• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    (to accompany figure 1) A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post (1) comprising at least two strips (7, 8) that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner. The method comprises the 5 steps of feeding one or more of the strips (7, 8) at a set rate to working rolls of a roll mill for profile rolling to a desired cross section/profile, feeding the strips (7, 8) at the same set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips (7, 8) in a correct orientation for joining, and joining the strips together, preferably by welding the strips (7, 8) along their length.
    公开号:AU2013203896A1
    申请号:U2013203896
    申请日:2013-04-11
    公开日:2013-05-02
    发明作者:Ashley Dean Olsson；Ashley Norman Olsson；Nathanael Dean Olsson；Stafford James Olsson
    申请人:OLSSON ASHLEY；OLSSON NATHANAEL；OLSSON STAFFORD；
    IPC主号:E04H17-20
    专利说明:
    1 Furcated Composite Post TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a furcated composite post manufactured from at least two 5 strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner. BACKGROUND ART Known processes for manufacturing furcated steel posts suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages: 9 A high rate of post production is difficult and expensive. 10 0 Smaller quantities of posts cannot be produced in a highly cost effective manner. * The application of an anti-corrosion coating (or other anti-corrosion measure) is not possible until after a naive post has been manufactured. e The process may not allow for the incorporation of post-cutting and hole-punching steps until after a naYve post has been manufactured. 15 e There is inefficient use of steel as, due to the manufacturing process, the arms of the post must necessarily be tapered - as opposed to the arms not being tapered at their free ends. 9 The use of different grades of steel in the one finished product is not possible. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 20 An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing technique or furcate composite post that overcomes or minimises one or more of the disadvantages referred to above. Another object of the present invention is to provide the public with a useful or commercial post choice. 25 Broadly, the invention concerns a furcated composite post manufactured from at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner. The strips may be joined together along their length in a furcated manner in any suitable way. In one aspect, two or three metal/metal alloy strips are joined together along their length in a furcated manner to provide at least three interconnected generally radially 30 extending arms. In another aspect, two metal/metal alloy strips are joined together along their length in a furcated manner to provide a longitudinally extending tube and arms extending generally radially therefrom.
    2 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a furcated composite post comprising: a longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms, each of which extends along the longitudinal axis 5 and generally radially from the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least three interconnected arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together along their length to form the post. The three interconnected arms of the post may be provided by two strips. That is, two arms may be provided by the one strip. Alternatively, the three arms may be provided by three 10 strips. That is, each arm may be provided by a separate strip. If the post is to have more than three arms, then those arms may be provided by two or more strips. Each strip may be of any suitable size and shape, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. Preferably each strip is made of metal/metal alloy, such as steel, steel alloy, stainless steel, coated steel, anodised steel, galvanised or ungalvanised steel. 15 Each strip may be of any suitable width, length and thickness. This will depend on the post strength required as well as the length and width of arms required. In a preferred embodiment, each strip has a thickness of about 1-10 mm, although a thickness of about 1.5-4 mm is preferred, particularly if the strip is to be subjected to profile rolling. Preferably, the strips provide a post with each arm being approximately 1 m to 4 m in 20 length (especially 1 m to 3 m in length), 10 mm to 90 mm in width (especially 10 mm to 65 mm in width, more especially 10 mm to 40 mm in width), and 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm in thickness. However, larger and smaller dimensions are envisaged as well. For example, the post may be 1.8 m, 2.1 m or 2.4 m in length. Each arm may be of varying length, width and thickness. The post may have any suitable profile/cross-section. In one embodiment the post is 25 bifurcated whereas in another embodiment the post is trifurcated. The post may be substantially T-shaped or Y-shaped when viewed on end. The arms may extend linearly or other than linearly when viewed on end. The arms may be shaped to provide the post with additional strength. The arms may have folds, ribs, bends or rolled-over longitudinal ends to help the post resist bending when being driven into the ground or when being forced from a 30 normal vertical attitude by a large animal, such as a horse or cow. Preferably, the post is generally Y-shaped when viewed on end, and the angle between two upstretched arms of the 'Y' is between about 70 to 140 degrees (especially between about 80 to 130 degrees).
    3 In one embodiment, at least one arm (preferably at least two arms, more preferably two arms) has a folded, bent or curved longitudinal end, especially a bent or curved longitudinal end. At least one longitudinal end of the arms (especially at least two longitudinal ends of the arms) may be curved or bent to provide an obtuse angle. If two arms have folded, bent or 5 curved longitudinal ends, then both longitudinal ends may be provided by one strip and especially may be flared. Advantageously, a post according to this embodiment may provide improved ground holding (and thus may be suitable in softer soils) and an improved ability to resist bending when being driven into the ground or when being forced from a normal vertical attitude by a large animal. Such a post may be suitable for replacing traditional timber and 10 concrete intermittent posts (such as in a fence line). One or more arms of the post may have one or more openings spaced along a length of the arm for retaining fencing members, such as fencing wire. A fencing wire may be threaded through each opening. Alternatively, each opening may be in the form of a slot for retaining a fencing wire. 15 Alternatively or additionally, the post may comprise keepers for fencing members as described in the applicants' co-pending applications numbered PCT/AU2008/000856, PCT/AU2008/000857 and PCT/AU2009/001316 - the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. Furthermore, the post may comprise a reinforcing member connected to the post that is 20 capable of increasing the bending resistance of the post at ground level. Suitable reinforcing members may be as described in Australian Application No. 2011101561 and New Zealand Application No. 603769. The post may comprise a pointed base that may be driven into the ground. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a furcated 25 composite post comprising: a longitudinal axis; a tube extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least two arms extending along the tube and generally radially from the tube, wherein the tube and arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together 30 along their length to form the post. Preferably, the tube and arms are provided by two strips.
    4 Each strip may be of any suitable size and shape, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. Preferably each strip is made of metal/metal alloy, such as steel, steel alloy, stainless steel, coated steel, anodised steel, galvanised or ungalvanised steel. Each strip may be of any suitable width, length and thickness. This will depend on the 5 post strength required as well as the length and width of tube and arms required. In a preferred embodiment, each strip has a thickness of about 1-10 mm, although a thickness of about 1.5 4.0 mm is preferred, particularly if the strip is to be subjected to profile rolling. Preferably, the strips provide a post with each arm being approximately 1 m to 4 m in length (especially 1 m to 3 m in length), 10 mm to 90 mm in width (especially 10 mm to 65 10 mm in width, more especially 10 mm to 40 mm in width), and 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm in thickness. Preferably, the strips provide a post with the tube being approximately 10 mm to 100 mm in width, and 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm in thickness. However, larger and smaller dimensions for the arms and tube are envisaged as well. Each arm may be of varying length, width and thickness. For example, the post may be 1.8 m, 2.1 m or 2.4 m in length. 15 The post may have any suitable profile/cross-section. The tube may be of any suitable cross section, eg. circular, triangular or rectangular. The arms may extend linearly or other than linearly when viewed on end. The arms may be shaped to provide the post with additional strength. The arms may have folds, ribs, bends or rolled-over longitudinal ends to help the post resist bending when being driven into the ground or when being forced from a 20 normal vertical attitude by a large animal, such as a horse or cow. Preferably, the tube is generally rectangular when viewed on end, and the arms extend radially from opposed corners or positions of the tube. One or more arms of the post may have one or more openings spaced along a length of the arm for retaining fencing members, such as fencing wire. A fencing wire may be threaded 25 through each opening. Alternatively, each opening may be in the form of a slot for retaining a fencing wire. Alternatively or additionally, the post may comprise keepers for fencing members as described in the applicants' co-pending applications numbered PCT/AU2008/000856, PCT/AU2008/000857 and PCT/AU2009/001316 - the entire contents of which are 30 incorporated herein by cross-reference. Furthermore, the post may comprise a reinforcing member connected to the post that is capable of increasing the bending resistance of the post at ground level. Suitable reinforcing 5 members may be as described in Australian Application No. 2011101561 and New Zealand Application No. 603769. The post may comprise a pointed base that may be driven into the ground. The invention also broadly concerns a method of manufacturing a furcated composite 5 post, said method comprising the step of joining at least two strips together along their length so as to form a furcated composite post. The post may be as described according to the first or second aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, said method comprising the step of joining at least 10 two strips together along their length so as to form a furcated post comprising: a longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms, each of which extends along the longitudinal axis and generally radially from the longitudinal axis. The post manufactured according to the third aspect may be as described in respect of 15 the first aspect of the invention. Any suitable manufacturing process may be used. Preferably, manufacturing involves profile rolling one or more of the strips using a roll mill, and more preferably cold profile rolling. However, hot profile rolling may also be used. A said strip requiring profile rolling may be fed at a set rate from a coil dispenser to a 20 roll mill, and shaped to the appropriate cross section using one or more sets of working rolls of the mill. Each strip, whether worked by the mill or not, may be fed at the same set rate to one or more positioning rolls of the mill such that the strips may be held in a correct orientation for joining. 25 The strips may be joined in any suitable way. Preferably, the strips are welded together manually or automatically at a welding station/line situated at the positioning rolls. High-frequency resistance, laser, rotary spot, metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), and submerged arc welding are examples of suitable welding techniques. Alternatively, the strips may be clinched (press joined) together manually or automatically at a clinching station 30 situated at the positioning rolls. The method may comprise the step of cutting the post to a desired final length or intermediate length for storage and transport. Cutting may be achieved in any suitable way. The roll mill may comprise a pre-cut die or a post-cut die for cutting the post to length.
    6 Similarly, the roll mill may comprise a pre-cut die or a post-cut die for forming the pointed ground anchoring base of the post. The method may comprise the step of installing one or more openings in one or more arms of the post. This may be achieved in any suitable way. The roll mill may comprise a 5 punch for punching openings in the strip. Punching may occur before roll forming starts, during roll forming or after roll forming has been completed. The method may comprise the step of treating the strips or post so as to reduce or prevent corrosion. This may be achieved in any suitable way. For instance, the strips or post may be coated, plated or otherwise treated for corrosion prevention before roll forming starts, 10 during roll forming or after roll forming has been completed. The steps of the method may be performed in any suitable order. For example, the post may be manufactured by: (i) uncoiling one or more strips from a coil dispenser; (ii) feeding the strips to one or more positioning rolls; (iii) joining the strips together; (iv) coating (such as galvanising) the strips; and (v) profile rolling one or more strips (one or more arms of 15 the post) at one or more working rolls. In another example, the post may be manufactured by: (i) uncoiling one or more strips from a coil dispenser; (ii) feeding the strips to one or more positioning rolls; (iii) joining the strips together; (iv) profile rolling one or more strips (one or more arms of the post) at one or more working rolls; and (v) coating (such as galvanising) the post. 20 In a further example, the post may be manufactured by: (i) uncoiling one or more strips from a coil dispenser; (ii) profile rolling one or more strips at one or more working rolls; (iii) feeding the strips to one or more positioning rolls; (iv) joining the strips together; and (v) coating (such as galvanising) the post. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 25 manufacturing a furcated composite post, said method comprising the step of joining at least two strips together along their length so as to form a furcated post comprising: a longitudinal axis; a tube extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least two arms extending along the tube and generally radially from the tube, 30 wherein the tube and arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together along their length to form the post. The post manufactured according to the fourth aspect may be as described in respect of the second aspect of the invention.
    7 The method may be as described according to the third aspect of the invention. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roll mill for manufacturing a furcated composite post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, said mill comprising: 5 working rolls for profile rolling at least one of the strips to a desired cross section/profile; and positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining. The furcated composite post may be as described according to the first and second aspects of the invention. 10 The roll mill may comprise a joining station for joining the two strips together, for example the joining station may be a welding station or a clinching station. The roll mill may comprise one or more coil dispensers for feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to the working rolls. The roll mill may comprise a cutting die for cutting the post to length. 15 The roll mill may comprise a cutting die for forming the pointed ground anchoring base of the post. The roll mill may comprise a punch for punching openings in the strip. In one embodiment, there is provided a roll mill for manufacturing a furcated composite post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a 20 furcated manner, said mill comprising: working rolls for profile rolling at least one of the strips to a desired cross section/profile; positioning rolls for holding the at least two strips in a correct orientation for joining; and 25 ajoining station for joining the at least two strips together. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, with said post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, said method comprising the steps of: (1) feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to working rolls of a roll mill for 30 profile rolling to a desired cross section/profile; (2) feeding the strips at the same set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining; and 8 (3) joining the strips together, preferably by welding or clinching the strips along their length. The method may be as described according to the third aspect of the invention. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a furcated composite 5 post, with said post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Unspooling at least one said strip from a coil dispenser; (b) Feeding the at least two strips at a set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining; and 10 (c) Joining the at least two strips together along their length. In another embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, with said post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Feeding the at least two strips at a set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a 15 correct orientation for joining; (b) Joining the at least two strips together along their length; and (c) Feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to working rolls of a roll mill for profile rolling to a desired cross sectional/profile; wherein step (c) is performed before step (a) or after step (b). 20 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is an end view of two separate strips of a furcated composite post, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 25 Figure 2 is the same as figure 1 but showing in detail the strips joined together; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the post (of indefinite length) shown in figure 2; Figure 4 is a detailed end view of two strips of a furcated composite post when connected together, according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the post (of indefinite length) shown in figure 4; 30 Figure 6 is a perspective view of three separate strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length), according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of two separate strips of the post shown in figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the strips of the post of figure 6 when joined together; 9 Figure 9 is a perspective view of two separate strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length), according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the strips of the post of figure 9 when joined together; 5 Figure 11 is a perspective view of two separate strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length), according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the strips of the post of figure 11 when joined together; Figure 13 is a schematic showing steps for manufacturing a furcated composite post, 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is an end view of two separate strips of a furcated composite post, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is the same as figure 14 but showing in detail the strips joined together; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the post (of indefinite length) shown in figure 14; 15 Figure 17 is a perspective view of the post shown in figure 15; Figure 18 is a perspective view of two separate strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length), according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the strips of the post of figure 18 when joined together; 20 Figure 20 is a general representation of a post like that of any one of figures 1-12 and figures 14-19, showing what types of openings one or more arms of the post may have and also showing a pointed ground anchoring end, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 is a schematic showing steps for manufacturing a furcated composite post, 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 is a schematic showing steps for manufacturing a furcated composite post, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is an end view of two strips of a furcated composite post when joined together, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 30 Figure 24 is a perspective view of two strips of a furcated composite post when joined together, according to two embodiments of the present invention; Figure 25 is a perspective view of two strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length) when joined together, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 26 is an end view of the post shown in Figure 25; Figure 27 is a perspective view of two strips of a furcated composite post (of indefinite length) when joined together, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 28 is an end view of the post shown in Figure 27. 5 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features. Referring first to figures 1-3, there is shown a furcated composite post 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 1 has a spine 5, a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 5 and three arms 2, 3, 4 that extend along a length of the spine 5 and 10 generally radially from the spine 5. Arms 2 and 3 extend from the spine 5 at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Free longitudinal ends of arms 2 and 3 are rolled over 10, 11 and provide the post 1 with additional strength. That is, they increase the moment of inertia, helping the post 1 resist bending when being driven into the ground or when sideways pressure is exerted against the post after installation. Arm 4 may have openings 15 spaced along a length of the arm 4 for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in these figures, a ground anchoring end of the post 1 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). Figures 1 and 2 show that the post 1 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 7, 8 that are welded together. Strip 7 provides a bend 9 and arms 2 and 3 extend from each side of 20 the bend 9. Strip 8 provides arm 4. A longitudinal end 6 of arm 4 is welded to the bend 9 along the spine 5. The weld seam is labelled numeral 12 and is barely visible in Figure 3. Manufacture of post 1 involves cold profile rolling strip 7 using a roll mill. In order to manufacture post 1, strip 7 (about 20-80 mm wide and about 2-5 mm thick) is unspooled from a coil dispenser at a set rate and fed to one or more sets of working rolls of the mill, until the 25 V-shape profile with rolled-over ends 10, 11 is achieved. Strip 8 is unspooled from a coil dispenser at the same set rate and together with strip 7 is fed through a set of positioning rollers of the roll mill such that the strips 7 and 8 are held in a correct orientation for joining by welding or clinching (press joining). The strips 7, 8 are then joined 12 together either manually or using an automated welding or clinching station. 30 The welded strips 7,8 are then cut to the required length using a die/flying shear system to form the post 1 or a longer intermediate post.
    11 The post 1 may be further processed by way of being cut to produce a ground anchoring point. The post 1 may be hole- or slot-punched using a punch of the roll mill. The post 1 may be subjected to anti-corrosion techniques (eg. coated, plated, anodised etc). Referring now to figures 4 and 5, there is shown a furcated composite post 15 5 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The post 15 is essentially the same as post 1, except that none of its arms 16, 17, 18 have rolled-over ends. Figure 4 shows that the post 15 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 19, 20 that are welded together. The joint seam is labelled numeral 21. Post 15 can be manufactured as described above for post 1. 10 Referring now to figures 6-8, there is shown a furcated composite post 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 25 has a spine 26 (see figure 8), a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 26 and three arms 27, 28, 29 that extend along a length of the spine 26 and generally radially from the spine 26. The arms 27 and 28 extend from the spine 26 at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Opposed 15 longitudinal ends of arms 27, 28 are bent such that they extended non-radially and parallel with arm 29, and provide the post 25 with additional strength. Arm 29 may have openings spaced along a length of the arm 29 for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in the figures, a ground anchoring end of the post 25 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). 20 Figure 6 shows that the post 25 is manufactured from three separate steel strips 30, 31, 32 that are joined together. Strip 30 provides arm 27, strip 31 provides arm 28, and strip 32 provides arm 29. Longitudinal ends of arms 27 and 28 are welded to a longitudinal end of arm 29 along the spine 26. (The joint seam has not been labelled.) In order to manufacture post 25, steel strips 30 and 31 (each about 10-40 mm wide and 25 about 2-5 mm thick) are unspooled from a pair of coil dispensers at an identical set rate, and fed to sets of working rolls of the mill until the desired profiles are achieved. Strip 32 is unspooled from a coil dispenser at the same set rate and together with strips 30 and 31 is fed through a set of positioning rolls of the roll mill such that the strips 30, 31, 32 are held in a correct orientation for joining. The strips 30, 31, 32 are then joined together 30 either manually or using an automated welding or clinching station. The joined strips 30, 31, 32 are then processed into posts 25 as described for post 1. Referring now to figures 9 and 10, there is shown a furcated composite post 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 40 has a spine 41 (see figure 12 10), a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 41 and three arms 42, 43, 44 that extend along a length of the spine 41 and generally radially from the spine 41. The arms 42 and 43 extend from the spine 41 at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Longitudinal free ends of arms 42 and 43 are bent such that they extended non-radially and 5 substantially parallel with arm 44 (although they could be bent at any other suitable angle), and provide the post 40 with additional strength. Arm 44 may have openings spaced along a length of the arm 40 for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in the figures, a ground anchoring end of the post 40 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). 10 Figures 9 and 10 shows that the post 40 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 46, 47 that are joined together. Strip 46 provides a bend 48 and arms 42 and 43 extend from each side of the bend 48. Strip 47 provides arm 44. A longitudinal end 49 of arm 44 is welded to the bend 48 along the spine 41. (The weld seam has not been labelled.) Post 40 can be manufactured as described above for post 1. 15 Figure 13 shows the steps of a method for manufacturing post 40. The steps include: uncoiling strips 46, 47 and feeding them to positioning rolls of a roll mill; HF forge welding the strips 46, 47 together; galvanising the strips 46, 47; and profile rolling strip 46 to the desired cross section. Alternate preferred methods for manufacturing post 40 are illustrated in Figures 21 and 20 22. In Figures 21 and 22 galvanising the strips 46, 47 is the final step performed. In the method shown in Figure 21, the steps include: uncoiling strips 46, 47 and feeding them to positioning rolls of a roll mill; HF forge welding the strips 46, 47 together; profile rolling strip 46 to the desired cross section; and galvanising the strips 46, 47. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 22, the steps may include: uncoiling strips 46, 25 47; profile rolling strip 46 to the desired cross section; feeding the strips to positioning rolls of a roll mill and HF forge welding the strips 46, 47 together; and galvanising the strips 46, 47. Referring now to figures 11 and 12, there is shown a furcated composite post 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 50 has a spine 51 (see figure 12), a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 51 and three arms 52, 53, 54 that extend 30 along a length of the spine 51 and generally radially from the spine 51. Arms 52 and 53 extend from the spine 51 at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Longitudinal free ends of arms 52, 53 and 54 are rolled-over and provide the post 50 with additional strength. Arm 54 may have openings spaced along a length of the arm 54 for 13 retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in the figures, a ground anchoring end of the post 50 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). Figure 11 shows that the post 50 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 56, 57 5 that are joined together. Strip 56 provides a bend 58, and arms 52 and 53 extend from each side of the bend 58. Strip 57 provides arm 54. A longitudinal end 59 of arm 54 is joined to the bend 58 along the spine 51. (The joint seam has not been labelled.) In order to manufacture post 50, steel strip 56 (about 20-80 mm wide and about 2-5 mm thick) is unspooled from a coil dispenser at a set rate, and fed through working rolls of a 10 progressive cold roll mill to form the bend 58 and the rolled-over ends. Steel strip 57 (about 10-80 mm wide and about 2-5 mm thick) is unspooled from a coil dispenser at the same set rate as strip 56 and fed through working rolls of the progressive cold roll mill to form the rolled-over end. Strips 56 and 57 are then fed through a set of positioning rolls of the roll mill such that 15 they are held in a correct orientation for joining. The strips 56, 57 are then joined together. Referring now to figures 14-17, there is shown a furcated composite post 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 70 has a longitudinal axis, a tube 71 extending along the longitudinal axis, and two arms 72, 73 that extend along a length of the tube 71 and generally radially from the tube 71. The tube 71 is of rectangular profile, and 20 arms 72 and 73 extend from opposed corners of the tube 71. The arms 72, 73 have openings spaced along their lengths for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in the figures, a ground anchoring end of the post 70 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). The post 70 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 75, 76 that are joined 25 together. Strip 75 provides a bend/corner 77 of the tube 71 as well as two sides of the tube 71. Strip 75 further provides arms 72 and 73. Strip 76 provides another bend/comer 78 of the tube 71 as well as two other sides of the tube 71. Arms 72 and 73 extend from opposing corners of the tube 71. Longitudinal ends of strip 76 are joined to bends of strip 75. The joint seams are labelled 79a and 79b in Figure 15. 30 Manufacture of post 70 involves cold profile rolling strips 75 and 76 (about 40-200 mm wide and about 2-5 mm thick) using a roll mill and joining as described above.
    14 The post 70 may be further processed by way of being cut to produce a ground anchoring point. The post 70 may be hole- or slot-punched using a punch of the roll mill. The post 70 may be subjected to anti-corrosion techniques (eg. coated, plated, anodised etc). Referring now to figures 18 and 19, there is shown a furcated composite post 80 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post 80 has a spine 81, a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 81, and four arms 82, 83, 84, 85 that extend along a length of the spine 81 and generally radially from the spine 81. At least one of the arms 82, 83, 84, 85 has openings spaced along its length for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members (see figure 20). Although not shown in the figures, a ground anchoring end 10 of the post 80 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). Figure 18 shows that the post 80 is manufactured from two separate steel strips 87, 88 that are joined together. Strip 87 provides a bend 89, and arms 82 and 83 extend from each side of the bend 89. Strip 88 also provides a bend 90, and arms 84 and 85 extend from each side of the bend 90. The bends 89, 90 are joined together to form the spine 81. The joint seam 15 is labelled numeral 92 in figure 19. Manufacture of post 80 involves cold profile rolling strips 87 and 88 (about 40-200 mm wide and about 2-5 mm thick) using a roll mill and welding as described above. The post 80 may be further processed by way of being cut to produce a ground anchoring point. The post 80 may be hole- or slot-punched using a punch of the roll mill. The 20 post 80 may be subjected to anti-corrosion techniques (eg. coated, plated, anodised etc). As mentioned, figure 20 is a general representation of a post 100 like that of any one of figures 1-12 and figures 14-19, showing what types of openings 101-105 one or more arms 107 of the post 100 may have, and also showing a pointed ground anchoring end 108. Figure 20 also shows a keeper/retainer assembly 120 pivotally mounted to a post arm 25 107 that can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. The retainer 120 comprises a post mounting region 121, a fencing member engaging region 122 and a counter balance region 123. A travel stop pin 124 extends laterally of the fence post arm 107 adjacent the counter-balance region 123. A pivot pin 125 extends through the post arm 107 and mounting region 121, and enables the fencing member engaging region 122 to pivot relative to 30 the post arm 107. The fencing member engaging 122 region has a tapered nose that is shaped to both allow a fencing member to locate within a blind end 127 of the slot opening 101 and to be retained within the blind end 127. Keeper/retainer assemblies like retainer assembly 120 are described in greater detail in the applicants' co-pending applications numbered 15 PCT/AU2008/000856, PCT/AU2008/000857 and PCT/AU2009/001316 - the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. Referring to figures 23 and 24, there is shown a furcated composite post according to embodiments of the present invention. The post 201 has a spine 209, a longitudinal axis 5 extending along the spine 209 and three arms 203, 205 and 207 that extend along a length of the spine 209 and generally radially from the spine 209. Arms 203 and 205 extend from the spine at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Free longitudinal ends of arms 203 and 205 are flared, each being curved 211, 213 to provide an obtuse angle, thereby helping the post 201 resist bending when being driven into the ground or when sideways 10 pressure is exerted against the post after installation and to provide additional ground holding capacity through an increase in the surface area . Similarly, post 221 has a spine 229, a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 229 and three arms 223, 225 and 227 that extend along a length of the spine 229 and generally radially from the spine 229. Arms 223 and 225 extend from the spine at approximately 100 15 120 degrees relative to one another. Posts 201 and 221 have openings spaced along a length of the arm 207, 227 for retaining fencing wires and other types of fencing members. These posts also include a keeper/retainer assembly 215, 231 pivotally mounted to a post arm 207, 227 that can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions for retaining fencing wires and other 20 types of fencing members within the openings. The keeper/retainer assembly is as described for figure 20. Although not shown in figures 23 and 24, a ground anchoring end of the post 201, 221 may be pointed (as seen in figure 20). Posts 201 and 221 may be manufactured as described for post 1. Referring to figures 25 to 28, there is shown a furcated composite post according to 25 embodiments of the present invention. The post 301 has a spine 309, a longitudinal axis extending along the spine 309 and three arms 303, 305 and 307 that extend along a length of the spine 309 and generally radially from the spine 309. Arms 303 and 305 extend from the spine at approximately 100-120 degrees relative to one another. Free longitudinal ends of arms 303 and 305 are flared, each being curved 311, 313 to provide an obtuse angle, thereby 30 helping the post 301 resist bending when being driven into the ground or when sideways pressure is exerted against the post after installation and to provide additional ground holding capacity through an increase in the surface area . The post 301 illustrated in Figures 25 and 26 also includes a reinforcing member 315 that is capable of increasing the bending resistance of 16 the post at ground level. Such reinforcing members are described in further detail in Australian Application No. 2011101561 and New Zealand Application No. 603769. Post 301 may be manufactured as described for post 1. The advantages of the present invention include that: 5 e posts can be readily and cost effectively produced from coil strip/sheet metal by profile rolling; " pre-galvanised strips or stainless steel can be used, which may be a cheaper option than galvanising the post after roll forming; " the strength to weight property of the post is more effective than that produced by 10 traditional rolling; e many different types of post profiles/cross sections can be readily produced; and * punching and cutting operations may be incorporated prior to, during or after roll forming. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and 15 various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are 20 used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.
    权利要求:
    Claims (39)
    [1] 1. A furcated composite post manufactured from at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner.
    [2] 2. A furcated composite post comprising: 5 a longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms, each of which extends along the longitudinal axis and generally radially from the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least three interconnected arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together along their length to form the post. 10
    [3] 3. The furcated composite post of claim 2, wherein the post is substantially T-shaped or Y-shaped when viewed on end.
    [4] 4. The furcated composite post of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one of said arms has a fold, rib, bend or a rolled-over longitudinal end to help the post resist bending when being driven into the ground or when being forced from a normal attitude. 15
    [5] 5. The furcated composite post of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the post is generally Y-shaped when viewed on end, and the angle between two upstretched arms of the 'Y' is between about 70 to 140 degrees.
    [6] 6. The furcated composite post of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of said arms has one or more openings or retainers spaced along a length of the arm for retaining a 20 fencing member, such as fencing wire.
    [7] 7. The furcated composite post of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein post comprises a pointed base that may be driven into the ground.
    [8] 8. A furcated composite post comprising: a longitudinal axis; 25 a tube extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least two arms extending along the tube and generally radially from the tube, wherein the tube and arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together along their length to form the post.
    [9] 9. The furcated composite post of claim 8, wherein the tube is of circular, triangular or 30 rectangular cross section.
    [10] 10. The furcated composite post of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the tube is generally rectangular when viewed on end and the arms extend radially from opposed corners of the tube. 18
    [11] 11. The furcated composite post of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein at least one of said arms has a fold, rib, bend or a rolled-over longitudinal end to help the post resist bending when being driven into the ground or when being forced from a normal vertical attitude.
    [12] 12. The furcated composite post of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one of said 5 arms has one or more openings or retainers spaced along a length of the arm for retaining a fencing member, such as fencing wire.
    [13] 13. The furcated composite post of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the post comprises a pointed base that may be driven into the ground.
    [14] 14. A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, said method comprising the 10 step of joining at least two strips together along their length so as to form a furcated post comprising: a longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms, each of which extends along the longitudinal axis and generally radially from the longitudinal axis.
    [15] 15 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the post is as defined in any one of claims I to 8.
    [16] 16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the step of joining involves welding the at least two strips together.
    [17] 17. A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, said method comprising the step of joining at least two strips together along their length so as to form a furcated post 20 comprising: a longitudinal axis; a tube extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least two arms extending along the tube and generally radially from the tube, wherein the tube and arms are provided by at least two strips that are joined together 25 along their length to form the post.
    [18] 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the post is as defined in any one of claims 9 to 13.
    [19] 19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the step of joining involves welding the at least two strips together.
    [20] 20. A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, with said post comprising at 30 least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, said method comprising the steps of: (1) feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to working rolls of a roll mill for profile rolling to a desired cross section/profile; 19 (2) feeding the strips at the same set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining; and (3) joining the strips together along their length.
    [21] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of joining involves welding the at least two 5 strips together.
    [22] 22. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said strip requiring profile rolling is fed at a set rate from a coil dispenser.
    [23] 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22 further comprising the step of cutting the post to a desired length or for forming a pointed ground anchoring end. 10
    [24] 24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23 further comprising the step of installing one or more openings in at least one arm of the post.
    [25] 25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24 further comprising the step of treating the strips or post so as to reduce or prevent corrosion.
    [26] 26. The method of any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the post is as defined in any one of 15 claims I to 13.
    [27] 27. A roll mill for manufacturing a furcated composite post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, said mill comprising: working rolls for profile rolling at least one of the strips to a desired cross section/profile; and 20 positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining.
    [28] 28. The roll mill of claim 27 further comprising a welding station for joining the two strips together
    [29] 29. The roll mil of claim 27 further comprising a clinching station for joining the two strips together. 25
    [30] 30. The roll mill of any one of claims 27 to 29 further comprising one or more coil dispensers for feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to the working rolls.
    [31] 31. The roll mill of any one of claims 27 to 30 further comprising a cutting die for cutting the post to length or for forming a pointed ground anchoring base of the post.
    [32] 32. The roll mill of any one of claims 27 to 31 further comprising a punch for punching 30 openings in the strip.
    [33] 33. The roll mill of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the furcated composite post is as defined in any one of claims I to 13. 20
    [34] 34. A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, with said post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Unspooling at least one said strip from a coil dispenser; 5 (b) Feeding the at least two strips at a set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining; and (c) Joining the at least two strips together along their length.
    [35] 35. A method of manufacturing a furcated composite post, with said post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, the method 10 comprising the steps of: (a) Feeding the at least two strips at a set rate to positioning rolls for holding the strips in a correct orientation for joining; (b) Joining the at least two strips together along their length; and (c) Feeding one or more of the strips at a set rate to working rolls of a roll mill for profile 15 rolling to a desired cross sectional/profile; wherein step (c) is performed before step (a) or after step (b).
    [36] 36. A furcated composite post manufactured by the method of claim 34 or 35.
    [37] 37. A roll mill for manufacturing a furcated composite post comprising at least two strips that are joined together along their length in a furcated manner, said mill comprising: 20 working rolls for profile rolling at least one of the strips to a desired cross section/profile; positioning rolls for holding the at least two strips in a correct orientation for joining; and a joining station for joining the at least two strips together. 25
    [38] 38. The roll mill of claim 37, wherein the joining station is a welding station.
    [39] 39. The roll mill of claim 37, wherein the joining station is a clinching station.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013203896B2|2016-02-04|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    DE2813635C2|1978-03-30|1983-05-05|Theodor Wuppermann Gmbh, 5090 Leverkusen|Method and device for the production of profiles, hollow bodies and the like from several metal strips of constant thickness|
    AUPM521594A0|1994-04-20|1994-05-12|Duncan Engineering Pty. Ltd.|Fence posts and the like|
    JP2000328713A|1999-05-21|2000-11-28|Kawasaki Steel Corp|Welding shape steel|
    US7997901B2|2008-03-25|2011-08-16|Pentron Clinical Technologies, Llc|Fiber reinforced composite post|
    法律状态:
    2016-06-02| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    2020-03-05| PC| Assignment registered|Owner name: CLIPEX IP LIMITED Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): OLSSON, ASHLEY; OLSSON, NATHANAEL; OLSSON, STAFFORD; OLSSON, ASHLEY |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2009905360||2009-11-03||
    AU2010314802A|AU2010314802A1|2009-11-03|2010-11-02|Furcated composite post|
    AU2013203896A|AU2013203896B2|2009-11-03|2013-04-11|Furcated Composite Post|AU2013203896A| AU2013203896B2|2009-11-03|2013-04-11|Furcated Composite Post|
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