MODULAR FENCING STORAGE AND HANDLING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fencing and fencing accessories, in particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a modular fencing storage and handling device. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Electric fences are widely used across a broad range of applications, which can include being used to split paddocks, electric fence across hay sheds, as a wing into yards or side paddocks, as a temporary gate, as a temporary fence to protect planting or hay, or as a portable temporary fence for strip grazing and horse fence for yards. Typically, one or more strands of wire, synthetic tape or cord are mounted on metal or plastic posts with stakes at the bottom, designed to be driven into the ground. Rapid laying-out and removal of multiple-strand temporary electric fencing over a large area may be done using a set of reels mounted on a tractor or all-terrain vehicle. ATVs, tray-backs or even tractors, can be used to make the daily tasks of relocating fencing more efficient by carrying multiple expensive fence reels and posts. While many common injuries can be prevented with the use of proper protective equipment, there are a number of dangers associated with riding such vehicles single-handed while holding onto reels and posts, which can lead to a number of farming accidents. Hence, there is a need for a solution which addresses these current problems.

In this specification, the terms "comprises" , "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a modular fencing storage and handling device that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular fencing storage and handling device, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides consumers with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a modular fencing storage and handling device.

According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a modular fencing storage and handling device, the device comprising: a base to support at least one storage module removably connected thereto; and

wherein each of the at least one storage modules is adapted to store a fencing component required for the installation of temporary fencing.

Preferably, a first storage module is a toolbox module having a toolbox removably connected on top of the base.

Preferably, the toolbox has a cover to provide a waterproof toolbox.

Preferably, a second storage module is the post rack module removably connected to a side end of the base having at least one detaehabie post carrying rack and a pair of upright bracket members.

Preferably, the post carrying rack comprises a pair of u- shaped holding arms spaced apart from each other by a pair of horizontal bars.

Preferably, the u-shaped holding arms comprise a support bar which is slidabiy movable in a vertical direction along the u- shaped holding arms to secure and/or raise and lower the posts stored therein.

Preferably, a pair of tabs is provided on a base of the post rack module to secure the bottom horizontal bar of the post carrying rack against the bracket members and prevents the post carrying rack from slipping forward. Preferably, a dip provided on the toolbox module to secure a top horizontal bar of the post carrying rack.

Suitably, the device has at least one light bar to enable visibility at night or in low-light conditions.

Preferably, a carry handle is provided at the top of the post carrying rack(s) for portable hand-held operations.

Preferably, a third storage module is at least one reel cradle module removably connected to a side end of the base having a cradle for the storage and handling of electric fence wire reels.

Preferably, the reel cradle module has at least one wear pad positioned on a base of the reel cradle module under the reel drum which, when the reel is disengaged forwards, allows the weight of the reel to act as a friction brake.

Preferably, the reel cradle module comprises a spring-loaded locking mechanism that locks the electric fence wire reel within the cradle.

Preferably, the reel has a hook which enables the reel to be secured to the reel cradle module via the spring-loaded locking mechanism.

Preferably, the spring-loaded locking mechanism comprises at least one pin including, but not limited to, a pivot pin, a latching/locking pin and an activating pin.

Preferably, the spring-loaded locking mechanism can be provided on any module to securely store components, tooling and/or accessories in place.

Preferably, the spring-loaded locking mechanism can be adapted to secure one or more modules to the device.

Preferably, the pivot pin enables the rotation of the spring- loaded locking mechanism about the pin.

Preferably, the latching/locking pin is engagable with the hook to lock the reel in place.

Preferably, a spring is attached at one end to the latching/locking pin and at the other end to the base of the reel cradle module.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present inventton with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein;

FIG 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular fencing storage and handling device according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG 2 shows a rear perspective view of a modular fencing storage and handling device according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG 3 shows a front perspective view of an alternative post carrying rack for the modular fencing storage and handling device;

FIG 4A shows a side view of a reel cradle module of the modular fencing storage and handling device of FIG 1 , wherein a spring-loaded locking mechanism is in an unlocked position;

FIG 4B shows a side view of the reel cradle module of the modular fencing storage and handling device of FIG 1 , wherein the spring-loaded locking mechanism is between an unlocked position and a locked position; and

FIG 4C shows a side view of the reel cradle module of the modular fencing storage and handling device of FIG 1 , wherein the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in a locked position.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to modular fencing storage and handling device. For convenience sake, the device will be described herein as a modular storage and handling device for electric fencing which provides storage for temporary fence posts, portable electric fence wire reels and other fencing components which can be carried by a suitable vehicle including, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be modified to suit other suitable applications and/or vehicles for carrying the device. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required.

Referring to FIG 1 , the modular fencing storage and handling device 100 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the modular fencing storage and handling device 100 comprises at least one module 120, 130, 140 which is adapted to store a fencing component required for the installation of temporary electric fencing. The modular nature of the device 100 provides the ability to add to and change the device to allow for different configurations to suit different needs and requirements. The modules are easily bolted together allowing a user to choose the size and storage capacity and configuration to suit their needs.

Referring to FtG 1 , the modular fencing storage and handling device comprises a base 110 which is adapted to support the at least one module of the device 100 and enables said modules to be removably connected thereto. Preferably, the modules 120, 130, 140 are connected to the base 110 via at least one fastening member such as a bolt 111 or the like which is received through a corresponding aperture 112 provided on the base 110. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable fastening means which enables quick and easy assembly and disassembly may also be adopted.

A first module is a toolbox module 130. The toolbox module 130 is suitably positioned on the base 110 for storage requirements for fence tooling and accessories. The toolbox module 130 comprises a rectangular toolbox 131. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable style or shape of toolbox 131 or storage compartment may also be adopted. The toolbox 131 has a lid 133 hingedly connected to the toolbox 131 along one side to provide a waterproof toolbox for portable battery powered fence unit storage. It is envisaged that the lid 133 may also be iockabie for the storage and protection of expensive tooling and/or accessories.

Referring to FIG 2, the modular fencing storage and handling device 100 comprises a second module in the form of a post rack module 140 having at least one detachable post carrying rack 141 which is adapted to be removably connected to a rear of the base 110 of the device 100. The post rack module 140 is designed to store enough posts 173 for the average fencing application and can accommodate various types of brands, shapes and sizes of temporary fence posts. It will be acknowledged that additional post rack modules 140 and/or post carrying racks 141 can be provided where necessary. Furthermore, where the toolbox 131 is not required and/or additional reel storage is necessary, it is envisaged that the toolbox module 130 can be replaced with a further reel cradle module 120.

The post rack module 140 comprises at least one detachable post carrying rack 141 and a pair of upright bracket members 142. The bracket members 142 are mounted to a base 148 of the post rack module 140 at a bottom end and to the toolbox module 130 at a top end of the bracket members 142 via at least one fastening member 143 such as a bolt or the like. The post carrying rack 141 comprises a pair of u-shaped holding arms 145 spaced apart from each other by a pair of horizontal bars 144a, 144b. The u-shaped holding arms 145 are adapted to receive and securely support an end of at least one post 173 therein. The u-shaped holding arms 145 comprise a support bar which is s!idabiy movable in a vertical direction along the u-shaped holding arms 145 to secure and/or raise and lower the posts stored therein. A pair of tabs 149 are provided on the base 148 of the post rack module 140 to secure the bottom horizontal bar 144b of the post carrying rack 141 against the bracket members 142 and prevent the post carrying rack 141 from slipping forward. A clip 147 provided on the toolbox module 130 to secure the top horizontal bar 144a of the post carrying rack 141. in an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that at least one lock in the form of a clamp-like device may be provided which clips the post carrying rack 141 to hold it securely in place. A carry handle 150 is provided at the top of the post carrying rack(s) 141 for portable hand-held operations. It is envisaged that one or more of the post carrying racks 141 can be swapped for a utility tool holder or removed when not in use or not required.

FIG 3, illustrates an alternative configuration for the post rack module 140 comprising a framework structure 174 to which at least one detachable post carrying rack 171 can be attached. The framework structure comprises a pair of upright posts 175 spaced apart from each other, and a u-shaped frame 170 which is mounted to an upper end of the upright posts 175 to extend outwardly at an angle therefrom. The framework structure 174 comprises at least one lock 177 which enables quick and easy fitting and removal of the detachable post carrying rack 171. The at least one lock 177 can be in the form of a clamp-like device which clips about the post carrying rack 171 to hold it securely in place against the framework structure 174. As illustrated in FIG 3, the device 100 can comprise a pair of post carrying racks 171 A first post carrying rack 171 is detachabiy connected to the pair of upright posts 175 at the rear of the device 100 and a second post carrying rack 171 is detachabiy connected to the u-shaped frame 170 at the top of the device 100. In this alternative embodiment, the post carrying rack 171 comprises a substantially rectangular body portion 178. A pair of prong-like members 179 extend upwardly and spaced apart from the base of the post carrying rack 171 to hold the fence posts 173 between the prong-like members 179 and the body portion 178 of the post carrying rack 171 , as illustrated in FIG 2. A carry handle 150 is provided at the top of the post carrying rack(s) for portable hand-held operations, it is envisaged that one or more of the post carrying racks 171 can be swapped for a utility tool holder or removed when not in use or not required.

Referring to FIG 3, the modular fencing storage and handling device 100 comprises at least one reel cradie module 120 having a cradle 121 for the storage and handling of electric fence wire reels 122. As illustrated, the device 100 comprises a pair of reel cradie modules 120 for storing and carrying a pair of electric fence wire reels 122 which is generally sufficient to provide enough wire for a reasonably sized temporary electric fencing application, it will be acknowledged that additional reel cradle modules 120 can be added to the device 100 where required to suit larger fencing applications. The pair of reel cradle modules 120 is mounted to the base 110, with one reel cradle module 120 being mounted on either side of the base 110.

The reel cradle module 120 has at least one wear pad 125 positioned on a base of the reel cradie module 120 under the reei drum 122 which, when the reel 122 is disengaged forwards, allows the weight of the reel 122 to act as a friction brake. This then allows the fence wire to be fed off the reel 122 stopping and starting without the wire running on to cause a tangle.

The reel cradie module 120 comprises a unique spring- ioaded locking mechanism 160 that easily and securely locks the electric fence wire reel 122 within the cradle 121. Referring to FIGS 4A - 4G, the reel 122 has a hook 123 which enables the reel 121 to be secured to the reel cradle module 120 via the spring-loaded locking mechanism 160. The spring-loaded locking mechanism comprises at least one pin including, but not limited to, a pivot pin 161 , a latching/locking pin 162 and an activating pin 163. The pivot pin 161 enables the rotation of the spring-loaded locking mechanism about the pin 161. The latching/locking pin 162 is engagabfe with the hook 123 lock the reel 122 in place. A spring 164 is attached at one end to the latching/locking pin 162 and at the other end to the base of the reel cradle module 120.

FIG 4A illustrates the spring-loaded locking mechanism 160 in an unlocked position wherein the reel 122 is able to rotate freely within the cradle 121. Referring to FIG 48, the spring-loaded locking mechanism 160 operates by the reel hook 123 pushing on an actuating rod and/or applying pressure to activation pin 163 which causes the spring-loaded locking mechanism 160 to start rotating about the pivot pin 161 in a cam-like manner. As illustrated in FIG 4C, this in effect causes the latching/locking pin 162 to engage the hook 123 on the reel 122 and create a pulling/pushing (depending of direction of observation) force, wedging/iocking the reel 122 within the cradle 121. The spring 164 pulls down on the hook 123 to secure the hook 123 in a locked position, as illustrated in FIG 4C. The reel 122 is locked using a simple rolling motion of a reel handle 124. To unlock one can simply reverse the action. To utilise the device for feeding out the wire, the reel handle 124 is pushed/pulled directly forward/backward (depending on direction of observation). This allows the latching/locking pin 162 to remain engaged on the hook 123, but the reel 122 is not wedged in the cradle 121 allowing it to freely rotate. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the device/reel cradle module 120 could have provided an automatic wind up reel. It is further envisaged that the reel cradles 121/ reel cradle modules 120 may be capable of being opened out so that the fence wire can be fed out while driving a vehicle carrying the device 100 in a forward or backward direction. in a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the spring- loaded locking mechanism can be provided on any module to securely store components, tooling and/or accessories in place. It will also be acknowledged that the spring-loaded locking mechanism can be adapted to secure one or more modules to the device.

In a further embodiment, the device can have at least one light bar which can be positioned on the toolbox module or any other suitable position of the device to enable visibility at night or in iow- light conditions. The light bar could be in the form of a Sight- emitting diode (LED) light bar which is connected to a suitable power supply, such as battery or vehicle power supply.

Hence, the present provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a modular fencing storage and handling device for electric fencing which provides storage for temporary fence posts, portable electric fence wire reels and other fencing components. The present invention provides a safer, easier and more efficient way to reel out and retrieve portable electric fence wire (reels) and also prevents damage to the electric fence reels.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not be taken as. an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fail within the scope of the invention.