Abstract: A method of ground anchoring a plurality of posts (11), especially to erect a fence or barrier. The method includes anchoring a first plurality of posts (11) into the ground, preferably simultaneously, using a plurality of post anchoring stations (50) located on at least one movable platform (10) that can be moved along a path, and then anchoring a second plurality of posts (11), again preferably simultaneously, into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations (50). In preferred forms there are a plurality of movable platforms which may be mechanically and/or wireless linked.

Abstract: A convertible item of furniture including: a plurality of shelf units, wherein each shelf unit has a horizontally extending leave and at least one leave support for supporting the leave; a drive system operably connected to each leave support such that the leaves remain horizontal when the shelf units are moved between a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration; and, an anti-tip leg system. The anti-tip leg system has a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly including an upwardly extending pair of rear legs, each rear leg comprising a rear leg upper region operably connected to a shelf unit or a part of the drive system, and a rear leg lower region supporting at least one wheel, and a linkage assembly interconnecting the front and rear leg assemblies. A spacing between the front and rear leg lower regions increases as the shelf units move towards the horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A convertible item of furniture including: a plurality of shelf units, wherein each shelf unit has a horizontally extending leave and at least one leave support for supporting the leave; a drive system operably connected to each leave support such that the leaves remain horizontal when the shelf units are moved between a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration; and, an anti-tip leg system. The anti-tip leg system has a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly including an upwardly extending pair of rear legs, each rear leg comprising a rear leg upper region operably connected to a shelf unit or a part of the drive system, and a rear leg lower region supporting at least one wheel, and a linkage assembly interconnecting the front and rear leg assemblies. A spacing between the front and rear leg lower regions increases as the shelf units move towards the horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A sprout, fodder or forage production unit (10a) comprising: a tray positioning system comprising a plurality of trays (2a) movable between (1) a substantially vertical stacked configuration whereby the trays (2a) extend in spaced substantially horizontal parallel planes above one another, and (2) a substantially horizontal table configuration whereby the trays (2a) are positioned next to one another on substantially a same horizontal plane. The production unit (10a) further comprises an irrigation system; a lighting system; a heating system; a ventilation system; a control system; a weighing system; and a material dispensing system.

Abstract: A convertible item of furniture (100) comprising: a plurality of shelf units (1), wherein each said shelf unit (1) comprises a substantially horizontally extending leave (10) and a leave support (11) for supporting the leave (10); a linkage system (2) comprising linkage members (21, 22) pivotally connected to each said leave support (11) such that the linkage members (21, 22) are able to pivot in unison and parallel with each other between (i) a shelf configuration whereby the linkage members (21, 22) extend substantially vertically and said leaves (10) extend in spaced substantially horizontal parallel planes above one another, and (ii) a substantially flat surface configuration whereby the linkage members (21, 22) extend substantially horizontally and said leaves (10) are positioned next to one another to form a substantially flat surface having a front end and a rear end; and, at least one surface support (3) for supporting the substantially flat surface.

Abstract: An animal enclosure (10) having a partly circular wall or fence (12), at least one barrier (36) located within the enclosure (10), the at least one barrier (36) being rotatable about a vertical axis (26), and actuation means for causing rotation of at least one of the at least one barrier (36), the actuation means being manually operable by an operator, the actuation means including a part or a portion (40) located externally of the enclosure (10) to thereby allow an operator to move the at least one barrier (36) from a location that is external to the enclosure (10). The actuation means includes a handle (40) extending externally of the enclosure (10) and a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the barrier (36).

Abstract: An animal enclosure (10) having a partly circular wall or fence (12), at least one barrier (36) located within the enclosure (10), the at least one barrier (36) being rotatable about a vertical axis (26), and actuation means for causing rotation of at least one of the at least one barrier (36), the actuation means being manually operable by an operator, the actuation means including a part or a portion (40) located externally of the enclosure (10) to thereby allow an operator to move the at least one barrier (36) from a location that is external to the enclosure (10). The actuation means includes a handle (40) extending externally of the enclosure (10) and a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the barrier (36).

Abstract: This invention relates to a latch (preferably a slam latch) and to methods of operating a door/gate/panel using the latch. The latch comprises: (i) a mounting body; (ii) a latch bolt mounted relative to the mounting body for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, said latch bolt having a keeper-engaging region extending from the mounting body and terminating at a keeper-engaging end; and (iii) a keeper having at least a first wall and a second wall which are spaced to define an opening for receiving the keeper-engaging region, wherein the first and second walls are adapted to engage the keeper-engaging region of the latch bolt when the latch bolt is in the locking position.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a metallic bar or post (15) comprising a longitudinal axis; a spine (16) extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms (17-19), each of which extends along the spine (16) and generally radially from the spine (16), with a free end (20-22) of each said arm (17-19) being tapered in the direction of the free end (20-22) to the spine (16). Other aspects of the invention concern a roll stand and rolling mill for forming the bar or post (15).

Abstract: This invention relates to a latch (preferably a slam latch) and to methods of operating a door/gate/panel using the latch. The latch comprises: (i) a mounting body; (ii) a latch bolt mounted relative to the mounting body for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, said latch bolt having a keeper-engaging region extending from the mounting body and terminating at a keeper-engaging end; and (iii) a keeper having at least a first wall and a second wall which are spaced to define an opening for receiving the keeper-engaging region, wherein the first and second walls are adapted to engage the keeper-engaging region of the latch bolt when the latch bolt is in the locking position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a latch (preferably a slam latch) and to methods of operating a door/gate/panel using the latch. The latch comprises: (i) a mounting body; (ii) a latch bolt mounted relative to the mounting body for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, said latch bolt having a keeper-engaging region extending from the mounting body and terminating at a keeper-engaging end; and (iii) a keeper having at least a first wall and a second wall which are spaced to define an opening for receiving the keeper-engaging region, wherein the first and second walls are adapted to engage the keeper-engaging region of the latch bolt when the latch bolt is in the locking position.

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a metallic bar or post (15) comprising a longitudinal axis; a spine (16) extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least three interconnected arms (17-19), each of which extends along the spine (16) and generally radially from the spine (16), with a free end (20-22) of each said arm (17-19) being tapered in the direction of the free end (20-22) to the spine (16). Other aspects of the invention concern a roll stand and rolling mill for forming the bar or post (15).

Abstract: A fence post assembly (120) comprising a fence post (121) and at least one keeper (122) for holding a fencing wire (2) relative to the post (121). The keeper (122) is movable between a holding position in which the wire (2) is held relative to the post (121) and a release position in which the wire (2) may be released from the post (121). The keeper (121) comprises a slot (123) extending within the post (121) for receiving the wire (2) and a retainer (124) connected to the post (121) that is pivotable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer (124) obstructs the slot (123).

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: A fence post assembly (120) comprising a fence post (121) and at least one keeper (122) for holding a fencing wire (2) relative to the post (121). The keeper (122) is movable between a holding position in which the wire (2) is held relative to the post (121) and a release position in which the wire (2) may be released from the post (121). The keeper (121) comprises a slot (123) extending within the post (121) for receiving the wire (2) and a retainer (124) connected to the post (121) that is pivotable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer (124) obstructs the slot (123).