GB2406136A

GB2406136A - Fixing clip for attaching rail to fence post

Info

Publication number: GB2406136A
Application number: GB0420372A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lance Harold Rayner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-17
Filing date: 2004-09-14
Publication date: 2005-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-14
Also published as: GB0420372D0; GB0321760D0; GB2406136B

Abstract

A fixing clip (1) for demountably fixing a second elongate member (18) to and across a first elongate member (20), the fixing clip comprising first and second end portions (2; 10, 12, 14, 16) joined by a connecting portion (8). The first end portion (2) is adapted to extend around the first elongate member, and the second end portion comprises means for releasably attaching to the first elongate member (20). The connecting portion (8) is configured to extend around the second elongate member (18) and to retain the second elongate member across the first elongate member. In one configuration, the second end portion (10, 12, 14) is configured to urge an elongate closure member (22) against the second elongate member (18). The elongate closure member may be a pin (22). The clip may be used to demountably fix fence rails on fence posts. A demountable handle 16 may be provided to cause the arms 10 to bend for insertion of the pin. Once the handle 16 is removed, the locking pin 22 cannot easily be removed.

Description

1 2406136 Fixing Clip

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fixing clip for demountably fixing a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member. In particular, the fixing clip may be suitable for demountably fixing fence rails on fence posts.

Background to the invention

Fencing, particularly wooden fencing, is extensively used in industries such as agriculture.

A common type of fencing is post and rail fencing. To construct post and rail fencing, a series of posts are anchored into the ground, and a series of rails are fixed to the posts, running in a horizontal orientation along the length of the fence. The rails are typically made from planks of a length equal to a multiple of the distance between posts, and often successive planks may abut where they are fixed to posts.

Typically, the posts and rails are made from wood and assembled using nails, which fix the rails to the posts. There are several disadvantages of this arrangement. Firstly, it is difficult and time consuming to locate the rails correctly with nails. This is particularly important where two separate pieces of wood rail abut. Secondly, nails can damage the wood, splitting it, and reducing both its longevity and reusability. Finally, it is difficult to take apart post and rail fencing secured with nails, in order to reuse the post and/or rails.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a fixing clip for demountably fixing a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member, the fixing clip comprising first and second end portions joined by a connecting portion, the first end portion being adapted to fit around the first elongate member, the second end portion comprising means for releasably attaching to or engaging with the first elongate member, and the connecting portion being configured in use to extend around the second elongate member and to retain the second elongate member across the first elongate member.

Preferably, the first and second end portions are adapted to engage the first elongate member on respective, opposing sides of the second elongate member.

Thus, the invention also extends to a fixing clip for demountably fixing a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member, the fixing clip comprising a first end region adapted to extend around the first member from one side thereof and a second end region also adapted to extend around the first member but from the opposite side thereof and at a position spaced from the position at which the first end region embraces the member, the two end regions being interconnected by two similar intermediate sections which are shaped so as to partially wrap around the second member and to straddle it, and each to extend in the form of a U-shaped loop beyond the face of the one side of the first member between the point at which the two members cross and the region embraced by the second end region of the clip, such that an elongate closure member such as a pin can be pushed or is insertable through the two loops so as to engage the one side of the first member and tension the clip around the two elongate members and retain them in position.

The second end region may be in part detachable from the remainder of the clip, for example after the clip has been located in position.

Two second elongate members may join in an abutting relationship, perhaps including a gap therebetween, where they are fixed to the first elongate members. For instance, where the first and second elongate members are fence posts and fence rails respectively, two sections of rail may join at a fence post. Thus, the invention also extends to a fixing clip for demountably fixing two second elongate members to a first elongate member, the fixing clip comprising first and second end portions joined by a connecting portion, the first end portion being adapted to fit around the first elongate member, the second end portion comprising means for releasably attaching to the first elongate member, and the connecting portion being configured in use to extend around both second elongate members and to retain both the second elongate members against the first elongate member.

In this case, the two second elongate members (such as consecutive sections of fence rail) are typically parallel, together extending across the first elongate member (such as a post).

However, the second elongate members may extend away from the first elongate member at any angle, thereby forming a corner (such as a fence corner). In this case, the connecting portion should be formed to extend around both second elongate members at specific angles. Typically, the connecting portion will comprise two separate members, one to extend around each second elongate member. For example, to form a right angle bend in a fence, the two connecting portions will extend at right angles to each other. The first and second end portions can be configured appropriately for the angular orientation of the second elongate members for which a specific fixing clip is designed.

Thus the invention provides a fixing clip which can be rapidly applied to demountably fix the first elongate support member to the second elongate member or members. By engagaging or disengaging the second end portion, the fixing clip can be rapidly applied, or demounted allowing reuse of both the fixing clip and the elongate members.

Preferably, at least part of the fixing clip is resilient, so that the first and second elongate members are biased towards each other when the fixing clip is in place. The biasing helps locate the fixing clip and the elongate members.

Preferably also, where at least part of the fixing clip is resilient, the fixing clip is configured so that the second end portion cannot be engaged with the first elongate member without applying a force to bend the fixing clip. The second end portion may comprise means to retain a pin at the side of the first elongate member opposite the second elongate member. Thus, the resilience of the fixing clip will hold the pin in place, preventing the fixing clip from disengaging inadvertently. Preferably, the pin extends across a face of the first elongate member opposite the second elongate member or members.

Where at least part of the fixing clip is resilient, the fixing clip may comprise handle means for bending the fixing clip to allow the second end portion to be engaged with the first elongate member. The fixing clip may comprise means for receiving a Remountable handle for bending the fixing clip to allow the second end portion to be engaged. The handle means, or means for receiving a demountable handle may be attached to the second end portion to lever the second end portion around a pivot where the connecting portion contacts the second elongate member or members.

An advantage of using a Remountable handle is that a fence or other structure can be assembled, making use of the Remountable handle to assemble the structure, but cannot readily be disassembled without the handle. The second end portion may comprise formations which mate with corresponding formations (such as lugs) on the pin and thereby make it hard to remove the pin without bending the fixing clip again with the handle.

Preferably, the first and second elongate member (or members) comprise a fence post and one or more fence rails (or vice versa). More preferably, the first elongate member comprises a fence post, and a or the second elongate member comprises a fence rail.

Preferably, the connecting portion comprises two separate members. Typically, these are shaped to be disposed on either side of the first elongate member in use. Other configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art, for instance, the connecting portion may comprise two members on either side of the first elongate member, with one or more cross-pieces, or an extensive plate.

Preferably, the first end portion comprises a loop of material which extends from the connecting portion around the first elongate member in use. Where the connecting portion comprises two separate members, these members may be connected by a loop of material which extends around the first elongate member in use and thereby comprises the first end portion.

In a convenient configuration, the second end portion comprises two arms which extend from the connecting portion, each having disposed at or near one end a formation for receiving a pin, locatable in use on the opposite side of the first elongate member to the second elongate member (or members). In a preferred configuration, where the connecting portion comprises two separate members, each arm is attached to one of the separate members of the connection portion.

Means for receiving a Remountable handle may comprise an extension to the said arms.

Preferably, the arms extend from the connecting portion, include a formation for receiving a pin locatable in use on the opposite side of the first elongate member to the second elongate member or members, and then at least partially double back to form means for receiving a demountable handle. The means for receiving a demountable handle can two elongate portions of the fixing clip, with the demountable handle having a corresponding formation for receiving the elongate portions.

The body of the fixing clip may be formed in one piece. The fixing clip is preferably made from metal, such as resilient steel. The fixing clip may be made in one piece in a jig, typically from a metal wire or bar.

Fixing clips of different size and configuration may be provided for joining elongate member of different dimensions. A range of different profiles of pin can be used, and the cross-section of the pin may be circular, square, or star-shaped including lengthwise splines (to hold the first elongate member more fixedly). The pin can be straight, curved or bent, and may include lugs at either end.

Preferably, the elongate member are made of timber. A particular advantage of the present invention when applied to timber is that, by reducing or avoiding the use of nails, damage to the timber is reduced or obviated.

The invention also extends to a fixing clip as described herein and illustrated in the attached drawings.

The invention further extends to a fixing clip without a pin or Remountable handle, to a fixing clip as described herein including a pin and/or demountable handle attached thereto, and a kit of parts including the fixing clip and a pin and/or demountable handle.

Description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixing clip according to the present invention, illustrating the location of a detachable handle; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fence rail in the process of being fixed to a fence post by a fixing clip according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a fence rail fixed to and across a fence post by a fixing clip according to the present invention, with a locking pin inserted; Figure 4 is a side view of a fence rail fixed to and across a fence post by a fixing clip locked in place by a locking pin, with a Remountable handle attached thereto; Figure 5 is a side view of a fence rail located in position for fixing to and across a fence post, by a fixing clip ready to be tensioned; and Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are end views of a part of a fixing clip, and a locking pin of circular (Figure 6a), square (Figure fib) or star shape, including elongate splines (Figure 6c).

Detailed description of an example embodiment

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixing clip, shown generally as 1, which can be used for demountably fixing fence rails (functioning as second elongate members) to and across fence posts (functioning as first elongate member). A first end portion 2 of the fixing clip comprises a substantially U-shaped steel bar comprising side pieces 4 which, in use, extend around the sides of the fence post and an end piece 6, thereby forming a retaining means for retaining the fence post. Joined to the end portion 2 is a connecting portion 8, being two separate steel bars which extend from side pieces 4. These are shaped to extend in use around a fence rail whilst the first end portion 2 extends around and retains the fence post.

The two metal bars which form the connecting portion extend into arms 10 which extend in use back towards the fence post, and away from the first end portion. The arms 10 include bends 12 which are shaped to retain a pin in use between the bends and the fence post. The arms then extend in the form of two protrusions 14 which function as means to receive a Remountable handle 16. Arms 10, ends 12 and protrusions 14 together form a second end portion.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fixing clip in the process of demountably fixing a fence rail 18 to a fence post 20.

To apply the clip, the first end portion 2 is fitted around the fence post 20 on the side away from the fence rail 18. Initially, the clip hangs loosely, as shown in side view in Figure 5.

For the purposes of applying the clip, a demountable handle 16 is attached to the protrusions 14 by a user, and force is applied downwards and backwards by a user.

Initially, the clip pivots round the fence post 20, downwards until the connecting portion 8 is in contact with the fence rail 18.

When the fixing clip is fitted loosely, and pressed down with only light force, the bends 12 for receiving a locking pin do not extend sufficiently far behind the fence post 20 to enable a locking pin to be fitted. Further force is applied using the Remountable handle 16 causing arms 10 to bend. A locking pin 22 can then be inserted behind the fence post 20, between the two bends 12. The resulting arrangement is shown in perspective view in Figure 3, and side view in Figure 4.

Thereafter, the demountable handle 16 can be demounted from the protrusions 14 and removed. The arms 10 have been bent slightly during this process, and, as they are resilient, they apply a biasing force holding the locking pin against the fence post 20, and also forcing the fence rail towards the fence post. Once the Remountable handle has been removed, as a result of this tension, the locking pin cannot easily be removed, e.g. by passers-by, minimising vandalism.

In order to reuse the fixing clip, the handle 16 is remounted on the protrusions 14, and force is applied downwards and backwards, allowing locking pin 22 to be removed by hand. The clip is then removed, allowing the fence rail to be removed from the fence post.

The fixing clip works equally well where the fence rail is formed in two sections that form a butt joint at the fence post, as the connecting portion of the fixing clip is made from two steel sections, and so applies a force to retain each abutting plank.

A number of alternative locking pins can be considered. Figure 6a shows a side view of a locking pin having circular configuration. Figure 6b shows a side view of a locking pin having square configuration. Figure 6c shows a side view of a locking pin having a star shaped cross section, including lengthwise splices. This will dig into the fence post, and so prevent the locking pin coming out at an inappropriate time. Bends 12 can be shaped to include features which mate with corresponding formations on the locking pin.

The locking pins may be formed in a range of different sizes. More particularly, a range of different diameters may be provided, and the diameter of pin may be selected to exert the desired degree of tension on the fixing clip and/or accommodate securely the specific thicknesses of elongate members being used.

The fixing clip can be conveniently formed from steel bar stock in a jig. Different sizes, shapes and cross-sections of steel can be used for different sizes and configurations of fencing. The fixing clip can also be used in other applications, where it is desirable to demountably fix a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member.

Claims

1. A fixing clip for demountably fixing a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member, the fixing clip comprising first and second end portions joined by a connecting portion, the first end portion being adapted to extend around the first elongate member, the second end portion comprising means for releasably attaching to the first elongate member, and the connecting portion being configured in use to extend around the second elongate member and to retain the second elongate member across the first elongate member.

2. A clip of claim 1 wherein the first and second end portions are adapted to engage the first elongate member on respective, opposing sides of the second elongate member.

3. A clip of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the clip is configured so that releasable attachment of the second end portion to the first elongate member requires the application of a force to bend the fixing clip.

4. A clip of claim 3 comprising handle means for bending the fixing clip to allow the second end portion to releasably attach to the first elongate member.

5. A clip of claim 3 comprising means for receiving a Remountable handle for bending the fixing clip to allow the second end portion to releasably attach to the first elongate member.

6. A clip of any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the second end portion is leverable around a pivot defined where the connecting portion contacts the second elongate member.

7. A clip of any preceding claim wherein the second end portion comprises means for retaining a pin at the side of the first elongate member opposite the second elongate member.

8. A clip of claim 7 wherein the pin retaining means are arranged to retain a pin extending across a face of the first elongate member opposite the second elongate member.

9. A clip of claim 8 wherein the second end portion comprises two arms which extend from the connecting portion, each having disposed at or near one end a formation for receiving a pin, locatable in use on the opposite side of the first elongate member to the second elongate member.

lO.A clip of any preceding claim wherein the first end portion comprises a loop of material which extends from the connecting portion around the first elongate member in use.

11. A clip of any preceding claim wherein the connecting portion comprises two separate members.

12. A clip of claim 11 wherein the two connecting portions extend in planes at right angles to each other.

13. A clip of claim 11 or claim 12 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the two separate members of the connecting portion are connected by a loop of material which extends around the first elongate member in use and thereby forms the first end portion.

14.A clip of any of claims 11 to 13 when dependent on claim 9 wherein each arm is attached to one of the separate members of the connecting portion.

15. A clip of claim 9 or any of claims 10 to 14 when dependent on claim 9 wherein the arms comprise means for engaging a Remountable handle.

16. A clip of claim 15 wherein the arms extend from the connecting portion, include the formation for receiving a pin, and then at least partially double back to form the means for engaging a Remountable handle.

17. A clip of claim 16 wherein the means for engaging a Remountable handle comprises two elongate portions of the fixing clip.

18.A clip of any preceding claim in combination with a closure member and/or a

Remountable handle.

19. A fixing clip for demountably fixing a second elongate member to and across a first elongate member, the fixing clip comprising a first end region adapted to extend around the first member from one side thereof and a second end region also adapted to extend around the first member but from the opposite side thereof and at a position spaced from the position at which the first end region embraces the member, the two end regions being interconnected by two similar intermediate sections which are shaped so as to partially wrap around the second member and to straddle it, and each to extend in the form of a U-shaped loop beyond the one side of the first member between the point at which the two members cross and the region embraced by the second end region of the clip, such that an elongate closure member is insertable through the two loops so as to engage the one side of the first member and tension the clip around the two elongate members and retain them in position.

20. A clip of claim 19 wherein the second end region is detachable from the remainder of the clip.

21. A clip of any preceding claim wherein at least part of the fixing clip is resilient, so that the first and second elongate members are biased towards each other when the fixing clip is in place.

22. A clip of any preceding claim wherein the body of the clip is formed in one piece.

23. A clip of any preceding claim wherein the body of the clip comprises a metal wire or bar.

24. A clip of any of claims 19 to 23 in combination with a closure member.

25. A fixing clip substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.