Fence post assemblies

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).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates, inter alia, to a fence post assembly having a keeper for holding a fencing member (such as a wire or mesh panel) relative to a fence post. In one embodiment, the keeper is movable between a holding position in which the fencing member is held relative to the fence post and a release position in which the fencing member may be released from the fence post. This invention also relates to a method for constructing a fence.

BACKGROUND

In order to construct a wire fence, typically a fencer will first anchor fence posts to the ground at regular intervals. The fencer will then thread plain fencing wires through holes in the posts (if Y- or T-shape pickets) or otherwise attach the wires to the posts, then strain those wires, and then finally tie them off. In order to construct a mesh panel fence, typically the fencer will further tie a mesh panel to the strained plain wires, strain those panels, and then finally tie them off.

Disadvantages of the above described method include that it is tedious and time-consuming. In particular, the fencer is required to thread wires through numerous holes, and several trips along a length of the fence may be required in order to do this and to fully strain the fence.

Other disadvantages include that additional fence posts cannot be readily added to the existing fence and damaged fence posts cannot be replaced without first releasing the wires—following which the wires would again require re-threading and straining.

Yet another disadvantage is that such a fence cannot be readily disassembled for relocation or recycling purposes.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments, fence post assemblies, methods of constructing a fence, and retainers for holding a fence member within a slot of a post are provided.

According to a first aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising: a fence post; and at least one keeper for holding a fencing member relative to the post, wherein the keeper is movable between a holding position in which the member is held relative to the post and a release position in which the member may be released from the post.

The post may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The post may be, for example, a pipe, a beam, a stake or a picket, it may be made of galvanised metal, plastics material or of wood. Preferably, the post is a Y-shape picket or a T-shape picket made of coated steel.

The post may be a composite/hybrid of different materials. For instance, the post may comprise a longitudinal metallic portion and a non-metallic portion extending longitudinally along the metallic portion, wherein the non-metallic portion has a plurality of keepers spaced along a length of the non-metallic portion. The longitudinal metallic and non-metallic portions may be connected to one another in any suitable way, e.g. fasteners such as nuts and bolts, adhesive or a melt weld.

The keeper may be connected to, connectable to, provided by or formed within the longitudinal non-metallic portion. Preferably, the post comprises a metallic support and a plastic strip extending longitudinally along the metallic support, wherein the plastic strip has a plurality of keepers spaced along a length of the strip. The plastic strip may be connected to the longitudinal metallic support with nuts and bolts.

The keeper may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the keeper comprises a resilient retainer extending from the post and having a fencing member receiving end abutting (or almost abutting) the post. The receiving end may be movable between the holding and release positions. In the holding position the receiving end may abut (or almost abut) the post and in the release position the receiving end may be spaced from the post so as to be able to accept the fencing member.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the keeper may comprise an opening extending within the post for receiving the fencing member and at least one retainer connected to the post that is movable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer retains the fencing member within the opening.

The opening may be of any suitable size and shape. Preferably, the opening is a slot extending within the post such that the fencing member, when held by the retainer, extends across the post relative to a length of the post. The slot may have an open end and a blind end. The slot may extend linearly or at different angles within the post. The slot may extend, for example, horizontally, vertically, angularly and/or curvedly within the post. The slot may have upper and/or lower grooves in which the retainer or a part of the retainer may locate when in either the holding or release position. The blind end may be tapered so as to “grab” the fencing member.

The retainer may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The retainer may be connected to the post and movable relative thereto in any suitable way.

In one embodiment, the retainer may be slidable between the holding and release positions, e.g. by way of a tongue and groove arrangement.

In another embodiment, the retainer may have a flexible end obstructing movement of the fencing member through the slot, and the end may be movable between the holding and release positions, whereby in the release position the fencing member is free to exit through the open end of the slot. In this embodiment, the retainer may comprise spring steel.

In another embodiment, the retainer may be pivotally connected to the post and pivoted between the holding and release positions. In this embodiment, the retainer may have a post mounting region and a fencing member engaging region. The post mounting region may be mounted to the post by way of a pin of the retainer. The fencing member engaging region may extend across the slot so as to obstruct movement of the fencing member towards the open end of the slot when the retainer is in the holding position. The fencing member engaging region may be hook shaped so as to hook around the fencing member whilst the fencing member is located within the slot. The fencing member engaging region may extend within the post across the slot so as to obstruct movement of the fencing member towards the open end of the slot when the retainer is in the holding position. The fencing member engaging region may locate within the upper and lower grooves of the slot when in the release and holding positions, respectively.

The retainer may be biased to move to and remain in the holding position and this may be achieved in any suitable way. It may be biased, for example, by way of a spring or other type of biasing member, or by way of gravity. If by gravity, then the retainer may have a counter-balance region that causes the fencing member engaging region to pivot such that it extends across the slot so as to obstruct movement of the fencing member towards the open end of the slot.

The keeper may comprise more than one type of retainer for holding the fencing member within the slot.

The keeper may be connectable to the post. That is, the keeper may be connected to, say, a mount and the mount may be connectable to the post. This may be achieved in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the mount is in the form of a plastic strip having at least one said retainer and slot, and the strip is connectable to a longitudinal edge of the post by way of fasteners.

Any suitable type of fencing member may be held relative to the post. In one embodiment, the fencing member is a plain wire or a length of barbed wire. The post assembly may have a plurality of keepers spaced along a length of the post, so as to form a 2-8 strand high wire fence.

In another embodiment, the fencing member may be a mesh panel, in which case the post assembly may have a plurality of keepers spaced along a length of the post for holding different substantially horizontally extending strands of the mesh panel.

In yet another embodiment, the fencing member may be an insulator, a bracket, a rain gauge or other type of accessory that may usually be found connected to or otherwise associated with a fence. The fencing member may be an accessory that is not usually connected to or otherwise associated with a fence. Such a fencing member will have a keeper-engaging region (as described later in this specification) for being held by the keeper relative to the fence post.

The post assembly may be anchored or otherwise fastened to any suitable surface, such that the post extends vertically, horizontally or at any other desired angle. That is, the post could extend at any suitable angle from, say, a bridge or building. Preferably, the post is anchored to a ground surface by way of being partially driven into the ground.

According to a second aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a method of constructing a fence, said method comprising: anchoring at least one fence post assembly to a surface, wherein the post assembly comprises a fence post and at least one keeper for holding a fencing member relative to the post, wherein the keeper is movable between a holding position in which the member is held relative to the post and a release position in which the member may be released from the post; and engaging a fencing member with the keeper such that the keeper holds the fencing member relative to the post.

In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises straining (tensioning) the fencing member once, or before, it is held relative to the post.

The fence post assembly and fencing member may be as described in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a mesh panel when used as a fencing member for the fence post assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, or when used in the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The mesh panel may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The mesh panel may have rectangular, orthoganol or other shaped openings. Preferably, the mesh panel comprises a plurality of substantially horizontally and substantially vertically extending wires that are connected to one another. Preferably, each horizontally extending wire is held by a keeper of a fence post assembly.

According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a fencing member for use with the fence post assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, or for use in the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The fencing member according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise a keeper-engaging region for being held by the keeper relative to the fence post and at least one other region providing the desired functionality. Preferably, the fencing member comprises a support body, a pair of pin support arms extending laterally of the support body that straddles the post, and a locking pin extending between the pin support arms that is engagable with the keeper. An insulator ring or bracket, or a rain gauge may be supported by the support body. The fencing member may further comprise at least one pair of positioning arms extending laterally of the support body that straddles the post of the fence post assembly.

According to a fifth aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a fencing member comprising: a keeper-engaging region for engaging a keeper of a fence post assembly; and at least one other region providing a desired function, wherein said keeper is able to hold the fencing member relative to a post of the assembly, and the keeper is movable between a holding position in which the fencing member is held relative to the post and a release position in which the fencing member may be released from the post.

According to a sixth aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a retainer for holding a fencing member within a slot of a post, wherein the retainer is connectable or connected to the post and pivotable between a holding position in which the fencing member is held within the slot and a release position in which the fencing member is releasable from the slot, wherein the retainer is biased to automatically return from the release position to the holding position.

The retainer may be as described in other aspects of the present invention.

According to a seventh aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a fencing wire locator for use with the fence post assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, or for use in the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the locator inserts fencing wires as a group or wires of a wire mesh panel into the slots of keepers of a fence post.

The locator may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably, the locator comprises an elongate body, one or more handles extending from one side of the body, and a row of wire-engaging teeth extending from another side of the body. In use, fencing wires are made to engage the teeth and the teeth are then moved by an installer relative to the post such that each wire engages it's respective keeper (one at a time).

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with a reference to the accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown part of a fence post assembly1for holding a fencing member, such as a fencing wire2. The post assembly1includes a post3and numerous keepers4(only one is shown) spaced along a length of the post3. The post3that is shown is in the form of a coated steel Y-shape picket and part of an arm5of the post3is shown.

Each keeper4comprises a slot7extending within the arm5and a retainer8that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown inFIG. 2) and a fencing member release position. The slot7extends horizontally within the arm5and has an open end11, a blind end12, as well as upper9and lower10grooves (best seen inFIG. 2).

The retainer8is in the form of a D-shackle wherein a post mounting end15of the retainer8extends transversely through an aperture in the arm5and a fencing member engaging end16of the retainer8extends across the slot7. Regions14of the retainer8that interconnect ends15and16extend along each side of the arm5.

The retainer8can pivot between the fencing member2holding and release positions. When inserting a fencing wire2into the slot7, the wire2pushes the fencing member engaging end16up into the upper groove9. In order to release the wire2from the slot7, the retainer8must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end16locates within the upper groove9. In the fencing member holding position, the fencing member engaging end16locates within the lower groove10. The lower groove10is there to provide a positive recess for retainer8to sit in, so that any pressure from the wire2(eg. when livestock push against the fence) will not result in the wire2being released from the slot7by accident.

Turning now toFIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown part of a fence post assembly21holding a fencing member (wire2). The post assembly21includes a post23and numerous keepers24(only one is shown) spaced along a length of the post23.

Each keeper24comprises a slot27extending within an arm25of the post21, and a retainer28that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown inFIG. 4) and a fencing member release position. The slot27extends horizontally within the arm25and has an open end31, a blind end32, as well as a lower30groove, as seen inFIG. 3.

The retainer28is in the form of a pair of interconnected hooks20having a post mounting end35pinned to the post21with a pin36, and a fencing member engaging end37having an interconnecting crosspiece40extending across the slot27. The hooks20extend along each side of the arm25.

The retainer28can pivot between the fencing member holding and release positions. Prior to inserting the wire2into the slot27, the fencing member engaging end37of the retainer28is first pivoted out of the lower groove30by hand towards the blind end32(as indicated by the two-headed arrow ofFIG. 3). The wire2is then moved beneath end37into the blind end32and the retainer28is then released such that end37locates within the groove30.

In order to release the wire2from the slot27, the retainer28must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end37moves out of the lower groove30. The wire2is then pulled beneath end37and out of the slot27.

Turning now toFIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a fence post assembly50according to another embodiment of the invention. Again, a fence post51of the assembly50is in the form of a Y-shape picket.

A keeper53of the assembly50comprises a horizontally extending slot54having a blind end59and an upper groove55, and a spring steel retainer56that extends across the slot54. The retainer56has an upper end57located within the upper groove55. A lower end of the retainer56is fixed to the post51.

When inserting a wire2into the slot54, the upper end57of the retainer56flexes from a fencing member holding position (as shown inFIG. 5) to a release position such that the wire2may be moved and trapped between the retainer56and the blind end59of the slot54. Since the retainer56is made of spring steel, the upper end57of the retainer56springs back into abutment with an internal shoulder58of the post51after the wire2has passed between the upper end57and the shoulder58. In order to release the wire2, the upper end57must first be moved out of abutment with the shoulder58of the post51.

Turning now toFIGS. 7-9, there is shown a fence post assembly100for holding a fencing member (eg. wire2), according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post101of the assembly100is in the form of a Y-shape picket.

A keeper102of the assembly100comprises a slot103and a retainer104that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown inFIG. 8) and a fencing member release position. As shown inFIG. 7, the slot103is L-shaped and has an open end105, a blind end106and a lateral groove107.

The retainer104is in the form of a spring steel link wherein a post mounting end108of the retainer104extends transversely through an aperture in an arm109of the post101and a fencing member engaging end111of the retainer104extends across the slot103. As seen inFIG. 9, regions113of the retainer104that interconnect ends108and111extend along each side of the arm109.

The retainer104can pivot between the fencing member holding and release positions. When inserting a wire2into the slot103, the wire2pushes the fencing member engaging end111into the groove107, at which time the wire2is movable into the blind end106of the slot103. In the fencing member holding position, the fencing member engaging end111is positioned as shown inFIG. 8, so that any pressure from the wire2(eg. when livestock push against the fence) will not result in the wire2being released from the slot103by accident. In order to release the wire2from the slot103, the retainer104must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end111locates within the lateral groove107.

Turning now toFIGS. 10 to 15, there is shown a fence post assembly120according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post121of the assembly120is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper122of the assembly120comprises an L-shaped slot123and a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer124, a pivot pin126and a travel stop pin135.

The retainer124is pivotally mounted to a post121arm and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. As shown inFIG. 10, the retainer124comprises a post mounting region125, a fencing member engaging region127and a counter-balance region130. The travel stop pin135extends laterally of the fence post121arm between the fencing member engaging region127and the counter-balance region130. The pivot pin126extends through the post121arm and mounting region125, and enables the fencing member engaging region127to pivot relative to the post121arm. The fencing member engaging region127has a tapered nose131that is shaped to both allow a fencing member to locate within a blind end128of the slot123and to be retained within the blind end128.

FIGS. 13-15shows the retainer124in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing wire2into the slot123, the fencing wire2engages the tapered nose131and pushes the fencing member engaging region127downwardly. The fencing wire2then locates within the blind end128of the slot123, at which time the fencing member engaging region127pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region130. The travel stop pin135resists further downward movement of the counter-balance region130and ensures that the fencing wire2cannot disengage the slot123by accident. In order to release the fencing wire2from the slot123, the fencing member engaging region127must be pivoted downwardly by hand, such that the fencing wire2can freely move to an open end of the slot123.

Turning now toFIGS. 16 and 17, there is shown a fence post assembly140according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post141of the assembly140is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper142of the assembly140comprises a slot143and a retainer assembly.

The slot143has an arcuate portion148flanked by linear portions149,151. Linear portion149corresponds to an open end149of the slot143whereas linear portion151corresponds to a blind end151of the slot143.

The retainer assembly comprises a retainer144and a pivot pin146. The retainer144is pivotally mounted to a post141arm by way of the pivot pin146, and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. The retainer144comprises a post mounting region145through which the pivot pin146extends, a fencing member engaging region147, and a counter-weight region150. The fencing member engaging region147has a mouth160shaped to receive a fencing member and to guide movement of the member to the blind end151of the slot143. As the retainer144pivots to the holding position, the mouth160coincides with the arcuate portion148of the slot143.

FIG. 16shows the retainer144in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing member into the slot143, the fencing member engages the mouth160and pushes the fencing member engaging region147downwardly. As the retainer144rotates relative to the post141arm, the mouth160aligns perfectly with the arcuate portion148of the slot143. The fencing member then locates within the blind end151of the slot143, at which time the fencing member engaging region147pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region150.

In order to release the fencing member from the slot143, the fencing member engaging region147must be pivoted downwardly by hand, until such time that the fencing member can be received by the mouth160and guided to the open end149of the slot143.

Turning now toFIGS. 18-20, there is shown a fence post assembly240according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post241of the assembly240is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper242of the assembly240comprises a slot243and a retainer assembly.

The slot243has an arcuate portion248flanked by linear portions249,251, as seen inFIG. 19. Linear portion249corresponds to an open end249of the slot243whereas linear portion251corresponds to a blind end251of the slot243.

The retainer assembly comprises a retainer244and a pivot pin246. The retainer244is pivotally mounted to a post241arm by way of the pivot pin246, and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. The retainer244comprises a mounting region245through which the pivot pin246extends, a fencing member engaging region247, and a counter-weight region250. The fencing member engaging region247has a mouth260shaped to receive a fencing member and to guide movement of the member to the blind end251of the slot243. As the retainer244pivots to the holding position, the mouth260coincides with the arcuate portion248of the slot243.

FIG. 18shows the retainer244in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing member, such as a wire2, into the slot243, the fencing member engages the mouth260and pushes the fencing member engaging region247downwardly. As the retainer244rotates relative to the post241arm, the mouth260aligns perfectly with the arcuate portion248of the slot243. The fencing member wire2then locates within the blind end251of the slot243, at which time the fencing member engaging region247pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region250.

In order to release the wire2from the slot243, the fencing member engaging region247must be pivoted downwardly by hand, until such time that the wire2can be received by the mouth260and guided to the open end249of the slot243.

Turning now toFIGS. 21-23, there is shown a fence post assembly170for holding a fencing member such as a wire2, according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post171of the assembly170is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper172of the assembly170comprises an arcuate upper slot173, a lower L-shaped slot174having a blind end180, and a metal flat spring retainer175that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown inFIG. 22) and a fencing member release position.

The flat spring retainer175has an arcuate upper portion177and a hooked lower portion178. The arcuate upper portion177extends within the upper slot173and has a pair of upwardly turned locking tabs179that extend along each side of a post171arm and together with the arcuate upper portion177lock the retainer175in position. A portion of the retainer175intermediate the upper and lower portions177,178extends along an edge of the post171arm. The hooked lower portion178extends across the lower slot174and is biased to remain in that fencing member holding position. The hooked lower portion178has a notch183slightly wider than the width of the post171arm (seeFIG. 21).

The hooked lower portion178can move between the fencing member holding and release positions. When inserting a fencing member (eg. a wire2) into the lower slot174, the member pushes against the hooked lower portion178and against a force of the spring until the notch183engages the post171and the member is locatable within the blind end180of the lower slot174. The hooked lower portion178then returns to a resting position and prevents the fencing member from disengaging the lower slot174by accident. In order to release the fencing member from the lower slot174, the notch183of the hooked lower portion178must again be moved into temporary engagement with the post171arm.

Turning now toFIGS. 27 to 29, there is again shown the fence post assembly120ofFIGS. 10 to 15, having keepers122spaced along a length of the post121.

The retainer124is the same as shown inFIG. 10, except that the travel stop pin135and pivot pin126each have smaller diameter head.

FIG. 28shows the retainer124in the fencing member holding position.FIG. 27shows how the retainer124is pivoted when either accepting or releasing a fencing member wire2from the slot123.

FIGS. 30-32are examples of different types of fences that may be constructed using the fence post assemblies shown in the earlier figures.

In order to construct the wire fence400ofFIG. 30, posts of the post assemblies401are first driven into the ground at the required spacing. All of the plain402and barbed405fencing wires are then run out at once, tied off to a first strainer post, strained, tied off to a second strainer post, and then brought into engagement with the keepers403that are spaced along the length of each post. With the retainers of the keepers403in the holding position, if necessary, the wires402,405may then be further strained until completely taut.

Turning now toFIG. 31, there is shown a fence410constructed using the fence post assembly120ofFIGS. 10-15but utilising a wire mesh panel412rather than individual plain wires. However, a barbed wire413extends above the mesh panel412. The mesh panel412comprises a repeating pattern of horizontally extending and vertically extending wires.

In order to construct the fence410, the posts121are first anchored to the ground at the required spacing. The mesh panel412and barbed wire413are then unrolled, tied off to a first strainer post, strained, tied off to a second strainer post, and then the horizontally extending wires of the mesh panel412and the barbed wire413are brought into engagement with the keepers122that are spaced along the length of each post121. With the retainers of the keepers122in the holding position, if necessary, the mesh panel412and barbed wire413and may then be further strained until completely taut.

Turning now toFIG. 32, there is shown a fence420constructed using the fence post assembly120like that shown inFIG. 29but utilising a different type of wire mesh panel421. The mesh panel421comprises a mesh423having orthoganol openings and three horizontally extending straining wires422that are connected to the mesh423.

In order to construct the fence420, the posts121are first anchored to the ground at the required spacing. The mesh panel421is then unrolled, tied off to a first strainer post, strained, tied off to a second strainer post, and then the horizontally extending wires422of the mesh panel421are then brought into engagement with the keepers122that are spaced along the length of each post121. With the retainers of the keepers122in the holding position, if necessary, the wires422and may then be further strained until completely taut.

Turning now toFIGS. 24-26and33-37, there is shown a fence post assembly440having a composite/hybrid post and keepers441spaced there along. The post comprises a T-shaped metal support and a plastic strip445extending longitudinally along an arm442of the support. As seen inFIGS. 25 and 37, strip445has pairs of opposed jaws that extend along opposing longitudinal sides of the arm442and are securely bolted to the arm442.

A plurality of keepers441are positioned along the strip445. The keepers441are essentially the same as keepers122shown inFIG. 29. L-shaped slots444are formed in the plastic strip445. Each retainer assembly443comprises a retainer448, a pivot pin449and a travel stop pin450, as seen inFIGS. 33 and 34, and as described in respect of keeper122.

The number and spacing of keepers and the length of the strip445may vary and will depend on its intended use.

FIGS. 49 to 54show part of a fence post assembly500according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post501of the assembly500is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper502of the assembly500comprises an L-shaped slot503and a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer504(seeFIG. 53) and a pivot pin505(seeFIG. 54).

The retainer504is pivotally mounted to a post501arm having a rectangular opening506and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. As shown inFIG. 53, the retainer504comprises a post mounting region having a round opening507, a fencing member engaging region508, a counter-balance region509and an arcuate cut-out region510that extends from the round opening507.

As seen inFIGS. 51-52and54the pivot pin505has an enlarged head511, a rectangular tail512and a round shank513extending between the head511and tail512. The tail512engages the rectangular opening506in the post arm501. The retainer504is retained between the head511and post arm501. A lateral extension514of the pivot pin505extends from the shank514and extends within the arcuate cut-out region510of the retainer504as seen inFIG. 52. The lateral extension514serves as a travel stop, allowing the retainer504to pivot only through an angle provided by the arcuate cut-out region510.

The fencing member engaging region508has a tapered nose520that is shaped to both allow a fencing member to locate within a blind end of the slot503and to be retained within the blind end.

FIGS. 49-52shows the retainer504in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing wire into the slot503, the fencing wire engages the tapered nose520and pushes the fencing member engaging region508downwardly. The fencing wire then locates within the blind end of the slot503, at which time the fencing member engaging region508pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region509. The lateral extension514(travel stop) resists further downward movement of the counter-balance region509and ensures that the fencing wire cannot disengage the slot503by accident. In order to release the fencing wire from the slot503, the fencing member engaging region508must be pivoted downwardly by hand, such that the fencing wire can freely move to an open end of the slot503.

An advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that fencing wires and mesh panels can be readily attached to fence posts in one simple operation. The fencer need not thread wires through holes of Y- or T-shape picket posts. The fencer can run out all of the fencing wires at once along the whole length of the fence and readily attach the wires to the posts. In this way, several trips along a length of the fence by the fencer may be avoided.

Where mesh panel fencing is required, this can be pre-fabricated, and the entire fence can be run out, tied off and strained by the fencer, then brought into engagement with the keepers and then finally strained and tied off, if required. This saves the fencer having to first thread plain wires through the holes of each post, then straining those wires, then attaching the mesh panel, and then having to strain the mesh panel.

Another advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that posts can be readily added to, or removed from, an existing fence without having to cut any wires. A new post is driven into the appropriate place and the wires are simply inserted into the slots of the keepers. Likewise, when removing a post, the wires are released from the post and the post is then removed.

Also, in the event that a fence needs to be dismantled, the wires are simply released from the fence posts, unstrained and laid on the ground and rolled up. There is no need to cut any wires or need to feed them back along the entire length of fence through each hole in each post-often an impossible task on older fences and rarely undertaken due to time costs.

Yet another advantage of some embodiments is that the fence can be readily relocated or recycled in that the wires or wire mesh panel can be easily detached from the posts without first cutting those wires.

Turning now toFIG. 38, there is shown a rain gauge fencing member200being held by a fence post assembly120like that shown inFIGS. 10-15.

The rain gauge fencing member200has an elongate support body201and a lower end of the body201has a ledge202. A wedge shaped rain collecting vessel203is supported by the body201. A pair of positioning arms204extends laterally of the body201and straddles the post121arm. A pair of pin support arms206extends laterally of the body201and straddles the post121arm. A locking pin207extends between the pin support arms206and is retainable within the slot123of the keeper122by the retainer124(as described previously in respect of fencing wire2). The lower end of the body201prevents the member200from pivoting about pin207when held by the keeper122. The pin support arms206provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer124between the holding and release positions.

Turning now toFIG. 39, there is shown a small ring insulator fencing member210being held by a fence post assembly like that shown inFIGS. 10-15.

The small ring insulator fencing member210has an elongate body211. A pair of insulator hooks212are supported by the body201. A pair of positioning arms214extends laterally of the body211and straddles the post121arm. A pair of pin support arms216extends laterally of the body211and straddles the post121arm. A locking pin217extends between the pin support arms216and is retainable within the slot123of the keeper122by the retainer124(as described previously in respect of rain gauge fencing member200). The lower end of the body211prevents the member210from pivoting about pin217when held by the keeper122. The pin support arms216provide clearance219for pivoting of the retainer124between the holding and release positions.

Turning now toFIGS. 40 to 44, there is shown an insulator fencing member220being held by a fence post assembly like that shown inFIGS. 10 to 15.

The insulator fencing member220has an elongate body221and a tapered insulator bracket225extending laterally of the elongate body221. The bracket225has a reinforced rim258as seen inFIG. 42. A keeper222, like keeper122, is located at a narrow end of the bracket225. Keeper222comprises an L-shaped slot223and a retainer assembly, for retaining a fencing member, such as an electrified wire. As seen inFIG. 41, the retainer assembly comprises a retainer224, a pivot pin226and a travel stop pin227.

A pair of positioning arms245extends laterally and rearwardly of a lower end of the body221and straddles the post121. A pair of pin support arms246extends laterally of an upper end of body221and straddles the post121. A locking pin257extends between the pin support arms246and is retainable within the slot123of the keeper122by the retainer124(as described previously). The lower end of the body221prevents the member220from pivoting about pin257when held by the keeper122. The pin support arms246provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer124between the holding and release positions.

Turning now toFIGS. 45 to 47, there is shown another insulator fencing member280being held by a fence post assembly like that shown inFIGS. 10 to 15.

The insulator fencing member280has a body281and a pair of pin support arms283extends laterally of the body281and straddles the post121. A locking pin287extends between the pin support arms283and is retainable within the slot (not shown) of the keeper122by the retainer124(as described previously). A lower end of the body281prevents the member280from pivoting about pin287when held by the keeper122. The pin support arms283provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer124between the holding and release positions.

The body281also has a retainer assembly286for holding a fencing member such as an electrified wire. Upper and lower walls290,291extend forwardly of the body281and provide a slot/recess282of the retainer assembly286. As seen inFIG. 46, the retainer assembly comprises a retainer294, a pivot pin295and a travel stop pin287(ie. locking pin287).

In use, a wire is inserted within the slot/recess282such that the retainer294pivots to the release position and allows the wire to be placed within a blind end of the slot/recess282. The retainer294then returns to the holding position and holds the wire in place.

Yet another advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that fencing members, such as those described above, can be readily attached to fence posts having keepers as described herein.

Turning now toFIG. 48, there is shown a fencing wire locator268, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locator268is used to insert fencing wires as a group or a wire mesh panel into the slots of keepers of a fence post, such as the posts and keepers described in the earlier embodiments herein.

The locator268has an elongate body261, a pair of handles262,263extending from the body261, and a row of teeth264extending from the body261.

In use, either plain fencing wires or wires of a wire mesh panel are made to engage the teeth264and the teeth264are then moved by an installer relative to the post such that each wire engages its respective keeper (one at a time). That is, the installer walks up to the post, jiggles the locator268until all of the wires engage the teeth264and align with one another, and then pushes the locator268against the post until all of the wires have engaged their respective keepers.

The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The term “comprise” and variants of the term such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.