CN113137116A

CN113137116A - Fixing device for fence

Info

Publication number: CN113137116A
Application number: CN202011464522.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 蒂莫西·梅塞里斯; 西蒙·施密特
Original assignee: Prasidiard Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Prasidiard Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-20
Filing date: 2020-12-14
Publication date: 2021-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-14
Also published as: CN214835324U; GB2591736B; ZA202207214B; GB2591736A; EP4093933A1; GB202000791D0; WO2021148198A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a fixation device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, the fixation device comprising a device body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end comprising at least one fixation means for interacting with the fence post to hold the fixation device in place, the second end comprising four elongate portions extending away from the device body parallel to an axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate portions define an open-ended first channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel perpendicular to both the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel, wherein each channel is open along a side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body.

Description

Fixing device for fence

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fixing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post.

Background

Known in the art are fence posts having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of the central portion, the two flanges extending from both sides of the central portion perpendicularly parallel to each other. Such fence posts are generally i-shaped. The fixing means are then used to connect the mesh fence panel comprising intersecting wires to the fence post in various different ways.

EP935038 discloses such a fence post and fixing means. The fixture has means for interacting with the fence post at the first end and a channel at the second end. This channel is intended to hold the vertical wires of the mesh fence panel and to push the vertical wires against the central part of the fence post, thereby holding the mesh fence panel in place.

FR2824348 also discloses a generally i-shaped fence post and a fixing device for connecting a mesh fence panel to the fence post, the fixing device comprising means for interacting with the fence post at a first end and a passage for a horizontal wire at a second end. The vertical wires of the mesh fence panel are pushed against the central part of the fence post by deforming the walls of the inclined rebate using the fence post.

The dimensions of the passages in these fixtures mean that the individual wires of the mesh fence panel fit securely into each passage. This provides a secure connection between the mesh fence panel and the fence post, but requires precise positioning of the wires in the mesh fence panel relative to the fixing means. In addition, pushing the wire against the central portion of the fence post firmly holds the wire mesh fence panel in place.

Prior art fencing generally is constructed by installing a first fence post, connecting a wire mesh to the first fence post and then installing a second fence post at the opposite end of the wire mesh (post-panel-post installation). In addition, since the wires in the mesh must fit securely into the channel of the fixture, the fixture must be selected in conjunction with the desired mesh fence panel.

Thus, there is a need for a fence post and fixture that is quick and easy to use with a variety of mesh fence panels and that allows alternative methods for constructing a fence.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, the fixing device comprising a device body having:

a first end portion including at least one securing means for interacting with the fence post to hold the device in place; and

a second end opposite the first end comprising four elongate portions extending away from the device body parallel to an axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate portions define an open-ended first channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel;

wherein each channel opens along a side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body.

Since the channel is open along the side furthest from the first end of the device body, the fixing device of the invention is arranged to hold the crossing wire of the mesh fence panel against the flange of the i-shaped fence post, rather than against the central part of the i-shaped fence post. In other words, the fixing means is dimensioned to extend between the two flanges of the i-shaped fence post, as is known in the art, and the first end of the device body is arranged to interact with the fence post close to or at the first flange of the fence post, while the channel is arranged to push the mesh fence panel against its second flange.

This may increase the tolerances involved when assembling a fence using the fixing means of the present invention since the channel may be wider than the wire but still push the wire against the flange of the fence post. The tolerance of the present invention may be ± 3mm, preferably ± 5 mm. This increases the ease with which the fence can be assembled, as the wire does not have to be accurately positioned relative to the fixing means.

In addition, the fixing device of the present invention improves the ease with which the mesh fence post can be attached to the mesh fence panel, since it is easier to apply a force that pushes the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges, rather than against the central portion of the fence post, when the mesh fence panel is positioned against the fence post.

Pushing the mesh fence plate against one of the flanges of the fence post instead of against the central part of said fence post also means that the mesh fence plate can be rotated more easily. When the mesh fence panel is positioned against the central portion of the fence post, the vertical wires of the panel may abut the fixing means and hinder rotation of the panel, especially if the vertical wires are positioned adjacent to each other. Such an obstruction can be reduced when the panel is pushed against one of the flanges of the fence post.

Together, these features mean that the fixture of the present invention can be used in both the column-plate-column mounting method, where two columns are installed before the plate is attached to either column, and the column-plate mounting method.

By "open-ended," it is meant that the channel is open at opposite ends such that the wire can pass through the channel and extend out of the opposite ends of the channel. Each channel is also open along the entire side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body so that the wire can be pushed by the fixing means against the flange of the fence post.

The elongate portion preferably defines an end of the channel by extending along one side of the end. Thus, two adjacent elongate portions preferably define the ends of a single channel by defining opposite sides of the end. The elongate portion may extend from an end of the channel along part of its length, towards the portion defining the opposite end of the channel. Each elongate portion preferably assists in defining the ends of both the first and second channels in combination with two different adjacent elongate channels.

The elongate portion may be located at a corner of the device body. This maximizes the width of the channel compared to the corresponding overall width of the fixture. Thus, the fixture may comprise only four elongate portions, each located at a corner of the fixture body.

The elongate portion may have a quadrilateral cross-section. The elongate portion may have an L-shaped cross-section and may therefore extend along part of the length of the channel.

The first and second channels are sized to receive at least one wire of the mesh fence panel. The first and second channels are preferably straight and preferably have a quadrilateral cross-section. One side of the cross-section is defined by the device body, while two sides are defined at the ends of the channel by the elongated portion, and the fourth side is open. The first and second channels may be defined by only four elongate portions, two of which define sides of the first end of each channel and two of which define sides of the second end of each channel.

The axis extending between the first and second ends of the device body is preferably the longest axis of the fixation device. This may be defined as the length of the fixation device. The other two dimensions will be defined as the width of the fixture.

The first channel and/or the second channel may be sized to retain more than one wire of the mesh fence panel. This may be achieved due to the width of the elongated portion. The width of the elongated portion is the distance perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends of the fixation device. Thus, each elongated portion will have two widths.

Preferably, one or both of the widths of the one or more elongate portions is less than 40% of the corresponding overall width of the fixture body, preferably less than 20% of the corresponding overall width of the fixture body. One width of one or more of the elongate portions may be smaller than the other widths of the elongate portions. This smaller width may be less than 10% of the corresponding overall width of the fixture body.

Thus, the width of the first channel and/or the second channel, defined as the distance between the relevant adjacent elongate portions, may be more than 20%, preferably more than 60%, of the corresponding overall width of the fixture body. The width of the first channel and/or the second channel may be greater than 80% of the corresponding overall width of the fixture body.

For the sake of clarity, the "corresponding overall width of the fixture body" is the width of the fixture body in the same direction as the width of the elongated portion or channel in question.

When constructing a fence using the fixing means, the small width of the elongated portion and the corresponding larger width of the first channel and/or the second channel increase the tolerance. For example, if the first channel is wider than the width of the vertical wire, the vertical wire of the mesh fence panel need not be precisely aligned with the first channel before attaching the fixture to the fence. The secure connection is still provided by the force of the fixing means body on the wire and pushing it against the flange of the fence post along the open side of the channel.

In addition, the small width of the elongate portions means that they can be used with various mesh fence panels having different spacing between the wires therein (i.e. both metric and english mesh can be used). The fitting of the wider elongated portions between the closely together wires of the mesh fence panel may be difficult, while elongated portions having a width of less than 10% of the corresponding width of the fixture body may be fitted between the dense wires.

Thus, the fixing device of the invention can be used with a variety of different mesh fence panels having different spacing between horizontal and vertical wires.

A pair of adjacent elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel may be longer than the other two elongate portions. This allows the fixing means to be tilted in use to improve ease of assembly. In addition, longer elongate portions may be slotted into apertures on the fence post to hold the fixing in place. This also ensures that the fixing device cannot be easily removed from the fence post when pressure is applied to the centre of the device.

The two longer elongate portions may be the portions defining the ends of the second channel through which the horizontal wires of the wire mesh fence panel pass in use. The two elongate portions may be the two portions which are closest in use to the central portion of the fence post.

The elongate portion may be tapered, i.e. may be narrower at the end of the elongate portion furthest from the first end of the device than at the end of the elongate portion closest to the first end of the device. Only the end section of the elongate portion may be tapered. A pair of adjacent elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel may be tapered. The tapered elongate portion may be longer than the other two elongate portions.

This may improve the ease of construction of the fence and also increase the tolerances in the apparatus. In addition, the tapered elongate portion may increase the ease with which the elongate portion extends into the aperture on the fence post during construction.

When constructing a fence, the tapered elongate portions are preferably those on the sides of the fixture body that are intended to be closest to the central portion of the fence post.

The securing means for interacting with the fence post may allow the device to be snapped into place on the fence post. Such devices are well known in the art, and any conventional device may be suitable. The securing means may comprise one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges. The fixation device may include two or more projections extending parallel to an axis extending between the first end and the second end. These are designed to interact with retaining means such as protrusions, hooks, apertures or ridges on the fence post to hold the fixture in place.

The snap-in arrangement improves ease of construction and ensures that no additional equipment is required to construct the fence. The snap-in arrangement is typically only used for the column-plate-column mounting method, but as discussed herein, the fixture of the present invention can be used in both the column-plate-column mounting method and the column-plate mounting method.

The fixation device may also include one or more grooves along the device body that are perpendicular to an axis extending between the first end and the second end. These grooves may be arranged to retain the wires of the mesh fence panel. The groove may extend parallel to the first passage for holding the vertical wires of the fence mesh panel.

These grooves can be used to tilt the mesh fence panel relative to the fence post so that it is not pushed flat against the flange of the fence post in use. This allows the resulting barrier to change direction, since the adjacent mesh barrier panels do not have to be parallel to each other.

When constructing a fence, the groove is preferably on the side of the central portion of the fixture body intended to be closest to the fence post. Thus, the groove and the tapered elongate portion may be on the same side of the fixture body. The groove may be arranged to push the wire of the mesh fence panel against the central part of the fence post.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence comprising:

a plurality of fixtures as discussed above;

at least two fence posts, each fence post having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, the two flanges extending perpendicularly from two sides of the central portion and being parallel to each other, wherein the fence posts further comprise a retaining means for interacting with the fixing means;

the net-type fence plate comprises horizontal and vertical crossed metal wires, wherein the net-type fence plate extends between two fence posts and is connected to the fence posts through fixing devices;

wherein the fixing means of the fixing device interacts with the retaining means of the fence post to retain the fixing device in position;

wherein at least one wire in the mesh fence panel extends through the first or second passage of each of the fixtures; and

wherein the fixing means push the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges of each of the two fence posts to which it is connected.

Any of the features discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention are applicable to the second aspect of the invention.

As discussed above in relation to the fixing means itself, this arrangement means that the mesh fence panel is pushed against the flange of the fence post rather than against the central portion. This increases the tolerances involved when assembling a fence using the fixing means of the present invention. In addition, the fixing device of the present invention increases the ease with which the fence post can be connected to the mesh fence panel, since it is easier to apply a force during construction that pushes the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges rather than against the central part of the mesh fence panel.

Pushing the mesh fence plate against one of the flanges of the fence post instead of against the central part of said fence post may also mean that the mesh fence plate can be rotated more easily. When the mesh fence panel is positioned against the central part of the fence post, the vertical wires of the mesh fence panel may abut the fixing means and hinder the rotation of said mesh fence panel, especially if the vertical wires are positioned close to each other. The obstruction is reduced when the mesh fence panel is pushed against one of the flanges of the fence post.

The fence post is preferably i-shaped. The outer surface of the flange furthest from the central portion may be curved. The flange preferably extends along the entire height of the fence post, i.e. from the bottom of the fence post to the top of the fence post when assembled.

The first flange may be longer than the second flange in a direction perpendicular to the central portion. The mesh fence panel can be held against the longer first flange. This increases the ease with which the fence can be assembled, as it increases the ease with which the wire mesh fence panel can be positioned between the flanges.

In addition, this allows the fence to be assembled in a post-plate approach rather than a post-plate-post approach, as the plate can be connected to the first post and rotated through the shorter flange of the second post before being connected to the second post.

The vertical wires of the mesh fence panel may extend through the first passage of each of the fixtures. In other words, the first passage of each of the fixtures may accommodate a vertical wire. Thus, when the fixture is installed, the first channel may extend vertically along the fixture. A single vertical wire may extend through the first channel. The vertical wires can be pushed directly against the flanges of the fence posts.

Accordingly, the horizontal wire of the mesh fence panel may extend through the second passage of each of the fixing devices. Thus, when the fixture is installed, the second channel may run horizontally along the fixture. A single horizontal wire may extend through the second passage of each of the fixtures. The plurality of horizontal wires of the mesh fence panel may extend through the second passage of each of the fixtures. Thus, the second channel of each of the fixtures may accommodate one or more horizontal wires. One or more horizontal wires may be pushed directly against the flange of the fence post.

No horizontal wire may extend through the second passage of each of the fixtures. The horizontal wire may rest on the top surface of the fixture, parallel to the second channel.

This demonstrates the flexibility of the invention as it can be used with a variety of different mesh fence panels. The mesh fence panel will be pushed firmly against the flange of the fence post regardless of whether no horizontal wires are present in the second channel, whether a single wire is passed there through or whether multiple wires are passed there through. The closer the horizontal wires in the wire mesh fence panel are, the more will extend through the second passage of each of the fixtures.

In addition, the narrow width of the elongated part ensures that the elongated part can pass between the wires in the mesh fence panel, preferably between the horizontal wires, even when the wires are close together.

The retaining means on the fence post may comprise one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges. The retaining means interact with the fixing means on the fixing device to hold the fixing device in place. Such arrangements are well known in the art.

For example, the retaining means on the fence post may comprise a ridge extending along the height of the fence post, while the securing means comprise one or more protrusions or hooks which can be pushed past the ridge in one direction, but which abut the ridge once they have been pushed past the ridge so as to prevent removal of the securing device.

The retaining means may comprise one or more apertures, while the securing means may comprise one or more protrusions which may extend into said apertures. Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise one or more protrusions, while the securing means may comprise one or more apertures.

The at least two fence posts may further comprise an aperture through which a pair of adjacent elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel extend. The apertures may be spaced along the height of the fence post. This further ensures that the fixing means is securely connected to the fence post. In addition, this ensures that the mesh fence panel is pushed firmly against the flange of the fence post and allows the fixing device to be used with a wide variety of mesh fence panel wire widths.

The apertures may be located where the flange and central portion of the fence post meet. The apertures may extend along both the flange and the central portion of the fence post. The apertures may be located adjacent to where the flange and central portion of the fence post meet, preferably on the flange. This can increase the difficulty of removing the securing device once it has been attached to the fence post.

The aperture may be rectangular. The height of the aperture may be greater than the corresponding dimension of the elongate portion of the fixture extending into the aperture (i.e., the dimension of the elongate portion extending parallel to the height of the aperture). The height of the aperture may be between 3 and 6mm greater than the corresponding dimension of the elongate portion. This increases the tolerances and thus makes it easier to install the fixture, since the fixture does not need to be precisely aligned with the aperture.

In addition, the elongated portions of the fixture may then be located at different heights within the aperture, rather than having to be located in the middle of the aperture, allowing the use of grids with different spacing between horizontal wires (i.e., both metric and imperial grid patterns may be used).

A pair of adjacent elongate portions closest to the central portion of the fence post may extend into apertures on the fence post. As discussed above, this can increase the difficulty of removing the securing device once it has been attached to the fence post.

The fence post and securing means may be made of any suitable material, including metals such as steel. The fence post and the securing means may be made of the same or different materials. The fixing means may be made of a plastics material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a fence as discussed above, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) attaching a mesh fence panel to a first fence post using the securing means discussed above;

(c) installing a second fence post at an opposite end of the mesh fence panel; and

(d) the mesh fence panel is attached to the second fence post using the securing means discussed above.

This is a column-plate-column mounting method.

Any of the features discussed above in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention are applicable to the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for installing a fence as discussed above, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) installing a second fence post, wherein the second fence post and the first fence post are separated by the same distance as the length of the net type fence plate;

(c) positioning a mesh fence panel between the flanges of the first fence post;

(d) rotating the mesh fence panel so that the mesh fence panel moves to a position between the flanges of the second fence post; and

(e) the mesh fence panel is attached to the second fence post using the securing means discussed above.

This is a column-plate mounting method.

Any of the features discussed above in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention are applicable to the fourth aspect of the invention.

This method may be faster and easier than the post-plate-post mounting method since it may allow for division of labor since all of the posts may be mounted before the plate is positioned. Thus, one user may install the fence post while another user installs the plate.

After the mesh fence panel has been connected to the second fence post, the mesh fence panel may be connected to the first fence post using the securing means discussed above. This increases the ease of assembly of the fence, particularly the ease of positioning the fence panel relative to the first and second fence posts. This also increases the adjustability of the horizontal positioning of the plate, which otherwise may be limited by the elongated portion of the fixation device.

Pushing the fence panel against the flange of the fence post instead of against the central part of said fence post as in the present invention means that the fence panel can be rotated more easily. When positioning the fence panel against the central portion of the fence post, the vertical wires of the fence panel may abut the fixing means and hinder rotation of said fence panel, especially if the vertical wires are positioned close to each other. This obstruction is reduced when the fence panel is pushed against the flange of the fence post.

As discussed above, the first flange of the second fence post can be longer than the second flange of the second fence post in a direction perpendicular to the central portion. The mesh fence panel can be rotated past the shorter flange and can thus be pushed against the longer flange by the fixing means. This further increases the ease of positioning the fence panel between two fence posts during installation, as the shorter flange less interferes with the positioning of the mesh fence panel.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for constructing a fence as discussed above, the kit comprising a plurality of fixing means as discussed above, at least two fence posts each having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, the two flanges extending perpendicularly from both sides of the central portion and parallel to each other, wherein the fence posts further comprise retaining means for interacting with the fixing means and a mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical crossing wires.

The kit allows the construction of a fence of the invention, preferably without the need for any additional tools to connect the mesh fence panel to the fence post.

Drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a fence post, a fixing device and a mesh fence panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a fence according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a fence according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the direction of rotation of a fence post and fence plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a device body 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first end of the device body 1 comprises a fixing means in the form of a hook 2.

The second end of the device body 1 comprises four elongate portions 3, only three of which 3 are shown. Together, these elongate portions define a first channel 1 extending vertically along the device body and a second channel 5 extending horizontally through the device body. Thus, adjacent elongate portions 3 extend along opposite sides of the ends of the channel, wherein each elongate portion 3 in combination with each of the elongate portions 3 adjacent thereto defines an end of both the first channel 4 and the second channel 5. The ends of two adjacent elongated portions 3 are tapered.

There is also a groove 6 on the device body 1, the groove 6 being arranged to retain a wire therein. The groove 6 and the tapered elongate portion 3 are on the same side of the device body 1 which is the side intended to be adjacent the central portion of the fence post during use.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view from the top of the arrangement showing the device body 21, the fence post and the wire mesh fence panel of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The fence post is an i-shaped post that includes two

parallel flanges

28a and 28c extending perpendicular to the central portion 28b and having curved outer surfaces. The wire mesh type fence panel includes vertical wires 27a and horizontal wires 27 b.

When constructing a fence as shown, the fixture body 21 pushes the horizontal wires 27b of the wire mesh fence panel directly against the flange 28c, thereby securing the mesh fence panel in place.

Fig. 2 clearly shows that the vertical channel 24 is wider than the width of the vertical wire 27 a. This increases the tolerance when assembling the fence, as the vertical wires 27a do not need to be accurately aligned with the channels 24.

The fixing means 22 of the fixture body 21 comprises a hook extending into the aperture 30 at the point where the central portion 28b meets the flange 28a of the fence post. This therefore holds the fixing means 21 in place.

The fence post also includes an aperture 29 at the point where the central portion 28b meets the flange 28c of the fence post. Two adjacent elongated portions 23 of the fixture body 21 extend into the aperture 29, both of the adjacent elongated portions 23 being tapered. This further holds the fixing means in place and helps to push the horizontal wire 27b against the flange 28c, thereby ensuring a strong connection between the mesh fence panel and the fence post.

The groove 26 is positioned adjacent the central portion 28b so that the wire can be retained within the groove and pushed against the central portion 28b, if necessary.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrier of the present invention. The fence comprises a fixing means 31, which fixing means 31 connect a mesh fence panel 32 to a fence post 33.

The mesh fence panel 32 includes horizontal wires 32a and vertical wires 32 b. One vertical wire 32b passes through a first passage of the fixture 31 while a second passage of the fixture 31 receives two horizontal wires 32 a.

The fence post 33 includes two

flanges

33a and 33c connected together by a central portion 33 b. As discussed above, the fixing means 31 extends between the two

flanges

33a and 33c and is connected to the fence post 33 via an aperture 34 in the fence post 33. In particular, the fixing means of each fixture 31 extend into the aperture 34 at the point where the flange 33a meets the central portion 33b, while two adjacent elongated portions of each fixture 31 extend into the aperture 34 at the point where the flange 33c meets the central portion 33 b. The fixing means pushes the mesh fence panel 32 against the flange 33 c.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrier of the present invention. The fence comprises fixing means 41, which fixing means 41 connect the mesh fence panel 42 to a fence post 43.

The mesh fence panel 42 includes horizontal wires 42a and vertical wires 42 b. One vertical wire 42b passes through the first passage of the fixture 41 while the second passage of the fixture 41 does not receive any horizontal wire 42 a.

The fence post 43 includes two

flanges

43a and 43c connected together by a central portion 43 b. As discussed above, the fixing device 41 extends between the two

flanges

43a and 43c and is connected to the fence post 43 via an aperture 44 in the fence post 43. In particular, the fixing means of each fixing device 41 extend into the aperture 44 at the point where the flange 43a meets the central portion 43b, while the two adjacent elongated portions of each fixing device 41 extend into the aperture 44 at the point where the flange 43c meets the central portion 43 b. The fixing means pushes the mesh fence panel 42 against the flange 43 c.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-section in the rotation direction a of the fence post 53 and the mesh fence plate 52 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mesh fence panel 52 is connected to an adjacent fence post (not shown) using a fixing device according to the present invention.

The mesh fence panel 52 may then be rotated in the direction shown by arrow a to a position about the fence post 53. The mesh fence panel is rotated past the smaller flange 53a so that it rests on the larger flange 53 c. The fixing device according to the invention can then be used to attach the mesh fence panel 52 to the fence post 53 so that the mesh fence panel is pushed against the larger flange 53 c. This therefore allows post-plate mounting of the fence.

Claims

1. A fixture for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, said fixture comprising a device body, characterized in that said device body comprises:

a first end portion comprising at least one securing means for interacting with a fence post to hold the fixture in place; and

a second end opposite the first end comprising four elongate portions extending away from the fixture body parallel to an axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate portions define an open-ended first channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel perpendicular to both the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel;

2. A fixation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between at least one pair of elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel is greater than 20%, preferably greater than 60%, of the respective overall width of the fixation device body.

3. A fixation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first width of one or more of the elongate portions is less than a second width of one or more of the elongate portions, preferably wherein the first width is less than 10% of a respective overall width of the fixation device body.

4. A fixation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one pair of elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel is longer than the other two elongate portions.

5. A fixation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pair of elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channel are tapered, preferably wherein the tapered elongate portions are longer than the other two elongate portions.

6. A fixation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fixation means for interacting with a fence post comprise means allowing the fixation device to be snapped into place on the fence post, preferably wherein the fixation means comprise one or more protrusions, hooks, apertures or ridges.

7. A fixation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising one or more grooves along the device body perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends.

8. A fence, comprising:

a plurality of fixation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7;

at least two fence posts, each fence post having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, said two flanges extending perpendicularly from both sides of said central portion and being parallel to each other, wherein said fence posts further comprise a retaining means for interacting with said fixing means;

a mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical crossing wires, wherein the mesh fence panel extends between and is connected to the two fence posts by the fixing means;

wherein the securing means of the securing device interacts with the retaining means of the fence post to retain the securing device in position;

wherein the fixing means pushes the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges of each of the two fence posts to which the mesh fence panel is connected.

9. A fence according to claim 8 wherein the first lip is longer than the second lip in a direction perpendicular to the central portion.

10. A fence according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the vertical wires of the mesh fence panel extend through the first passage of each of the fixing means.

11. A fence according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the horizontal wire of the mesh fence panel extends through the second passage of each of the fixing means, optionally wherein a plurality of horizontal wires of the mesh fence panel extend through the second passage of each of the fixing means.

12. A fence according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the retaining means on the fence post comprises one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges.

13. The fence of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the at least two fence posts further comprise an aperture through which a pair of the elongate portions defining the ends of the first or second channels extend.

14. The fence of claim 13 wherein said pair of elongated portions closest to said central portion of said fence post extend into said aperture on said fence post.

15. A fence according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the apertures are rectangular in cross-section and have a height greater than the corresponding dimension of the elongate portions extending therein.

16. A fence according to any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein at least one of the fixing means further comprises one or more grooves along the body of the device, said one or more grooves being perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends, said one or more grooves being positioned to retain a wire against the central portion of the fence post.

17. A method for installing a fence according to any one of claims 8 to 16 comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) attaching the mesh fence panel to the first fence post using a fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7;

(d) attaching the mesh fence panel to the second fence post using a fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A method for installing a fence according to any one of claims 8 to 16 comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) installing a second fence post, wherein the second fence post is separated from the first fence post by the distance which is the same as the length of the net fence plate;

(c) positioning the mesh fence panel between the flanges of the first fence post;

(d) rotating the mesh fence panel such that the mesh fence panel moves to a position between the flanges of the second fence post; and

(e) attaching the mesh fence panel to the second fence post using a fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the mesh fence panel is connected to the first fence post using a fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 after the mesh fence panel has been connected to the second fence post.

20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first flange of the second fence post is longer than the second flange of the second fence post in a direction perpendicular to the central portion, so that the mesh fence panel is rotated past the shorter flange.

21. A kit for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 8 to 16 comprising:

a plurality of fixation devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7;

at least two fence posts, each fence post having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, said two flanges extending perpendicularly from both sides of said central portion and being parallel to each other, wherein said fence posts further comprise a retaining means for interacting with said fixing means; and

mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical crossing wires.