Fencing system

Abstract

A metal fencing system is provided. The metal fencing system can include a plurality of metal fence posts and a plurality of retaining clips, each metal fence post comprising a plurality of discrete apertures arranged to receive a coupling portion of a retaining clip; wherein each retaining clip comprises a central fencing wire securing portion and two opposing coupling portions arranged in use to cooperate with the discrete apertures and to secure the retaining clip to the metal fence post.

Claims

1. A metal fencing system comprising: a plurality of bent sheet metal fence posts, each defining a cavity receiving an I-shaped reinforcing member therein, and each comprising a hollow U-shaped cross-sectional profile having a base wall and a pair of perpendicularly-extending opposing side walls with inwardly-bent U-shaped end portions, the U-shaped end portions defining opposing channels therein and defining a slot therebetween extending along the length of the fence post, the opposing channels receiving opposing flanges of the I-shaped reinforcing member, and wherein the base wall comprises a plurality of discrete apertures uniformly spaced and longitudinally-aligned along the length of the fence post; and a plurality of retaining clips, each comprising a straight central fencing wire securing portion and a pair of V-shaped coupling portions disposed at opposing ends of the straight central portion, wherein apexes of the V-shaped portions extend in a same direction away from the straight central portion, the coupling portions received within adjacent apertures of one of the fence posts to secure a strand of fencing wire between the straight central portion and the base wall of the fence post, and wherein a vertical adjustment space is formed between the straight central portion and the base wall to allow the fencing wire to be vertically adjusted, wherein each of the coupling portions comprises a first portion connected to and extending away from the straight central portion and a second distal portion extending towards the straight central portion, wherein the first portion extends in a generally perpendicular direction from the straight central portion, and wherein the second distal portion deflects towards the first portion when inserted into an aperture of one of the fence posts and resiliently returns to an un-deflected position once through the aperture to engage an inner surface of the fence post, and wherein a pair of adjacent retaining clips is received within a series of three adjacent apertures of one of the fence posts, such that a lower coupling portion of an upper retaining clip of the pair of adjacent retaining clips is received within a same aperture as an upper coupling portion of a lower retaining clip of the pair of adjacent retaining clips, and wherein the apertures are sized and shaped such that the lower coupling portion of the upper retaining clip and the upper coupling portion of the lower retaining clip are inserted into and secured within the same aperture in laterally-offset side-by-side positions.

2. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein each metal fence post is sufficiently rigid such that the metal fence post does not deflect when at least one of the two coupling portions penetrates an aperture of the metal fence post.

3. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are circular.

4. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are rectangular.

5. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the apertures are chamfered such that the chamfer cooperates with the two opposing coupling portions of one of the retaining clips.

6. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the apertures are arranged in a line along one of the metal fence posts.

7. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the apertures are arranged in two lines.

8. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are adapted to contact a portion of a coupling portion to restrict free rotation of the coupling portion relative to an aperture when the coupling portion is located in an aperture.

9. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are in the form of punched holes penetrating a wall of the metal fence posts.

10. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are in the form of drilled holes penetrating a wall of the metal fence posts.

11. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein each of the coupling portions has an angle of less than 90 degrees between the first portion and the straight central fencing wire securing portion.

12. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein rigidity of the coupling portions is set such as to allow a user to cause the coupling portions to penetrate through the apertures of the metal fence posts using hand force.

13. The metal fencing system according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the vertical adjustment space, provides an area in which the fencing wire is vertically adjusted, while the fencing wire remains compressed between the straight central fencing wire securing portion and the surface against which the fencing wire may be secured.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The present teachings will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following Figures in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an end view cross-section of a metal fence post;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a lengthwise cross-section of a metal fence post with a penetrated retaining clip.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a front view of a metal fence post with a penetrated retaining clip.

(5) FIG. 4 shows an end view of a metal fence post with a reinforcement member inserted.

(6) FIG. 5 shows an example of an assembled metal fencing system.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a photograph of a perspective view of a metal fence post, retaining clips and fencing wire assembly.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a lengthwise cross-section of a metal fence post with a penetrated retaining clip illustrating the dimension considerations of the retaining clip.

(9) FIGS. 8A, 8B show a line wire retaining clip in front view, FIG. 8A, and side view, FIG. 8B.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a width-wise cross-section of a metal fence post with a penetrated line wire retaining clip.

(11) FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 3, except that two penetrated retaining clips are illustrated.

(12) FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 2, except that the retaining clip has an angle that is less than 90 degrees.

(13) While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed but rather the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) FIG. 1 is a cross-section view through the metal fence post 100.

(15) The metal post comprises a perimeter wall 101 defining a hollow space or cavity defined by the perimeter wall. The generally U shaped perimeter wall can be divided into the following regions a substantially flat upper surface 102; two substantially parallel side walls 103, 104; two connecting regions 105, 106 linking the flat surface 101 and the two side surfaces 103, 104; two substantially flat lower surfaces 107, 108; and two returning portions 109, 110.

(16) Each of the surfaces serves a particular purpose as part of the fencing system described herein. Each of the surfaces extends in an elongate axis of the post, having a length defined by the desired length of the post for the specific application.

(17) The flat upper surface 102 is the surface against which the fencing mesh or wire is located (as will be described in more detail below). The surface 102 comprises a plurality of apertures 119 which are spaced along the length of the post at a predetermined pitch or spacing (described further below).

(18) It can be seen that the perimeter wall is a continuous piece of metal material that has been formed, for example by rolling, into the cross-section shown in FIG. 1. In an alternative arrangement each surface could be formed independently and then connected together by, for example, welding.

(19) As shown in FIG. 1 the flat upper surface 102 is connected to the two side surfaces 103, 104 by angle surfaces 105, 106. In FIG. 1 these extend at approximately 45 degrees to the upper surface. Selecting the length of the upper surface determines the length of the angled surfaces 105, 106. In an arrangement where the flat surface is very wide the angled surfaces 105, 106 may be very short or even simply chamfered edges leading the upper surface into the two side surfaces. The precise geometry can be selected according to the desired strength for an application.

(20) At the opposing end of the side surfaces 103, 104 (to the upper surface) two lower surfaces 107, 108 are formed, these surfaces being generally parallel with the upper surface. The lower surface (and the returning surfaces or portions 109, 110 are optional but further increase the rigidity of the fence post.

(21) The returning surfaces or portions 109, 110 are generally parallel with the side surfaces 103, 104 and extend a predetermined distance into the hollow inner region of the post. The returning surfaces also conveniently define two channels 111A, 111B on opposing sides of the opening (or slot) 130.

(22) The channels 111A and 111B provide a guide into which a reinforcing member may be inserted. This is described further below.

(23) The opening or slot 130 allows for access into the hollow region of the post so that the clips (described below) can be released if the fence needs to be disassembled.

(24) The cross-section of the post may vary according to the loading requirements of the given application. This may additionally involve increasing or decreasing the thickness of the perimeter wall and/or selecting particular materials.

(25) The fence post may additionally be provided with a zinc dipped or other coating on both inner and outer surfaces.

(26) FIG. 2 shows a retaining clip 112 according to an invention which has been installed in the flat upper surface 102 described above. The metal post 100 is in a vertical orientation as it would be in use and is shown in cross-section along the centre of the post in alignment with the plurality of apertures 119.

(27) As shown in FIG. 2 a retaining clip 112 is located in the post 100. Only one clip 112 is shown but it will be recognised that clips can be inserted into each of the apertures.

(28) The retaining clip 112 comprises three regions or portions: a central fencing wire securing portion 113 and two opposing coupling portions 114A and 114B located at either end of the central portion 113. The clip is formed of a single length of metal wire made from either stainless steel to BS EN 10270-3 (1-4310) or galvanised spring steel to BS EN 10270-1 SH (G) which has been bent into the general shape shown in FIG. 2.

(29) It will be recognised that the precise geometry of the clip may differ. The important features are the three regions.

(30) There are two coupling portions 114A, 114B at opposing ends of the central region 113 which are in the form of U-shaped portions with the apex of each U extending away from the central region 113. It will be recognised that as the apex of each U is brought into contact with the aperture 119 the distal ends 116A, 116B of the wire forming the coupling portions are caused to deflect. As force is applied to the central region 113 the distal ends 116A, 116B both deflect towards each other reducing the width of each coupling portion 114A, 114B such that each coupling portion can penetrate and pass through the respective aperture 119. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of the aperture 119 can be chamfered, such that the chamfer cooperates with the two opposing coupling portions of the retaining claim 112.

(31) As shown in FIG. 2 the clip has been pushed against the post such that the above deflection occurs. Because of the elastic property of the material forming the clip, each of the coupling portions 114A and 114B returns to its original un-deflected position once through the aperture. As shown, the two distal portions 116A and 116B are then in abutment with the inner surface of the post 117. This prevents the clip from being retracted through the aperture and thereby restrains the wire 115 against the outer surface of the post (the upper flat surface 102 described above with reference to the post in isolation).

(32) Attaching a plurality of clips to the post can thereby restrain a wire mesh against the post to form the fencing system. It will be recognised that the clip and apertures advantageously allow the mesh to be restrained with ease without bespoke or specialised tooling. The system can also be used very quickly owing to the clip arrangement.

(33) FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 2, except that the retaining clip 112 has an angle that is less than 90 degrees. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the coupling portions 114A, 114B has an angle of less than 90 degrees between the first portion and the central region (e.g., the central fencing wire securing portion) 113.

(34) FIG. 3 is a front view of a post illustrating the positions of the distal ends 116A, 116B which have passed through the apertures 119. As shown, the distal end of each coupling portion 114A, 114B is outside of the area defined by each aperture and therefore cannot be retracted through the aperture. As illustrated, at least a subset of the apertures 119 can be arranged in two lines. For example, there is a vertical line of three apertures 119 on the left-hand side and another vertical line of three apertures 119 on the right-hand side.

(35) FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 3, except that two penetrated retaining clips are illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates two retaining clips 112, wherein the top retaining clip 112 passes through the top aperture 119 and the middle aperture 119 and the bottom retaining clip 112 passes through the middle aperture 119 and the bottom aperture 119. As illustrated, in FIG. 10, each aperture 112 is of a sufficient size to accept one coupling portion from each of two retaining clips 112 at a same time (e.g., the middle aperture 119 has accepted two retaining clips 112).

(36) FIG. 4 is a plan view of a metal post incorporating a reinforcement member 120. In the example shown the reinforcement member 120 is in the form of an I-beam, the sides of which engage with the channels 111A, 111B shown in FIG. 1. A reinforced post of this kind can for example be used as a strainer post with greater rigidity than posts not comprising a reinforcement member.

(37) FIG. 5 shows a section of the fencing system and a length of wire mesh fencing 118 attached to the posts.

(38) A plurality of posts 100A, 100B, 100C are shown, each comprising a plurality of apertures 119 uniformly spaced along the posts. As shown a plurality of clips 112 have been pushed into the apertures 119 and the wire mesh fencing 118 is thereby restrained against the posts 100A, 100B, 100C.

(39) FIG. 6 shows a single post 100 and a section of metal fencing wire 118 attached to the post 100 with the clips 112 of the invention. As shown the plurality of apertures 119 allow for great flexibility in which portions of the wire mesh 118 can be coupled to the post 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6 the particular section of mesh 118 has varying size spacings of wire 115. This can still be accommodated by the present fencing system by virtue of the plurality of apertures 119 and clips 112. The right hand side of the photograph shows smaller mesh squares than the left hand end of the section and both are still conveniently coupled to the post 100 by means of the plurality of clips 112.

(40) FIG. 7 illustrates example dimensions for the clip 112 in which: d.sub.w=2.50 mm d.sub.p=2.50 mm d.sub.1=2.35 mm d.sub.2=4.27 mm d.sub.3=6.62 mm d.sub.4=15.90 mm d.sub.5=25.02 mm

(41) For a given wire fence mesh using a wire diameter of d.sub.w the following relationship (labelled as equation 6 with preceding derivation steps 1-5) is required to ensure that (a) the clip can penetrate the apertures and (b) that the wire can be secured to the post:
d.sub.2≥d.sub.w  (1)
d.sub.3=d.sub.1+d.sub.2  (2)
d.sub.5=d.sub.3+d.sub.4+d.sub.p  (3)
d.sub.5=d.sub.1+d.sub.2+d.sub.4+d.sub.p  (4)
d.sub.2=d.sub.5−d.sub.1−d.sub.4−d.sub.p  (5)
d.sub.w≥d.sub.5−d.sub.1−d.sub.4−d.sub.p  (6)

(42) FIGS. 8A and 8B show a line wire retaining clip 200 in front view, FIG. 8A, and side view, FIG. 8B.

(43) The line wire retaining clip 200 comprises 3 regions or portions: a central line wire securing portion 202 and two opposing coupling portions 206. The clip is formed of a single length of metal wire made from stainless steel to BS EN 10270-3 (1-4310), galvanised spring steel to BS EN 10270-1 SH (G) or similar which has been bent into the general shape shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B.

(44) In the present example, central line wire securing portion 202 has a substantially circular “loop” shape. In other implementations, central line wire securing portion 202 may be ovoid, rectangular or any other suitable shape according to the requirements of the implementation.

(45) The two coupling portions 206 are disposed at opposing ends of the central fencing wire securing portion 202 and are formed of distal portion 204 and proximal portion 208. In the present example, the coupling portions 206 are in the form of U-shaped portions with the apex of each U extending away from the central line wire securing portion 202. In other implementations, the two coupling portions 206 may be V-shaped or any other suitable shape according to the requirements of the implementation.

(46) It will be recognised that the precise geometry of the line wire retaining clip 200 may differ. The important features are the three regions.

(47) FIG. 9 shows a width-wise cross-section of a metal fence post 100 with a penetrated line wire retaining clip 200.

(48) It will be recognised that as the apex of each U is brought into contact with a single aperture 119 the distal portions 204 and proximate portions 208 of the wire forming the coupling portions are caused to deflect. As force is applied to the central line wire securing portion 202 the pairs of distal and proximate portions deflect towards each other reducing the width of each coupling portion 206 such that each coupling portion can penetrate and pass through the respective aperture 119.

(49) As shown in FIG. 9 the line wire retaining clip 200 has been pushed against the post such that the above deflection occurs. Because of the elastic property of the material forming the clip, each of the retaining portions 206 returns to its original un-deflected position once through the aperture. As shown, the two distal portions 204 project beyond the edges of aperture 119. This prevents the clip from being retracted through the aperture.

(50) In use, the central line wire securing portion 202 can retain fencing wires such as line wires, barbed wires or electrical wires inside its circular “loop”.

(51) Attaching a plurality of line wire retaining clips 200 can thereby restrain line wires against metal fence posts 100 to form a fencing system. It will be recognised that the line wire retaining clips 200 and apertures 119 advantageously allow line wires to be restrained with ease without bespoke or specialised tooling. The system can also be used very quickly owing to the clip arrangement and when a mixture of retaining clips 112 and line wire retaining clips 200 are used, the system allows for a mixture of line wires and mesh netting to be simultaneously restrained.