Fence Clip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fence clip suitable for securing a fence wire to a fence post, the fence clip comprising: a central portion adapted to pass through the fence post, a wire engaging member provided at a first end of the central portion; and a locking pin provided at a second end of the central portion. The present invention further relates to a fence assembly, the fence assembly comprising: a fence post, the fence post being provided with one or more apertures therethrough; and one or more fence clips, each fence clip comprising, a central portion adapted to pass through an aperture, a wire engaging member provided at a first end of the central portion; and a locking pin provided at a second end of the central portion.

Claims

1. A fence clip suitable for securing a fence wire to a fence post, the fence clip comprising: a central portion adapted to pass through the fence post, a wire engaging member provided at a first end of the central portion; and a locking pin provided at a second end of the central portion.

2. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the central portion, the wire engaging member and the locking pin are all integrally formed.

3. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the fence clip is constructed from a single rod that has been shaped to form the central portion, the wire engaging member and the locking pin

4. A fence clip according to claim 3, wherein the rod is bent into the preferred shaped.

5. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the fence clip is constructed from a stiff material.

6. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the fence clip is constructed from a material that resists deformation.

7. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the central portion is substantially straight.

8. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the wire engaging member projects laterally from the central portion

9. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the wire engaging member is substantially perpendicular to the central portion

10. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the fence clip has a single wire engaging member

11. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the locking pin deviates away from the axis of the central portion

12. A fence clip according to claim 11, wherein the locking pin projects vertically from the central portion

13. A fence clip according to claim 11, wherein the locking pin is substantially perpendicular to the central portion.

14. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the wire engaging member is substantially U-shaped.

15. A fence clip according to claim 1, wherein the wire engaging member comprises a first leg and a second leg connected at their distal ends by a connector.

16. A fence clip according to claim 15, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a central passage that terminates at the connector

17. A fence clip according to claim 15, wherein the first leg is connected to the central portion at a proximal end

18. A fence clip according to any one of claim 15, wherein the second leg is provided at an angle to the first leg

19. A fence clip according to any one of claim 15, wherein the second leg is provided at an angle to first leg in a direction away from the central portion

20. A fence assembly, the fence assembly comprising: a fence post, the fence post being provided with one or more apertures therethrough; and one or more fence clip, each fence clip comprising, a central portion adapted to pass through an aperture, a wire engaging member provided at a first end of the central portion; and a locking pin provided at a second end of the central portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fence clip of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the fence clip of the present invention

[0043] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the fence clip of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 4 is front view of the fence clip of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a side view of a fence post;

[0046] FIG. 6 is top view of a fence post;

[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fence clip of the present invention during attachment of a fence wire to a fence post; and

[0048] FIG. 8 is perspective view of the fence clip of the present invention attached to a fence post

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] In FIGS. 1-4 there is shown fence clip 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fence clip 10 of the present invention is intended to be used to secure a fence wire at a fence post in the construction of fences. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, wire fences are typically constructed by stringing fence wires between fence posts. The fence wires may be individual fence wire strands or the fence wire may be pre-fabricated into woven fence panels. In either case, the fence wire is supported by fence posts at regular intervals along its length. The fence clip 10 of the present invention is intended to secure a fence wire against a fence post. It is envisaged that multiple fence clips 10 will be employed at each fence post, with each fence clip 10 securing an individual fence wire.

[0050] The fence clip 10 generally comprises a central portion 12, a wire engaging member 14 provided at a first end of the central portion 12 and a locking pin 18 provided at a second end of the central portion 12. The central portion 12 is adapted to pass through a portion of the fence post, with the wire engaging member 14 and the locking pin 18 being located on opposite sides of the fence post. The wire engaging member 14 will latch onto the fence wire and the locking pin 18 will resist the removal of the fence clip 10 from the fence post.

[0051] The fence clip 10 of the present invention is preferably adapted to engage with a fence post that comprises at least one flange 102. A suitable fence post 100 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Standard fence posts are typically Y-shaped or T-shaped, where a flange 102 extends out from a longitudinal axis of the fence post. The thickness of the flange 102 may vary depending on the intended application of the fence post and the strength required. One or more apertures 104 are provided through the flange 102. The apertures 104 are typically spaced at regular intervals along the flange 102. The apertures 104 are typically round or elliptical in shape, though square or rectangular apertures 104 may also be used. The central portion 12 of the present invention is intended to pass through the flange 102 at these apertures 104.

[0052] The central portion 12 comprises an elongate rod that is adapted to pass through the fence post. The length of the central portion 12 along the longitudinal axis should be long enough to pass through the width of the fence post, or portion of a fence post, to which the fence clip 10 is associated with. For example, where the fence post comprises a flange 102, the length of the central portion 12 along the longitudinal axis should be at least as long as the thickness of the flange 102. It is preferred that the length of the central position is slightly longer than the width of the post to provide some tolerance. The central position should be long enough to allow it to be inserted through the fence post such that the locking pin 18 can engage with the other side of the fence post. In one embodiment, the central position is between 1 mm and 5 mm longer than the portion of the fence post to which the fence clip 10 is mounted.

[0053] The cross-sectional dimensions of the central portion 12 will need to be selected such that it may pass through an aperture 104 provided in the fence post.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the central portion is at least 4 mm.

[0055] The wire engaging member 14 is adapted to latch onto a fence wire. The wire engaging member 14 extends laterally from the central portion 12. In a preferred embodiment, the wire engaging member 14 is orientated substantially perpendicular to the central portion 12. When the fence clip 10 is in the operating position, the wire engaging member 14 is substantially parallel to the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the wire engaging member 14 comprises a first leg 22 and second leg 24 connected at their distal ends by a connector 26. When viewed in plan, the first leg 22, second leg 24 and the connector 26 are arranged to be substantially U-shaped. The first leg 22 and the second leg 24 define a central passage 28 that terminates at the connector 26. The width of the central passage 28, or the distance between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24, is such that fence wire can locate in the central passage 28. The length of the first leg 22 will determine the position of the fence wire respect to the fences post. It should be appropriately sized to ensure that the fence wire is retained close to the fence post. This will largely be dependent on the distance between the outer edge of the flange 102 and the aperture 104.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first leg and the second leg are substantially the same length. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second leg is short than the first leg. As discussed above, the length of the first leg is as least as long as the distance between the portion of the fence post that the fence clip passes through and the outer edge of the fence post, to which the fence wire is secured to. The main function of the second leg is to retain the fence wire within the central passage. The second leg should be appropriately sized to prevent the fence wire from being dislodged from the central passage.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the central passage 28 is between 1.1 and 1.5 times the thickness of the fence wire.

[0058] In one embodiment, the width of the central passage 28 is between 1 mm and 5 mm wider than the thickness of the fence wire. In one embodiment, the width of the central passage 28 is between 3 mm and 4 mm wider than the thickness of the fence wire.

[0059] In one form of the present invention, the fence clip 10 has only one wire engaging member 14. In one form of the present invention, only the wire engaging member 14 contacts the fence wire.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the second leg 24 is provided at an angle to the first leg 22. As best seen in FIG. 2, it is preferred that distal end of the second leg 24 is orientated away from the central portion 12 of the fence post. This results in the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 not being parallel in the lateral plane. When in the operating position, both the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 are substantially parallel to the ground.

[0061] In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 1°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 5°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 10°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 15°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 20°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is at least 25°. The angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 should be understood to refer to the angle between the longitudinal axis of each the first leg 22 and the second leg 24.

[0062] In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is between 1° and 30°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is between 5° and 25°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 is between 10° and 20°.

[0063] In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 60°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 65°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 70°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 75°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 80°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 85°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is at least 90°. The angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 should be understood to refer to the angle between the longitudinal axis of each the central portion 12 and the first leg 22.

[0064] In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and the first leg 22 is between 60° and 90°. The inventors understand that providing the locking pin at an angle to the central portion allows the locking to hold tighter on the fence post and direct the maximum pressure point to be as close as possible to directly in line with the middle of the fence post.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the second leg 24 is lower than the first leg 22 when the fence clip 10 is in an operating orientation.

[0066] The locking pin 18 is provided on a second end of the central portion 12 and is adapted to resist the removal of the fence clip 10 from the fence post. The locking pin 18 projects from the central portion 12 at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the central portion 12. When in an operating position, the locking pin 18 is provided on an opposite side of the fence post to the wire engaging member 14. In this orientation, the locking pin 18 will latch onto the opposing side of the fence post to secure the fence clip 10 to the fence post, resisting the removal of the fence clip 10 from the fence post. In embodiment shown in the figures, the locking pin 18 projects from the central portion 12 in a vertical direction. This vertical direction is substantially parallel to central longitudinal axis of the fence post when the fence clip 10 is in an operating position. Preferably, the locking pin 18 will sit substantially flush against the fence post when installed.

[0067] In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and locking pin 18 is at least 80°. In one embodiment, the angle between the central portion 12 and locking pin 18 is between 80° and 110°.

[0068] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the locking pin 18 allow it to pass through the aperture 104 of the fence post.

[0069] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is at least 5 mm. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is at least 10 mm. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is at least 15 mm. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is at least 20 mm. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is at least 25 mm.

[0070] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the locking pin 18 is between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0071] The fence clip 10 is preferably formed from a single unitary piece that has been appropriately shaped. For example, the fence clip 10 may be formed from a rod or wire that has been bent or otherwise deformed into the appropriate shape to produce the fence clip 10 of the present invention.

[0072] In one embodiment, the fence clip 10 is constructed from a stiff and resilient material. In one embodiment, the fence clip 10 is constructed from a material that resists deformation. It is preferable that the fence clip 10 of the present invention is not deformable by hand. Suitable materials include steel or hard plastic materials known in the art. Preferably, the diameter of the rod is sufficient to resist deformation.

[0073] In one form of the present invention, the rod has a diameter of at least 3 mm. In one form of the present invention, the rod has a diameter of at least 4 mm. In one form of the present invention, the rod has a diameter of at least 5 mm. In one form of the present invention, the rod has a diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0074] In one form of the present invention, each of the central portion 12, the wire engaging member 14 and the locking pin 18 are substantially mutually perpendicular.

[0075] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the mounting of the fence clip 10 on a fence post 100 to secure a fence wire 106 to the fence post 100. The fence wire 106 is first brought into a position near the aperture 104. The operator will hook the wire engaging member 14 onto the fence wire and will then mount the fence clip 10 onto the fence post. To mount the fence clip 10 on to the fence post 100, the locking pin 18 is first passed through the aperture 104. To do so, an operator will need to rotate the fence clip 10 to a mounting position, where the longitudinal axis of the locking pin 18 substantially aligns with the aperture 104. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the operator would need to rotate the fence clip 10 such that the central portion 12 is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis of the fence post 100 to align the locking pin 18 with the aperture 104. The locking pin 18 is then pushed through the aperture 104 and the fence clip 10 is rotated approximately 90° to move the fence clip 10 into an operating position. In the operating position, the longitudinal axis of the central portion 12 is substantially perpendicular the longitudinal axis of fence post 100.

[0076] As the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 are separated in a vertical direction, the orientation of the fence clip 10 when engaged with the fence wire 106 will be such that the central portion 12 is generally aligned with the aperture 104 and is perpendicular to the central axis of the fence post 100. This orientation does not permit the insertion of the locking pin 18 through the aperture 104 and so the operator must rotate the fence clip 10 to the mounting position to align the locking pin 18 with the aperture 104. Assuming the fence wire 106 remains parallel to the ground, the rotation of the fence clip 10 is possible only up to the angle at which the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 both contact the fence wire 100. The freedom to rotate the fence clip 10 is therefore limited by the width of the central passage 28 compared to the thickness of the fence wire 106. A wider passage will allow for the fence clip 10 to rotate further relative to the fence wire 106. However, increasing the width of the central passage 28 will allow more movement of the fence wire 106 within the central passage 28 when the fence clip 10 is installed and will similarly allow for easier dislodgment of the fence clip 10 from the fence post 100. Furthermore, the length and angle of the locking pin 18 will determine the degree of rotation required to mount the fence clip 10 on the fence post 100. Whilst decreasing the locking pin 18 length or increasing the angle between the locking pin 18 and the central portion 12 will increase the ease of installation, this will also allow for easier dislodgment of the fence clip 10 from the fence post 100. Each of the dimensions of the central passage 28 and the length/orientation of the locking pin 18 should be sized such that the rotation of the fence clip 10 is limited to only just allow the locking pin 18 to be inserted into the aperture 104. In doing so, the fence clip 10 will ‘snap’ into position. This has been found to assist in the prevention of accidental dislodgment of the fence clip 10. The preferred dimensions will ultimately be determined by the thickness of the fence wire 106 and the dimensions of the aperture 104.

[0077] The inventors of the present invention have found that by providing an angle between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 of the wire retaining member that the degree in which the fence clip 10 can rotate relative to the wire fence is increased. As such, a greater degree of rotation can be achieved without increasing the width of the central passage 28. This allows for the fence wire 106 to be more securely retained against the fence post 100.

[0078] As discussed above, the fence clip 10 is preferably constructed from a material that is resilient to deformation. The inventors have found that this will substantially prevent the deformation of the fence clip 10 during the installation process. The fence clip 10 will therefore keep the intended orientation, ensuring the best possible retention between the fence wire and the fence post. Constructing the fence clip 10 of the present invention from a material that is resilient to deformation will also assist will preventing the fence clip 10 from being deformed once installed. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, forces on the fence wire, such as from livestock, are largely transferred to the means used to retain the fence wire to the fence post. Clip or wire ties commonly used in the prior art are required to be deformable to permit the installation. The inventors have found that this decreases the strength of the clip and leads to the clips failing more frequently.

[0079] Advantageously, the fence clip 10 of the present invention does not require any tools for installation, nor does it require the operator to manually deform the clip in order to engage it with the fence wire or fence post. This has been found to increase the installation speed over prior art clip which require the clip to be coiled around the fence wire.

[0080] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fence post assembly. The fence post assembly comprises a fence post and one or more fence clips 10 that are mountable on the fence post.

[0081] In FIG. 4, there is shown a fence post suitable for use with the fence post assembly. The fence post comprises an elongate body that is adapted to be driven into the ground in an upright position. The fence post comprises at least one flange 102 extending radially from the elongate body. The fence post may include additional flanges. One or more apertures 104 are provided through the flange 102, extending into the longitudinal axis of the flange 102. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the apertures 104 are round, though it envisaged that the apertures 104 may be other shapes.

[0082] The fence post assembly further comprises one or more fence clips 10. Each fence clip 10 comprising, a central portion 12 adapted to pass through one of the apertures 104 provided on the flange 102, a wire engaging member 14 provided at a first end of the central portion 12; and a locking pin 18 provided at a second end of the central portion 12. The fence clips 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention are suitable for use in the fence post assembly and the above discussion applies equally to the fence clips 10.

[0083] As each fence clip 10 is associated with an aperture 104 of the fence post, the number of fence clips 10 that can be mounted on the fence post is limited by the number of apertures 104.

[0084] As discussed above, the dimensions of the fence clip 10 need to be tailored to suit the particular fence post that they are mounted on. Whilst the fence clip 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention may be mounted on commercially available fence posts, variances between manufacturers may result in different fence clips 10 being required for different types of fence posts. The fence post assemble of the second embodiment of the present invention matches the dimensions of the fence clip 10 to the dimensions of the fence post.

[0085] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.