GB2570912A

GB2570912A - Fence post assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2570912A
Application number: GB1802175.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Naylor Mark
Original assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Current assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-09
Filing date: 2018-02-09
Publication date: 2019-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-09
Also published as: GB2570912B; GB201802175D0

Abstract

A fence post assembly includes a post and a holder clip. The post 120 has a fin or flange 122A and a number of holes 121. The clip 200 has a projection 210 and a slot 110. Wherein the slot co-operates with the fin and the projection co-operates with the fin in order to secure the clip to the post. The clip also has a bearing surface for supporting a cross member. Also claimed as an assembly with a clamp plate, elongate tension member and an attachment mechanism. Also claimed is a fence post assembly with a reinforcement member and a fence post including an end portion, wherein the fence post is mountable into a base with settable material (such as concrete). Also claimed is a fence post assembly with a stabilization plate. Also claimed are a number of posts with co-planar fins, clamp block for fitting in a channel.

Description

FENCE POST ASSEMBLIES

This disclosure relates generally to fence post assemblies, in kit. form or in the form of assembled fence systems.

./

US 6 530 561 discloses a metal Fence post including a substantially U-shaped centre section and two outwardly extending flanges, with a series of openings extending vertically along each of the flanges to allow wooden fence rails to be attached. Fence boards can be attached to either or both sides of the rails.

There is a need for fence post assemblies that can be assembled relatively quickly and easily, particularly but not exclusively by a single user, to provide a robust and appealing fence.

Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising a fence post and a holder dip for connecting a cross-beam to the fence post; the fence post, comprising a fin member (for example, a flange) including a plurality of holes, which may be through-holes or blind holes; the holder clip comprising a projection extending from a holder body, a slot for receiving the fin member, and a bearing surface; the projection, 20 slot, the fin member and the holes cooperatively configured such that the projection can be inserted into one of the through-holes (operable to prevent, at least substantial axial, or vertical, displacement of the holder clip relative to the fence post); and the fin member can be inserted into the slot (operable to limit transverse displacement of the holder body can be fastened to the fence post by inserting the projection into a through-hole and locating the slot over the fin member; and a cross-beam can be placed onto the bearing surface and supported by the holder clip.

Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising a fence post and a clamp mechanism for fastening the fence post to end portions of a pair of beams (for example, gravel boards), and comprising a damp plate., an elongate tension member and an attachment mechanism; the fence post and the damp mechanism cooperatively configured such that the tension member can be fastened to the fence post by means of the attachment, mechanism, the tension member connecting the clamp plate to the fence 5 post ’while under tension, the clamp plate abutting respective end portions of each beam, respective ends of each beam spaced apart from each other by a gap, and the tension member extending through the gap, between the ends; operable to clamp the end portions of the spacer beams against the fence post, the clamp plate covering the gap.

Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising a reinforcement member, and a fence post including an end portion; the fence post being mountable into a base by enveloping the end portion with a settable material in a mouldable state and then allowing the settable material to set; the end portion comprising a flange that includes one or more through-holes; the reinforcement member and the 15 through-holes configured and arranged such that the reinforcement member can be inserted through the one or more through-holes, operable to reinforce the settable material when it has set.

Viewed from a fourth aspect, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising a fence 20 post including an end portion, and a stabilisation member; the fence post, being mountable into a base by enveloping the end portion with a settable material In a mouldable state and then allowing the settable material to set; the stabilisation plate and the fence post configured such that the stabilisation member can be attached to the end portion of the fence post, operable to stabilise the fence post against displacement in the settable 25 material (and / or in soft ground) before it has set.

Viewed from a fifth aspect, there is provided a fence post assembly comprising a plurality of fence posts, each fence post comprising a pair of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an 30 opposite trough side; the fence posts configured such that they can be stacked against one another, the boss side of one fence post inserted into the trough side of an adjacent fence post.

A fence post assembly can be provided,, comprising a combination of features according to any two or more of the aspects of this disclosure.

A fence post assembly can be provided, comprising a fence post assembly according to any one or more of the aspects of this disclosure, and a fence panel; and / or a plurality of spacer beams (for example, gravel boards); and / or one or more cross-beams.

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Various example arrangements, features and combinations of features offence assemblies and holder clips are envisaged by this disclosure, of which the following are non-limiting, non-exhaustive examples.

1.5 In some example arrangements, the bearing surface of the holder clip may include a purchase means for resisting sliding movement, of a cross-beam supported by the holder member. For example,, the bearing surface may include a plurality of serrations; and / or the bearing surface may be a side of the holder body.

in some examples, the holder clip may be capable of supporting a beam, or portion of a beam, having a mass of at least about 0.5 kg, or at least about 1 kg; and / or at most, about. 50 kg, or at most about. 20 kg, or at most about 10 kg, or at most about 5 kg, when the holder clip is fastened to the fence post. In some examples, the bearing surface may extend a lateral breadth (when fastened to the fence post as in use) of at least about 1 cm, or at least about 2 cm; at / or at most about 20 cm, or at most about 10 cm, or at most about 5 cm; and / or some example bearing surfaces may have a thickness (or width) of at least about 0.1 cm, and / or at most about 2 cm, or at most about 1 cm, or at most, about

0.5 cm.

In some example arrangements, the slot of the holder clip may be substantially perpendicular to the projection, operable to swing the slot over the fin member when the projection is inserted into the through-hole. In other words, a user may insert the projection into a through-hole, and place the slot over the fin (insert the fin member into the slot). In some examples, the holder clip may comprise pair of projections, each projecting from an opposite side of the holder body; and the holder clip may comprise a pair of slots on opposite sides of the holder body, allowing either side of the holder clip to be attached to the fin of the fence post. In some example arrangements, the slot and the projection may be configured such that when the holder clip is fastened to the fence post as in use, the slot may prevent, or resist, the projection from being laterally withdrawn from the hole in the fin member; the holder clip may be detached from the fence post by sliding the slot away from the fin, and then withdrawing the projection from the hole.

In some example arrangements, the fence post may comprise a pair of fin members in the form of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion, The central portion may comprise a longitudinally-extending channel structure, having a boss side and an opposite trough side; for example, each fence post may include an elongate portion being generally U- or V-shaped in transverse crosssection. The central portion may comprise an opposite pair of side walls, each side wall connecting a respective flange with a base wall that is laterally spaced apart from the flanges; the flanges may be substantially coplanar and the base wall may lie on a plane substantially parallel to the flanges. The side walls may be tapered inwards from the flanges, such that the width of the base wall (from one side wall to the other) is substantially less than the width of the mouth of the channel structure (from one flange to the other); in a configuration may allow a plurality of fence posts to be stacked against one another, the boss side of one fence post fitting into the trough side of an adjacent fence post.

In some example arrangements, the plurality of through-holes in the fin (or in both fins) may be arranged in a line, spaced substantially equidistant from each other. The throughholes may extend from proximate one end of the fence post to proximate an opposite end. In some examples, each fin (or flange) may include holes arranged in at least two lines, in which the holes of the two lines may be positioned in a staggered arrangement. In some example arrangements, one line of holes may be for receiving a fastening mechanism for fastening cross-beams to the fence post, and the other line of holes may be for receiving the projecting member of the holder clip, which may be used to support a cross-beam while it is being fastened to the fence post.

In some example arrangements, the fence post may comprise a pair of fin members (or flanges), each fin member extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an opposite trough side; a through-hole connecting the boss side and trough side; the central portion, the through-hole, the tension member and the attachment mechanism configured such that a distal end portion of the tension member can be inserted into the through-hole; a proximal end portion of the tension member attached to the clamp plate; the respective end portion of each beam positioned between the clamp plate and a respective fin member; operable to clamp the respective end portion of each beam against the respective fin in response to fastening the attachment mechanism to the end portion of the tension member. For example, the attachment mechanism may comprise a threaded nut corresponding threading on the end portion of the tension member; the tension member may comprise a bolt having a head and threaded end portion.

In some example arrangements, the attachment mechanism may comprise a damp block that is configured to fit into the trough side of the central portion and includes a hole for receiving and fastening an end potion of the tension member; the clamp mechanism and fence post arranged such that when assembled as in use, the boss side of the central portion faces towards the clamp member, the beams are clamped against the respective fin members, the clamp block is positioned in the trough side of the central portion, and the end portion of the tension member is fastened to the damp block.

In some example arrangements, the reinforcement bar may comprise a U-shaped steel bar for reinforcing concrete, the flange includes at least two through-holes, each for receiving a respective arm of the reinforcement bar. Some example fence post assemblies may include at least two reinforcement bars, the fence post comprising a pair of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of the central portion, each flange including at least one through-hole for receiving one of the reinforcement bars.

In some example arrangements, the stabilisation plate can be fastened to an end of the fence post.

In some examples offence post assemblies comprising a reinforcement member and / or a stabilisation member that can be attached to the end portion of the fence post, the end portion may be mountable in a base comprising or consisting essentially of concrete or cement. In some examples, the settable material may comprise or consist of precursor material for concrete or cement, which may be in the form of a slurry including water. As used herein, 'settable material’ can be provided in a form that can be moulded, or poured, around the end portion of the fence post, and the settable material can set; some settable materials may behave as substantially plastic or liquid material. As used herein, 'setting' of settable material may include drying, and / or curing, and / or hardening, and / or solidification. For example, a hole may be provided in the ground, the end portion inserted into the hole and the settable material poured into the hole.

The stabilisation member may comprise a plate body, having a plate-like portion, comprising an attachment means for attaching the stabilisation plate to the end of the end portion of the fence post, the plate-like portion arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fence post.

In some example arrangements, the central portion of the fence post may comprise a pair of side walls,, each connecting a respective flange to a respective opposite side of a base wall, the side walls defining an included angle of 10° to 30°; this may allow the boss side of one fence post to be inserted into, and in contact with, the trough side of an adjacent fence post in a stack of fence posts.

In some examples, the fence post, and / or the clamp plate and the tension member, may comprise or consist essentially of a steel alloy, such as a grade of stainless steel.

In some example arrangements, the fence post assembly may include an elongate cover panel, configured such that the cover panel can fit over the fence post to substantially conceal a side of the fence post. For example, the cover panel may be configured to fit over, and / or to receive, the boss side of the central portion of the fence post; and may fit against respective sides of each flange. The cover panel may comprise or consist essentially of wood material.

Example arrangements of electricity supply and distribution systems and methods will be described with reference to the appended drawings, of which:

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of part of an example fence post assembly assembled as in use, including an example holder clip attached to an example fence post, and a cross-beam mounted onto the holder dip;

Fig. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of the example holder clip;

Fig. 1C shows a perspective view of part of the example fence post assembly, showing the example holder clip detached from the example fence post;

Fig. ID shows a perspective view of part of the example fence post assembly, showing the example holder clip attached to the example fence post;

Fig. IE shows a perspective view of part of the example fence post assembly, showing the example holder clip attached to the example fence post;

Fig. IF shows a perspective view of part of the example fence post assembly, showing the example holder clip detached from the example fence post;

Fig. 2A shows a schematic perspective drawing of an example fence post assembly in assembled state, as part of an example fence system;

Fig. 2B shows the example fence post assembly in a partly assembled state, as part of a fence system in a partly non-assembled state;

Fig. 2C shows a schematic perspective view of an example fence post (top), a top view of a portion of the example fence post (centre), and a transverse cross-section view through the example fence post (bottom);

Fig. 2D shows a schematic transverse cross-section view of an example arrangement of an example clamp mechanism and fence post, including end portions of a pair of gravel boards damped to the fence post (the view is from the ground upwards, towards a fence panel);

Fig. 3A shows a schematic perspective view of an example fence post assembly in assembled state, as part of an assembled fence system;

Fig. 3B shows a schematic transverse cross-section view of an example arrangement of an example clamp mechanism and fence post, including end portions of a pair of gravel boards clamped to the fence post (the view is from the ground upwards, towards a fence panel);

Fig, 3C shows a magnified exploded schematic perspective view of an example arrangement of the clamp mechanism and fence post, including end portions of a pair of gravel boards, a cross-beam and fence panels;

Fig. 4A shows an exploded schematic perspective view of an example arrangement of a ciamp mechanism and fence post, including an end portion of a gravel board and part of a fence panel;

Fig. 48 shows a schematic top view of an example clamp plate (top), a transverse crosssection through the example clamp plate (centre), and top and longitudinal crosssection views of an example clamp block (bottom);

Fig, 4C shows a schematic perspective view of part of an example fence post assembly, assembled as in use, as part of an assembled fence system;

Fig. 5A shows a schematic perspective view of an end portion of an example fence post assembly, including two example U-shaped reinforcement bars and an example stabilisation plate, attached to the end of the fence post as in use;

Fig. 5B shows a schematic perspective view of an end portion of the example fence post assembly, showing the example reinforcement bars and stabilisation plate nonattached;

Fig. 6A shows a schematic transverse cross-section view of an example fence post;

Fig. 6B shows a schematic top view of an end portion of an example fence post;

Fig. 6C shows a schematic transverse cross-section view of a single stack of five example fence posts; and

Fig. 6D shows a schematic transverse cross-section view of multiple stacks of example fence posts, arranged for storage or transport,

With reference to Figs. 1A to IF, an example fence post assembly may comprise a fence post 100 and a holder clip 200 for supporting a cross-beam 150 temporarily, while a user fastens an end portion of the cross-beam 150 to the fence post 100 and potentially to a neighbouring fence post (not shown). In this particular example, the holder clip 200 comprises a pair of rounded projections 210A, 210B from opposite sides of a holder body 230, and respective slots 220A, 220B formed between respective flanges 221A, 221B and a raised portion 234 of the holder body 230, the flanges bent backwards from opposite sides of the raised portion 234 to form the respective slots 220A, 220B. Each of the slots 220A, 220B is configured for receiving a flange 122A, 122B of the fence post 100, depending on which side of the holder clip 200 is attached to a flange. The projections 210A, 210B of the holder clip 200, and the holes 121 in the fence post flanges 122A, 122B are configured such that a projection 210A, 210B can be inserted into a hole 121 to support the holder clip 200 against dropping from the fence post 100 under gravity, particularly when loaded with the cross-beam 150. In this example, each projection 210A, 210B extends from a plate-like region of the holder body 230 and has a breadth slightly less, or substantially equal to, than the diameter of the through-holes 121, and a semi-circular end. A top bearing surface 232 is formed by an end of the of the plate-like region of the holder body 230, and includes serrations for retaining the cross-beam 150 against sliding off the bearing surface 232 when supported against it 232, as shown in Fig. 1A.

When a fence system comprising the example fence post 100 is being assembled by a user, and the user is fastening opposite end portions of the cross-beam 150 to respective neighbouring fence posts 100 (of which one is shown in Figs. 1A to IF), respective example holder clips 200 may be used to support each of the end portion until the cross-beam 150 has been fastened to the fence posts 100. An example holder clip 200 can be attached to an example fence post 100 by inserting one of the projections 210A, 210B into a hole 121 in one of the flanges 122A, 122B, and lowering the holder body 230 towards the fence post 100 such that the slot 220A, 220B receives the flange 122A, 122B; in other words, the flange 122A, 122B is inserted into the slot 220A, 220B on the same side of the holder body 230 as the projection 210A, 210B inserted into the hole 121. The holder clip 200 can thus be stabilised against lateral movement perpendicular to the flange 122A, 122B; the combined effects of the inserted projection 210A, 210B and the slot 220A, 220B is to fasten the holder clip to the fence post 100, so that an end portion of the cross-beam 150 can be supported on the bearing surface 232 of the holder clip 200. When the cross-beam 150 has been fastened directly to the fence post 100, then the holder clip 200 can be detached from the fence post 110 and reattached at a different position, for supporting a different cross-beam.

With reference to Figs. 2A to 2D, an example fence post assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of steel fence posts 100 and respective clamp mechanisms 140 for fastening a plurality of gravel boards 130A, 130B to the fence posts. The gravel boards 130A, 130B, which may comprise concrete, may be for spacing wooden fence panels 110 apart from the ground (not shown) when the fence is installed. Each of the fence posts 100 comprises a respective end portion having a sufficient length to extend substantially beyond the fence panels 110 and the gravel boards 130A, 130B, into a base (not shown) when the fence is installed. For example, when installed, a respective end portion of each fence post 100 may extend downwards into a respective concrete block (not shown). Respective end portions of each of the gravel boards 130A, 130B are shown fastened to the centre fence post 100 by the damp mechanism 140, the respective ends being spaced apart by a gap (not visible in Figs, 2A and 2B) that is covered by a clamp plate 142 of the damp mechanism 140.

With particular reference to Figs, 2C and 2D, the example fence post 100 comprises a pair of substantially coplanar flanges 122A, 1228 extending laterally from a central portion 124. The central portion 124 is generally U-shaped, comprising a pair of substantially planar, inwardly-tapering side walls opposite each other, connected to each other by a substantially planar base wall, the side walls and base wall forming a boss side 126 of the central portion 124, extending away from the flanges 122A, 122B. Thus, the central portion comprises a channel formation, having a trough side 125 opposite the boss side 126. In this example, the base wall includes a through-hole (not visible in this view) for receiving a bolt (tension member) 144 of the damp mechanism 140; and each of the flanges 122A, 122B includes two rows of holes 121 arranged longitudinally, substantially parallel to the central portion 124, The holes 121 in each raw are spaced apart equidistantly, the holes 121 of one row being staggered in relation to the holes 121 of the other row, along substantially the entire length of each flange 122A, 1228,

With particular reference to Fig. 2D, the example clamp mechanism 140 is fastened to the fence post 100, clamping end portions of the gravel boards 130A, 130B to the fence post 100. The bolt 144 of the clamp mechanism 140 has a threaded end portion inserted through the through-hole in the base wall of the central portion 124 of the fence post 100, and fastened to the fence post 100 by means of a nut 146 and washer. An opposite end of the bolt 144 has a bolt head and passes through a hole in the clamp plate 142, which abuts respective end areas of respective outer faces 132A, 132B of each gravel board 130A, 130B. As the nut 146 is tightened, the respective end portion of each gravel board 130A, 130B is damped by the clamp plate 142 against a front surface of a respective flange 122A, 122B of the fence post 100, placing the bolt 144 in tension. The respective ends of each gravel board 130A, 130B are spaced apart by a gap G, which is covered and substantially concealed by the clamp plate 142. In this particular example, the fence post 100 is located on one side of the gravel boards 130A, 130B; it may be said that the gravel boards 130A, 130B are placed in front of the fence post 100, the central portion 124 of the fence post

100 extending away from a rear side of the gravel boards 130A, 130B, and the apex surface 5 126 of the fence post 100 being remote from the gravel boards 130A, 1308. In this particular example arrangement, an elongate wooden cover 160 is positioned over the central portion 124 of the fence post 100 and against the rear surfaces of the flanges 122A, 122B of the fence post 100, to substantially conceal most of the fence post 100. A bottom end of the fence panel 110, comprising a plurality of wooden boards, will be spaced apart from the ground by the gravel boards 130A, 130B, and is visible in Fig. 2D.

Figs. 3Ato 3C illustrate another example arrangement of the fence post assembly, in which the respective end portions of each gravel board 130A, 130B are clamped to the rear surface of the respective flanges 120A, 120B, so that the central portion 124 of the fence post intrudes directly between the ends of the gravel boards 130A, 130B, which are spaced apart by a gap G. In this particular example, the clamp plate 142 includes a pair of flanges extending from a central portion, the respective flanges being clamped against respective end surface portions of each gravel board 130A, 130B, and the central portion intruding between the ends of the gravel boards 130A, 1308. In this example arrangement, the boss side 126 of the central portion of the fence post 100 faces towards the damp plate 142, intruding into the gap G between the ends of the gravel boards 130A, 130B. A wooden cover 160 can be placed against the front surfaces of the flanges 122A, 122B of the fence post 100 to substantially conceal the fence post 100 from a front view.

Fig. 4A to 4C illustrate another example arrangement of an example fence post assembly, in which the damp mechanism comprises a clamp plate 142, a bolt 144, a nut 146 and a damp block 148. With particular reference to Fig. 4B, the example clamp plate 142 may comprise a pair of substantially coplanar flanges 141A, 1418 extending laterally from a central portion 143, which includes a central through-hole 145 for receiving the bolt 144.

In this particular example, the damp plate 142 indudes a generally U-shaped channel having a substantially planar base wall that is elevated from the plane of the flanges 141A, 141B by side walls. The clamp block 148 includes a through-hole 149 for receiving an end portion of the bolt 144, and has tapered sides, configured for fitting into the trough side of the central portion of the example fence post 100.

With particular reference to Fig. 4A, the centra! portion 143 of the clamp plate 142 and the central portion 124 of the fence post 100 can each be inserted into the gap between the ends of the gravel boards 130A, 130B (as illustrated in Fig. 3B), of which only 130A is shown in Fig. 4A. The clamp block 148 can be inserted in the trough side 125 of the fence post 100, the through-hole in the base wall of the central portion 143 of the clamp plate 142, being axially aligned with the hole in the clamp block 148 so that the bolt 144 can pass through both, and the nut 146 fastened to the threaded end portion of the bolt 144. Thus, the gravel boards 130A, 130B can be clamped to rear surfaces of the fence post flanges 122A, 122B, the bolt 144 being in tension and the clamp block 148 being in compression.

With reference to Figs. 5A and SB, an example fence post assembly comprises a fence post 100, two reinforcement U-bars 300, and a stabilising end-plate 400. A proximal end portion of the fence post 100 is shown, comprising a pair of substantially coplanar flanges 122A, 122B extending laterally from opposite sides of a central portion 124 of the fence post 100. In this example, the central portion 124 is formed as a channel structure, having a trough side and an opposite boss side, and both flanges may extend along the entire length of the fence post 100. In this example, a plurality of markings 129 on the fence post 100 may indicate the axial position along the fence post 100. Each of the flanges 122A, 122 includes two columns of staggered through-holes 121, the through-holes in each column being substantially equidistant from each other and extending to proximate the end of the fence post 100. Each U-bar 300 may consist essentially of steel for reinforcing concrete, and have a pair of parallel arms 310 connected by an arcuate portion 320, each configured for insertion in a through-hole 121 in a flange 122A, 122B. The end-plate 400 can be attached to the proximal end of the fence post 100 by means of brackets 410.

When a fence is being installed, a respective hole may be prepared in the ground (not shown) for installing each fence post 100, and the respective end portion of each fence post 100 can be inserted into the hole, the U-bars 300 inserted into through-holes 121 in the end portion, and the end-plate 400 fastened to the proximal end of the fence post 100. Wet concrete or cement, or other suitable material in fluid form that is capable of setting to provide a solid base, can be poured into the hole, enveloping the end portion, the Ubars 300 and the end-plate 400. The end-plates 400 may stabilise the fence post 100 against sinking or tilting into soft ground while the wet concrete or cement is wet, and the U-bars 300 may reinforce the concrete or cement once it has dried and set.

With reference to Figs. 6A to 6D, example fence posts 100 comprises a pair of substantially coplanar flanges 122A, 122B extending from a central portion 124, which comprises a channel structure having a trough side 125 and an opposite boss side 126. In the particular example illustrated, each flange 122A, 1228 includes two rows of through-holes 121, equally spaced apart from each other in each row by a spacing d of about 25 mm, each through-hole having a diameter of about 6.5 mm. The central portion 124 has planar side walls 127A, 1278 connecting each flange 122A, 122B with a base wall 127, the side walls 127A, 1278 tapering inwards, defining an included angle Θ of about 16° between themselves. The spacing W1 between the inner boundaries of the flanges 122A, 1228 may be about 43 mm, the width W2 of the base wall 127 may be about 31 mm, and the perpendicular spacing H between the plane of the base wall 127 and the plane of the flanges 122A, 122B be about 45 mm (the base wall 127 being substantially parallel with the flanges 122A, 1228). The spacing W3 between the outer edges of the flanges 122A, 1228 may be about 90 mm, and in this example, the flanges 122A, 122B, the side walls and 127A, 127B and the base wall have substantially the same thickness of about 3 mm.

In another example, the spacing W1 between the inner boundaries of the flanges 122A, 122B may be about 23.6 mm, the width W2 of the base wall 127 may be about 20 mm, and the base wall 127 may be laterally spaced apart from the plane of the flanges 122A, 122B by about 38 mm (the base wall 127 being substantially parallel with the flanges 122A,

122B). The spacing W3 between outer edges of the flanges 122A_; 122B may be about 95 mm.

With reference to Figs. 6C and 6D, example fence posts 100 can be stacked on top of one another for storage and transport, bound by a wrapper 500. The shape and dimensions of the fence posts 100 allow the boss sides 126 of the respective central portions 124 to be inserted into the trough sides 125 of adjacent fence posts 100 in the stack, The stacks may be further packed into pallets as illustrated in Fig. 6D, each pallet containing a total of 100 fence posts 100, for example. Each pallet may have a width DI of about 949 mm and a height D2 of about 300 mm.

Some example fence assemblies may have the aspect of enabling the spacer beams (gravel boards) to be fastened to the fence post with greater easy and speed.

Some example fence assemblies may have the aspect that cross-beams can be more easily installed, including by a single user, since each end of the cross-beam can be supported by a respective holder clip attached to respective fence posts, thus holding the cross-beam In position while the user fastens each end to the respective fence post by means of respective fasteners. For example, the fastener may comprise a bolt or tension member that can be inserted into, or through, a hole in the fence post.

In some example arrangements, the fence post assembly may have the aspect of being easy and efficient to store and transport, requiring relatively little storage space, since the fence posts in some examples can be easily stacked against one another in an interengaging arrangement. In addition, steel posts may be substantially less bulky and / or heavy than certain kinds of wooden or concrete posts.

As used herein, an assembly of items may comprise the items assembled as in use, or in a non-assembled state, such as in kit form.

Claims

1. A fence post assembly comprising:

a fence post and a holder clip;

the fence post comprising a fin member (for example, a flange) including a plurality of holes (for example, through-holes);

the holder clip comprising a projection extendingfrom a holder body, a slot for receiving the fin member, and a bearing surface;

the projection, the slot, the fin member and the holes cooperatively configured such that the projection can be inserted into one of the holes, and the fin member can be inserted into the slot;

the fence post assembly configured such that the holder clip can be fastened to the fence post by inserting the projection into a hole and locating the slot over the fin member, and a cross-beam can be placed onto the bearing surface and supported by the holder clip.

2. A fence post assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the bearing surface includes a purchase means for resisting sliding movement of a cross-beam supported by the holder member.

3. A fence post assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the slot is perpendicular to the projection, operable to swing the slot over the fin member when the projection is inserted into the through-hole.

4. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of projections, each projecting from an opposite side of the holder body.

5. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims., in which the fence post comprises a pair of fin member in the form of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an opposite trough side.

6. A fence post as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of substantially coplanar fins, each comprising a plurality of through-holes arranged in a line and substantially equidistant from each other from a proximal to a distal end of the fence post.

7. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising:

a clamp mechanism for fastening the fence post to end portions of a pair of beams (for example, gravel boards), and the clamp mechanism comprising a clamp plate, an elongate tension member and an attachment mechanism;

the fence post and the clamp mechanism cooperatively configured such that:

the tension member can be fastened to the fence post by means of the attachment mechanism, the tension member connecting the clamp plate to the fence post while under tension, the clamp plate abutting respective end portions of each beam, respective ends of each beam spaced apart from each other by a gap, and the tension member extending through the gap, between the ends;

operable to clamp the end portions of the spacer beams against the fence post, the clamp plate covering the gap.

8. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a reinforcement member;

the fence post being mountable into a base by enveloping an end portion of the fence post with a settable material in a mouldable state (for example, pourable concrete or cement) and then allowing the settable material to set (for example, allowing the concrete or cement to dry);

the end portion comprising at least a portion of the fin member including one or more of the holes, being through-holes;

the reinforcement member and the through-holes configured and arranged such that the reinforcement member can be inserted through the one or more through-holes in the end portion, operable to reinforce the base when the settable material has set.

9. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a stabilisation member;

the fence post being mountable into a base by enveloping an end portion of the fence post with settable material in a mouldable state and then allowing the settable material to set;

the stabilisation member and the fence post configured such that the stabilisation plate can be attached to the end portion of the fence post, operable to resist displacement of the fence post within the settable material before the settable material has set.

10. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the fence posts, each fence post comprising:

a pair of fin members, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an opposite trough side;

the fence posts configured such that they can be stacked against one another, the boss side of one fence post inserted into a channel formed by the trough side of an adjacent fence post.

11. A fence post assembly comprising:

a fence post and a clamp mechanism for fastening the fence post to end portions of a pair of beams (for example, gravel boards), and comprising a clamp plate, an elongate tension member and an attachment mechanism;

the fence post and the clamp mechanism cooperatively configured such that:

12. A fence post assembly as claimed in claim 11, in which the fence post comprises:

a pair of the fin members, each fin member extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an opposite trough side;

a through-hole connecting the boss side and trough side;

the central portion, the through-hole, the tension member and the attachment mechanism configured such that a distal end portion of the tension member can be inserted into the throughhole;

a proximal end portion of the tension member attached to the clamp plate; the respective end portion of each beam positioned between the clamp plate and a respective fin member;

operable to clamp the respective end portion of each beam against the respective fin member in response to fastening the attachment mechanism to the end portion of the tension member.

13. A fence post as claimed in claim 12, in which the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp block that is configured to fit into a channel formed by the trough side of the central portion and includes a hole for receiving and fastening an end potion of the tension member;

the clamp mechanism and fence post arranged such that when assembled as in use, the boss side of the central portion faces towards the clamp plate, the beams are clamped against respective fin members, the clamp block is positioned in the channel and against the trough side of the central portion, and the end portion of the tension member is fastened to the clamp block.

14. A fence post assembly comprising;

a reinforcement member, and a fence post including an end portion;

the fence post being mountable into a base by enveloping the end portion with settable material and then allowing the settable material to set;

the end portion comprising a flange that includes one or more through-holes;

the reinforcement member and the through-holes configured and arranged such that the reinforcement member can be inserted through the one or more through-holes, operable to reinforce the base when the settable material has set.

15. A fence post assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which the reinforcement bar comprises a U-shaped steel bar for reinforcing concrete, the flange includes at least two through-holes, each for receiving a respective arm of the reinforcement bars.

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16. A fence post as claimed in claim 14 or 15, comprising at least two reinforcement bars, the fence post comprising a pair of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of the central portion, each flange including at least one through-hole for receiving one of the reinforcement bars.

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17. A fence post assembly comprising:

a fence post including an end portion, and a stabilisation plate;

20 the stabilisation plate and the fence post configured such that the stabilisation plate can be attached to the end portion of the fence post, operable to stabilise the fence post against displacement in the base before the settable material has set.

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18. A fence post as claimed in claim 17, in which the stabilisation plate can be fastened to an end of the fence post.

19. A fence post assembly comprising a plurality of fence posts, each fence post comprising:

30 a pair of flanges, each extending laterally from a respective opposite side of a longitudinal central portion having a boss side and an opposite trough side;

the fence posts configured such that they can be stacked against one another, the 5 boss side of one fence post inserted into the trough side of an adjacent fence post.

20. A fence post assembly as claimed in claim 19, the central portion comprising a pair of side walls, each connecting a respective flange to a respective opposite side of a

10 base wall, the side walls defining an included angle of 10° to 30°.

21. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the fence post is formed of a steei alloy.

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22. A fence post assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the settable material comprises concrete.