 30 comprise a pair of slots 50,50’ that would allow the user to lock the arms into one of these two positions. The user is able to lock the arms in place by moving the arm laterally relative to the base plate 210. As shown in Fig.16, once the arms are folded the user can lock them in place by pulling the arms laterally towards the center of the plate thereby inserting the pivot 60 into the relative locking slot 50. In the case where the arms are upright position, the user can press the arms downwards, towards the ground below the plate, to insert the pivot 60 into the slot 50’ to lock the arms in the perpendicular position.

[0097] In another application of the claimed mechanism 10, the fence may comprise portable fence posts, these portable fence posts would comprise a base plate similar to the base plate 210, with larger walls. In these cases, rather than a securing arm, the fence post itself will comprise the pivots, this may be achieved by passing a plate through the bottom end of the post similar to the plates 226 and 236, to form identical pivots on both sides of the post. In use the user can insert the post directly into the base plat using the same method described above. As the post is fastened directly to the base foot, there will be no need for fasteners which may break when the fence is impacted, or may be tampered with. As there are no fasteners it will be harder for an intruder to separate the post from the base plate.

[0098] By using the base foot 200 as described above the user has a means of deploying a fence without the need for specialised tools, as they will not need to dig a hole to embed the fence posts. Further, as the plates and arms have no moving parts the coupling means can be more robust and will be less likely to wear after repeated use. additionally, the simple design will allow the surfaces of the locking mechanism to be galvanized to provide better protection to the foot base 200 components compared to painting the pieces alone.

[0099] It is also noted that the base foot 200 may be provided as a kit of parts. Wherein the kit comprises at least one base plate 210, with a respective securing arm 220, and weight arm 230 for each base plate 210. The kit may further include a suitable weight to anchor the base foot 200, along with the necessary fasteners to secure the weights and fence post to the base foot. 200 The kit may further include a plurality of such base feet 200 and the post necessary to form a fence in the desired area.

[0100] It is noted that the kit may also include a bracket 300 configured to mount the fence post to the securing arm 220, as depicted in Figure 17. This bracket 300 will comprise two parts that can be fastened together. The first part of the bracket is a frame 320 that is configured to be mounted to the bar 224 at the top of the securing arm 220. The first frame 320 comprising a U-shaped frame with elongated apertures 322 along the sides of the frame configured to receive a fastener to couple to the sides of the securing arm 220. These apertures 322 are elongated so that the user can adjust them horizontally, so as to change the spacing between the surface of the post and the surface of the securing arm allowing the post to be moved forward and backwards as required. This will allow the user to make small adjustments to the posts positioning.

[0101] The second part of the bracket comprises another frame 340 that is configured to surround the post that is coupled to the base foot 200, thereby holding the post into the bracket 300. Both parts of the bracket comprise a further aperture that allows the two parts of the bracket to be coupled together with a suitable fastener, represented by the bolt 360 in Fig.17. This provides a means of securing different shaped posts to the same base foot while allowing small adjustments to the position of the post where necessary.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 02 June 2025 (02.06.2025)1. A rotational coupling comprising: a pivoted elongate member (120) comprising one or more elongate pivots (60) coupled to a side of the member (120); and a housing (20) comprises one or more walls (22), wherein the walls (22) of the housing (20) comprise: an opening (40) located within the housing wall (22), wherein the opening (40) is in the shape of two opposing quadrants;Wherein the edges (42) of each quadrant opening are perpendicular; a diagonal channel (30) that extends from an open end (32) located on an edge of the housing wall (22), and extends to the opening (40) within the housing wall (22);Wherein the member (120) and housing (20) are configured to be coupled together by aligning a pivot (60) of the member (120) with the open end (32) of the diagonal channel (30), inserting the pivot (60) into the channel (30) and sliding the pivot (60) down into the quadrant-shaped opening (40) within the housing wall (22); and such that once inserted, the member (120) may be pivoted relative to the housing (20) by rotating the pivot (60) with the quadrant-shaped opening (40); wherein the pivot (60) may rotate between two perpendicular positions, wherein each position is defined when the pivot (60) rests on the edges (42) of the quadrant-shaped opening; characterised in that when in a first position, an elongate slot (50) to receive the elongate pivot (60) is present as an extension of one linear face of a quadrant of the housing (20).

2. The rotational coupling of claim 1 wherein in a second position, an elongate slot (50’) to receive the elongate pivot (60) is present as an extension of one linear face of a quadrant of the housing (20).

3. The rotational coupling of any preceding claim wherein the coupling is made of galvanized steel.

4. The rotational coupling of claim 3, wherein the galvanizing is after assembly of the coupling.

5. The rotational coupling of any preceding claim wherein the diagonal channel (30) of the housing (20) is configured to be bent by means of mechanical impact to retain the elongated pivot (60) in the housing (20).

6. The rotational coupling of claim 5 wherein the housing (20) comprises a folding lip (100) present proximate the open end (32) of the channel (30), wherein the folding lip (100) is configured to cover at least a portion of the channel (30) upon the mechanical impact.

7. A portable fencepost having a base (200) and a post, one of the base and the post having respectively said elongated pivot (60) and the other having the housing (20) of any preceding claim8. The portable fencepost of claim 7 wherein the elongated pivot (60) is at an end portion of the post and the housing (20) is in the base (20).

9. The portable fencepost of claims 7 or 8 wherein the base (200) comprises two housings (20) for receiving two elongate pivots (60), respectively, each pivot (60) located on a separate post.

10. The portable fencepost of claims 7 to 9, wherein the housing (20) is positioned on a base plate (200), and wherein the plate (200) comprises a plurality of housings (20) such that the post may be coupled to different points along the length of the base plate (200).11 .A portable fence base foot, comprising a base plate (200) and a securing arm (220) configured to be coupled to a fence post, wherein the end of the securing arm (220) comprises the elongated pivot (60) of claims 1 to 6, and the base plate (200) comprises the housing (20) of claims 1 to 6 so that the arm (220) may be rotatably coupled to the base plate (200).

12. The base foot of claim 11 , further comprises a weight arm (230), wherein the weight arm (230) comprises the pivot (60) of claims 1 to 6, and the base plate (200) comprises a second housing (20) at the opposite end of the plate (200) relative to the first housing, wherein the securing arm (220) couples to the first housing and the weight arm (230) couples to the second housing.

13. The base foot of claim 11 or 12, wherein the base plate (200) further comprises one or more bars (234) that extend along the base (200) of the housing (20) and are comprised to form a bumper configured to cushion the securing arm (220) and / or weight arm (230) when rotated into the horizontal position.

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