AU2016216721B2 - Strand securing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system for securing a strand at a fence post. The system comprises a post and a retainer. The post comprises at least one elongate flange, and a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof The slot comprises 5 a strand receiving portion and an entrance providing access to the strand receiving portion. The retainer is adapted to be mounted to the post once the strand has been located in the slot. The retainer is received at the slot to retain the strand therein. 8105566_2 (GHMatters) P100659.AU.1 00 (0 C\i CV) C\i C\i (Y) "Id - - ----- (D C\i ......... 00 (D~ ... ... (~(D (D~

Description

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STRAND SECURING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a system for securing a strand at a post.

BACKGROUND ART

Posts used in applications such as fencing, demarcation, signage etc. are usually formed from steel, though in some applications (e.g. electric fencing) it is known to mould such posts from a plastic material.

Steel fence posts have been known for many years that are roll-formed to have a Y-shaped or T-shaped profile (i.e. in end view). The post may take the form of a picket and in this case may be provided (e.g. cut) with a pointed end to facilitate post driving into the earth.

Such steel fence posts are usually provided with a series of spaced holes in a flange thereof (i.e. in the so-called "stalk", "stem" or "base web") to enable strands of fencing wire to be secured to the post, usually by tying each wire strand to the post with a separate short length of wire tie, or by employing a wire "clip".

In addition (or as an alternative) to the series of holes, the posts can be provided with a series of spaced passages or slots that are usually machined to project right into the stalk from a distal edge thereof. These passages enable a strand of fencing wire to be moved into and retained in the passage, thereby securing the wire directly to the post. Again, these passages are typically machined into an already roll-formed post in a separate step.

One issue with the use of passages is that a strand of wire can be easily dislodged from the passage. To prevent this dislodgement, some fence posts are manufactured with gates, keepers or latches (hereafter "gates") that extend across the passages. In some cases the gates are biased to a closed position, such that a

17881178_1 strand of wire can be inserted, but is difficult to remove. Such gates can be successful at retaining the wire in the passage, but can also increase the cost, weight and manufacturing complexity of the post. Because the gates are mounted to the post as part of the manufacturing process, it is often the case that all of the passages of a post will comprise such gates. However a user may not necessarily require all of the passages on a post (i.e. depending on the type of fence being erected). Any unused gates are essentially a wasted expense (in weight, cost and additional manufacturing complexity).

In addition, because existing gate systems comprise moving parts, they can present durability and/or maintenance issues. For example, a given gate may cause a strand to become accidentally locked, stuck or snagged in a passage, thereby inhibiting or preventing its removal (which removal may be required for servicing of the fence or replacement of the strand, etc).

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a system for securing a strand at a fence post. The system comprises a post and a retainer. The post comprises at least one elongate flange, and a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof. The slot comprises a strand receiving portion and an entrance providing access to the strand receiving portion. The retainer is adapted to be mounted to the post once the strand has been located in the slot. The retainer is received at the slot to retain the strand therein. The retainer comprises a guide to enable engagement of the strand and to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer.

In other words, the retainer may be separate from the post until mounted thereto (only after the strand has been located in the slot). Mounting of the retainer to the post once the strand has been located in the slot (as opposed to mounting the

17881178_1 retainer to the post e.g. during manufacture) allows the user to only supply retainers to those slots that have a wire (or require a wire) located therein. Such mounting can also take place on site (i.e. once the post is in the ground).

The post may comprise a plurality of slots for receipt of a plurality of strands. The shapes and sizes of the slots may vary depending on the strands they are intended to receive. For example, some slots may be adapted for receipt of multiple strands.

In one embodiment the retainer may be able to be fixedly engaged within the slot to retain the strand therein. That is, once the retainer is mounted to the slot it has limited movement relative to the slot (e.g. it does not hinge, slide, etc. into or out of a retaining position). This limits the possibility of the retainer becoming faulty and/or opening up the entrance to the slot to allow dislodgement of a strand therein.

In one embodiment the retainer may be adapted to extend at least partway across the entrance of the slot when received thereat.

In one embodiment a portion of the flange may define a protrusion that extends so as to at least partially define the slot entrance. The protrusion may extend at the distal edge of the flange or may extend at a location inset from the distal edge. The protrusion may be integral with the flange, or may be a separate piece affixed to the flange.

In one embodiment engagement of the retainer with the protrusion may retain the retainer at the slot.

In one embodiment the retainer may comprise a body, arms and a guide for engaging, moving and securing a strand at a fence post. The arms may be adapted to wrap around the protrusion to retain the retainer at the slot. This engagement may fix movement of the retainer to a single axis, or may result in the retainer being completely fixed relative to the protrusion (i.e. providing a fixed connection between the retainer and the protrusion).

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The guide is configured to enable engagement of the strand and to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer. The guide may be in the form of one or more notches provided at the distal end (e.g. distal edge) of at least one of the arms of the retainer. The guide may allow the strand to be located in the slot using the retainer, such that the location of the strand in the slot and the engagement of the retainer with the protrusion can happen in one movement. This may provide a fast and convenient method for retaining strands at slots of a post.

In one embodiment the arms may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the protrusion may be received between the arms. In the closed position the arms may be able to wrap around the protrusion to retain the retainer at the slot. The arms may be deformable between the open and closed positions by way of a crimping tool. Alternatively, the arms may be deformable by hand or by a hand tool. A further tool may be used to move the arms from the closed position to the open position (i.e. to remove it from engagement with the protrusion). In the closed position, the retainer may grip the protrusion, or may simply fit snugly around the protrusion (but may not necessarily be gripping the protrusion). Sliding of the retainer on the protrusion may be restricted or prevented by upper and lower boundaries of the slot. That is, the retainer may essentially be wedged (or held between) the upper and lower bounds of the slot, so that it cannot be removed from the protrusion along its longitudinal axis.

The retainer may be variably crimped. The amount or extent of the crimping at one location on the retainer may be more than another location. The amount or extent of crimping may be larger at a location that extends away from the protrusion. For example, the retainer may be crimped to a larger extent over the end of the protrusion such that the retainer is prevented from moving further along the protrusion.

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In another embodiment, a tool for mounting the retainer may instead (or may additionally) comprise a guide for engaging the strand and for location of the strand into the slot by the tool (i.e. at the same time that the tool is mounting the retainer to the post). In the tool, the guide may take the form of one or more recesses provided in a respective head orjaws of the tool. Again, the location of the strand in the slot and the engagement of the retainer with the protrusion can happen in one action of the tool to provide a fast and convenient method for retaining respective strands at respective slots of a post.

In one embodiment a portion of the flange may define a further protrusion, the protrusions opposing, and extending towards, one another to define the slot entrance therebetween.

In one embodiment the retainer may be adapted to wrap around both protrusions so as to occlude the slot entrance. The retainer may be crimped to a larger extent where it extends between the protrusions. This may further secure the retainer between the protrusions.

In one embodiment the retainer may be elongate and may have a generally C-shaped profile. Alternatively, the retainer may have a generally triangular shaped profile, or a generally U- or V-shaped profile.

Also disclosed herein is a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a plurality of retainers and a plurality of connection portions. Each retainer can comprise a body and arms, and the plurality of connection portions can be disposed between and connect the retainers to one another.

In one embodiment the connection portions may be adapted to allow separation of the retainers from one another. The connection portions may be adapted for separation by hand, a hand tool or a powered tool. The connection portions may be formed integrally with the retainers (i.e. the assembly may be formed as a single unit) or may be formed separately and subsequently attached to connect the

17881178_1 retainers. Forming the retainer assembly as a single unit (with separable retainers) may provide a cheaper method of manufacturing large numbers of retainers.

In one embodiment the connection portions may define points of weakness in the assembly. This may facilitate separation of the retainers from one another.

In one embodiment the connection portions may comprise one or more circumferentially spaced tabs. Each tab may extend between adjacent connected retainers.

In one embodiment each retainer may be elongate and the retainers in the assembly may be aligned along a longitudinal axis thereof. For example, the retainers may be connected end-to-end. The retainers may alternatively be aligned along a curved axis. The retainers may be connected side-by-side such that the assembly is formed as a bundle of retainers. The bundle can define a type of 'cartridge' for feeding into the tool (e.g. as set forth below).

In one embodiment each retainer may comprise a generally C-shaped profile.

Also disclosed herein is a tool for use with a retainer, as set forth above, to a post as is also set forth above. The tool comprises a holder for holding and moving the retainer onto the flange of the post such that the guide is able to engage and move the strand, a crimper for crimping the retainer at the flange of the post, and a feeding mechanism for feeding the retainer to the crimper. The tool may be e.g. pneumatically powered. This may provide faster (and easier) mounting of a retainer to a post. The tool may be adapted for a specific retainer type or may be suitable for receipt of multiple retainer types (e.g. of varying shapes/profiles and sizes).

The holder may be able to hold the retainer to allow the retainer to be mounted over the flange of the post using the tool prior to crimping the retainer. The

17881178_1 holder and crimper may form part of a single component. That is, the retainer may be held and then crimped by a single component.

In one embodiment the tool may be adapted to crimp evenly along the length of the retainer.

In one embodiment the tool may be adapted to provide variable crimping along the length of the retainer. For example, where the retainer has a generally C shaped profile, in its crimped form it may take a cone shape (crimped more at one end), or may take an hourglass shape (crimped more at the middle).

In one embodiment the tool may be adapted to crimp the retainer to a larger extent at a central portion of the retainer. This may be particularly suitable where the slot comprises two opposing protrusions.

In one embodiment the tool may be adapted to crimp the retainer at a portion of the retainer that occludes the entrance of the slot when received in the slot. This will enable the retainer to be held between the two protrusions.

In one embodiment the retainer may further comprise a magazine for storing a plurality of retainers to be supplied to the crimper by the feeding mechanism. This means that a user may mount several retainers to several posts without having to constantly load retainers into the tool (e.g. into the feeder). The tool may be adapted to receive magazines of various sizes. This may enable a user to choose a suitable magazine dependent on the number of retainers required for a job.

In one embodiment the magazine may be adapted for receipt of a retainer assembly as described above. The magazine may be adapted for receipt of multiple retainer assemblies in various configurations. For example, the magazine the multiple retainer assemblies may be arranged in a side-by-side relationship in the magazine.

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Also disclosed herein is a retainer for a fence post of the type that has at least one elongate flange and a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof. The retainer comprises a body, arms and a guide. The arms are adapted to secure the retainer to the flange at the slot to retain a strand in the slot. The guide to enable engagement of a strand to be located in the slot and to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer.

The guide feature may allow a user to position the strand in the slot and the retainer at the slot at the same time so as to reduce the number of steps required to retain the strand in the slot. Where the user is using a tool (e.g. as described above) the user may hold the retainer with the tool and use the tool (by way of the guide on the retainer) to move the strand into the slot and subsequently crimp the retainer. Again, this provides a fast and convenient (e.g. one-action) method for retaining a strand in a slot of a fence post.

In one embodiment the arms may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position a portion (e.g. a protrusion) of the flange may be received between the arms. In the closed position the arms may be able to wrap around a protrusion of the flange at an entrance of the slot to secure the retainer at the slot.

In one embodiment the arms may be moveable between the open and closed positions by way of a crimping tool.

In one embodiment the guide may be in the form of one or more notches at the distal edges of at least one of the arms of the retainer. The notches may be tapered so as to guide the strand therein.

In one embodiment the retainer may be elongate and may comprise a generally C shaped profile.

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Also disclosed herein is a post comprising at least one elongate flange, and a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof. The slot has a generally T shaped profile, oriented such that the stalk of the T is generally transverse to the distal edge of the flange. In other words, the stalk of T is generally defined between opposing protrusions of the flange (and the arms of the T are defined by a back edge of the slot and rear edges of the protrusions). This T-shape may provide space for multiple strands.

In one embodiment the post may comprise a first flange forming a stalk of the post, and two further flanges projecting from the stalk. The post may be a T-post or a Y-post.

Also disclosed herein is a method of securing a strand at a post. The method comprises the steps of locating the strand in a slot extending into a flange of the post from a distal edge thereof; locating a retainer in the slot between the strand and an entrance of the slot such that a guide in the retainer can engage the strand to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer; and moving the retainer from an open position to a closed position to secure the retainer and the strand in the slot.

That is, the retainer is only mounted to the post once the strand has been received in the slot. This means that a user can choose to only mount retainers to the post where strands have been received (e.g. on site).

The guide may be in the form of, for example, one or more notches in the retainer.

In one embodiment the step of locating the retainer in the slot may be performed using a tool holding the retainer.

In one embodiment the step of moving the retainer from an open position to a closed position may be performed by a hand operated or powered tool.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figures 1A, 1B and 1C show a first embodiment of a system for retaining a strand at a post;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show a second embodiment of a system for retaining a strand at a post;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tool for mounting a retainer at a slot of a post;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retainer assembly; and

Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment of a retainer and a method of retaining a strand in a slot of a post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Figures 1A, 1B and IC show a first embodiment of a system 100 for securing a strand, in the form a fence wire 110, at a fence post 112. The system 100 comprises a post 112 having an elongate flange in the form of a stalk 114.

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Although not apparent from the figure, the post 112 may be, for example, of the type that comprises, in addition to the stalk, two further flanges projecting from the stalk (e.g. a T- or Y-post).

The post 112 comprises a slot 116 extending into the flange from a distal edge 118 thereof. The slot 116 comprises a strand (e.g. wire) receiving portion 120 and an entrance 122 providing access to the wire receiving portion 120. In use, the fence wire 110 may be positioned in the wire receiving portion 120 of the slot 116 by moving it through the entrance 122 of the slot 116.

The stalk 114 of the post defines a protrusion 124 that extends generally upwards so as to at least partially define the entrance 122 of the slot 116. This protrusion 124 helps to retain the wire 110 in the wire receiving portion 120 of the slot 116 (i.e. it prevent lateral movement of the wire 110 out of the slot 116). In use, gravity is likely (depending on the tension in the wire 110) to result in the wire 110 resting at the lower end of the wire receiving portion 120. This further prevents the wire 110 from being dislodged from the slot 116.

The location and shape of the protrusion 124 is such that the slot 116 is somewhat elongate and extends downwardly from the entrance 122. A rear edge 126 of the slot 116 is sloped towards the entrance 122, which may facilitate insertion and/or removal of the wire 110 from the slot 116 (i.e. it may guide the wire 110 into or out of the slot 116).

The system 100 further comprises a retainer 128 adapted to mounted to the post 112 once the wire 110 has been located in the slot 116. As is apparent from the figures, the retainer 128 is received at the slot 116 to retain the wire 110 therein. The retainer comprises a body 130 and arms 132 that form a generally elongate C-shaped profile, and is moveable between open and closed positions.

In the open position (shown in Figures IB) the profile of the retainer 128 is a generally open C-shape, such that there is a gap between the distal ends of the arms 132. This gap allows the retainer 128 to be located over the stalk 114 of the

17881178_1 post 112 (i.e. such that the stalk 114 of the post 112 is received between the arms 128 of the retainer 128).

In the closed position (shown in Figure IC) the profile of the retainer 128 is a generally closed C-shape, such the gap between the distal ends of the arms 132 is minimal. In the closed C-shape, the arms 132 of the retainer 128 may wrap around the protrusion 124 (i.e. the protrusion 124 being located within the cylindrical recess formed between the arms 132 and the body 130 of the retainer 128).

The length of the retainer 128 generally corresponds to the length (i.e. in the direction of the elongate axis of the stalk) of the wire retaining portion 120 of the slot 116. Thus, when the retainer 128 is received in the slot 116 and engaged with the protrusion 124, an upper end of the retainer 128 extends (almost fully) across the slot entrance 122

So, in order to secure a wire 110 to the post 112, a user may first insert the wire 110 into the wire receiving portion 120 of the slot 116 (through the slot entrance 122). The user may then position the retainer 128, in its open configuration, over the flange 114 at the location of the slot 116. Subsequently the user may use a tool (e.g. a crimping tool) to move the retainer 128 from its open configuration to its closed configuration. That is, the user may crimp the retainer 128 using the tool such that the arms 132 of the retainer 128 wrap around the protrusion 124. In this way, the retainer 128 is prevented from being dislodged laterally out of the slot 116, because of the arms 132 being wrapped around the protrusion 124, and longitudinally (i.e. along the axis of the elongate flange), because of its snug vertical fit within the wire receiving portion 120 of the slot 116. This means that the wire 110 is secured within the slot 116 and cannot be removed from the slot 116 without first removing the retainer 128 (e.g. by first returning the retainer 128 to the open position).

Thus, the post system may provide a generally convenient and secure method of retaining a fence wire 110 at a fence post 112. The system 100 does not require

17881178_1 any specialised latch or gate component to be pre-attached to a fence post (e.g. during manufacture) and which can increase the cost and weight of a fence post. Instead, the user can choose to only use retainers 128 where necessary.

A further embodiment of the system is shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C in the form of a system 200. Again, the system 200 comprises a post 212 having an elongate flange in the form of a stalk 214, and a slot 216 extending into the flange from a distal edge 218 thereof. The slot 216 comprises a wire receiving portion 220 and an entrance 222 providing access to the wire receiving portion 220.

The shape of the slot 216 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and IC and described above. Rather than a single downwardly extending portion, the slot 216 comprises both upwardly and downwardly extending portions that generally form a T-shape that is oriented such that the stalk of the 'T' is transverse to the distal edge 218 of the stalk 214 (and forms the entrance 222 to the slot). This shape is somewhat a result of this embodiment comprising two protrusions 224, 224'; a first protrusion 224 that extends upwardly at the entrance, and a second protrusion 224' that opposes the first protrusion 224 and extends towards it. The entrance 222 is defined between the ends of the protrusions.

In use, the wire 210 may tend to rest in a lower area of the wire receiving portion 220. However, in some instances the wire 210 may be positioned in an upper area of the wire receiving portion 220. Further, multiple wires may be received in the wire receiving portion (e.g. one wire in an upper area and one wire in a lower area).

Once the wire 210 (or plurality of wires) is located in the wire receiving portion 220, the retainer 228 is received at the slot 216. The retainer 228 is in an open configuration (whereby a gap is formed between the arms 232 of the retainer 228) and is located such that the stalk 214 is received between the arms 232 (in the cylindrical recess formed by the arms 232 and the body230).

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A crimping tool (or some other means) may then be used to move the retainer 228 from its open configuration to its closed configuration, whereby the arms 232 wrap around both protrusions 224, 224' (such that the retainer 228 engages the protrusions 224, 224'). The crimping is not even along the length of the retainer 228. Rather, additional crimping is provided to the retainer 228 at a central portion 234 thereof (i.e. the portion extending between the protrusions 224, 224' and occluding the entrance 222 of the slot 216). This additional crimping (or additional closure of the arms 232) inhibits sliding of the retainer 228 on the protrusions 224. Because the retainer 228 does not extend for the full height of the slot 216, it would otherwise (without the additional crimping) slide down the first protrusion 224 and could leave the entrance 222 open, which could allow dislodgement of the wire 210.

As set forth above, one way of moving the retainer between open and closed configuration is to use a (e.g. pneumatic) crimping tool. One such crimping tool is shown in Figure 3. The tool 336 comprises a crimper 338 for crimping a retainer, and a feeding mechanism 340 for feeding a retainer to the crimper 338 (for subsequent crimping). The crimper 338 may be adapted for even crimping along the length of the retainer, or variable crimping (as shown in Figure 2C). In some embodiments the crimper 338 may be adjustable between even and variable crimping. The tool 336 further comprises a holder 342 which allows a user to handle a retainer using the tool 336.

The crimper 338 of the tool 336 may be provided with one or more recesses therein to locate and receive a wire strand 110 thereat. The tool can thus be maneuvered to locate the wire 110 into the slot 116, 216 at the same time that the retainer 128, 228 is being mounted to the post 112, 212. This can happen in one action of the tool to provide a fast and convenient method for retaining respective wire strands at respective slots of a post.

In use, the user may locate a retainer at a slot of a post (i.e. so as to be mounted on the flange of a post) using the tool 336, because the retainer is held by the holder

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342. Once the retainer is in position, the user can activate the crimper 338 using e.g. a trigger on the tool 336, which will crimp the retainer and cause it to be engaged in the slot. The retainer may then be discharged from the tool 336 and the feeder 340 may feed a further retainer to the crimper 338 (and holder) to replace the discharged retainer.

To allow this process to be repeated, the tool 336 comprises a magazine 344 able to store a plurality of retainers. The retainers may be stored in various arrangements or assemblies. One such assembly 446 is shown in Figure 4. This collated retainer assembly 446 comprises a plurality of retainers 428 connected to one another end-to-end so as to be aligned along an elongate longitudinal axis. The retainers 428 are similar to that described above. That is, each retainer is generally elongate and has a C-shaped profile. The assembly 446 comprises a plurality of connection portions 448 disposed between and connecting the retainers 428 to one another. These connection portions 448 define points of weakness in the assembly, such that they allow separation of the retainers 428 from one another (e.g. by hand or by a tool). In particular, each connection portion 448 comprises circumferentially spaced tabs 450, that extend between adjacent connected retainers 428.

A plurality (e.g. three, four, five, etc) of these retainer assemblies 446 may be held in the magazine 344 of the tool shown in Figure 3. For example, the plurality of retainer assemblies may be held in the magazine in a side-by-side arrangement. The magazine can incorporate a spring-loaded feeder and can be configured to feed one row at a time into the crimper 338 of the tool 336. For example, if each retainer is 12mm long and the breakaway connection portions 448 are 1mm long, then twenty clips will be approximately 26cm long, which has been found to be comfortable for use. For example, a five assembly magazine can allow one hundred clips to be installed before a new assembly of five is loaded into the magazine.

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In use, an individual retainer 428 may be separated from the remainder of the assembly 446 by the feeder mechanism 340 of a tool 336, or may be separated by the crimping action of the crimper 338.

The retainer assembly 446 may be formed as a single stamped and folded (curved) piece. Alternatively, each retainer 428 may be formed individually and then may be connected to one another in a subsequent process. Each retainer may be e.g. 10 mm to 14 mm long, whilst the connection portions may be e.g. 0.5 to 5 mm long. Although the assembly in Figure 4 only comprises four retainers 428, in other embodiments the assembly may comprise e.g. between 15 and 25 retainers. A magazine of a tool may be adapted to store multiple (e.g. between 5 and 10) assemblies.

A further embodiment of a retainer 528 is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. This embodiments is similar to the previously described retainers (i.e. it comprises an elongate C-shaped profile), but further includes a guide in the form of two notches 554 at the distal edges 556 of the arms 532 of the retainer 528. In use, the notches 554 are able to engage a wire 510 so that the wire 510 can be moved into a slot 516 using the retainer 528. As is apparent from Figure 5B, the holder 542 of a tool may be used to move the retainer 528 so that the notches 554 engage the wire 510. As the retainer 528 is mounted to the flange 512 at the slot 516, the wire 510 is moved laterally into the slot 510. The retainer 528 may then be crimped by the crimper of the tool. This provides a quick and convenient method of retaining a wire 510 in a slot 516 (i.e. with minimum handling required by the user).

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example, the retainer may have various other profiles capable of engaging a slot and retaining a wire therein.

The retainer may be crimped by hand, or by a hand tool rather than a power tool. The retainer may be specifically adapted for crimping by hand or by hand tool.

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For example, a hand crimping retainer may be designed so as to provide less resistance to bending, or may be biased so as to support the crimping action.

The retainer assembly connections may be in forms other than a series of circumferentially spaced tabs. For example, the connection portions may be in the form of perforations or lines of thinner or weaker material to allow separation. The connection portion could be in the form of a tape that extends between adjacent retainers.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the system.

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Claims (20)

1. A system for securing a strand at a fence post, the system comprising:

a post comprising:

at least one elongate flange; and

a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof, the slot comprising a strand receiving portion and an entrance providing access to the strand receiving portion;

a retainer adapted to be mounted to the post once the strand has been located in the slot, the retainer being received at the slot to retain the strand therein, the retainer comprising a guide to enable engagement of the strand and to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retainer is able to be fixedly engaged within the slot to retain the strand therein.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the retainer is adapted to extend at least partway across the entrance of the slot when received thereat, a portion of the flange defining a protrusion that extends so as to at least partially define the slot entrance such that engagement of the retainer with the protrusion retains the retainer at the slot.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the retainer comprises a body and arms, the arms adapted to wrap around the protrusion to retain the retainer at the slot, the arms being movable between:

an open position, in which the protrusion may be received between the arms; and

a closed position, in which the arms are able to wrap around the protrusion to retain the retainer at the slot.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the arms are deformable between the open and closed position by way of a crimping tool.

6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein a portion of the flange defines a further protrusion, the protrusions opposing, and extending towards, one another to define the slot entrance therebetween, the retainer being adapted to wrap around both protrusions so as to occlude the slot entrance.

7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the guide is in the form of one or more notches at the distal end of at least one of the arms of the retainer.

8. A retainer assembly, the retainer assembly comprising:

a plurality of retainers, each retainer comprising a body, arms and a guide for engaging, moving and securing a strand at a fence post;

a plurality of connection portions, disposed between and connecting the retainers to one another.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connection portions are adapted to define points of weakness in the assembly to allow separation of the retainers from one another, the connection portions comprising one or more circumferentially spaced tabs, each extending between adjacent connected retainers wherein each retainer is elongate and the retainers in the assembly are aligned along a longitudinal axis thereof.

10. A tool for use with a retainer as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 on a post as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, the tool comprising:

a holder for holding and moving the retainer onto the flange of the post such that the guide is able to engage and move the strand;

a crimper for crimping the retainer at the flange of the post; and

a feeding mechanism for feeding the retainer to the crimper.

11. A tool as claimed in claim 10 wherein the tool is adapted to:

crimp evenly along the length of the retainer; or

provide variable crimping along the length of the retainer, wherein the tool is adapted to crimp the retainer to a larger extent at a central portion of the retainer,

wherein, the tool is adapted to crimp the retainer at a portion of the retainer that occludes the entrance of the slot when received in the slot.

12. A tool as claimed in claims 10 or11 wherein the retainer further comprises a magazine for storing a plurality of retainers to be supplied to the crimper by the feeding mechanism, the magazine adapted for receipt of;

a retainer assembly as defined in claims 8 or 9; or

multiple retainer assemblies, such as in a side-by-side arrangement of the assemblies.

13. A tool as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the crimper is adapted for locating the strand thereat, such that the strand is able to be located into the slot when the retainer is being mounted to the post.

14. A retainer for a fence post of the type that has at least one elongate flange; and a slot extending into the flange from a distal edge thereof, the retainer comprising:

a body and arms, the arms adapted to secure the retainer to the flange at the slot to retain a strand in the slot; and

a guide to enable engagement of a strand to be located in the slot and to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer.

15. A retainer as claimed in claim 14 wherein the arms are movable between: an open position, in which a portion of the flange may be received between the arms; and a closed position, in which the arms are able to wrap around a protrusion of the flange at an entrance of the slot to secure the retainer at the slot.

16. A retainer as claimed in claim 15 wherein the arms are moveable between the open and closed position by way of a crimping tool.

17. A retainer as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the guide is in the form of one or more notches at the distal edges of at least one of the arms of the retainer.

18. A method of securing a strand at a post, the method comprising the steps of:

locating the strand in a slot extending into a flange of the post from a distal edge thereof;

locating a retainer in the slot between the strand and an entrance of the slot, such that a guide in the retainer can engage the strand to allow movement of the strand into the slot by the retainer; and

moving the retainer from an open position to a closed position to secure the retainer and the strand in the slot.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the step of locating the retainer in the slot is performed using a tool to hold the retainer.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19 wherein the step of moving the retainer from an open position to a closed position is performed by a hand operated or powered tool.