GB2552990A - Fastening mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening mechanism 11 for fastening an object to a base member 12 includes the base member 12 which has a first and a second surface. An aperture 15 extends through the base member 12, from the first surface to the second surface. A connecting member 14 is rotatably connected to the base member 12 and extends through the aperture 15 such that at least a first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 extends from the first surface of the base member 12 and at least a second portion 17b of the connecting member 15 extends from the second surface of the base member 12. The first portion 17a of the connecting member 15 is movable away from the first surface such that a first end of the first portion 17a can assume a position in which it does not contact the first surface of the base member 12. A fastening means 16 impedes the movement of the first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 towards said position. The fastening means 16 may be a spring.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Fastening mechanism Abstract Title: Fastening mechanism (57) A fastening mechanism 11 for fastening an object to a base member 12 includes the base member 12 which has a first and a second surface. An aperture 15 extends through the base member 12, from the first surface to the second surface. A connecting member 14 is rotatably connected to the base member 12 and extends through the aperture 15 such that at least a first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 extends from the first surface of the base member 12 and at least a second portion 17b of the connecting member 15 extends from the second surface of the base member 12. The first portion 17a of the connecting member 15 is movable away from the first surface such that a first end of the first portion 17a can assume a position in which it does not contact the first surface of the base member 12. A fastening means 16 impedes the movement of the first portion 17a of the connecting member 14 towards said position. The fastening means 16 may be a spring.

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Fastening Mechanism

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 in the first surface ofthe base member. The connecting member may be at least partially inserted through the aperture. 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 ofthe 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. Any shape that allows the first end of the connecting member to extend into the second aperture may also be conceived.

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.

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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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.

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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 may be used to maintain the spring in position. The fastening means may consist of the spring in combination with said nut. The nut may also be used to vary the force applied to the connecting member by the spring. The nut 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. 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.

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 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 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 fastening mechanism may comprise steel and/or fibreglass. Such materials are strong and durable.

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. 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. 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; and

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

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 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 11 according to the same embodiment shown in Figure 1, also in an unfastened position. The fastening mechanism 11 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 11 also comprises connecting member 14, which extends through aperture 15, such that a 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 11 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.

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 ofthe 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.

Claims (25)

1. 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.

2. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 1 wherein the connecting member has a fastened and an unfastened position, wherein the unfastened position is perpendicular to the fastened position.

3. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 2 wherein the unfastened position is defined by an indentation on the first surface of the base member into which the connecting member can be at least partially inserted.

4. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the fastened position is defined by a second aperture that extends through the base member.

5. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the first portion of the connecting member is C-shaped, triangular or semi-circular.

6. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the fastening means is closer to the second surface of the base member than the first surface.

7. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the fastening means comprises a spring.

8. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 7 wherein a nut can be used to vary the force applied to the connecting member by the spring.

9. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the spring is attached to the second portion ofthe connecting member.

10. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the base member comprises a second aperture which is located away from the first aperture such that a first end of the first portion can be inserted into the second aperture and past the second surface of the base member.

11. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 10 wherein the fastening means is attached to the first end of the connecting member once the first end has extended through the second aperture in the base member, past the second surface.

12. The fastening mechanism according to Claim 11 wherein the first end ofthe connecting member comprises threading and the fastening means comprises a nut.

13. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 comprising both the spring of Claims 7 to 9 and the threading and nut of Claim 12.

14. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the base member comprises a fence post or a gabion.

15. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 wherein the first and second surfaces of the base member are horizontal or vertical to a surface on which the base member is placed.

16. The fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 15 wherein the fastening mechanism comprises steel and/or fibreglass.

17. A kit comprising a fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 16 and a mesh.

18. The kit according to Claim 17 wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a fence post and the mesh comprises a fence panel.

19. The kit according to Claim 17 wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first gabion wall and the mesh comprises a second gabion wall.

20. 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.

21 .The method according to Claim 20, further comprising the step of attaching the fastening means to the fastening mechanism and/or 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.

22. The method according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 wherein the object is a wire mesh and the first and second apertures in the object comprise spaces between the wires in the mesh.

23. The method according to any one of Claims 20 to 22 wherein the base member, the connecting member and the fastening means comprise the fastening mechanism of any one of Claims 1 to 16.

24. A use of the fastening mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 16 to fasten an object to a base member.

25. The use according to Claim 24 wherein the object is a mesh panel, optionally wherein the mesh panel is a fence panel or a gabion wall.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614161.6 Examiner: Peter Macey