GB2601188A

GB2601188A - Fencing system and clip thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2601188A
Application number: GB2018432.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Duignan Austin
Original assignee: Donegal Farm Relief Services Ltd
Current assignee: Donegal Farm Relief Services Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-24
Filing date: 2020-11-24
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-24
Also published as: GB202018432D0; GB2601188B

Abstract

A fencing system 1 comprises a plurality of tubular metal posts 4, a length of wire mesh 6 attached to the posts my means of a plurality clips 8 (fig.5). Each clip engages a respective strand of said mesh and is inserted into one of a plurality of holes formed in two or more of the posts. Selected posts are provided with metal strainers 12, an upper end of each strainer is coupled to a post via a mounting bracket 14. Each strainer extends outwardly and downwardly from the respective post. A lower end of each strainer engages a strut 16 driven into the ground adjacent the post to support it against lateral forces. Also disclosed is a clip 8 comprising a base portion 20, a pair of legs 22, 24 extending therefrom at an acute angle defining a triangular wire retaining portion (W). Distal portions of each leg are pushed together to permit insertion of the clip into a hole, and then act to retain the clip therein. The clips may be formed from spring steel.

Description

Fencing System and Clip therefor

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fencing system and in particular to a fencing system of metal construction, and to a clip for securing fencing to posts thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common to provide fencing to enclose livestock, partition fields and for many other purposes where it is desired to enclose an area of ground. Typically, such fencing comprises rows of timber posts driven into the ground to which are attached wire mesh fencing, typically with the addition of one or more strands of barbed wire located above the fencing. The fencing is typically attached to the posts by U shaped clips driven into the timber posts. Strainers are used to support the posts against lateral forces applied when tensioning the wire mesh fencing, the strainers comprising wooden struts extending at an angle to the posts between the ground and a side of selected posts. An upper end of each strainers is typically attached to the adjacent post by being nailed or screwed to the post. A problem with such known fencing is that the timber posts and strainers rot over time and therefore require frequent replacement. Creosote and other protective coatings have been used to try and prolong the life of the timber posts and strainers. However, the use of such coatings can have detrimental environmental impact.

There have been prior art attempts to provide fencing systems using metal posts and strainers in order to provide a fencing system with a longer lifespan than the traditional timber fencing systems. However, known metal fencing systems are generally costly and typically require special tools and fastening systems to attach wire mesh fencing to the metal posts and/or to secure the posts and strainers to the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fencing system comprising a plurality of tubular metal posts, a length of wire mesh fencing being attachable to the posts my means of a plurality clips, each clip being adapted to engage a respective strand of said fencing and be inserted into one of a plurality 5 of holes formed in at least two or more of the posts, wherein selected posts are provided with metal strainers, an upper end of each strainer being adapted to be coupled to a respective post at via a respective mounting bracket attachable to the respective post, such that each strainer extends outwardly and downwardly from the respective post, a lower end of each strainer engaging a respective strut provided to 10 be driven into the ground adjacent the respective post to support said selected posts against lateral forces applied thereto.

Preferably each clip is adapted to be manually inserted into a respective hole in one of said at least two or more of the posts.

Each of said plurality of posts may be provided with a row of holes formed therealong for receiving respective clips to attach said fencing to the posts.

Each strainer may be provided with one or more holes for receiving respective clips 20 to allow strands of wire of the fencing to be attached to the strainers with said clips.

Preferably each clip is formed from a length of spring steel bent to define a base portion, a pair of legs extending at an acute angle to the base portion to cross over one another, thereby defining a triangular wire retaining portion therebetween, distal portions of each leg being adapted to be displaced towards one another to permit the clip to be inserted into a respective hole in a post, and thereafter to spring back such that the distal ends of the clip retain the clip within the hole.

In one embodiment the legs of each clip terminate in substantially L-shaped distal portions having first parts converging towards and at least partially overlapping one another and the second parts diverging away from each other to facilitate insertion of the clip into a respective hole in a post, the outer parts of said L-shaped distal portions engaging an inner face of the post to retain the clip in the respective hole in the post. The first part of each distal portion of each clip may extend substantially parallel to and opposite said base portion such that the first parts of the distal portions of the legs of each clip lie side by side, the second part of each distal portion extending at an obtuse angle to the first part. The second part of each distal portion of each clip may extend substantially parallel to the respective leg.

Preferably the length of the first parts of the distal portions of each clip are substantially equal to or less than the diameter of the holes in the posts to allow insertion of the clips into said holes. The length of the base portion of each clip is preferably greater than the length of the first parts of the distal portions of each clip.

The posts and strainers are preferably formed from tubular steel poles, more preferably galvanised steel.

Each mounting bracket may be adapted to be clamped around an outside surface of the respective post. Each mounting bracket may comprise at least two parts adapted to be bolted or otherwise fastened together to clamp the bracket around a respective post and at the same time attach the bracket to an upper end of a respective strainer.

In one embodiment each strut may comprise a length of angle bar, whereby, in use, each strut can be oriented such that a lower end of the respective strainer engages an inner face of the strut defined by the right angled sides of the angle bar to thereby securely locate the lower end of the strainer against the respective strut.

A lower end of each strainer may be secured to a respective strut via fastening means or may simply rest against the respective strut.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip for insertion into a hole in a tubular metal post to secure fencing thereto, said clip comprising a base portion, a pair of legs extending at an acute angle to the base portion to cross over one another, thereby defining a triangular wire retaining portion therebetween, distal portions of each leg being adapted to be displaced towards one another to permit the clip to be inserted into a respective hole in a post, in use, and thereafter to spring back such that the distal ends of the clip retain the clip within the hole.

The clip may be formed from spring steel, more preferably galvanised for durability.

In one embodiment the legs of the clip terminate in L-shaped distal portions having first parts converging towards, and at least partially overlapping, one another and second parts diverging away from each other to facilitate insertion of the clip into a respective hole in a post, in use, such that the outer parts of said L-shaped distal 113 portions engage an inner face of a post to retain the clip in said hole. The first part of each distal portion of the clip may extend substantially parallel to and opposite said base portion such that the first parts of the distal portions of the legs lie side by side, the second part of each distal portion extending at an obtuse angle to the first part thereof. The second part of each distal portion of the clip may extend substantially parallel to the respective leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fencing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will 20 now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fencing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a detailed view of a post assembly of the fencing system of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a detailed view of a strut for supporting a lower end of a strainer of the fencing system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a detailed view of a post of the fencing system of Figure 1 showing the attachment of the wire mesh fencing to the posts via the fastening clips; and Figure 5 is a detailed view of a fastening clip of the fencing system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fencing system 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 5 comprises a plurality of tubular steel posts 4 to which can be attached wire mesh fencing 6 my means of specially designed clips 8 inserted into holes 10 in the posts 4. The system also includes tubular steel strainers 12 coupled to the posts 4 via clamp on brackets 14 to support selected posts against lateral forces applied thereto, for example when tensioning the fencing. A lower end of each strut is 10 supported against a respective strut 16 driven into the ground adjacent the respective post.

The fencing system is made up of an assembly of such posts 4, strainers 12, clips 8, brackets 14 and struts 16 supporting tensioned steel mesh fencing 6 attached to 15 the posts 4 via the clips 8 which are manually inserted into respective holes 10 in the posts 4.

Each post 4 preferably comprises a tubular galvanised steel pole with no breaks, ensuring strength and allowing each post 4 to be driven into different ground types. 20 The length of the posts 4 may be selected to suit the height of fencing required.

Each post 4 has a row of holes 10 formed therealong, for example by drilling, at a spacing adapted to match the mesh spacing of the wire mesh fencing 6 to be used. The wire mesh fencing 6 and, wherein required, upper barbed wire strands 18 are attached to the posts 4 by means of the specially designed clips 8 that are adapted to be located over a respective strand of wire of the fencing 6 or barbed wire strands 18 and then inserted into a respective hole 10 in the posts 4 by hand, without requiring the use of tools. The clips 8 are designed to ensure that the clip is retained within the respective hole into which it is inserted and that the respective strand of wire is held tight against the respective post 4.

As illustrated in Figure 5, each clip 8 is formed from a length of spring steel, preferably galvanised, bent to define a base portion 20, a pair of legs 22,24 extending at an acute angle to the base portion 20 to cross over one another, thereby defining a triangular wire retaining portion W therebetween. The distal portions of each leg 22,24 are adapted to be displaced towards one another to permit the clip 8 to be inserted into a respective hole 10 in a post 4, and thereafter spring back such that the distal ends of the clip 8 retain the clip within the hole 10. 5 In the embodiment shown, each leg 22,24 terminates in an L-shaped distal portion having a first part 26 extending substantially parallel to and opposite said base portion 20 and a second part 28 extending at an obtuse angle to the first part 26 and substantially parallel to the respective leg 22,24 such that the second parts 28 of the distal portions of the clip 8 diverge away from each other to facilitate insertion 10 of the slip 8 into a respective hole 10 in a post 4 and to subsequently retain the clip 8 within a respective hole 10 in a post 4 when the clip 8 is inserted therein.

In use, first a strand of wire is passed between the legs 22,24 of a respective clip, such that the wire enters the wire retaining portion W of the clip 8, and then the L-shaped distal portions of the clip 8 are forced through a respective hole 10 in a respective post 4 such that the first and second parts 26,28 of the L-shaped distal portions of the clip 8 pass through the hole 10 and into the post 4, the outer parts 28 of said L-shaped distal portions engaging an inner face of the post 4 to retain the clip 8 in the respective hole 10 in the post 4. Preferably the length of the first parts 26 of the distal portions of each clip 8 are substantially equal to or less than the diameter of the holes 10 in the posts 4 to allow insertion of the clips 8 into said holes 10. The length of the base portion 20 of each clip is preferably greater than the length of the first part 26 of each distal portion.

Each strainer 12 may also be provided with holes of the required spacing to allow strands of wire of the fencing 6 to be attached to the strainers 12 with further clips 8, thereby assisting to retain the wire mesh fencing 6 in place, for example when going around bends.

In order to reinforce selected posts 4 against lateral forces applied thereto by the tension of the wire mesh fencing 6, for example at an end of a straight section of fencing, such selected posts 4 may each be provided with a respective strainer 12, attached to the respective post 4 via a respective mounting bracket 14 adapted to be clamped around an outside surface of the respective post 4, wherein the vertical position of the mounting bracket 14 on the respective post 4 can be adjusted to provide different options for positioning the strainer 12, e.g. keeping the strainer higher on the post for higher fences, such as 6' deer fencing. Each bracket may be formed from two parts that may be bolted or otherwise fastened together to clamp the bracket around the post and at the same time attach the bracket to an upper end of a respective strainer 12. Each bracket 14 can also be rotated with respect to the respective post 4 about an axis of the post to allow the respective strainer 12 extend from the post 4 in different directions to suit the shape of the fencing and/or to best support the lateral loading applied to a particular post 4.

A lower end of each strainer 12 is supported against a respective strut 16, said strut 16 being driven into the ground, such that the strut 16 is adapted to withstand tension applied to the strainer 12 via lateral forces applied to the respective post 4 and to thereby supports the post 4 without requiring the lower end of each strainer 12 to be driven into the ground or secured in other ways, for example in a concrete base.

As shown in Figure 3, each strut 16 may comprise a length of angle bar, whereby each strut 16 may be oriented such that a lower end of the respective strainer 12 engages an inner face of the strut 16 defined by the right angled sides of the angle bar to thereby securely locate the lower end of the strainer 12 against the respective strut 16. It is envisaged that additional fastening means, such as bolts, may be used to secure a lower end of each strainer to the respective strut.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fencing system comprising a plurality of tubular metal posts, a length of wire mesh fencing being attachable to the posts my means of a plurality clips, each clip 5 being adapted to engage a respective strand of said fencing and be inserted into one of a plurality of holes formed in at least two or more of the posts, wherein selected posts are provided with metal strainers, an upper end of each strainer being adapted to be coupled to a respective post at via a respective mounting bracket attachable to the respective post, such that each strainer extends outwardly 10 and downwardly from the respective post, a lower end of each strainer engaging a respective strut provided to be driven into the ground adjacent the respective post to support said selected posts against lateral forces applied thereto.
2. A fencing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each clip is adapted to be 15 manually inserted into a respective hole in one of said at least two or more of the posts.
3. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of said plurality of posts is provided with a row of holes formed therealong for receiving 20 respective clips to attach said fencing to the posts.
4. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each strainer is provided with one or more holes for receiving respective clips to allow strands of wire of the fencing to be attached to the strainers with said clips.
5. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each clip is formed from a length of spring steel bent to define a base portion, a pair of legs extending at an acute angle to the base portion to cross over one another, thereby defining a triangular wire retaining portion therebetween, distal portions of each leg being adapted to be displaced towards one another to permit the clip to be inserted into a respective hole in a post, and thereafter to spring back such that the distal ends of the clip retain the clip within the hole.
6. A fencing system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the legs of each clip terminates in substantially L-shaped distal portions having first parts converging towards and at least partially overlapping one another and the second parts diverging away from each other to facilitate insertion of the clip into a respective hole in a post, the outer parts of said L-shaped distal portions engaging an inner face of the post to retain the clip in the respective hole in the post.
7. A fencing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first part of each distal portion of each clip extends substantially parallel to and opposite said base portion 10 such that the first parts of the distal portions of the legs of each clip lie side by side, the second part of each distal portion extending at an obtuse angle to the first part.
8. A fencing system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second part of each distal portion of each clip extends substantially parallel to the respective leg.
9. A fencing system as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the length of the first parts of the distal portions of each clip are substantially equal to or less than the diameter of the holes in the posts to allow insertion of the clips into said holes.
10. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said posts and said strainers are formed from tubular steel poles.
11. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each mounting bracket is adapted to be clamped around an outside surface of the respective post.
12. A fencing system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each mounting bracket comprises two parts adapted to be bolted or otherwise fastened together to clamp the bracket around a respective post and at the same time attach the bracket to an upper end of a respective strainer.
13. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each strut comprises a length of angle bar, whereby, in use, each strut can be oriented such that a lower end of the respective strainer engages an inner face of the strut defined to by the right angled sides of the angle bar to thereby securely locate the lower end of the strainer against the respective strut.
14. A fencing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a lower end of 5 each strainer is secured to a respective strut via fastening means.
15. A clip for insertion into a hole in a tubular metal post to secure fencing thereto, said clip comprising a base portion, a pair of legs extending at an acute angle to the base portion to cross over one another, thereby defining a triangular wire retaining portion therebetween, distal portions of each leg being adapted to be displaced towards one another to permit the clip to be inserted into a respective hole in a post, in use, and thereafter to spring back such that the distal ends of the clip retain the clip within the hole.to
16. A clip as claimed in claim 15, wherein the clip is formed from spring steel.
17. A clip as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the legs of the clip terminate in L-shaped distal portions having first parts converging towards, and at least partially overlapping, one another and second parts diverging away from each other to facilitate insertion of the clip into a respective hole in a post, in use, such that the outer parts of said L-shaped distal portions engage an inner face of a post to retain the clip in said hole.
18. A fencing system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part of each distal 25 portion of the clip extends substantially parallel to and opposite said base portion such that the first parts of the distal portions of the legs lie side by side, the second part of each distal portion extending at an obtuse angle to the first part thereof.
19. A fencing system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second part of each distal 30 portion of the clip extends substantially parallel to the respective leg.