WO2021148198A1

WO2021148198A1 - Securing device for fence

Info

Publication number: WO2021148198A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/085986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy MESSELIS; Szymon SCHMIDT
Original assignee: Praesidiad Holding Bvba
Priority date: 2020-01-20
Filing date: 2020-12-14
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: GB2591736A; EP4093933A1; CN113137116A; GB2591736B; ZA202207214B; CN214835324U; GB202000791D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a securing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, the securing device comprising a device body (1) having a first end comprising at least one fixing means (2) for interacting with a fence post (33) to hold the device in position and a second end, opposite to the first end, comprising four elongated portions (3) extending away from the device body parallel to the axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongated portions define an open-ended first channel (4) perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel (5) perpendicular to both the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel, wherein each channel is open along the side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body.

Description

Securing Device for Fence

The present invention concerns a securing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post.

Fence posts having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, extending perpendicularly from both sides of the central portion parallel to one another, are well known in the art. Such fence posts are generally l-shaped. Securing devices are then used to connect mesh fence panels comprising intersecting wires to said posts in a variety of different ways.

EP935038 discloses such fence posts and securing devices. The securing device has means for interacting with the post at a first end and a channel at a second end. This channel is intended to hold the vertical wires of the mesh fence panel and push them against the central portion of the post, thereby holding the mesh fence panel in position.

FR2824348 also discloses a generally l-shaped fence post and a securing device for connecting a mesh fence panel to the post, comprising means for interacting with the post at a first end and a channel for horizontal wires at a second end. The vertical wires of the mesh fence panel are pushed against the central portion of the post by deforming the wall of the sloping notch using the fence post.

The size of the channels in these securing devices means that a single wire of the mesh fence panel fits tightly into each channel. This provides a secure connection between the mesh fence panel and the post but requires exact positioning of the wires in the mesh fence panel relative to the securing device. Additionally, pushing the wires against the central portion of the post firmly holds the wire mesh fence panel in position.

Fences of the prior art are generally constructed by installing the first fence post, connecting the wire mesh thereto and subsequently installing the second fence post at the opposite end of the wire mesh (Post-Panel-Post installation). Additionally, the securing device must be selected in combination with the intended mesh fence panel, as the wires in the mesh must fit securely into the channels of the securing devices.

Thus, there is a requirement for a fence post and securing device that is quick and easy to use with a variety of mesh fence panels, as well as allowing alternative methods for constructing the fence.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, the securing device comprising a device body having: a first end comprising at least one fixing means for interacting with a fence post to hold the device in position; and a second end, opposite to the first end, comprising four elongated portions extending away from the device body parallel to the axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongated portions define an open-ended first channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel perpendicular to both the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel; wherein each channel is open along the side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body.

The securing device of the present invention is arranged to hold the intersecting wires of a mesh fence panel against the flange of an l-shaped fence post, rather than against the central portion thereof, as the channels are open along the side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body. In other words, the securing device is sized to extend between two flanges of an l-shaped fence post, as is known in the art, and the first end of the device body is arranged to interact with the fence post close to or at a first flange thereof, while the channels are arranged to push the mesh fence panel against a second flange thereof.

This can increase the tolerances involved when assembling a fence using the securing device of the present invention, as the channel can be wider than the wires but still push them against the flange of the fence post. The tolerance of the present invention may be ±3mm, preferably ±5mm. This increases the ease with which a fence can be assembled, as the wires do not have to be exactly positioned relative to the securing device.

Additionally, the securing device of the present invention increases the ease with which the fence post can be connected to the mesh fence panel, as it is easier to apply force to push the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges rather than against the central portion of the fence panel when the mesh fence panel is positioned against the fence post.

Pushing the mesh fence panel against the one of the flanges of a fence post rather than against the central portion of said fence post also means that the mesh fence panel can be more easily rotated. When the mesh fence panel is positioned against the central portion of the fence post, the vertical wires of the panel can abut against the securing device and hinder the rotation of said panel, particularly if the vertical wires are positioned close to one another. This hinderance is reduced when the panel is pushed against one of the flanges of the fence post.

Together, these features mean that the securing device of the present invention can be used in both a Post-Panel-Post installation method and a Post-Post-Panel installation method, in which two posts are installed before the panel is connected to either post.

By “open-ended”, it is meant that the channels are open at opposed ends, such that a wire can pass through the channel and extend out of opposed ends thereof. Each channel is also open along the entire side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body, such that the wires can be pushed against the flange of a fence post by the securing device.

The elongated portions preferably define the end of the channels by extending along one side of said end. Two adjacent elongated portions therefore preferably define the end of a single channel by defining opposed sides of said end. The elongated portions may extend from the end of the channel along part of its length, towards the elongated portions defining the opposite end of said channel. Each elongated portion preferably helps to define the end of both the first channel and the second channel, in combination with two different adjacent elongated channels respectively.

The elongated portions may be positioned at the corners of the device body. This maximises the width of the channels compared to the corresponding total width of the securing device. The securing device may therefore comprise only four elongated portions, each at the corners of the securing device body.

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

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

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

The first and/or the second channels may be sized to hold more than one wire of the mesh fence panel. This can be achieved due to the widths of the elongated portions. The widths of the elongated portions are the distances perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends of the securing device. Thus, each elongated portion will have two widths.

Preferably, one or both widths of one or more elongated portions are less than 40% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body, preferably less than 20% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body. One width of one or more of the elongated portions may be smaller than the other width of said elongated portions. This smaller width may be less than 10% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body. Thus, the width of the first and/or second channels, defined as the distance between the relevant adjacent elongated portions, may be more than 20% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body, preferably more than 60% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body. The width of the first and/or second channels may be more than 80% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body.

For clarity, the “corresponding total width of the securing device body” is the width of the securing device body in the same direction as the width of the elongated portion or channel being discussed. The small widths of the elongated portions and the corresponding larger widths of the first and/or second channels increases the tolerances when using the securing devices to construct a fence. For example, a vertical wire of a mesh fence panel does not need to be exactly aligned with the first channel before the securing device is connected to the fence post if the first channel is wider than the width of the vertical wire. A secure connection is still provided by the force of the securing device body on the wire, pushing it against the flange of the fence post along the open side of the channel.

Additionally, the small widths of the elongated portions mean that they can be used with a variety of mesh fence panels having different spacings between the wires therein (i.e. both metric and imperial mesh patterns can be used). A wider elongated portion may have difficulty fitting between wires of a mesh fence panel that are close together, while an elongated portion with a width of less than 10% of the corresponding width of the securing device body can fit between closely spaced wires. Thus, the securing device of the present invention can be used with a variety of different mesh fence panels having different spacings between the horizontal and vertical wires. One pair of adjacent elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel may be longer than the other two elongated portions. This can angle the securing device in use to improve the ease of assembly. Additionally, the longer elongated portions can slot into apertures on the fence post, thereby holding the securing device in position. This also ensures that the securing device cannot be easily removed from the fence post when pressure is applied to the centre of the device.

The two longer elongated portions may be the portions that define an end of the second channel, through which the horizontal wires of the wire mesh fence panel pass in use. Said two elongated portions may be the two portions closest to the central portion of the fence post in use.

The elongated portions may be tapered, i.e. may be narrower at the end of the elongated portion furthest from the first end of the device than at the end of the elongated portion closest to the first end of the device. It may only be the end section of the elongated portions that are tapered. One pair of adjacent elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel may be tapered. The tapered elongated portions may be longer than the other two elongated portions. This can improve the ease of construction of the fence, as well as increasing the tolerances in the device. Additionally, the tapered elongated portions can increase the ease with which the elongated portions are extended into apertures on the fence post during construction. The tapered elongated portions are preferably those on the side of the securing device body intended to be closest to the central portion of the fence post when the fence is constructed.

The fixing means for interacting with a fence post may allow the device to click into place on the fence post. Such means are well known in the art and any conventional means may be suitable. The fixing means may comprise one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges. The fixing means may comprise two or more projections that extend parallel to the axis extending between the first and second ends. These are designed to interact with holding means such as projections, hooks, apertures or ridges on the fence post, to hold the securing device in position.

A click-in arrangement improves the ease of construction and ensures that no additional equipment is required to construct the fence. Click-in arrangements are usually only used in Post-Panel-Post installation methods, but as discussed herein, the securing device of the present invention can be used in both Post-Panel-Post installation and Post-Post-Panel installation methods. The securing device may further comprise one or more grooves along the device body, perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends. These grooves may be arranged to hold a wire of a mesh fence panel. The grooves may extend parallel to the first channel for holding the vertical wires of the fence mesh panel. These grooves can be used to angle a wire mesh fence panel relative to the fence post, such that it is not pushed flat against the flange of a fence post in use. This therefore allows the resulting fence to change direction, as adjacent mesh fence panels do not have to be parallel to one another. The grooves are preferably on the side of the securing device body intended to be closest to the central portion of the fence post when the fence is constructed. Thus, the grooves and the tapered elongated portions may be on the same side of the securing device body. The grooves may be arranged to push a wire of the mesh fence panel against the central portion of the fence post.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence comprising: a plurality of securing devices as discussed above; at least two fence posts, each having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, extending perpendicularly from both sides of the central portion and parallel to one another, wherein the fence posts further comprise a holding means for interacting with the securing devices; a mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical intersecting wires, wherein the mesh fence panel extends between the two fence posts and is connected thereto by the securing devices; wherein the fixing means of the securing devices interacts with the holding means of the fence posts to hold the securing devices in position; wherein at least one wire in the mesh fence panel extends through the first channel or the second channel of each of the securing devices; and wherein the securing devices push the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges of each of the two fence posts to which it is connected.

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

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

Pushing the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges of a fence post rather than against the central portion of said fence post can also mean that the mesh fence panel can be more easily rotated. When the mesh fence panel is positioned against the central portion of the fence post, the vertical wires of the mesh fence panel can abut the securing device and hinder the rotation of said panel, particularly if the vertical wires are positioned close to one another. This hinderance is reduced when the mesh fence panel is pushed against one of the flanges of the fence post.

The fence post is preferably l-shaped. The outer surfaces of the flanges, furthest from the central portion, may be curved. The flanges preferably extend along the entire height of the fence post, i.e. the from the base of the fence post when it is assembled to the top of the fence post. A first flange may be longer in the direction perpendicular to the central portion than a second flange. The mesh fence panel may be held against the longer first flange. This can increase the ease of assembling the fence, as it increases the ease with which the wire mesh fence panel can be positioned between the flanges.

Additionally, this allows the fence to be assembled in a Post-Post-Panel method, rather than a Post-Panel-Post method, as the panel can be connected to a first post and rotated past the shorter flange of a second post before being connected to the second post.

A vertical wire of the mesh fence panel may extend through the first channel of each of the securing devices. In other words, the first channel of each of the securing devices may contain a vertical wire. Thus, the first channel may run vertically along the securing device when it is installed. A single vertical wire may extend through the first channel. The vertical wire may be pushed directly against the flange of the fence post.

Correspondingly, a horizontal wire of the mesh fence panel may extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices. Thus, the second channel may run horizontally along the securing device when it is installed. A single horizontal wire may extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices. A plurality of horizontal wires of the mesh fence panel may extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices. Thus, the second channel of each of the securing devices may contain one or more horizontal wires. The one or more horizontal wires may be pushed directly against the flange of the fence post.

No horizontal wire may extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices. A horizontal wire may rest on the top surface of the securing device, parallel to the second channel.

This demonstrates the flexibility of the present invention, in that it can be used with a variety of different mesh fence panels. The mesh fence panel will be securely pushed against the flange of the fence post regardless of whether no horizontal wire is present in the second channel, a single wire passes therethrough or a plurality of wires pass therethrough. The closer the horizontal wires in the wire mesh fence panel, the more will extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices.

Further, the narrow width of the elongated portions ensures that the elongated portions can pass between the wires in the mesh fence panel, preferably between the horizontal wires, even when they are close together. The holding means on the fence posts may comprise one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges. The holding means interacts with the fixing means on the securing device to hold the securing device in position. Such arrangements are well known in the art. For example, the holding means on the fence post may comprise a ridge extending along the height of the fence post, while the fixing means comprises one or more projections or hooks that can be pushed past the ridge in one direction but that abut against the ridge once they have been pushed past it such as to prevent removal of the securing device.

The holding means may comprise one or more apertures, while the fixing means may comprise one or more projections that can extend into said apertures. Alternatively, the holding means may comprise one or more projections while the fixing means may comprise one or more apertures.

The at least two fence posts may further comprise apertures through which one pair of the adjacent elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel extend. These apertures may be spaced along the height of the fence posts. This further ensures that the securing devices are securely connected to the fence post. Additionally, this can ensure that the mesh fence panel is pushed firmly against the flange of the fence post and can allow the securing device to be used with a variety of widths of mesh fence panel wire. The apertures may be positioned where the flange and the central portion of the fence post meet. The apertures may extend along both the flange and the central portion of the fence post. The apertures may be positioned adjacent to where the flange and the central portion of the fence post meet, preferably on the flange. This can increase the difficulty of removing the securing device once it has been attached to the fence post.

The apertures may be rectangular. The height of the apertures may be larger than the corresponding dimension of the elongated portions of the securing device that extend into the apertures (i.e. the dimension of the elongated portions extending parallel to the height of the apertures). The height of the apertures may be between 3 and 6mm larger than the corresponding dimension of the elongated portions. This increases the tolerance and therefore makes it easier to install the securing devices as they do not need to exactly align with the apertures.

Additionally, the elongated portions of the securing devices can then be positioned at different heights within the apertures, rather than having to be positioned in the middle of the apertures, thereby allowing meshes with different spacing between horizontal wires to be used (i.e. both metric and imperial mesh patterns can be used).

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

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

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

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) attaching the mesh fence panel thereto using the securing device discussed above; (c) installing a second fence post at the opposite end of the mesh fence panel; and

(d) attaching the mesh fence panel thereto using the securing device discussed above.

This is a Post-Panel-Post installation method.

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

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

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) installing a second fence post, separated from the first fence post by a distance that is the same as the length of a mesh fence panel;

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

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

(e) attaching the mesh fence panel to the second fence post using a securing device as discussed above.

This is a Post-Post-Panel installation method.

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

This method may be quicker and easier than the Post-Panel-Post installation method, as it allows a division of labour in that the posts can all be installed before the panels are positioned. Thus, one user can install the fence posts while another user installs the panels.

The mesh fence panel may be connected to the first fence post using a securing device discussed above after it has been connected to the second fence post. This increases the ease of assembly of the fence, particularly the ease of positioning the fence panel relative to the first and the second fence posts. This also increases the adjustability in horizontal positioning of the panel, which otherwise could be limited by the elongated portion of the securing device.

Pushing the fence panel against the flange of a fence post rather than against the central portion of said fence post, as in the present invention, means that the fence panel can be more easily rotated. When the fence panel is positioned against the central portion of the fence post, the vertical wires of the panel can abut the securing device and hinder the rotation of said panel, particularly if the vertical wires are positioned close to one another. This hinderance is reduced when the panel is pushed against the flange of the fence post.

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

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

This kit allows the fence of the present invention to be constructed, preferably without requiring any additional tool to connect the mesh fence panel to the fence posts.

The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following examples and figures, in which; Figure 1 illustrates a securing device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of a fence post, securing device and mesh fence panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a fence according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fence according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a fence post and the direction of rotation of the fence panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a device body 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first end of the device body 1 comprises fixing means in the form of hooks 2. The second end of the device body 1 comprises four elongated portions 3, only three of which are shown. Together, these elongated portions define a first channel 4 extending vertically along the device body and a second channel 5 extending horizontally across the device body. Thus, adjacent elongated portions 3 extend along opposed sides of the ends of a channel, with each elongated portion 3 defining an end of both the first channel 4 and the second channel 5 in combination with each of the elongated portions 3 adjacent thereto. The ends of two adjacent elongated portions 3 are tapered.

Also present on the device body 1 are grooves 6, which are arranged to hold wires therein. The grooves 6 and the tapered elongated portions 3 are on the same side of the device body 1 , which is the side intended to be adjacent the central portion of the fence post during use. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the top of an arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the device body 21 of Figure 1 , a fence post and a wire mesh fence panel. The fence post is an l-shaped post comprising two parallel flanges 28a and 28c, extending perpendicular to a central portion 28b and having curved external surfaces. The wire mesh fence panel comprises vertical wires 27a and horizontal wires 27b.

When the fence is constructed as shown, the securing device body 21 pushes the horizontal wires 27b of the wire mesh fence panel directly against the flange 28c, thereby securing the mesh fence panel in position.

Figure 2 clearly demonstrates that vertical channel 24 is wider than the width of the vertical wire 27a. This provides a tolerance when assembling the fence as the vertical wire 27a does not need to be exactly aligned with the channel 24.

Fixing means 22 of the securing device body 21 comprise hooks that extend into apertures 30 at the point where the central portion 28b meets the flange 28a of the fence post. This therefore holds the securing device 21 in position.

The fence post also comprises apertures 29 at the point where the central portion 28b meets the flange 28c of the fence post. Two adjacent elongated portions 23 of the securing device body 21 , both of which are tapered, extend into the apertures 29. This further holds the securing device in position and helps to push the horizontal wires 27b against the flange 28c, thereby ensuring a strong connection between the mesh fence panel and the fence post.

Grooves 26 are positioned adjacent to the central portion 28b, such that they can hold wires within the grooves and push said wires against the central portion 28b, if necessary.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence of the present invention. The fence comprises securing devices 31 , which connect mesh fence panel 32 to fence post 33. The mesh fence panel 32 comprises horizontal wires 32a and vertical wires 32b. One vertical wire 32b passes through the first channel of the securing device 31 , while the second channel of the securing device 31 contains two horizontal wires 32a.

The fence post 33 comprises two flanges 33a and 33c, connected together by a central portion 33b. The securing devices 31 extend between the two flanges 33a and 33c and are connected to the fence post 33 via apertures 34 in the fence post 33, as discussed above. Specifically, the fixing means of each securing device 31 extends into apertures 34 at the point at which the flange 33a meets the central portion 33b, while two adjacent elongated portions of each securing device 31 extend into apertures 34 at the points at which the flange 33c meets the central portion 33b. The securing devices push the mesh fence panel 32 against the flange 33c. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence of the present invention. The fence comprises securing devices 41 , which connect mesh fence panel 42 to fence post 43.

The mesh fence panel 42 comprises horizontal wires 42a and vertical wires 42b. One vertical wire 42b passes through the first channel of the securing device 41 , while the second channel of the securing device 41 does not contain any horizontal wires 42a.

The fence post 43 comprises two flanges 43a and 43c, connected together by a central portion 43b. The securing devices 41 extend between the two flanges 43a and 43c and are connected to the fence post 43 via apertures 44 in the fence post 43, as discussed above. Specifically, the fixing means of each securing device 41 extends into apertures 44 at the point at which the flange 43a meets the central portion 43b, while two adjacent elongated portions of each securing device 41 extend into apertures 44 at the point at which the flange 43c meets the central portion 43b. The securing devices push the mesh fence panel 42 against the flange 43c.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a fence post 53 and the direction of rotation A of the mesh fence panel 52 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mesh fence panel 52 is connected to an adjacent fence post (not shown) using a securing device according to the present invention.

The mesh fence panel 52 can then be rotated into position in relation to the fence post 53 in the direction shown by arrow A. The mesh fence panel is rotated past the smaller flange 53a so that it comes to rest on the larger flange 53c. Securing devices according to the present invention can then be used to attach the mesh fence panel 52 to the fence post 53, such that the mesh fence panel is pushed against the larger flange 53c. This therefore allows Post-Post-Panel installation of a fence.

Claims

1 . A securing device for attaching a mesh fence panel to a fence post, the securing device comprising a device body having: a first end comprising at least one fixing means for interacting with a fence post to hold the device in position; and a second end, opposite to the first end, comprising four elongated portions extending away from the device body parallel to the axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongated portions define an open-ended first channel perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends and an open-ended second channel perpendicular to both the axis extending between the first and second ends and the first channel; wherein each channel is open along the side of the channel furthest from the first end of the device body.

2. The securing device of Claim 1 , wherein the distance between at least one pair of elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel is more than 20%, preferably more than 60% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body.

3. The securing device of Claim 1 , wherein a first width of one or more elongated portions is smaller than a second width of one or more elongated portions, preferably wherein the first width is less than 10% of the corresponding total width of the securing device body.

4. The securing device of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein one pair of elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel is longer than the other two elongated portions.

5. The securing device of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein one pair of elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel is tapered, preferably wherein the tapered elongated portions are longer than the other two elongated portions.

6. The securing device of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing means for interacting with a fence post comprises means that allow the device to click into place on the fence post, preferably wherein the fixing means comprises one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges.

7. The securing device of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the securing device further comprises one or more grooves along the device body, perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends.

8. A fence comprising: a plurality of securing devices according to any one of Claims 1 to 7; at least two fence posts, each having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, extending perpendicularly from both sides of the central portion and parallel to one another, wherein the fence posts further comprise a holding means for interacting with the securing devices; a mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical intersecting wires, wherein the mesh fence panel extends between the two fence posts and is connected thereto by the securing devices; wherein the fixing means of the securing devices interacts with the holding means of the fence posts to hold the securing devices in position; wherein at least one wire in the mesh fence panel extends through the first channel or the second channel of each of the securing devices; and wherein the securing devices push the mesh fence panel against one of the flanges of each of the two fence posts to which it is connected.

9. The fence according to Claim 8, wherein a first flange is longer in the direction perpendicular to the central portion than a second flange.

10. The fence according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 wherein a vertical wire of the mesh fence panel extends through the first channel of each of the securing devices.

11.The fence according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein a horizontal wire of the mesh fence panel extends through the second channel of each of the securing devices, optionally wherein a plurality of horizontal wires of the mesh fence panel extend through the second channel of each of the securing devices.

12. The fence according to any one of Claims 8 to 11 , wherein the holding means on the fence posts comprise one or more projections, hooks, apertures or ridges.

13. The fence according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the at least two fence posts further comprise apertures through which one pair of the elongated portions defining an end of the first or second channel extend.

14. The fence according to Claim 13, wherein it is the pair of elongated portions closest to the central portion of the fence post that extend into the apertures on the fence post.

15. The fence according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the apertures are rectangular in cross-section and have a height larger than the corresponding dimension of the elongated portions extending therein.

16. The fence according to any one of Claims 8 to 15, wherein at least one of the securing devices further comprise one or more grooves along the device body, perpendicular to the axis extending between the first and second ends, that are positioned to hold a wire against the central portion of the fence post.

17. A method for installing the fence of any one of Claims 8 to 16, comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

(b) attaching the mesh fence panel thereto using the securing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7;

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

(d) attaching the mesh fence panel thereto using the securing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

18. A method for installing the fence of any one of Claims 8 to 16, comprising the steps of:

(a) installing a first fence post;

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

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the mesh fence panel is connected to the first fence post using a securing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 after it has been connected to the second fence post.

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

21. A kit for constructing the fence according to any one of Claims 8 to 16 comprising: a plurality of securing devices according to any one of Claims 1 to 7; at least two fence posts each having a central portion and two flanges at opposite ends of said central portion, extending perpendicularly from both sides of the central portion and parallel to one another, wherein the fence posts further comprise a holding means for interacting with the securing devices; and a mesh fence panel comprising horizontal and vertical intersecting wires.