The present invention concerns a fastening mechanism for fastening an object to a base member.

Two objects can be fastened together in a variety of different manners. The fastening means will generally be selected depending on whether the fastening is to be releasable or not releasable, as well as how secure the fastening is required to be.

Means such as nails, staples and the like can provide a secure fastening between two objects. However, such fastenings are not releasable. Means such as nuts and bolts may be used if a releasable fastening is required. However, these means are less secure as they can be released.

Further, all of the means discussed above require additional parts to fasten the two objects together. For example, when using a nut and a bolt, the fastening process requires the two objects to be fastened, the nut, the bolt and any necessary tools to be provided separately. This can increase the time required for the fastening process and the likelihood that a necessary part is lost in transit.

Fastening means such as those discussed above are commonly used in fencing, in order to connect fence panels to a fence post. Nails provide a simple means for connecting the two, but are not releasable and require tools to conduct the fastening process. Nuts and bolts are also used and have the advantage of being releasable. However, the nuts and bolts may be removed and so are not secure. Further, the use of nuts and bolts requires at least two separate parts to be provided in addition to the fence post and the fence panel, as well as the tools required to fasten the nut and bolt.

The use of releasable means such as nuts and bolts also often requires more than one person to conduct the fastening process. This is particularly the case when the fastening means are used to install a fence, as at least one person is generally required on either side of the fence, one to insert the bolt and the other to apply the nut once the bolt has been inserted. l Other fastening mechanisms are known in the art. For example, JPH1030624 and RU2125189 disclose mechanisms in which a straight rod is inserted through a hole in two objects. A section of the end of the rod that has passed through the objects rotates to form a T-shaped end and a spring pulls the T-shaped end towards the objects, thereby pressing the two objects together. It is therefore not possible to use these arrangements from only one side of the objects, as the rod is inserted from one side and the end is rotated at the other.

US5370488 and US201 1/0274513 disclose similar arrangements in which a straight rod with two blocking portions at one end is inserted through a hole in two objects. Once the blocking portions have passed through the hole in the two objects, the rod can be rotated such that the blocking portions no longer fit through the hole and a spring pulls the blocking portions towards the objects, thereby pressing the two together in a manner similar to that described above. These arrangements therefore rely on the rotation of the rod by the correct amount in order to fasten the objects together.

All of these arrangements act by pressing the two objects to be fastened together, thereby applying pressure to the objects, which can be detrimental.

There is therefore a need for a fastening mechanism that provides an easy, quick, secure and releasable way to connect two objects and which does not require many additional parts to fasten the two objects together and which can be fastened by one user.

According to the present invention there is provided a fastening mechanism for fastening an object to a base member comprising: a base member having a first and a second surface, wherein an aperture extends through the base member, from the first surface to the second surface, a connecting member rotatably connected to the base member, wherein the connecting member extends through the aperture such that at least a first portion of the connecting member extends from the first surface of the base member and at least a second portion of the connecting member extends from the second surface of the base member and wherein the first portion of the connecting member is movable away from the first surface such that a first end of the first portion can assume a position in which it does not contact the first surface of the base member and a fastening means that impedes the movement of the first portion of the connecting member to or towards said position.

The base member is one of the two objects to be fastened together. The base member may be part of a larger object. The fastening mechanism of the present invention therefore provides the connecting member as a single component, in combination with one of the two objects to be fastened to one another. This is therefore different to the prior art, which makes use of separate fastening mechanisms to connect two objects together. In the arrangement of the invention, the base member is part of the fastening mechanism while the object is not. Thus, the object is releasable from the fastening mechanism while the base member is not releasable from the fastening mechanism without dismantling the mechanism.

The provision of the connecting member and the base member as one of the objects to be fastened also means that fewer separate components are required. This reduces the cost and complexity of fastening the object to the base member. For example, it is less likely that components will be lost in transit or during fastening. It may also mean that the fastening process, which fastens the object to the base member, may be conducted by a single person.

The term "impede" as used herein with reference to the fastening means is intended to mean that the fastening means hinders or prevents the movement of at least part of the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member, to or towards the position in which the first end does not contact the first surface. The fastening means may impede said movement by preventing the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface of the base member. The fastening means may impede said movement by providing a force that acts against the first portion of the connecting member moving away from the first surface of the base member. Said force may prevent the fastening means from moving, or may be small enough that it can be overcome by the application of sufficient force in the opposite direction. The fastening means may impede the movement of the first end of the first portion of the connecting member to or towards said position. The movement of at least a first portion of the connecting member may be in a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface of the base member. The movement of at least a first portion of the connecting member may be along an axis that is perpendicular to the first surface of the base member. The first portion of the connecting member may move both away from and towards the first surface of the base member, such that the first end of the first portion has a first position in which it does not contact the first surface of the base member and a second position in which it does contact the first surface of the base member.

The first end of the first portion is closer to the first surface of the base member than the second surface when it is in the position in which it does not contact the first surface.

The connecting member may have a fastened position, in which it is located when an object is fastened to the base member. The first end of the first portion may be in contact with the first surface of the base member, or may extend through the base member, when the connecting member is in a fastened position. The connecting member may have an unfastened position, in which it is located when no object is fastened to the base member or when it is ready for an object to be fastened to the base member.

The first portion of the connecting member extends from the first surface. However, as the connecting member can be moved towards and away from the first surface, it is to be understood that the amount of the connecting member extending from the first surface can vary. The first portion may refer to the portion that extends from the first surface in the unfastened position.

The first portion of the connecting member can provide a shelf for resting the object on before the connecting member is rotated and fastened. There may be a horizontally extending part of the first portion of the connecting member when it is in the unfastened position that extends parallel to the first surface, which may create said shelf. The distance between the outer surface of this part and the first surface of the base member may be greater than the width of the object. The object may therefore be placed in contact with the base member before the two are fastened together. This makes it easier for a single user to fasten the object to the base member and allows the position of the object to be changed relative to the base member before the two are fastened together.

The fastening means may impede the movement of the connecting member when it is in the unfastened position. The fastening means may only impede the movement of the connecting member when it is in the fastened position. The fastening means may be attached to the connecting member once it is in the fastened position. Additionally or alternatively, the force provided by the fastening means which impedes the movement of the connecting member may be increased once the connecting member is in the fastened position.

The connecting member in the unfastened position may be perpendicular to the connecting member in the fastened position. This is particularly useful if the aperture in the object to be fastened to the base member is longer in one direction than another. In this embodiment, the connecting member can be inserted through an aperture in the object while it is in the unfastened position and subsequently rotated, such that it no longer fits through the aperture in the object. Thus, the shorter dimension of the aperture can be as short as possible, while still allowing the connecting member to extend through it during the fastening process.

The object to be fastened preferably has a second aperture, such that the first end of the connecting member can extend through the second aperture and contact the base member. The object to be fastened may have more than two apertures, such that the first end of the connecting member can extend through an aperture in both the fastened and unfastened position. This can help to retain the connecting member in its unfastened and/or in its fastened position, as the object can prevent the first portion from rotating. This can also mean that the object can be placed in contact with the base member before the connecting member is rotated and fastened, fastening the object and the base member together. This makes it easier for a single user to fasten the object to the base member.

The fastened position and/or the unfastened position may be defined by an indentation in the first surface of the base member. The connecting member may be at least partially inserted into the indentation. This helps to retain the connecting member in its unfastened and/or in its fastened position.

The fastened position and/or the unfastened position may be defined by a second aperture or an indent in the first surface of the base member. The connecting member may be at least partially inserted through the aperture or into the indent. The connecting member may be inserted through the aperture such that it extends past the second surface in the base member. This may help to retain the connecting member in its unfastened and/or in its fastened position.

Specifically, the fastened position may be defined by a second aperture in the first surface of the base member. The second aperture may be located away from the first aperture such that a first end of the first portion can be inserted into the second aperture and optionally past the second surface of the base member. The first aperture in this context refers to the aperture through which the connecting member extends such that at least a first portion of the connecting member extends from the first surface of the base member and at least a second portion of the connecting member extends from the second surface of the base member. The first end of the first portion of the connecting member may extend through the second aperture. The first end may extend through the second aperture and past the second surface of the base member.

The first portion of the connecting member may be C-shaped, triangular or semicircular, or may comprise three straight sections arranged at right angles to one another in sequence such that the two sections that are not directly connected are parallel to one another. In fact, any shape that allows the first end of the connecting member to contact the first surface of the base member is conceived. The first portion may also be E-shaped, such that the first portion has a first end and a second end. At least one of the two ends in this arrangement can contact the base member. The use of an E-shaped first portion can create two apertures between the first portion and the base member, through which the object can extend. This creates a stronger connection between the object and the base member. More than two ends that can contact the base member could also be included. Any shape that allows the first end of the connecting member to extend into the second aperture may also be conceived. The shape of the first portion of the connecting member may mean that it cannot pass through the hole in the base member to the second surface.

The connecting member may be shaped such that when the first end of the first portion of the connecting member contacts the first surface of the base member, another section of the first portion of the connecting member does not contact the first surface of the base member. Thus, the first portion may be shaped such that when the first end is in contact with the base member, or when the connecting member is in a fastened position, an aperture is formed between the first portion and the base member. The aperture may be sized such that at least part of the object to be fastened to the base member can extend through it. This means that an object can be fastened to the base member without pressing the two together. This also means that the object can help to inhibit rotation of the connecting member from the fastened position when the two are fastened together.

The first portion of the connecting member may comprise rounded surfaces. This may make it harder to grip the connecting member and therefore harder to move the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member, to a position in which the first end of the connecting member does not contact the first surface of the base member. The first end of the first portion of the connecting member may be rounded. This may make it easier to insert the first portion into any indentation or hole that may be used to define the fastened or unfastened position.

A first section of the first portion of the connecting member may extend from the first surface of the base member, along an axis perpendicular to the first surface. The connecting member may rotate about this axis and may move parallel to this axis. This axis may align with the aperture in the base member. A second section of the connecting member may be positioned at an angle of more than 90° from said axis, wherein the second section comprises the first end of the connecting member. The second section of the connecting member may be directly connected to the first section, or a third section may connect the two. The second section may extend both away from the first section and towards the first surface of the base member. The second portion of the connecting member may extend along said axis of rotation of the connecting member.

The first end of the connecting member may comprise a loop. Thus, if the connecting member comprises a rod, reference to the first end of the connecting member does not necessarily refer to the end of the rod. Instead, in the embodiment in which the first end of the connecting member comprises a loop, the apex of the loop is considered to comprise the first end of the connecting member. In embodiments in which the first end of the connecting member extends through the second aperture, it may be that the loop extends through the second aperture while the end of the rod does not.

The fastening means may be closer to the second surface of the base member than the first surface. This may increase the security of the mechanism, as the means for maintaining the connecting member in position may be less readily accessible. This is particularly the case in embodiments in which the object is a fence panel and the base member is a fence post. In such embodiments, the fastening means that is holding the fence panel to the fence post via the connecting member may be located on the opposite side of the fence to a person trying to dismantle the fence.

The fastening means may be attached to or be part of the fastening mechanism throughout the fastening process. The fastening means may be an integral part of the fastening mechanism. This means that no additional parts are required during the fastening process, thereby improving the ease of fastening. This may also reduce the risk that components are lost during transit of the fastening mechanism and can make it easier for a single user to fasten the mechanism, as an object can be fastened to the base member by a user on one side of the base member, without having to reach the other side.

The fastening means may be attached to or be part of the first end of the first portion of the connecting member. The fastening means may be attached to or be part of the second portion of the connecting member. The fastening means may be readily accessible to a user. The second surface may be an external surface of an object comprising the base member. If the fastening means is present on the second portion of the connecting member, it may be located on the opposite side of the base member to the object to be fastened to the base member. The fastening means may be inaccessible to a user from one side of the base member, but accessible from another side of the base member.

The fastening means may act to move the first end of the first portion of the connecting member towards the first surface of the base member. The fastening means may hold the first end of the first portion against the first surface of the base member or in the aperture or indentation defining the fastened and/or unfastened position. The fastening means may act to maintain the connecting member in the fastened and/or unfastened position.

The fastening means may be tightened such that it can impede the movement of the first portion away from the first surface of the base member to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface to different degrees. The fastening means may be tighter when the connecting member is in the fastened position than when it is in the unfastened position. The impedance of the movement of the first portion may be greater when the connecting member is in the fastened position.

The fastening means may comprise a spring. The fastening means may consist of a spring. The spring is arranged to impede the movement of at least part of the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member, to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface. The force may move the first end of the connecting member towards the first surface of the base member. The force may maintain the connecting member in the fastened and/or unfastened position. This force may be continuously applied to the connecting member, but may increase as the first end is moved away from the first surface.

In the embodiment in which the first end of the first portion of the connecting member extends through a second aperture, the spring may be arranged to create a force that acts to move the first end through the aperture, past the second surface. The spring may therefore impede the first end from moving back through the aperture once it has extended through the aperture, past the second surface of the base member. The same may be true of other fastening means. The force may also maintain the connecting member in a position when the first end does not extend through the aperture but is in contact with the first surface of the base member.

The spring may impede at least part of the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface of the base member, once it is in the fastened position. For example, the spring may impede movement once the first end of the connecting member has extended through the aperture and optionally past the second surface of the base member. However, the application of a sufficient force may overcome the force applied by the spring. It is therefore to be understood that while the fastening means of the present invention may act to impede at least part of the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface of the base member, this action may be overcome using sufficient force.

The fastening means may therefore prevent the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface of the base member to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface of the base member, unless a sufficient opposing force is applied to the connecting member. This provides a releasable fastening means. Alternatively, the fastening means may prevent the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface of the base member to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface of the base member, even if an opposing force is applied to the connecting member.

The use of a spring provides an integrated fastening means and so the fastening mechanism does not require any additional components in order to fasten the object to the base member. The spring may be attached to the fastening mechanism throughout the fastening process.

The fastening means may be attached to the second portion of the connecting member. This may allow the fastening means to be attached to the mechanism before the object is fastened thereto, without interfering with the rotation of the first portion of the connecting member and therefore with the fastening process. This may be preferable when the fastening means is a spring.

A nut or a washer may be used to maintain the spring in position. The fastening means may consist of the spring in combination with said nut or washer. The nut or washer may also be used to vary the force applied to the connecting member by the spring. The nut or washer may be applied to the second portion of the connecting member if the spring is present on the second portion. The second portion of the connecting member may therefore be threaded.

Once the object has been fastened to the base member, the nut may be tightened such that the distance between the nut and a surface decreases, wherein the spring extends along said distance. The surface may be the second surface of the base member, or may be another surface of the fastening mechanism. The distance may be along the second portion of the connecting member. This will increase the force applied by the spring and will make it more difficult to move the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface, such the first end no longer contacts the first surface. If the nut is tightened sufficiently, it may prevent the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface, such that the first end no longer contacts the first surface, thereby providing a secure fastening.

The fastening means may also comprise a section of the connecting member. In the embodiment in which the first end of the connecting member extends through a second aperture, the first end of the connecting member may comprise a movable section. This movable section may rotate about an axis, from a first position to a second position. The axis may be the axis along which the first end moves through the second aperture. The rotation may mean that when in the second position, a dimension of the first end of the connecting member, such as its width, is larger than the corresponding dimension of the second aperture. This may not be the case in the first position. This movable section may therefore prevent the first end from moving back through the aperture once it has extended through the aperture past the second surface of the base member. The movable section may also prevent at least part of the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the first surface once the first end has extended through the aperture. The fastening means may comprise a nut on the second portion of the connecting member. The nut may impede the movement of the first portion and therefore also the first end of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member after a certain distance. The nut may be tightened once the connecting member is in the fastened position, so that the distance that the first end of the connecting member can move away from the first surface of the base member reduces. This means that a single user can easily and securely fasten the object to the base member. The nut may be tightened such that the first end of the connecting member cannot move away from the first surface of the base member. The nut may be present on the second portion of the connecting member throughout the fastening process. The nut may remain untightened in less secure embodiments.

This arrangement provides a fastening mechanism that does not require any additional parts for use in the fastening process. Additionally, the arrangement is simple and cheap to manufacture.

The fastening means may be attached to the connecting member once the connecting member is in the fastened position. The fastening means may be attached to the first end of the connecting member once the first end has extended through a second aperture in the base member, past the second surface. While this may increase the number of components required to fasten the object to the base member, it can provide a more secure fastening and can allow for a simpler design.

In this embodiment, a portion of the connecting member close to or at the first end may comprise threading and the fastening means may comprise a nut. Once the first end of the connecting member has extended through the base member, the nut may be applied to the first end. This is a simple and cheap arrangement, which will prevent the first end from moving through the aperture.

Additionally, this may allow a single person to fasten the object to the base member in certain embodiments, for example where the base member is a fence post and the object is a fence panel. While the fastening means has not been applied, the force of the object on the connecting member may retain it in place until the fastening means is applied. This is not the case in arrangements such as simple nuts and bolts.

The fastening mechanism may comprise both a fastening means on the second portion and a fastening means on the first portion of the connecting member. The fastening means on the second portion may comprise the spring and the fastening means on the first portion may comprise the nut attached to the first end, as discussed above. This creates a secure but releasable fastening mechanism that can be used by a single person. Specifically, the spring may hold the connecting member in place until the nut is applied to the first end, in order to increase the security of the arrangement.

The fastening mechanism may comprise a barb on the portion of the connecting member that moves through the first aperture when the connecting member moves from the unfastened to the fastened position. The barb may be adjacent to the first surface in the unfastened position, but adjacent to the second surface in the fastened position. The barb may comprise a sloped surface that moves further from the connecting member towards the first end of the connecting member and may also have a surface at right-angles to the connecting member at the end closest to the first end of the connecting member. The surface at right-angles to the connecting member may extend from the thickest portion of the barb. The barb may be triangular in cross- section. The barb may be wedge-shaped. The barb may be used in combination with a spring and nut or washer.

The barb prevents the first portion of the connecting member from moving away from the base member once it is in the fastened position, as it provides a force against the second surface of the base member. The surface at right angles to the connecting member may press against the second surface of the base member in the fastened position. The base member and/or the barb may be deformed as the barb moves through the aperture, to the fastened position. This can provide a non-releasable fastening mechanism, which can be fastened by a single user.

The fastening mechanism or an object comprising the fastening mechanism may be placed on a surface when in use. The first and second surfaces of the base member may be horizontal or vertical to a surface on which the fastening mechanism is placed. The fastening mechanism may be directly or indirectly placed on the surface. It may be the base member that is placed on a surface in use and the first and second surfaces of the base member may be horizontal or vertical to a surface on which the base member is placed.

When the base member or fastening mechanism is placed vertically on a surface, the first end of the connecting means in the fastened position may be directly above or below the aperture in the base member. This helps to retain the object in position once the connecting member is in the fastened position, particularly if there is a length of time before the fastening means is applied during the fastening process.

The base member may comprise a fence post. In this embodiment, the object to be fastened to the fence post may be a fence panel. The fence panel may comprise a mesh, particularly a wire mesh. The fence post may be hollow. In this embodiment, the second surface of the base member may be the internal surface of the side wall of the fence comprising the first surface as its external surface. Alternatively, the second surface may be the external surface of the side wall of the fence post opposite the side wall of the fence post comprising the first surface. In this case, the first aperture may comprise an aperture on one external side wall and an aperture on the opposite side wall. The two apertures may be different sizes.

In the embodiment discussed above in which the fastening means comprises a spring, a nut may be used to increase the force of the spring. This may be achieved by decreasing the distance between the nut and a surface, with the spring extending along the distance. The distance may be along the second portion of the connecting means. The surface may be the second surface, or may be another surface of the fastening mechanism. If the second surface is the internal surface of the side wall of the fence comprising the first surface as its external surface, the nut may decrease the distance between itself and the external surface of the side wall of the fence post opposite the side wall of the fence post comprising the first surface. The base member may comprise a gabion. In this embodiment, the object to be fastened to the gabion may be another gabion. The other gabion may comprise a mesh side wall, particularly a wire mesh side wall.

The fastening mechanism described above therefore provides a quick, cheap and simple means for fastening a fence panel to a fence post or for connecting two gabions together, which only requires a single person to conduct the fastening process and does not require many or any additional components.

The base member may be attached to an object, such as a fence post or a gabion. The base member may be non-releasably attached to the object, for example by welding. The base member may comprise a plate that may be non-releasably attached to an object, such as a fence post or a gabion.

The first aperture in the base member may comprise an elongate channel. The elongate channel may contain one or more connecting members extending therethrough. The channel may extend the length of the base member. If the channel extends to an edge of the base member, the channel may be open at the end. The channel may extend to two edges of the base member and be open at both ends.

This means that one or more connecting members can be inserted from said end and slid through the channel to their desired position. The fastening means can then hold the connecting members in position. This means that the connecting members can easily be included in the fastening mechanism and their position can be changed as required. Further, this can be done by a single user.

The first end of the connecting member may extend into the channel in the fastened position. This means that there is no need for a second aperture to define the fastened position and further, this helps to retain the connecting member in its fastened position.

The base member may be hollow and may comprise one or more outer walls. The base member may comprise an internal structure, in which the fastening means may be located. The internal structure may include the first aperture, the first surface and/or the second surface of the base member. The first surface of the base member therefore may not be an outer wall of the base member and may comprise part of an internal structure. The first surface may be within an indent on the outer wall. This is particularly useful when the base member is a hollow fence post and the second surface is an internal surface of the fence post.

The base member may be a single component, which may optionally be extruded as a single part. The single component may include the internal structure. Alternatively, the internal structure may be a separate component that can be inserted into the base member. The hollow base member may comprise an aperture through which the separate internal structure, such as a bush portion, can be inserted.

The internal structure may comprise an inner chamber. The inner chamber may be formed from a separate component, such as a bush portion, that is inserted into the hollow centre of the base member. Alternatively, the inner chamber may be part of the base member, such that the second surface of the base member forms part of the inner chamber.

The inner chamber may be sized and shaped to contain the fastening means. The inner chamber may be sized and shaped to contain at least part of the connecting member that extends from the second surface of the base member in the fastened position. If the second surface of the base member forms part of the inner chamber, the inner chamber may be sized and shaped to contain all of the portion of the connecting member that extends from the second surface of the base member in the fastened position. This means that the fastening means cannot easily be loosened and so the connecting means cannot easily be removed from the fastening mechanism once it is in place.

Thus, the fastening means may be located within the base member. Alternatively, the fastening means may extend from the base member.

The inner chamber may be connected to the outer walls of the hollow base member. This can improve the strength and integrity of the base member. The fastening mechanism may comprise steel and/or fibreglass. The base member may be aluminium. Such materials are strong and durable.

At least part of the first portion of the connecting member may be shaped such that it is difficult to grip. This means that it is more difficult to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member. The shaped part of the first portion may be between the first end and the aperture. The shaped part of the first portion may be angular or radiused. The use of a radiused part may provide an improved aesthetic.

At least part of the first portion of the connecting member may be shaped such that manufacture is easier. At least part of the first portion of the connecting member may also be shaped such that it is easier to grip. The shaped part of the first portion may be between the first end and the aperture. The shaped part of the first portion may be flat. The use of a flat part may create a lower profile and therefore an improved aesthetic.

The connecting member may comprise an integral connection hole that can improve the grip on the connecting member. This can mean that it is easier to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member. A connection hole can also be used to connect other objects to the base member, such as a clothes line, wire rope or an electric fence wire connection.

The connecting member may include additional integrated functional features, such as LEDs, fiber optic lights or roller bearings, depending on the intended end use of the fastening mechanism. The integrated roller bearing can be attached to another component in order to provide a rotational attachment to the fastening means. For example, a shaft may be attached to two opposed roller bearings in a horizontal manner. A sheet material can be placed on top of the shaft, thereby creating a moving platform which could be part of a linear rolling conveyor system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a fastening mechanism as discussed above and a mesh. The mesh may be a wire mesh and/or may be a mesh panel. The mesh may comprise a metal, a plastic or a composite material.

The fastening mechanism of the kit may comprise a fence post. The base member may be the fence post. The base member may be as discussed above. In this embodiment, the mesh may comprise a fence panel. The fastening mechanism of the kit may comprise a first gabion wall. The base member may be the first gabion wall. In this embodiment, the mesh may comprise a second gabion wall.

As discussed above in relation to a fastening mechanism, the kit therefore provides a quick, cheap and simple means for fastening a fence panel to a fence post or for connecting two gabions together, which only requires a single person to conduct the fastening process and does not require many or any additional components.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for fastening an object to a base member having a first and a second surface, wherein an aperture extends through the base member from the first surface to the second surface and wherein a connecting member is rotatably connected to the base member, the connecting member extending through the aperture such that at least a first portion of the connecting member extends from the first surface of the base member and at least a second portion of the connecting member extends from the second surface of the base member comprising: inserting at least the first portion of the connecting member through a first aperture in an object, moving the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member, to a position in which a first end of the first portion of the connecting member does not contact the first surface of the base member, rotating the connecting member such that the first end of the first portion of the connecting member is aligned with a second aperture in the object and moving the first portion of the connecting member towards said first surface such that the first end of the connecting member moves through the second aperture in the object, wherein a fastening means impedes the movement of the first end of the first portion of the connecting member to or towards the position in which it does not contact the first surface of the base member. The first portion of the connecting member may be inserted through a first aperture in an object while the connecting member is in an unfastened position. The second aperture of the object may be aligned with the base member such that the connecting member is in the fastened position once the first portion thereof has moved through the second aperture in the object. The second aperture of the object may be aligned with an indentation or an aperture on the base member that defines the fastened position. The first end of the connecting means may extend into or through said indentation or aperture.

The method may further comprise the step of attaching the fastening means to the fastening mechanism. This may hold the connecting member in the fastened position. This may be done once the first end of the connecting member has extended through the second aperture in the object to be fastened. This may be done when the connecting member is in the fastened position. The fastening means may be attached to the first end of the connecting member once it extends through a second aperture past the second surface of the base member, as discussed above in relation to the fastening mechanism. The fastening means may be attached to another part of the fastening mechanism, such as to the second portion of the connecting member.

The step of attaching the fastening means may comprise the application of a nut to the first end of the connecting member.

The fastening means may also be attached to or part of the connecting member throughout the method. The method may further comprise the step of increasing the force applied by the fastening means to impede the movement of at least part of the first portion of the connecting member away from the first surface of the base member, to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface. This may be done after the first end of the connecting means has extended through the second aperture in the object to be fastened.

The method may further comprise the step of tightening the fastening means, which may comprise a nut attached to the second portion of the connecting member. The fastening means may be tightened such that the movement of the first portion to a position in which the first end does not contact the first surface of the base member is further restricted, optionally such that the first end cannot move away from the first surface. This may be done once the first end of the connecting member has extended through the second aperture in the object to be fastened. This may be done when the connecting member is in the fastened position.

The object may be a wire mesh. The first and second apertures in the object may comprise spaces between the wires in the mesh. This means that apertures do not have to be created within the object in order for it to be attached to the base member. The present invention therefore provides a simple method for fastening a wire mesh to a base member.

The method may make use of the fastening mechanism as discussed above. The base member, the connecting member and the fastening means of the method may comprise the fastening mechanism as discussed above. The features discussed above in relation to the fastening mechanism are therefore also applicable to the method.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of the fastening mechanism as discussed above to fasten an object to a base member.

The object may be a mesh panel. The mesh panel may be a fence panel or a gabion wall. In these embodiments, the base member of the fastening means may be a fence post or a second gabion respectively.

The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following figures, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a view of the first surface of the fastening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first surface of the fastening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second surface of the fastening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates the view of the fastening mechanism shown in Figure 1 , in addition to the object to be fastened to the fastening mechanism;

Figure 5 illustrates the view of the fastening mechanism shown in Figure 4, once the object has been fastened to the fastening mechanism;

Figure 6a illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with an angular top;

Figure 6b illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with a radiused top;

Figure 6c illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with a flat top;

Figure 7 illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with an integral connection hole;

Figure 8 illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with integral lights;

Figure 9 illustrates a connecting member having a first portion with an integral roller bearing;

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a base member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 illustrates a plan view of a fastening mechanism including the base member of Figure 10 in the unfastened position;

Figure 12 illustrates a plan view of a fastening mechanism including the base member of Figure 10 in the fastened position; and

Figure 13 illustrates a plan view of a fastening mechanism according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates the fastening mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfastened position. The fastening mechanism 1 comprises the base member 2, which comprises a first and second surface opposite one another, of which only the first surface is shown.

Fastening mechanism 1 also comprises connecting member 4, which extends through aperture 5, such that a C-shaped first portion of the connecting member 4 (which is shown) extends from the first surface of the base member 2 and a second portion of the connecting member 4 (not shown) extends from the second surface of the base member 2.

The fastening mechanism 1 also comprises second aperture 3, which is located away from the first aperture 5 such that a first end of the first portion of the connecting member 4 can be inserted into second aperture 3 and past the second surface of the base member 2, when the connecting member 4 is in the fastened position.

Figure 2 illustrates the fastening mechanism 1 1 according to the same embodiment shown in Figure 1 , also in an unfastened position. The fastening mechanism 1 1 comprises a base member 12, which comprises a first and second surface opposite one another, of which only the first surface is shown.

Fastening mechanism 1 1 also comprises connecting member 14, which extends through aperture 15, such that a C-shaped first portion 17a extends from the first surface of the base member 12, while second portion 17b extends from the second surface of the base member 12. A nut 18 has been attached to the end of the second portion 17b of the connecting member 14, in order to keep a spring 16 in place. The spring 16 extends along the second portion 17b of the connecting member 14. The spring 16 acts as a fastening means and provides a force that moves the first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 towards the base member 12. Specifically, the force impedes the movement of the first end of the first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 away from the first surface of the base member 12. The fastening mechanism 1 1 also comprises second aperture 13, which is located away from the first aperture 15 such that a first end of the first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 can be inserted into second aperture 13 and past the second surface of the base member 12, when the connecting member 14 is in the fastened position.

Figure 3 illustrates the fastening mechanism 21 according to the same embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, in a fastened position. The fastening mechanism 21 comprises a base member 22, which comprises a first and second surface opposite one another, of which only the second surface is shown.

Fastening mechanism 21 also comprises connecting member 24, parts of both the first portion 27a and the second portion 27b of which can be seen in the figure. The connecting member 24 is extends through aperture 25 such that first portion 27a extends from the first surface of the base member 22 when the first end of which does not extend through the aperture 23. Most of first portion 27a cannot be seen in the figure. Second portion 27b extends from the second surface of the base member 22.

A nut 28 has been attached to the end of the second portion 27b of the connecting member 24, in order to keep a spring 26 in place. The spring 26 extends along the second portion 27b of the connecting member 24. The spring 26 acts as a fastening means and the nut 28 has been tightened such that the spring 26 provides a force that both moves the portion of the first portion 27a of the connecting member 24 that is not shown towards the base member 22 and prevents the first end of first portion 27a from moving through the aperture 23 once it has extended through the aperture 23 and past the second surface of the base member 22.

The fastening mechanism 21 also comprises a second aperture 23 which is located away from the first aperture 25 such that a first end of the first portion 27a of the connecting member 24 can be inserted into the second aperture 23 and past the second surface of the base member 22, when the connecting member 24 is in the fastened position, as shown in the figure. In Figure 3, the first portion 27a of connecting member 24 has been rotated and moved towards the base member 22 such that the first end of the first portion 27a of the connecting member 24 has been moved through the aperture 23. A nut 29 has been attached to the end of the first portion 27a to ensure that the first end of the connecting member 24 does not move back through the aperture 23. The connecting member 24 is therefore in the fastened position.

Figure 4 illustrates the fastening mechanism 31 according to the same embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the unfastened position. The fastening mechanism 31 comprises the base member 32, which comprises a first and second surface opposite one another, of which only the first surface is shown. The fastening mechanism 31 also comprises second aperture 33, which extends through the base member 32, from the first surface to the opposite second surface.

Fastening mechanism 31 also comprises connecting member 34, which extends through aperture 35 such that a first portion of the connecting member 34 (which is shown) extends from the first surface of the base member 32 and a second portion of the connecting member 34 (not shown) extends from the second surface of the base member 32, when the connecting member 34 is in the unfastened position, as shown in the figure.

Adjacent to the fastening mechanism 31 is wire mesh 39, which comprises a series of both vertical and horizontal wires with spaces between them, connected together to form a mesh. Particularly, the wire mesh 39 comprises a first aperture 39a and a second aperture 39b, defined by the spaces between the wires in the mesh 39.

In Figure 4, the connecting member 34 is in the unfastened position, which is perpendicular to the position it would assume when the first end of the connecting member 34 extends through the second aperture 33. In this unfastened position, the connecting member 34 is inserted through the first aperture 39a.

Figure 5 illustrates the fastening mechanism 41 according to the same embodiment shown in Figure 4, in the fastened position. The fastening mechanism 41 comprises a base member 42 having a second aperture 43 and a connecting member 44 which extends through aperture 45 and is rotatably connected to the base member 42. Also shown is the mesh 49, which comprises a series of both vertical and horizontal wires with spaces between them, connected together to form a mesh. Particularly, the wire mesh 49 comprises a first aperture 49a and a second aperture 49b, defined by the spaces between the wires in the mesh 49.

Connecting member 44 has been rotated compared to the unfastened position shown in Figure 4, such that the first end of connecting member 44 has been inserted into the aperture 43. During the rotation, connecting member 44 was pulled away from the base member 42, such that it could move over the mesh 49 that is adjacent to the fastening mechanism 41 . The first end of the connecting member 44 was then inserted through second aperture 49b of the wire mesh 49, before being inserted through second aperture 43 in the base member 42. The connecting member 44 therefore extends through both the second aperture 49b in the wire mesh 49 and second aperture 43.

A wire of the wire mesh 49 extends through the aperture formed between the first portion of the connecting member 44 and the base member 42 when the connecting member 44 is in the fastened position. The connecting member 44 in this fastened position therefore connects the wire mesh 49 to the base member 42. A fastening means which is not shown in this figure, such as the spring shown in Figures 2 and 3, will act to prevent the first end of the connecting member 44 from moving back through the second aperture 43. The fastening means will also act to move the portion of the connecting member 44 shown in Figure 5 towards the first surface of the base member 42 and impede its movement away from the first surface of the base member 42, thereby fastening the fastening mechanism and connecting the wire mesh 49 to the base member 42.

Also shown in Figure 5 is indentation 50, which is present on the first surface of the base member 42. Indentation 50 acts to define the unfastened position of the connecting member 44. Connecting member 44 at least partially inserts into the indentation 50 when it is in its unfastened position. Figure 6a illustrates three views of an alternative connecting member 54 according to the present invention. The first portion 54a of connecting member 54 has an E-shape and therefore includes two ends 54b and 54c that can contact the base member. The portion of the connecting member 54 that connects the two ends 54b and 54c has an angular shape, which is difficult to grip. This means that it is more difficult to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member.

Figure 6b illustrates an alternative connecting member 64 according to the present invention. The first portion 64a of connecting member 64 has an E-shape and therefore includes two ends 64b and 64c that can contact the base member. The portion of the connecting member 64 that connects the two ends 64b and 64c has a radius shape, which is difficult to grip. This means that it is more difficult to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member.

Figure 6c illustrates an alternative connecting member 74 according to the present invention. The first portion 74a of connecting member 74 has an E-shape and therefore includes two ends 74b and 74c that can contact the base member. The portion of the connecting member 74 that connects the two ends 74b and 74c has a flat shape, which is easy to manufacture and is easier to grip. This means that it is easier to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member.

Figure 7 illustrates a connecting member 84 that comprises an integral connection hole 85 on the first portion 84a. The hole 85 improves the grip on the connecting member 84 and thus can be used to release the fastening mechanism in order to remove an object fastened to the base member. The connection hole 85 can also be used to connect other objects to the base member.

Figure 8 illustrates a connecting member 94 having an E-shaped first portion 94a, including integrated LEDs 95. The LEDs help to illuminate the connecting member 94 to aid identification and optionally also release of the fastening mechanism in the dark.

Figure 9 illustrates a connecting member 104 having an E-shaped first portion 104a, including an integrated roller bearing 105. The integrated roller bearing 105 can be attached to another component in order to provide a rotational attachment to the fastening means. For example, a shaft may be attached to the roller bearing in a horizontal manner. A sheet material can be placed on top of the shaft, thereby creating a moving platform.

Figure 10 illustrates a base member 1 10 in which the first aperture 1 15 is an elongate channel, extending along the length of the base member 1 10. The aperture 1 15 is open at the top end 1 15a, such that a connecting member can be inserted into the channel. Said connecting member would then extend from both first surface 1 17 and second surface 1 18 of the base member. In this embodiment, the first surface 1 17 is part of the internal structure of the base member 1 10 and is not an outer wall of the base member 1 10. The second surface 1 18 forms part of an internal chamber 1 19 within the base member 1 10. Connections 1 1 1 between the internal chamber 1 19 and the outer walls of the base member 1 10 improve the strength and integrity of the base member 1 10.

Figure 1 1 illustrates the base member 120 as shown in Figure 10, as well as a connecting member 124 and a fastening means 126 in the unfastened position. Base member 120 has a first aperture 125 in the form of an elongate channel, extending along the length of the base member 120 and open at one end. The connecting member 124 extends through the aperture 125 such that a first portion 124a extends from the first surface 127 and a second portion 124b extends from the second surface 128. A wedge-shaped barb 124c extends from the connecting member at the region close to aperture 125 and is closer to the first surface 127 than the second surface 128.

The second surface 128 forms part of an internal chamber 129. Connections 121 between the internal chamber 129 and the outer walls of the base member 120 improve the strength and integrity of the base member 120.

The fastening means 126 includes a washer 126a and a spring 126b. The washer 126a keeps the spring 126b in place. The spring 126b extends along the second portion 124b of the connecting member 124 and provides a force that moves the first portion 124a of the connecting member 124 towards the base member 120 by bearing against second surface 128. The force also prevents the connecting member 124 from sliding down the elongate channel of the first aperture 125.

Figure 12 illustrates the fastening mechanism shown in Figure 1 1 in the fastened position. The fastening mechanism comprises a base member 130, a connecting member 134 and a fastening means 136. Base member 130 has a first aperture 135 in the form of an elongate channel, extending along the length of the base member 130 and open at one end. The connecting member 134 extends through the aperture 135 such that a first portion 134a extends from the first surface 137 and a second portion 134b extends from the second surface 138.

A wedge-shaped barb 134c extends from the connecting member at the end of the second portion closest to the second surface 138. The thickest portion of the wedge- shaped barb 134c, i.e. the portion having the greatest height away from the body of the connecting member 134, presses against second surface 138, thereby preventing the connecting member 134 from moving out of the fastened position. In moving from the unfastened position to the fastened position, the sloped surface of the wedge- shaped barb 134c will have deformed the sides of the base member 130.

The second surface 138 forms part of an internal chamber 139. Connections 131 between the internal chamber 139 and the outer walls of the base member 130 improve the strength and integrity of the base member 130.

The fastening means 136 includes a washer 136a and a spring 136b. The washer 136a keeps the spring 136b in place. The spring 136b extends along the second portion 134b of the connecting member 134 and provides a force that moves the first portion 134a of the connecting member 134 towards the base member 130 by bearing against second surface 138. The force also prevents the connecting member 134 from sliding down the elongate channel of the first aperture 135.

Figure 13 illustrates a fastening mechanism similar to that shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, which comprises a base member 140, a connecting member 144 and a fastening means 146. Base member 140 has a first aperture 145a in one side wall, through which the connecting member 144 extends such that a first portion 144a extends from the first surface 147 and a second portion 144b extends from the second surface 148. An internal chamber 149 is formed using a bush component 149a, which is inserted through a second aperture 145b in the base member 140. A cap 149b is positioned in the opening of the bush component 149a in order to seal the internal chamber 149. The fastening means 146 sits within the internal chamber 149.

The fastening means 146 includes a nut 146a and a spring 146b. The nut 146a keeps the spring 146b in place. The spring 146b extends along part of the second portion 144b of the connecting member 144 present in the internal chamber 149. The spring 146b provides a force that moves the first portion 144a of the connecting member 144 towards the base member 140 by bearing against the bush component 149a.