WO2009075595A2

WO2009075595A2 - Fencing arrangements

Info

Publication number: WO2009075595A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Gordon Evans; Neil George Evans
Original assignee: Neil Evans Limited
Priority date: 2007-12-12
Filing date: 2008-12-12
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: WO2009075595A3

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above ground upright. The anchor device may or may not be integral to the upright. The invention also provides novel uprights as well as methods of anchoring an upright and assembling a fence or barrier.

Description

FENCING ARRANGEMENTS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above ground upright. The device may or may not be integral to the upright.

Background

To securely set a post in position, particularly larger posts, typically requires excavating prior to insertion of the post to ensure that it is at a sufficient depth in the ground. Concrete may then be used to fill in the hole and firmly set the pole in place. While this may provide a firm setting, the excavation and use of cement add significant time and effort to the process of setting a post in position. As an alternative, posts may be rammed into position. Such posts may have a tapered end to facilitate insertion into the ground. While this may reduce the number of steps involved, it requires the use of bulky equipment which is difficult to manoeuvre. It's use is therefore unsuitable for some terrain, particularly rugged or inaccessible terrain or where the ground is very soft. Furthermore, poles inserted by either process are not easily removed.

It is common to attach linkages between fence posts. For-example, these often include elongate rails, palings, chains, ropes or wires, including hot wire (the wire of an electric fence). The attachment process is laborious, requiring the use of fixings such as tacks, staples, screws and other means which require additional time and equipment.

Summary of the Invention

.It is an object of the invention to provide an in-ground anchor device which at least mitigates one of the aforementioned problems.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide an upright which at least mitigates one of the aforementioned problems.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide a method of anchoring an upright which at least mitigates one of the aforementioned problems. Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a method of assembling a fence which at least mitigates one of the aforementioned problems.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide at least a useful choice. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above-ground upright, the anchor device comprising: a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is integral to or configured to receive and couple to the upright; and a ground engaging means between the first and second ends of the. member and for engaging the ground when the device is rotated and urged therein. .

^• "Upright" is used in a broad sense as covering any means requiring anchoring. Thus, in addition to posts such as fence posts, it is used to cover fixings such as for tethers or tent guide ropes. "Upright" is also not to be interpreted as being limiting to a particular orientation (i.e., angles strictly vertical or perpendicular to the ground). It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the device of the invention may be used to obtain orientations other than strictly vertical or perpendicular to ground. However, the extent of offset from vertical will be limited by factors such as the distance between the first and second ends, the softness of the ground into which the device is inserted and types and directions of forces normally being exerted on the device when in use.

The anchor device may form part of the upright so that the two are integral. Alternatively, the two elements may be separate or discrete and configured to fixedly couple to one another. According to such embodiments, the two elements are preferably releasably coupleable. For example, cooperating screw threads may be used. However, according to preferred embodiments, a bayonet-type coupling is used to reduce the assembly time in the field. Snap fittings may also be used. As a further alternative, the device may include an open ended hollow portion for receiving the upright, with support being provided by the walls of the hollow portion. Locking means such. as a pin or a screw may be used to secure the upright in a fixed position relative to the device. The type of coupling selected will, at least in part, depend on the forces likely to be exerted on the upright. Other couplings will be apparent to one of skill in the art and all such alternatives are included within the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the device comprises a flange at or proximate to the first end of the member. The flange extends outwards from the member so as to provide additional structural support by abutting the ground when the device is fully inserted. According to preferred embodiments, the device is inserted so that the flange not merely abuts the ground surrounding the device when inserted, but further compacts said region. To this end, the underside of the flange may be contoured such that a wall extends from the underside of the outer extremity thereof (i.e., in a downwards direction substantially perpendicular to the flange when the device is in use). Preferably, the member is elongate.

Preferably, the member tapers along at least a portion of the length thereof such that the first end has a greater cross-section than the second end so as to facilitate insertion of the elongate member into the ground.

According to a first embodiment, the ground engaging means comprises a thread, more preferably a helical thread.

Preferably, the thread is provided towards the second end of the member. Preferably, the height of the thread increases along the length thereof, being at a minimum proximate to the second end and increasing towards the first end.

According to one embodiment, the height of the thread increases along the length of the member from a minimum proximate to the second end thereof to a maximum and then reduces again closer to the first end. Such an arrangement assists in subsequent removal of the device from the ground by reducing the amount of torque required to counter-rotate the device.

Preferably, the pitch of the thread is constant.

Preferably, the angle of thread is minimal (i.e., substantially equal to zero), such that adjacent flanks of the thread (when viewed as a longitudinal cross-section) are substantially parallel. Such a configuration is preferred because it provides for improved anchorage. It can also serve to improve compression of the soil between the uppermost portion of the thread and the flange.

The thread may be provided on only a portion of the member (preferably proximate to the second end thereof), or may run substantially the entire length thereof. According to a second embodiment, the ground engaging means comprises at least a portion of the member in the form of a coil, more preferably a helical coil.

Preferably, said portion is proximate to or towards the second end of the member.

Preferably, the coil is conical with the diameter increasing away from the second end of the member. . Preferably, the device is formed from plastic and/or aluminium. The material chosen will depend on the specific use and configuration of the device. The skilled man would be aware that other materials may be used and the invention is not limited to those preferred.

According to one embodiment, the in-ground anchor device comprises means for engaging a tool for assisting in the rotation and urging thereof. The tool preferably has a T-bar ^■ configuration but the invention is not limited thereto. The tool preferably includes a. level indicator such as a spirit level to aid in obtaining the desired orientation. According to one embodiment, the means for engaging comprises a bore or socket configured to engage a boss or plug provided on an end of the tool, such that rotation of the tool (or a working portion thereof) causes rotation of the in-ground anchor device, via the means for engaging. For example, the plug and socket may have a generally square or hexagonal cross-section, although others will be apparent to one of skill in the art. Note that, in an alternative embodiment, the means for engaging comprises a plug for engaging a socket of the tool.

The skilled man will be aware of various other functional equivalents for assisting in the rotational urging of the device into the ground and it is intended that all such alternatives be included within the scope of the invention. Such alternatives include those adapted for use with powered tools, such as drills and post hole borers. Particular embodiments of the invention may be configured to enable a tool to be coupled to the three point linkage of a tractor or the like.

According to an alternative embodiment, handle means may be integral to or coupled to the device, said handle means being for aiding a user in rotatably urging the device into the ground. For example, the flange may be provided with handles which a user may grip and use to rotate the device. Alternatively, a handle in the form of a T-bar may extend upwards from the first end (i.e., away from the second end) which may be gripped using one or two hands depending on the size of the device. Thus, the tool for rotatably urging the device into the ground may be formed by the anchor device. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the extent to which the anchor device protrudes above the ground when installed in position may vary as desired, including depending on whether handle means are coupled or integral thereto.

Moreover, the device may constitute, at least in part, the upright, wherein the upright may or may not be configured to provide the handle means. For example, the device may have or be configured to fixedly couple to a T-bar which may be used firstly to install the device in the ground and then as a means for coupling an item thereto, such as a road sign. Other configurations of the means for coupling will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such as a planar plate provided substantially perpendicular to the member so as to be substantially horizontal and receive, for example, a mail box.^' The invention includes embodiments in which both handle means and means for coupling are provided. Furthermore, the handle means and/or the means for coupling may be couplable or integral to the device or the upright.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an upright comprising the in-ground anchor device of the first aspect. The in-ground anchor device may or may not be integral to the upright.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an upright comprising means for coupling to the in-ground anchor device of the first aspect.

The upright may or may not be releasably couplable to the in-ground anchor device. As mentioned hereinabove, any known couplings may be used, including snap fits. The particular coupling chosen will depend on the particular application and the type of upright (i.e., the strength and/or rigidity required of the coupling, and/or whether it is desired for the upright to be removable). , ^'

According to particular embodiments in which the upright is removable, locking means may be provided to prevent unauthorised persons from removing the upright.

According to one embodiment, the upright is provided with means for securing a linkage member, such as a wire, in position relative thereto. Preferably, the means for securing comprises a groove on an outer surface thereof for receiving and holding the linkage member. Preferably, the groove releasably holds the linkage member in position.

Preferably, the width of the groove narrows proximate the outer surface of the means for securing so as to provide a snap fit or otherwise retain the linkage member in the groove.

According to preferred embodiments, the groove has a substantially circular cross- section with an opening along the length thereof at the outer surface of the means for securing, the opening having a width less than the diameter of the circular section.

The means for securing may be integral to or coupled to the upright.

The preferred means for securing not only provides for rapid assembly, but further allows for rapid disassembly. This can be of benefit when it is desired to change the layout of a fenced area, such as during rotation of pasture for grazing, without the need to move or rearrange any fence posts.

As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, while embodiments of the means for securing are particularly suited to linkage members such as wire, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, rails or boards may also be coupled to means for securing. According to such embodiments, the linkage members preferably have a tongue configured to engage the groove. The tongue may be integral to or coupled to the linkage members. Other forms of means for securing will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are included within the scope of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of anchoring an upright comprising rotatably urging the in-ground anchor device of the first aspect into the ground.

Preferably, the step of rotatably urging comprises engaging a tool with the in-ground anchor device and using the tool to rotate the device.

According to embodiments in which the upright is not integral to the in-ground anchor device, the method further comprises coupling the upright thereto. According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of assembling a fence comprising inserting a linkage member, such as a wire, inside a groove which is integral to or coupled to an upright of the fence.

Preferably, the method further comprises the method steps of the fourth aspect.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will ^' become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only and without intending to be limiting with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figures 1A-1D are perspective views of the top sides of alternative embodiments of an anchor device according to the present invention; Figures 2A-2B show embodiments of tools for aiding in anchoring of the device of Figures

1C and 1A or 1 D₁ respectively, in the ground;

Figures 3A-3C show an alternative embodiment of an anchor device; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the underside of an anchor device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 & 6 show embodiments of anchor devices formed integral to an upright; Figure 7 shows an embodiment of an upright for coupling to an anchor device according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an upright for connection to an anchor device according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an upright detached from and coupled to an anchor device of the invention;

Figures 10 & 11 show a preferred embodiment of an upright; Figure 12 shows an embodiment of an upright coupled to an anchor device of. the invention; >

Figures 13A-13D show alternative views of another embodiment of the invention; and Figures 14A-14B show yet further embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Throughout the drawings, like references are used to identify like elements. Figures ΪA to 1C show anchor devices 10a, 10b and 10c, respectively, (collectively referred to as 10) according to alternative embodiments of the invention. Each anchor device 10 includes elongate member 11, flange 12, threaded portion 13 and engaging means 14a, 14b and 14c, respectively (collectively referred to as 14).

Anchor device 10 is anchored in the ground by rotatably urging device 10 downwards such that thread 13 engages the ground and flange 12 abuts the ground surface. Through continued rotation, flange 12 is drawn down into the ground and acts to compact the material around device 10, thereby improving the anchorage. The height of ^"thread 13 is shown as increasing in the direction from the tip of device 10 to flange 12. This more readily facilitates engagement of thread 13 with the ground as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Furthermore, member 11 tapers to aid in the initial insertion of device 10 into the ground.

Thread 13 is shown as extending along a portion of member 11. Thread 13 may extend along a smaller or larger portion of member 11 than that shown, including the entire length .of member 11. For example, Figure 1D shows an alternative arrangement in which the thread extends substantially along the entire length of the ground engaging means.

Engaging means 14 is configured to receive a tool configured to aid in rotating device

10 as it is being anchored in the ground. Engaging means 14a has a square bore or socket

5 configured to receive a square boss or plug of the tool. Engaging means 14b may be provided with a thread configured to engage a thread of the tool. Alternatively, engaging means 14b may comprise a profile similar to that of Figures 1 A or 1C but sunken into the circular aperture shown. Engaging means 14c has an "H-shaped" cross-section for receiving an H-shaped

. protrusion of the tool. The tool may be a hand tool, such as a T-bar, or a powered tool, such as

10 a drill. Figure 2A shows an example tool 20 which may be used to engage with engaging means 14c. In use, handles 21 are held in the hands of a user with portion 22 engaged with engaging means 14c such that rotation of tool 20 results in a corresponding rotation of device

10.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and the skilled man would be

, 15 aware of functional equivalents which are included within the scope of the invention. For example, while engaging means 14 are shown as being sunken for engaging a protrusion on the tool, engaging means 14- may comprise a protrusion configured to engage a recess or socket in the tool. Note that the coupling used between a tool (which may be the upright to be held) and device 10 may additionally or alternatively be used to aid in the coupling of the

20 upright to device 10, by improving the rigidity of the coupling and/or to set the upright in a particular configuration with respect to device 10.

Figure 2B shows an alternative configuration of a tool which may be used to engage engaging means 14a of Figure 1A. Note that since the tool of Figure 2B has a hollow cross- section, it is able to engage either sunken or protruding engaging means on the anchor device. 25 According to preferred embodiments, tools such as those shown in Figures 2A and 2B are provided with a spirit level or the like (such as on or in the crossbar portion so as to be visible by a user in use) to facilitate installation of the anchor device in the correct orientation.

Figures 3A to 3C show, an alternative embodiment of anchor device 10 in which engaging means 14 protrudes from flange 12. In addition to engaging with a tool, engaging

30 means 14 may serve to guide a hollow upright into position against the upper surface of flange

12. The portion of the upright configured to engage the engaging nieans 14 of Figures 3A to 3C may be provided with recesses configured to receive respective ones of the planar members of the engaging means 14 such that the upright is set in a particular orientation with respect to anchor device 10. Such recesses may also serve to effect the coupling required

35 between anchor device 10 and the upright where the upright is configured to be used as the tool for rotatably urging^' anchor device 10 into the ground. Profiled surface 15 on anchor device 10 may be configured to provide for a snap-fit with a cooperating portion of an upright.

Alternatively, cooperating threads may be used. Other forms and means of connection will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 4 shows the underside of an embodiment of anchor device 10 to show additional detail of flange 12. Rim 40 projects downwards from flange 12 and works with tapered portion

41 of member 11 to compact the material around device 10 and improve the anchorage. Taper

41 also helps to prevent lateral movement (perpendicular to the principal axis) of the anchor device 10 when it is in the ground. More particularly,, increasing the width of the taper 41 , can provide for increased resistance against movement, which can be particular beneficial where an anchor device 10 is placed in softer soils. The extent of tapering as well as the height of the thread, the extent of the elongate portion provided with the thread, the length and diameter of the elongate portion and the diameter of the flange 12 can all be varied to optimise the anchor device 12 of the invention to particular ground constituencies.

Figures 5 and 6 show example anchor devices which are formed integral to an upright. More particularly, Figure 5 shows a tent peg 50 and Figure 6 shows a fence post 60. Tent peg

50 includes upright portion 51 and anchor device portion 52. Anchor device portion 52 corresponds to the anchor devices 10 of Figures 1A-1D, 3A-3C and 4. Upright portion 51 includes handle 53 which is used to rotatably urge peg 50 into the ground and protrusion 54 which is used to fix a tent guide rope in position. . ^' Fence post 60 is similar in construction to tent peg 50 but has a larger upright portion

51. Furthermore, upright portion 51 includes retaining means 61 for receiving and securing a linkage member (such as wire) against post 60.

The arrangements of Figures 5 and 6 have the particular advantage of not requiring additional tooling to anchor them^'in the ground since the upright is provided with handle 53 for that purpose. Note that according to alternative embodiments, the upright may be provided with a handle or the like but, at least initially, be separate from the anchor device portion, similar to the arrangements shown in Figures 1A-1D, 3A-3C and 4.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of an upright, generally referenced 70, for coupling to anchor device 10 of Figures 1A-1 D, 3A-3C and 4. Upright 70 includes retaining means 61 and coupling means 71 which is configured to fixedly engage the upper- surface of flange 12 of anchor device 10. According to one embodiment, a thread is provided inside the lip of coupling means 71 and engages a cooperating thread provided on flange 12. Alternatively, a snap fixing may be used. Other coupling means would also be apparent to one of skill in the art and all such alternatives are included within the scope of the invention. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an upright 70 for connection to flange 12 of an anchor device 10. Flange 12 and flange 80 of upright 70 include holes 81 through which rivets, bolts or the like may be inserted to fix upright 70 to anchor device 10. Alternatively, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art, one of the flanges may be provided with a male portion of a snap fit and the other flange with a female portion of a snap fit.

Figure 9 shows upright 70 detached from and connected to anchor device 10. Figures 10 and 11 show a preferred embodiment of upright 70 and retaining means 61.

According to one embodiment, upright 70 is formed from plastic, making retaining means 61 suitable for holding "hot wire" (i.e., wire of an electric fence). Retaining means 61 enables the linkage member or wire held thereby to be easily inserted and removed, making it readily possible to alter the configuration of a fencing arrangement. More particularly, retaining means 61 includes a profiled groove into which a wire may be slotted or removed. Repositioning of a fence , such as for pasture rotation may be readily achieved by removing wire from retaining means 61 and/or by moving upright 70 from one position to another, with or without anchor device 10. Particularly where frequent repositioning is required, multiple anchor devices 10 may be provided in a number of desired positions with the upright 70 simply being moved from one to the other. This removes the need to install anchor devices 10 every time repositioning is required.

The upright 70 of Figures 10 and 11 may provide benefits without being coupled to or otherwise provided with an anchor device 10. Such a "floating" upright may be provided between uprights that are fixedly positioned and held in the ground (or otherwise) and serve to space apart wires forming a barrier. For such purposes, upright 70 is preferably formed from a lightweight plastic.

The invention may be adapted to provide anchor devices arid uprights for numerous situations, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the invention may provide a mounting for a fishing rod, a sun umbrella, a letter box pole or a fence post. For largen uprights such as larger posts, traffic signs or traffic lights, it may provide a spigot mounting therefor. It may provide a shackle mounting for a winch cable or be provided with a thread for bolting on any desired attachment. It may also be used for security or crowd control, as well as for traffic control. The invention is particularly suited thereto due to the ease of installing and altering the configuration of fenced areas, making it readily adaptable to changing ^' situations.

Figure 12 shows a particular embodiment of an upright 70 which is suitable for traffic control. Flexible portions 140 are included such that upright 70 may flex or break in the event of a vehicle colliding therewith. According to particular embodiments, the anchor device may be configured for^" being fixedly positioned in the ground, such as by being set in concrete.. According to such embodiments, the anchor device may or may not be provided with a thread, as desired, but similar couplings may be used to connect an upright thereto. Figures 13A-13D show alternative views of an embodiment of the invention which may be used as a tether or tent peg. The device includes upright portion 51 and anchor device portion 52. Preferably, portions 51 and 52 are integral. Upright portion 51 includes a "hex- head" boss configured to engage an appropriate socket. Other profiles may alternatively be used although the hex-head configuration is suited due to the wide availability of appropriate sockets, both for manual and powered tools. Upright portion 51 further includes tether portion 132 for receiving and holding a tether when in use.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 13A-13D, the anchor device portion 52 is provided with a dual taper (i.e., the height of the thread is minimal or zero at point A (see Figure 13A), at a maximum at point B, and then reduces again along the length of anchor device portion 52 until it reaches point C, where it is again minimal or zero). The use of a dual taper is beneficial in more readily enabling the device to be removed from the ground after it has been installed.

Note that the dual taper may be incorporated in any of the embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, the positioning of points A₁ B and C may be adjusted to suit particular functional ^' requirements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 14A shows a particular embodiment for supporting an element, such as a mailbox and Figure 14B shows an alternative embodiment for supporting a sign. In the embodiments of Figures 14A and 14B, the upright may be integral to the anchor device or couplable thereto, including releasably couplable thereto. Also, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the support elements provided on the uprights in Figures 14A and 14B may be held by a user during installation to rotatably urge the device into the ground.

Throughout this specification and any claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above-ground upright, the anchor device comprising: a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is integral to or configured to receive and couple to the upright; and a ground engaging means between the first and second, ends of the member and for engaging the ground when the device is rotated and urged therein.

2. The anchor device of claim 1 , wherein the anchor device is configured to couple to the upright using any one or more of a thread, a bayonet-type coupling and a snap fitting.

3. The anchor device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the anchor device is releasably coupleable to the upright.

4. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for locking the upright in position relative to the anchor device.

5. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising the upright.

6. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flange at or proximate to the first end of the member.

7. The anchor device of claim 6, wherein the flange is configured to abut the ground surface, in use, and wherein the flange is orientated to be substantially parallel to the ground surface when the anchor device is installed with a predetermined orientation.

8. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the member tapers along at least a portion of the length thereof.

9. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground engaging means comprises a thread.

10. The anchor device of claim 9, the thread is provided towards the second end of the member.

11. The anchor device of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the height of the thread increases along the length of the member, being at a minimum proximate to the second end and increasing towards the first end.

12. The anchor device of claim 11 , wherein the height of the thread increases along the length of the member from a minimum proximate to the second end thereof to a maximum between the first and second ends, and then reduces again closer to the first end.

13. The anchor device of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the thread is substantially helical.

_> 14. The anchor device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ground engaging means comprises at least a portion of the member in the form of a coil.

15. The anchor device of claim 14, wherein the coil is substantially helical.

16. The anchor device of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein said at least a portion is proximate to or towards the second end of the member.

17. The anchor device of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the coil is substantially conical in that the outer diameter of each coil increases moving away from the second end towards the first end of the member.

18. The anchor device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for engaging a tool for assisting in the rotation and urging thereof into the ground.

19. The anchor device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the anchor device comprises handle means for holding by a user during installation to assist therein.

20. The anchor device of claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 19 when dependent thereon, . wherein the upright comprises handle means for holding by a user during installation to assist therein.

21. An upright comprising means for coupling to the in-ground anchor device of any one of the preceding claims.

22. The upright of claim 21 , comprising means for securing a linkage member.

23. The upright of claim 22, wherein the linkage member comprises one or more of a wire, a panel, a rail, a chain, a rope and a paling.

5

24. The upright of claim 22, wherein the means for securing comprises a groove on an outer surface thereof for receiving and holding the linkage member.

25. The upright of claim 24, wherein the width of the groove narrows proximate the outer G surface of the means for securing so as to provide a snap fit or otherwise retain the linkage member in^" the groove.

26. A method of anchoring an upright comprising rotatably urging the in-ground anchor device of any one of claims 1 to 20 into the ground. 5

27. The method of claim 26, comprising engaging a tool with the in-ground anchor device and using the tool to rotate the anchor device. -

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, comprising coupling the upright to the anchor device.0

29. A method of assembling a fence or barrier comprising: anchoring one or more uprights according to claim 26 or claim 27; and coupling one or more linkage members to at least a subset of the one or more uprights. 5 .

30. An in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above-ground upright substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

31. An upright substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings. 0

32. A method of anchoring an upright substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

33. A method of assembling a fence or barrier substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.