Patent Publication Number: US-8540217-B2

Title: Fence post assemblies

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Australian provisional patent application. No. 2008906403, filed Dec. 12, 2008 (which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), and is a continuation-in-part of international application No. PCT/AU2008/000857, filed Jun. 13, 2008 (which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), which designates the United States and which claims priority from Australian provisional patent applications Nos. 2007903261, filed Jun. 18, 2007, 2008900150, filed Jan. 12, 2008, and 2008901545, filed Mar. 31, 2008, (each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). 
    
    
     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&#39;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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly holding a fencing wire, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 3  but holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 5  but holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 7  but holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 10  but holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 13  is a side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a reverse side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a reverse side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly, holding a fencing wire, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a reverse side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a reverse side perspective view corresponding to  FIG. 21 , but holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 23  is a side elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a side elevation view of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of that shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a reverse side elevation view of part of the fence post assembly shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is the same as that shown in  FIG. 27  except that it is holding a fencing wire. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the fence post assembly shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 30  is an elevation view of a wire fence constructed from any one of the fence post assemblies of the earlier figures, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view (and magnified views) of a mesh and barbed wire fence constructed from a fence post assembly of an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a mesh fence constructed from a fence post assembly of an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is close up of that shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 34  is close up of that shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 35  is a side elevation view of part of the fence post assembly shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is a reverse side elevation view of that shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a top end view of that shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 38  is a side perspective view of a rain gauge fencing member being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a side perspective view of a small ring insulator fencing member being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  is a side elevation view of an insulator fencing member being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a reverse side elevation view of that shown in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a side perspective view of that shown in  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 43  is a top plan view of that shown in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 44  is a reverse side perspective view of that shown in  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of an insulator fencing member being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in an earlier figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  is a side elevation view of that shown in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a top plan view of that shown in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is a side perspective view of a fencing wire locator, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 49  is a side perspective view of part of a fence post assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 50  is a side elevation view of that shown in  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  is a side elevation view opposite of that shown in  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 52  is a detailed view of that shown in  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 53  is a side elevation view of a retainer of the fence post assembly shown in  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 54  is an end elevation view of a pivot pin of the fence post assembly shown in  FIG. 50 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown part of a fence post assembly  1  for holding a fencing member, such as a fencing wire  2 . The post assembly  1  includes a post  3  and numerous keepers  4  (only one is shown) spaced along a length of the post  3 . The post  3  that is shown is in the form of a coated steel Y-shape picket and part of an arm  5  of the post  3  is shown. 
     Each keeper  4  comprises a slot  7  extending within the arm  5  and a retainer  8  that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and a fencing member release position. The slot  7  extends horizontally within the arm  5  and has an open end  11 , a blind end  12 , as well as upper  9  and lower  10  grooves (best seen in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The retainer  8  is in the form of a D-shackle wherein a post mounting end  15  of the retainer  8  extends transversely through an aperture in the arm  5  and a fencing member engaging end  16  of the retainer  8  extends across the slot  7 . Regions  14  of the retainer  8  that interconnect ends  15  and  16  extend along each side of the arm  5 . 
     The retainer  8  can pivot between the fencing member  2  holding and release positions. When inserting a fencing wire  2  into the slot  7 , the wire  2  pushes the fencing member engaging end  16  up into the upper groove  9 . In order to release the wire  2  from the slot  7 , the retainer  8  must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end  16  locates within the upper groove  9 . In the fencing member holding position, the fencing member engaging end  16  locates within the lower groove  10 . The lower groove  10  is there to provide a positive recess for retainer  8  to sit in, so that any pressure from the wire  2  (eg. when livestock push against the fence) will not result in the wire  2  being released from the slot  7  by accident. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is shown part of a fence post assembly  21  holding a fencing member (wire  2 ). The post assembly  21  includes a post  23  and numerous keepers  24  (only one is shown) spaced along a length of the post  23 . 
     Each keeper  24  comprises a slot  27  extending within an arm  25  of the post  21 , and a retainer  28  that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) and a fencing member release position. The slot  27  extends horizontally within the arm  25  and has an open end  31 , a blind end  32 , as well as a lower  30  groove, as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
     The retainer  28  is in the form of a pair of interconnected hooks  20  having a post mounting end  35  pinned to the post  21  with a pin  36 , and a fencing member engaging end  37  having an interconnecting crosspiece  40  extending across the slot  27 . The hooks  20  extend along each side of the arm  25 . 
     The retainer  28  can pivot between the fencing member holding and release positions. Prior to inserting the wire  2  into the slot  27 , the fencing member engaging end  37  of the retainer  28  is first pivoted out of the lower groove  30  by hand towards the blind end  32  (as indicated by the two-headed arrow of  FIG. 3 ). The wire  2  is then moved beneath end  37  into the blind end  32  and the retainer  28  is then released such that end  37  locates within the groove  30 . 
     In order to release the wire  2  from the slot  27 , the retainer  28  must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end  37  moves out of the lower groove  30 . The wire  2  is then pulled beneath end  37  and out of the slot  27 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown a fence post assembly  50  according to another embodiment of the invention. Again, a fence post  51  of the assembly  50  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. 
     A keeper  53  of the assembly  50  comprises a horizontally extending slot  54  having a blind end  59  and an upper groove  55 , and a spring steel retainer  56  that extends across the slot  54 . The retainer  56  has an upper end  57  located within the upper groove  55 . A lower end of the retainer  56  is fixed to the post  51 . 
     When inserting a wire  2  into the slot  54 , the upper end  57  of the retainer  56  flexes from a fencing member holding position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to a release position such that the wire  2  may be moved and trapped between the retainer  56  and the blind end  59  of the slot  54 . Since the retainer  56  is made of spring steel, the upper end  57  of the retainer  56  springs back into abutment with an internal shoulder  58  of the post  51  after the wire  2  has passed between the upper end  57  and the shoulder  58 . In order to release the wire  2 , the upper end  57  must first be moved out of abutment with the shoulder  58  of the post  51 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7-9 , there is shown a fence post assembly  100  for holding a fencing member (eg. wire  2 ), according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  101  of the assembly  100  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. 
     A keeper  102  of the assembly  100  comprises a slot  103  and a retainer  104  that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a fencing member release position. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the slot  103  is L-shaped and has an open end  105 , a blind end  106  and a lateral groove  107 . 
     The retainer  104  is in the form of a spring steel link wherein a post mounting end  108  of the retainer  104  extends transversely through an aperture in an arm  109  of the post  101  and a fencing member engaging end  111  of the retainer  104  extends across the slot  103 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , regions  113  of the retainer  104  that interconnect ends  108  and  111  extend along each side of the arm  109 . 
     The retainer  104  can pivot between the fencing member holding and release positions. When inserting a wire  2  into the slot  103 , the wire  2  pushes the fencing member engaging end  111  into the groove  107 , at which time the wire  2  is movable into the blind end  106  of the slot  103 . In the fencing member holding position, the fencing member engaging end  111  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 8 , so that any pressure from the wire  2  (eg. when livestock push against the fence) will not result in the wire  2  being released from the slot  103  by accident. In order to release the wire  2  from the slot  103 , the retainer  104  must first be pivoted upwardly by hand such that the fencing member engaging end  111  locates within the lateral groove  107 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 to 15 , there is shown a fence post assembly  120  according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  121  of the assembly  120  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper  122  of the assembly  120  comprises an L-shaped slot  123  and a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer  124 , a pivot pin  126  and a travel stop pin  135 . 
     The retainer  124  is pivotally mounted to a post  121  arm and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the retainer  124  comprises a post mounting region  125 , a fencing member engaging region  127  and a counter-balance region  130 . The travel stop pin  135  extends laterally of the fence post  121  arm between the fencing member engaging region  127  and the counter-balance region  130 . The pivot pin  126  extends through the post  121  arm and mounting region  125 , and enables the fencing member engaging region  127  to pivot relative to the post  121  arm. The fencing member engaging region  127  has a tapered nose  131  that is shaped to both allow a fencing member to locate within a blind end  128  of the slot  123  and to be retained within the blind end  128 . 
       FIGS. 13-15  shows the retainer  124  in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing wire  2  into the slot  123 , the fencing wire  2  engages the tapered nose  131  and pushes the fencing member engaging region  127  downwardly. The fencing wire  2  then locates within the blind end  128  of the slot  123 , at which time the fencing member engaging region  127  pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region  130 . The travel stop pin  135  resists further downward movement of the counter-balance region  130  and ensures that the fencing wire  2  cannot disengage the slot  123  by accident. In order to release the fencing wire  2  from the slot  123 , the fencing member engaging region  127  must be pivoted downwardly by hand, such that the fencing wire  2  can freely move to an open end of the slot  123 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , there is shown a fence post assembly  140  according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  141  of the assembly  140  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper  142  of the assembly  140  comprises a slot  143  and a retainer assembly. 
     The slot  143  has an arcuate portion  148  flanked by linear portions  149 ,  151 . Linear portion  149  corresponds to an open end  149  of the slot  143  whereas linear portion  151  corresponds to a blind end  151  of the slot  143 . 
     The retainer assembly comprises a retainer  144  and a pivot pin  146 . The retainer  144  is pivotally mounted to a post  141  arm by way of the pivot pin  146 , and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. The retainer  144  comprises a post mounting region  145  through which the pivot pin  146  extends, a fencing member engaging region  147 , and a counter-weight region  150 . The fencing member engaging region  147  has a mouth  160  shaped to receive a fencing member and to guide movement of the member to the blind end  151  of the slot  143 . As the retainer  144  pivots to the holding position, the mouth  160  coincides with the arcuate portion  148  of the slot  143 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the retainer  144  in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing member into the slot  143 , the fencing member engages the mouth  160  and pushes the fencing member engaging region  147  downwardly. As the retainer  144  rotates relative to the post  141  arm, the mouth  160  aligns perfectly with the arcuate portion  148  of the slot  143 . The fencing member then locates within the blind end  151  of the slot  143 , at which time the fencing member engaging region  147  pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region  150 . 
     In order to release the fencing member from the slot  143 , the fencing member engaging region  147  must be pivoted downwardly by hand, until such time that the fencing member can be received by the mouth  160  and guided to the open end  149  of the slot  143 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18-20 , there is shown a fence post assembly  240  according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  241  of the assembly  240  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper  242  of the assembly  240  comprises a slot  243  and a retainer assembly. 
     The slot  243  has an arcuate portion  248  flanked by linear portions  249 ,  251 , as seen in  FIG. 19 . Linear portion  249  corresponds to an open end  249  of the slot  243  whereas linear portion  251  corresponds to a blind end  251  of the slot  243 . 
     The retainer assembly comprises a retainer  244  and a pivot pin  246 . The retainer  244  is pivotally mounted to a post  241  arm by way of the pivot pin  246 , and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. The retainer  244  comprises a mounting region  245  through which the pivot pin  246  extends, a fencing member engaging region  247 , and a counter-weight region  250 . The fencing member engaging region  247  has a mouth  260  shaped to receive a fencing member and to guide movement of the member to the blind end  251  of the slot  243 . As the retainer  244  pivots to the holding position, the mouth  260  coincides with the arcuate portion  248  of the slot  243 . 
       FIG. 18  shows the retainer  244  in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing member, such as a wire  2 , into the slot  243 , the fencing member engages the mouth  260  and pushes the fencing member engaging region  247  downwardly. As the retainer  244  rotates relative to the post  241  arm, the mouth  260  aligns perfectly with the arcuate portion  248  of the slot  243 . The fencing member wire  2  then locates within the blind end  251  of the slot  243 , at which time the fencing member engaging region  247  pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region  250 . 
     In order to release the wire  2  from the slot  243 , the fencing member engaging region  247  must be pivoted downwardly by hand, until such time that the wire  2  can be received by the mouth  260  and guided to the open end  249  of the slot  243 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 21-23 , there is shown a fence post assembly  170  for holding a fencing member such as a wire  2 , according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  171  of the assembly  170  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper  172  of the assembly  170  comprises an arcuate upper slot  173 , a lower L-shaped slot  174  having a blind end  180 , and a metal flat spring retainer  175  that is movable between a fencing member holding position (as shown in  FIG. 22 ) and a fencing member release position. 
     The flat spring retainer  175  has an arcuate upper portion  177  and a hooked lower portion  178 . The arcuate upper portion  177  extends within the upper slot  173  and has a pair of upwardly turned locking tabs  179  that extend along each side of a post  171  arm and together with the arcuate upper portion  177  lock the retainer  175  in position. A portion of the retainer  175  intermediate the upper and lower portions  177 ,  178  extends along an edge of the post  171  arm. The hooked lower portion  178  extends across the lower slot  174  and is biased to remain in that fencing member holding position. The hooked lower portion  178  has a notch  183  slightly wider than the width of the post  171  arm (see  FIG. 21 ). 
     The hooked lower portion  178  can move between the fencing member holding and release positions. When inserting a fencing member (eg. a wire  2 ) into the lower slot  174 , the member pushes against the hooked lower portion  178  and against a force of the spring until the notch  183  engages the post  171  and the member is locatable within the blind end  180  of the lower slot  174 . The hooked lower portion  178  then returns to a resting position and prevents the fencing member from disengaging the lower slot  174  by accident. In order to release the fencing member from the lower slot  174 , the notch  183  of the hooked lower portion  178  must again be moved into temporary engagement with the post  171  arm. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 27 to 29 , there is again shown the fence post assembly  120  of  FIGS. 10 to 15 , having keepers  122  spaced along a length of the post  121 . 
     The retainer  124  is the same as shown in  FIG. 10 , except that the travel stop pin  135  and pivot pin  126  each have smaller diameter head. 
       FIG. 28  shows the retainer  124  in the fencing member holding position.  FIG. 27  shows how the retainer  124  is pivoted when either accepting or releasing a fencing member wire  2  from the slot  123 . 
       FIGS. 30-32  are 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 fence  400  of  FIG. 30 , posts of the post assemblies  401  are first driven into the ground at the required spacing. All of the plain  402  and barbed  405  fencing 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 keepers  403  that are spaced along the length of each post. With the retainers of the keepers  403  in the holding position, if necessary, the wires  402 ,  405  may then be further strained until completely taut. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 31 , there is shown a fence  410  constructed using the fence post assembly  120  of  FIGS. 10-15  but utilising a wire mesh panel  412  rather than individual plain wires. However, a barbed wire  413  extends above the mesh panel  412 . The mesh panel  412  comprises a repeating pattern of horizontally extending and vertically extending wires. 
     In order to construct the fence  410 , the posts  121  are first anchored to the ground at the required spacing. The mesh panel  412  and barbed wire  413  are 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 panel  412  and the barbed wire  413  are brought into engagement with the keepers  122  that are spaced along the length of each post  121 . With the retainers of the keepers  122  in the holding position, if necessary, the mesh panel  412  and barbed wire  413  and may then be further strained until completely taut. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 32 , there is shown a fence  420  constructed using the fence post assembly  120  like that shown in  FIG. 29  but utilising a different type of wire mesh panel  421 . The mesh panel  421  comprises a mesh  423  having orthoganol openings and three horizontally extending straining wires  422  that are connected to the mesh  423 . 
     In order to construct the fence  420 , the posts  121  are first anchored to the ground at the required spacing. The mesh panel  421  is then unrolled, tied off to a first strainer post, strained, tied off to a second strainer post, and then the horizontally extending wires  422  of the mesh panel  421  are then brought into engagement with the keepers  122  that are spaced along the length of each post  121 . With the retainers of the keepers  122  in the holding position, if necessary, the wires  422  and may then be further strained until completely taut. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 24-26  and  33 - 37 , there is shown a fence post assembly  440  having a composite/hybrid post and keepers  441  spaced there along. The post comprises a T-shaped metal support and a plastic strip  445  extending longitudinally along an arm  442  of the support. As seen in  FIGS. 25 and 37 , strip  445  has pairs of opposed jaws that extend along opposing longitudinal sides of the arm  442  and are securely bolted to the arm  442 . 
     A plurality of keepers  441  are positioned along the strip  445 . The keepers  441  are essentially the same as keepers  122  shown in  FIG. 29 . L-shaped slots  444  are formed in the plastic strip  445 . Each retainer assembly  443  comprises a retainer  448 , a pivot pin  449  and a travel stop pin  450 , as seen in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , and as described in respect of keeper  122 . 
     The number and spacing of keepers and the length of the strip  445  may vary and will depend on its intended use. 
       FIGS. 49 to 54  show part of a fence post assembly  500  according to another embodiment of the invention. A fence post  501  of the assembly  500  is in the form of a Y-shape picket. A keeper  502  of the assembly  500  comprises an L-shaped slot  503  and a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer  504  (see  FIG. 53 ) and a pivot pin  505  (see  FIG. 54 ). 
     The retainer  504  is pivotally mounted to a post  501  arm having a rectangular opening  506  and can pivot between fencing member holding and release positions. As shown in  FIG. 53 , the retainer  504  comprises a post mounting region having a round opening  507 , a fencing member engaging region  508 , a counter-balance region  509  and an arcuate cut-out region  510  that extends from the round opening  507 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 51-52  and  54  the pivot pin  505  has an enlarged head  511 , a rectangular tail  512  and a round shank  513  extending between the head  511  and tail  512 . The tail  512  engages the rectangular opening  506  in the post arm  501 . The retainer  504  is retained between the head  511  and post arm  501 . A lateral extension  514  of the pivot pin  505  extends from the shank  514  and extends within the arcuate cut-out region  510  of the retainer  504  as seen in  FIG. 52 . The lateral extension  514  serves as a travel stop, allowing the retainer  504  to pivot only through an angle provided by the arcuate cut-out region  510 . 
     The fencing member engaging region  508  has a tapered nose  520  that is shaped to both allow a fencing member to locate within a blind end of the slot  503  and to be retained within the blind end. 
       FIGS. 49-52  shows the retainer  504  in the fencing member holding position. When inserting a fencing wire into the slot  503 , the fencing wire engages the tapered nose  520  and pushes the fencing member engaging region  508  downwardly. The fencing wire then locates within the blind end of the slot  503 , at which time the fencing member engaging region  508  pivots back to the holding position due to the weight of the counter-balance region  509 . The lateral extension  514  (travel stop) resists further downward movement of the counter-balance region  509  and ensures that the fencing wire cannot disengage the slot  503  by accident. In order to release the fencing wire from the slot  503 , the fencing member engaging region  508  must be pivoted downwardly by hand, such that the fencing wire can freely move to an open end of the slot  503 . 
     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 to  FIG. 38 , there is shown a rain gauge fencing member  200  being held by a fence post assembly  120  like that shown in  FIGS. 10-15 . 
     The rain gauge fencing member  200  has an elongate support body  201  and a lower end of the body  201  has a ledge  202 . A wedge shaped rain collecting vessel  203  is supported by the body  201 . A pair of positioning arms  204  extends laterally of the body  201  and straddles the post  121  arm. A pair of pin support arms  206  extends laterally of the body  201  and straddles the post  121  arm. A locking pin  207  extends between the pin support arms  206  and is retainable within the slot  123  of the keeper  122  by the retainer  124  (as described previously in respect of fencing wire  2 ). The lower end of the body  201  prevents the member  200  from pivoting about pin  207  when held by the keeper  122 . The pin support arms  206  provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer  124  between the holding and release positions. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 39 , there is shown a small ring insulator fencing member  210  being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in  FIGS. 10-15 . 
     The small ring insulator fencing member  210  has an elongate body  211 . A pair of insulator hooks  212  are supported by the body  201 . A pair of positioning arms  214  extends laterally of the body  211  and straddles the post  121  arm. A pair of pin support arms  216  extends laterally of the body  211  and straddles the post  121  arm. A locking pin  217  extends between the pin support arms  216  and is retainable within the slot  123  of the keeper  122  by the retainer  124  (as described previously in respect of rain gauge fencing member  200 ). The lower end of the body  211  prevents the member  210  from pivoting about pin  217  when held by the keeper  122 . The pin support arms  216  provide clearance  219  for pivoting of the retainer  124  between the holding and release positions. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 40 to 44 , there is shown an insulator fencing member  220  being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in  FIGS. 10 to 15 . 
     The insulator fencing member  220  has an elongate body  221  and a tapered insulator bracket  225  extending laterally of the elongate body  221 . The bracket  225  has a reinforced rim  258  as seen in  FIG. 42 . A keeper  222 , like keeper  122 , is located at a narrow end of the bracket  225 . Keeper  222  comprises an L-shaped slot  223  and a retainer assembly, for retaining a fencing member, such as an electrified wire. As seen in  FIG. 41 , the retainer assembly comprises a retainer  224 , a pivot pin  226  and a travel stop pin  227 . 
     A pair of positioning arms  245  extends laterally and rearwardly of a lower end of the body  221  and straddles the post  121 . A pair of pin support arms  246  extends laterally of an upper end of body  221  and straddles the post  121 . A locking pin  257  extends between the pin support arms  246  and is retainable within the slot  123  of the keeper  122  by the retainer  124  (as described previously). The lower end of the body  221  prevents the member  220  from pivoting about pin  257  when held by the keeper  122 . The pin support arms  246  provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer  124  between the holding and release positions. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 45 to 47 , there is shown another insulator fencing member  280  being held by a fence post assembly like that shown in  FIGS. 10 to 15 . 
     The insulator fencing member  280  has a body  281  and a pair of pin support arms  283  extends laterally of the body  281  and straddles the post  121 . A locking pin  287  extends between the pin support arms  283  and is retainable within the slot (not shown) of the keeper  122  by the retainer  124  (as described previously). A lower end of the body  281  prevents the member  280  from pivoting about pin  287  when held by the keeper  122 . The pin support arms  283  provide clearance for pivoting of the retainer  124  between the holding and release positions. 
     The body  281  also has a retainer assembly  286  for holding a fencing member such as an electrified wire. Upper and lower walls  290 ,  291  extend forwardly of the body  281  and provide a slot/recess  282  of the retainer assembly  286 . As seen in  FIG. 46 , the retainer assembly comprises a retainer  294 , a pivot pin  295  and a travel stop pin  287  (ie. locking pin  287 ). 
     In use, a wire is inserted within the slot/recess  282  such that the retainer  294  pivots to the release position and allows the wire to be placed within a blind end of the slot/recess  282 . The retainer  294  then 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 to  FIG. 48 , there is shown a fencing wire locator  268 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locator  268  is 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 locator  268  has an elongate body  261 , a pair of handles  262 ,  263  extending from the body  261 , and a row of teeth  264  extending from the body  261 . 
     In use, either plain fencing wires or wires of a wire mesh panel are made to engage the teeth  264  and the teeth  264  are 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 locator  268  until all of the wires engage the teeth  264  and align with one another, and then pushes the locator  268  against 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.