FR3135477A1 - Flat plate intended to constitute a clip, clip for fixing a strut on a post formed by folding such a plate and method of assembling a post and a strut by means of such clip - Google Patents

Abstract

Flat plate intended to constitute a clip, clip for fixing a strut on a post formed by folding such a plate and method of assembling a post and a strut by means of such clip This flat plate (10), intended to constitute a fixing clip, comprises a main part (12), with three rectilinear edges (122, 124, 126) not parallel and of which one edge (126) is not perpendicular to the other two . Two flaps (14, 15) of a first pair are attached to the main part by two hinges (25, 26) extending along a first fold line (L1). Two flaps (16, 17) of a second pair are attached to the main part by two hinges extending along the second folding line (L2). The two flaps (14-17) of the same pair (P1, P2) are separated by a notch (18, 19). Each flap (14-17) is configured to, depending on the intended use of the clip, be kept coplanar with the main part (12) or folded in one direction or the other relative to the main part, independently of the other components. Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Flat plate intended to constitute a clip, clip for fixing a strut on a post formed by folding such a plate and method of assembling a post and a strut by means of such clip

The present invention relates to a flat plate intended to constitute a clip for fixing a strut to a fence post.

In the field of constructing a fence around land to be delimited, it is known to equip at least certain posts, notably the corner posts, with one or two struts which stabilize these posts and allow them to resist the forces exerted by a fence which can be formed by a mesh or a juxtaposition of slats.

It is known from US-A-4526348 to assemble rounded posts and crosspieces using a bent plate to adapt to different geometries. This plate is compatible with posts and crosspieces oriented at right angles to each other but could not be used for struts. GB-A-677092 and GB-A-572653 disclose coupling elements between posts with a rectangular section and crosspieces with a triangular or polygonal section, again, oriented at right angles to each other. These coupling elements are not suitable for use with struts. US-B-10731378 and US-A-5186871 disclose, for their part, connection elements for fences formed by metal strips installed between posts and substantially horizontal crosspieces.

On the other hand, FR-A-3011024 discloses a connecting device which can be used between a post and a strut and in which links are implemented to surround a post and a strut. This type of assembly is not sustainable. FR-A-2740495, US-A-5139235, EP-A-0172075 and US-A-962950 disclose various systems for mounting struts on posts, these systems being generally complex and not very adaptable to different configurations of use .

There is therefore an unresolved need to date for a fixing clip which can be manufactured economically and which can easily be adapted to its conditions of use, in particular to the positioning of a strut relative to a post on which it must be fixed, with an orientation of the strut which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the post.

It is this problem that the invention aims to remedy more particularly, by proposing a new flat plate that is easily configurable and suitable for fixing a strut to a fence post.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a flat plate intended to constitute a clip for fixing a strut on a fence post and which comprises

• a main part which defines at least three non-parallel rectilinear edges in pairs and of which one rectilinear edge is not perpendicular to the other two edges;
• a first pair of two flaps each attached to the main part by a respective hinge, the two hinges extending along a first folding line parallel to a first rectilinear edge of the main part; And
• a second pair of two flaps each attached to the main part by a respective hinge, the two hinges extending along a second folding line parallel to a second rectilinear edge of the main part, not parallel and not perpendicular to the first edge.

The two flaps of the same pair of flaps are separated by a notch which extends, from the rectilinear edge of the main part on which the pair of flaps is attached, to an edge of each flap opposite the rectilinear edge of the main part. Each flap is configured to, depending on the intended use of the clip, be kept coplanar with the main part or folded in one direction or the other relative to the main part, independently of the other flaps.

Thanks to the invention, the plate of the invention can be manufactured and marketed flat. This plate can be configured according to its conditions of use, by folding down one or more of the flaps relative to the main part, so as to constitute a volume structure adapted to be inserted between a post and a strut of a fence. In particular, the fact that the two rectilinear edges along which the two folding lines extend are non-parallel and non-perpendicular makes it possible to arrange the two pairs of flaps in space in positions compatible with their pressing against surfaces of 'a post and a strut oriented relative to each other in a non-parallel and non-perpendicular manner.

According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a flat plate can incorporate one or more of the following characteristics taken in any technically admissible combination:

- This plate is made of cut sheet metal, preferably galvanized steel or stainless steel, with a thickness of between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.9 and 1.3 mm, more preferably equal to 1.2 mm.

- At least one flap, and preferably each flap, is equipped with a tongue intended to constitute an anchoring hook in a post or strut.

- Each folding line is formed by a series of lights which extend along a rectilinear edge of the main part and which are defined, along this edge, between deformable bridges which each connect a flap to the part main.

- The main part is triangular or generally triangular in shape.

- At least one shutter, and preferably each shutter, is equipped with a passage hole for a member for fixing this shutter to a post or a strut.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a clip for fixing a strut on a fence post, constituted by folding a plate as mentioned above and comprising at least one flap folded around one of the two fold lines, preferably at right angles, to its main part.

Such a clip is effective for securing a strut and a fence post in a configuration where the strut extends in a direction that is not parallel and not perpendicular to a main direction of the post.

Advantageously, a flap belonging to the first pair of flaps and a flap belonging to the second pair of flaps are folded down on the same side of the main part and the two other flaps are coplanar with the main part. Alternatively, a first flap of the first pair of flaps, which is closest to a point of intersection between the first folding line and the second folding line, is folded down on the same side of the main part as a first flap of the second pair of flaps, which is furthest from the intersection point, and a second flap of the first pair of flaps, which is furthest from the intersection point, is folded down on the same side as a second part of the second pair, which is closest to the intersection point.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of assembling a post and a strut of a fence, this method comprising at least steps consisting of:

1. configure a clip as mentioned above from a plate as mentioned above by folding down one or more flaps of the plate relative to its main part, depending on the planned position of the clip relative to the post and strut;
2. bring at least one flap of the clip to rest against a surface of the post or strut; And
3. immobilize the shutter resting against the surface of the post or strut.

This process makes it possible to build, easily and at a moderate cost, a fence resistant to external forces, thanks to the reinforcement of at least some of the posts by means of one or more struts.

It can be envisaged that the folding of step a) is carried out by hand and without tools and that, preferably, the immobilization of step c) is carried out by nailing or screwing the shutter onto the post and/or on the strut.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of a flat plate, a staple and a method conforming to the invention, given only by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• There is a front view of a flat plate according to the invention and intended to constitute a clip for fixing a strut on a fence post also according to the invention;
• There is a perspective view of the flat plate of the ;
• There shows, on two inserts A) and B) corresponding to two different viewing angles, a first fixing clip according to the invention produced by folding the flat plate of Figures 1 and 2;
• There shows, on two inserts A) and B) corresponding to two different viewing angles, a second fixing clip according to the invention and produced by folding the flat plate of Figures 1 and 2;
• There represents a configuration of use of the clip of the ;
• There represents a configuration of use of the clip of the And ;
• There represents another configuration of use of the clip of the .

The plate 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is made from a metal sheet blank. Preferably, this plate is made of galvanized steel or stainless steel.

The plate 10 has a thickness e10 of between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.9 and 1.3 mm, more preferably equal to 1.2 mm. This thickness value e10 makes it possible to bend certain parts of the plate relative to others, by hand and without tools, as explained below.

The plate 10 is polygonal in shape and is inscribed inside an imaginary rectangle R10 which corresponds to the sheet metal used to make a fixing clip. We notice at the that plate 10 occupies most of rectangle R10. In other words, the cutting of a sheet carried out to obtain the plate 10 induces little loss of material, these losses of material corresponding to the volume which surrounds the plate 10 inside the rectangle R10 on the .

The plate 10 comprises a main part 12 of which we note 122 a first edge coincident with a long side of the rectangle R10, 124 a second edge parallel to a short side of the rectangle R10 and 126 a third edge which is both non-parallel and not perpendicular to the first and second edges 122 and 124. Thus, the edges 122, 124 and 126 are non-parallel in pairs and the inclined edge 126 is not perpendicular to the edges 122 and 124.

The main part 12 is of generally rectangular shape, in the sense that it is rectangular with two truncated corners delimited by rectilinear edges 128 and 129 whose respective lengths are less than 10%, preferably 5%, of the length of the most short of rectilinear edges 122, 124 and 126.

Thus, the main part 12 has a generally triangular shape, with two truncated corners. Alternatively, the edges 128 and 129 are of zero length. In other words, the main part then has a completely triangular shape.

As the rectilinear edges 122 and 124 are perpendicular, the main part 12 has approximately the shape of a right triangle.

The plate 12 comprises a first pair P1 of two flaps 14 and 15. The flap 14 of the first pair P1 is connected to the main part 12 by a hinge 24 formed by localized cutting of the plate 10. The flap 15 of the first pair P1 is also connected to the main part 12 by a second hinge 25, also formed by localized cutting of the plate 10. The two hinges 24 and 25 respectively connect the flaps 14 and 15 to the edge 126 of the main part 12 and extend along a first folding line L1 which is parallel to the edge 126. In practice, the folding line L1 is offset from the edge 126 by a distance d1 equal to half the width l 1 of a hinge 24 or 25. The folding line L1 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular with respect to the large and small sides of the rectangle R10, in particular with respect to the side 122 of the main part 12.

The hinges 24 and 25 are obtained by cutting oblong slots 34, respectively 35, in the plate 10, these oblong slots 34 and 35 each having their largest dimension parallel to the folding line L1 and being separated from each other and opposite each other. -screw the ends of the hinges 24 and 25 by foldable bridges 44, respectively 45.

The flap 14 is trapezoidal in shape and has a first edge 142 parallel to the edge 126 and to the folding line L1, a second edge 144 opposite the edge 142 and parallel to it, a third edge 146 perpendicular to the edges 142 and 144 , as well as a fourth edge 148 inclined relative to the edges 142, 144 and 146. The length of the edge 144 is strictly less than the length of the edge 142.

The flap 144 is equipped with an orifice 141 for the passage of a fixing member, which passes right through it.

The flap 14 is also equipped with a tongue 143 which extends beyond the edge 144, opposite the hinge 24, therefore the edge 126 of the main part 12. After folding, preferably at right angles, this tongue 143 is intended to constitute a hook for anchoring the shutter 14 in a post or in a strut of a fence.

The flap 15 is also trapezoidal in shape and has two parallel edges 152 and 154, the edge 152 adjoining the hinge 25, as well as an edge 156 perpendicular to the edges 152 and 154 and an edge 158 inclined relative to the other edges. The flap 15 is also equipped with an orifice 151 for the passage of a fixing member, which passes through it right through, and with a tongue 153 intended to constitute an anchoring hook.

A notch 18 is made between the edges 146 and 146 of the flaps 14 and 15 and extends from the edge 126 to the edges 144 and 154 of the flaps 14 and 15.

Thus, the flaps 14 and 15 are both attached to the main part 12 and can be folded down relative to the latter, playing on the flexibility of the hinges 24 and 25. Taking into account the presence of the notch 18, the flaps 14 and 15 can be folded down relative to the main part 12 independently of each other.

A second pair P2 of flaps 16 and 17 is attached to the edge 124 of the main part 12 by means of two hinges 25 and 26 which extend along a common folding line L2. The hinges 26 and 27 are respectively formed by slots 36 and 37 and by bridges 46 and 47. In practice, the structure of the hinges 24, 25, 26 and 27 is the same and the geometry of the elements which compose them is the same .

In particular, the folding line L2 is offset from the edge 124 by a distance d2 equal to half the width l 2 of a hinge 26 or 27. The folding line L2 is parallel to the short sides of the rectangle R10, in particular perpendicular to the side 122 of the main part 12.

The lights 34 to 37 pass through the plate 10 right through, over its entire thickness e10.

Each flap 16 or 17 has a polygonal shape, in the shape of a truncated rectangle. The flap 16 comprises two edges 162 and 164 parallel to the folding line L2, two edges 166 and 167 perpendicular to this folding line, as well as an edge 168 inclined relative to all the other edges. The edge 164 is shorter than the edge 162 which adjoins the hinge 26. In the same way, the flap 17 comprises two edges 172 and 174 parallel to the folding line L2, two edges 176 and 177 perpendicular to this folding line, as well as an edge 178 inclined relative to all the other edges. Edge 174 is shorter than edge 172 which adjoins hinge 27.

Each flap 16 or 17 is also equipped with an orifice 161, respectively 171, for the passage of a fixing member and with a tongue 163, respectively 173, which extends from the edge 168 or 178 and which is intended to constitute an anchoring hook for the shutter 16 or 17 in a post or a strut.

To give improved bending flexibility to the tongue 143, notches 149 are provided on either side of it, in the flap 14, from the edge 144. Comparable notches 159, 169 and 179 are provided either side of the tabs 153, 163 and 173.

A notch 19 extends from the edge 124 and up to the level of the edges 164 and 174. Thus, the flaps 16 and 17 can be folded down around the second folding line L2, playing on the flexibility of the hinges 26 and 27, independently of each other.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the notches 18 and 19 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the edge 126 or 124 of the main part 12 where their origin is located.

Advantageously, the notch 18 is perpendicular to the fold line L1 and the notch 19 is perpendicular to the fold line L2.

The geometry of the plate 10 being defined as explained above, it can be produced by laser cutting, by water cutting or by stamping.

After its manufacture, the plate 10 is an element that is easy to transport and package, for example by placing it in a blister pack, possibly with several plates stacked to constitute a batch of plates.

Depending on the fence to be made, in particular the position of a strut relative to a post with which it must be associated, the plate 10 can be configured, by folding one or more of the flaps 14 to 17 along the folding lines L1 and L2 to form a staple, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The clip 100 shown in was obtained by folding, by hand and without tools, by playing on the flexibility of the hinges 25 and 26, the flaps 15 and 16 at right angles to the main part 12, more particularly on the side of a face 12B of this main part 12 which is visible at the and which is opposite the face 12A of this main part visible in Figures 1 and 2. Folding the flaps 15 and 16, respectively around the folding lines L1 and L2, results in a plastic deformation of the hinges 25 and 26, so that the staple retains its geometry after shaping. On the contrary, the flaps 14 and 17 have been kept coplanar with the main part 12 of the plate 10.

In clip 100 of the , two flaps belonging to the two distinct pairs of flaps P1 and P2, namely flaps 15 and 16, are folded down on the same side of the main part, while the other two flaps, namely flaps 14 and 17, are coplanar with the main part.

On the other hand, the tongues 153 and 163 have been folded perpendicular to the main sails of the flaps 15 and 16 to which they are attached, so as to constitute anchoring hooks for these flaps. The folding of the tabs 153 and 163 can be carried out using another plate 10 or another clip such as a folding key. In fact, the width of the notches 18 and 19 is provided slightly greater than the thickness e10 of the plate 10, therefore of the tabs 143 to 173, for example greater than the thickness e10 by 0.1 mm. In this case, it is possible to cap one of the tongues 143 to 173 with a notch 18 or 19 of another plate or clip and to use this plate or clip to exert a folding force on the tongue, by folding down the another plate or tongue perpendicular to the flap from which the tongue in question extends.

According to an aspect of the invention which is not visible at the , the tongues 143 and 173 can also be pressed perpendicular to the main sails of the flaps 14 and 17 to constitute anchoring hooks.

The staple 200 shown in was obtained by folding the flaps 14 and 15 of the first pair P1 each at right angles to the main part 12 around the first folding line L1, in opposite directions relative to the main part, by hand and without tools, by playing on the flexibility of the hinges 24 and 25. Thus, the flaps 14 and 15 extend on either side of the main part 12, with the flap 14 folded down on the side of the face 12B of the part main 12 and the flap 15 folded down on the side of the face 12A.

In the same way, the flaps 16 and 17 of the second pair P2 were each folded at right angles to the main part 12 around the folding line L2, in opposite directions relative to the main part, by hand and without tools, by playing on the flexibility of the hinges 26 and 27. The flaps 16 and 17 extend on either side of the main part 12, with the flap 16 folded down on the side of the face 12A of the main part 12 while the flap 17 is folded down on the side of the face 12B of this part.

In clip 200 of the , the flaps 15 and 16 are folded down on the same side of the main part, towards the face 12A, while the flaps 14 and 17 are folded down on the opposite side, towards the face 12B. The relative positioning of the flaps 15 and 16 does not hinder access to these flaps, in particular to the orifices 151 and 161. Likewise, the relative positioning of the flaps 14 and 17 does not hinder access to these flaps, in particularly at the orifices 141 and 171. This access would be less easy if the flaps 15 and 17 were folded down on the same side of the main part and the flaps 14 and 16 folded down on the other side. Of course, the flaps 14 and 17 could be folded down on the side of the face 12B, while the flaps 15 and 16 would be folded down on the side of the face 12A. In all cases, it is advantageous for the flap 15 of the first pair P1, which is closest to a point Q of intersection between the folding lines L1 and L2, to be folded down on the same side of the main part 12 that the flap 16 of the second pair P2, which is furthest from this intersection point, while the flap 14 of the first pair P1, which is furthest from the intersection point Q, is folded down on the same side than the flap 17 of the second pair P2, which is closest to this intersection point.

On the other hand, the tongues 143, 153, 163 and 173 have been folded perpendicular to the main sails of the flaps 14 to 17 to which they are attached, so as to constitute anchoring hooks for these flaps. The folding of the tabs 143 to 173 can, in this case also, be carried out using another plate or clip used as a folding key.

Other positions can be considered for the flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17 relative to the main part 12, which makes it possible to create other fixing clip geometries, adapted to the relative position of the surfaces of a post and a strut of a fence.

There represents the use of the clip 100 between a post 400 and a strut 500 each made by longitudinal sawing of a piece of wood of round section, such that the post 400 and the strut 500 are each at semi-circular section.

The flaps 14 and 17 of the clip 100 respectively bear against a longitudinal face 402 or 502 of the post 400 or the strut 500, while the flap 15 bears against a peripheral surface 404 of the post 400 and the flap 16 rests against an end surface 504 of the strut 500.

When assembling the post 400 and the strut 500, the clip 100 is first formed according to the orientation of the parts 400 and 500, by folding down, in this example, the flaps 15 and 16 to obtain the configuration of the .

Then, the different flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17 are brought to bear against the surfaces 402, 404, 502 and 504. On this occasion, it is possible to strike on the flaps 15 and 16 to penetrate the hooks formed by the tabs 153 and 163 in the surfaces 404 and 504, which has the effect of anchoring the clip 100 relative to the pieces of wood 400 and 500.

It is then possible to insert into at least some of the orifices 141, 151, 161 and 171, preferably in each of these orifices, a nail represented by its axis line 300 at the .

Instead of a nail, it is also possible to use a screw to secure a shutter to the corresponding surface of the post or strut.

In all cases, after installation of this nail or screw, the staple is firmly fixed on the pieces of wood 400 and 500.

In Figures 6 and 7, the clip 200 is used with a post 400 and a strut 500 with a square section, in the configuration of the and with a post 400 and a strut 500 with round section, in the configuration of the .

In the configuration of the , the flaps 14 and 15 bear against a side face 404 of the post 400, while the flaps 16 and 17 bear against an end face 504 of the strut 400.

When installing the clip 200 between the post 400 and the strut 500, the hooks formed by the tongues 143, 153, 163 and 173 superficially penetrate the faces 404 and 504, after a hammer blow or equivalent has been given on the ends of flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17.

It is then possible to put in place, in each of the orifices 141, 151, 161 and 171, a nail or a screw represented by its axis 300, which then firmly immobilizes the clip 200 between the pieces of wood 400 and 500.

The configuration of the is generally comparable to that of the except that the flaps 14 and 15 are curved to match the shape of the peripheral surface 404 of the post 400.

Whatever the embodiment, a post 400 and a strut 500 can be assembled by configuring a clip 100, 200 or equivalent from a plate 10, by folding down one or more of the flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17 relative to its main part 12. The number of folded flaps and the orientation of these flaps relative to the main part 12 depend on the geometry of the post and the strut, as well as the position planned for the clip relative to the post 400 and the strut 500.

Quite advantageously, the configuration of the clip is carried out by hand because the hinges 24, 25, 26 and 27 are sufficiently flexible to allow the flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17 to pivot around the folding lines L1 and L2 by hand. Following this pivoting, as the hinges are plastically deformed, the clip retains its configuration.

When the clip 100, 200 or equivalent has thus been constituted and configured, it is possible to install it between the pieces of wood 400 and 500 by bringing at least one shutter against a surface of the post or a surface of the leg by force. Preferably, in this case, each of the flaps 14, 15, 16 and 17 is brought to bear against a surface of the post or a surface of the strut.

Advantageously and optionally, at least one of the flaps can be anchored on the corresponding piece of wood, thanks to the anchoring member formed by one of the curved tongues 143, 153, 163 or 173.

It is then possible to immobilize one or more of the flaps 14 to 17 against the surface of the piece of wood against which it rests by inserting an immobilizing member into the corresponding orifice 141, 151, 161 or 171. This immobilizer can be a nail or a screw.

The tools necessary for implementing the invention are very reduced since they consist of a hammer or a screwdriver, depending on the type of the fixing member 300, it being specified that the posts and the struts will have been previously sawn to the appropriate length, by a simple straight cut.

The invention has been represented in the case where the plate 10 is a metal plate, more particularly a sheet metal plate. Alternatively, this plate 10 can be made from a sheet of composite material with reinforcing fibers, in particular glass or carbon fibers, embedded in a synthetic, thermoplastic or thermosetting resin.

Alternatively, the main part 12, the flaps 14 to 17 and the tongues 143 to 173 may have a geometry different from that shown in the figures. In addition, the tabs can be arranged on edges of the shutters other than edges 144, 154, 168 and 178.

Tabs 143 to 173 are optional.

Depending on the geometry of the post or the strut, the flaps 14 to 17 can be folded down, relative to the main part 12, at an angle which may be different from a right angle.

The embodiments and variants envisaged above can be combined.

Claims (10)

Flat plate (10) intended to constitute a fixing clip (100, 200) of a strut (500) on a fence post (400), characterized

• in that the plate (10) comprises
  • a main part (12) which defines at least three rectilinear edges (122, 124, 126) not parallel in pairs and of which one rectilinear edge (126) is not perpendicular to the other two edges (122, 124);
  • a first pair (P1) of two flaps (14, 15) each attached to the main part by a respective hinge (25, 26), the two hinges extending along a first folding line (L1) parallel to a first edge rectilinear (126) of the main part; And
  • a second pair (P2) of two flaps (16, 17) each attached to the main part by a respective hinge (26, 27), the two hinges extending along a second folding line (L2) parallel to a second rectilinear edge (124) of the main part, not parallel and not perpendicular to the first rectilinear edge,
• in that the two flaps (14-17) of the same pair (P1, P2) of flaps are separated by a notch (18, 19) which extends from the rectilinear edge (126, 124) of the main part (12) on which the pair of flaps is attached, up to an edge (144, 154, 164, 174) of each flap opposite the rectilinear edge of the main part, and
• in that each flap (14-17) is configured to, depending on the intended use of the clip, be kept coplanar with the main part (12) or folded in one direction or the other relative to the main part, independently of the other parts.

Plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of cut sheet metal, preferably galvanized steel or stainless steel, with a thickness (e10) of between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.9 and 1.3 mm, more preferably equal to 1.2 mm. Plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flap (14-17), and preferably each flap, is equipped with a tongue (143-173) intended to constitute an anchoring hook in a post (400) or a strut (500). Plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each folding line (L1, L2) is formed by a series of slots (34-37) which extend along a rectilinear edge (124, 126) of the main part (12) and which are defined, along this edge, between deformable bridges (44-47) which each connect a flap (14-17) to the main part. Plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (12) is triangular or generally triangular in shape. Plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flap (14-17), and preferably each flap, is equipped with an orifice (141-171) for the passage of a fixing member (300 ) of this shutter on a post (400) or a strut (500). Clip for fixing (100, 200) a strut (500) on a fence post (400), formed by folding a plate (10) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising at least one flap ( 14-17) folded around one of the two folding lines (L1, L2), preferably at right angles, relative to its main part (12). Fixing clip according to claim 7, characterized in that

• a flap (15) belonging to the first pair (P1) of flaps and a flap (16) belonging to the second pair (P2) of flaps are folded down on the same side of the main part (12) and the two other flaps (14 , 17) are coplanar with the main part; Or
• a first flap (15) of the first pair (P1) of flaps, which is closest to a point (Q) of intersection between the first folding line (L1) and the second folding line (L2), is folded down on the same side of the main part (12) as a first flap (16) of the second pair (P2) of flaps, which is furthest from the intersection point, and a second flap (14) of the first pair (P1) of flaps, which is furthest from the intersection point (Q), is folded on the same side as a second flap (17) of the second pair (P2), which is closest to the point intersection.

Method for assembling a post (400) and a strut (500) of a fence, characterized in that it comprises at least steps consisting of:

1. configure a clip (100, 200) according to one of claims 7 and 8 from a plate (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 by folding down one or more flaps (14-17) of the plate by relative to its main part (12), depending on the intended position of the clip relative to the post and the strut;
2. bring at least one flap (14-17) of the clip to rest against a surface (402, 404, 502, 504) of the post or strut; And
3. immobilize the shutter resting against the surface of the post or strut.

Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the folding of step a) is carried out by hand and without tools and in that, preferably, the immobilization of step c) is carried out by nailing or screwing the shutter (14-17) on the post (400) and/or on the strut (500).