WO2013086565A1

WO2013086565A1 - Fencing assembly with clip

Info

Publication number: WO2013086565A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Joshua MAHONEY
Original assignee: Mahoney Mark Joshua
Priority date: 2011-12-13
Filing date: 2012-12-13
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

A fencing assembly including: a) at least one post (10), the post (10) having at least one flange (12) with at least a pair of recesses or apertures (18, 19) provided in the flange (12), b) at least one clip (20), the clip (20) having a pair of arms (22), the arms (22) being joined and forming a receiving space therebetween for receiving a portion of the flange (12), and at least a pair of protrusions (26, 28) on at least one arm of the clip (20), the protrusions (26, 28) extending inwardly into the receiving space, the positioning of the protrusions (26, 28) corresponding to the positioning of the recesses or apertures (18, 19) in the flange (12); c) at least one slot (14, 24) provided in at least one of the flange (12) of the post (10) or the clip (20) having for receiving a length of wire (16), the slot (14) being located between the apertures or recesses (18, 19) in the flange (12) and/or between the protrusions (26, 28) on the at least one arm (22) of the clip (20), and d) a length of wire (16) received in the slot (14) in the post (10) or clip (20), wherein the at least one pair of protrusions (26, 28) and/or the arms (22) are deformable to allow the flange (12) of the post (10) to be inserted into the receiving space of the clip (20), and the protrusions (26, 28) are adapted to fixably engage with the corresponding apertures or recesses (18, 19) on the flange (12) to retain the clip (20) and the wire (16) received in the slot (14) to the post (10) thereby securing the wire (16) received in the slot (14) to the post (10).

Description

FENCING ASSEMBLY WITH CLIP FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to fencing assemblies, and in particular fencing assemblies that attach fencing wires to posts with clips. Various embodiments of the invention relates to fence clip that allow a wire to be fixably secured to a post.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] A conventional way to build fences is to use posts and in particular steel or plastic posts with one or more flanges. A steel post that is in common use is the so-called 'star picket' which is a steel post that may have a sharpened end and three or more flanges. A 'star picket' typically has a cross-section that is a star or Y shape and has a number of holes down one or more flanges that allows fencing wire to be threaded through the holes of a series of posts that forms a fence.

[0003] When building a fence in this conventional way, the steel posts or 'star pickets' are placed in the ground at regular intervals. Fencing wire is then threaded through the holes in the flanges of each post to form the fence.

However, this method has the disadvantage of being time-consuming and labour- intensive due to the effort needed to thread each wire through all the flanges of the fence posts.

[0004] If the fence is to be constructed with barbed wire, the barbed wire is unable to be threaded through the holes of the post. Instead, the barbed wire must be manually attached to the hole of the post with wire clips that are first fed into the holes in the post. The wire clips are then twisted over the barbed wire alongside the hole in the post with the use of a hand tool. This method has disadvantages as it is even more time-consuming, labour-intensive and requires extra wire pieces and a separate tool at all times. [0005] A recent development in fences described in WO 2008/154677 A1 involves the use of a fence posts that have a series of keepers on each post. Each keeper is able to hold a wire relative to the post. The keeper arrangement includes a slot that receives a wire and a pivotable retainer that can pivot between a release position where the wire can either be inserted in or removed from the slot and a holding position in which the retainer obstructs the slot to hold the wire to the post. .

[0006] The method of using this fencing development is to set up the fence posts and then string the fencing wire by pivoting the keeper's retainer from a holding position into a release position, dropping the fencing wire into the L- shaped slot and then closing the keeper by pivoting the retainer from a release position into a holding position. There is no need for extra wire clips or ties or a hand tool even if barbed wire is used.

[0007] This allows for significant wire and labour savings however the fence posts with keepers are significantly more expensive than regular steel or 'star picket' type posts.

[0008] Thus there is a need for a fencing assembly that has posts that are cheap and easy to manufacture yet are easy, quick and simple to install. There is also a need to produce a fencing assembly that does not require extra wire to tie barbed wire to a post or in the case of 'hinge joint netting' fencing, no need for support wires or fastening of hinge joints. This leads to considerable savings in costs, materials and time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fencing assembly including:

a) at least one post, the post having at least one flange with at least a pair of recesses or apertures provided in the flange, b) at least one clip, the clip having a pair of arms, the arms being joined and forming a receiving space therebetween for receiving a portion of the flange, and at least a pair of protrusions on at least one arm of the clip, the protrusions extending inwardly into the receiving space, the positioning of the protrusions corresponding to the positioning of the recesses or apertures in the flange;

c) at least one slot provided in at least one of the flange of the post or the clip having for receiving a length of wire, the slot being located between the apertures or recesses in the flange and/or between the protrusions on the at least one arm of the clip, and

d) a length of wire received in the slot in the post or clip,

wherein the at least one pair of protrusions and/or the arms are deformable to allow the flange of the post to be inserted into the receiving space of the clip, and the protrusions are adapted to fixably engage with the corresponding apertures or recesses on the flange to retain the clip and the wire received in the slot to the post thereby securing the wire received in the slot to the post.

[0009] By providing fencing assemblies with the features described above of a clip with at least one protrusion that fixably engages into at least one

corresponding aperture or recess, a fencing wire may be retained securely by the fencing assembly of a post and clip in a quick and easy manner. This has the advantage of efficiencies in time and effort when constructing this fence assembly. Furthermore, the present invention may be used with only minor modifications to common and conventionally used flanged fence posts, such as star pickets.

[0010] The fencing assembly may include at least one pair of protrusions and/or the arms of the clip are resiliently deformable such that when the flange of the post is inserted into the receiving space of the clip, the protrusions and/or the arms resiliently deform as the flange is inserted into the receiving space until the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess, and once the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess they engage with the corresponding apertures or recesses on the flange to secure the clip and the wire received in the slot to the post.

[001 1 ] Alternatively, the arms of the clip may be deformable between an open position, which allows the flange of the post to be inserted into the receiving space of the clip, and a closed position, in which each of the protrusions fixably engage with a corresponding aperture or recess to retain the clip on the post, thereby securing the length of wire in the slot to the post.

[0012] A slot may be provided in the flange. A slot may also be provided in each arm of the clip.

[0013] Preferably, the fencing assembly has a clip wherein each arm of the clip may have at least a pair of protrusions.

[0014] Preferably, the protrusions have a cross-sectional shape that tapers towards an open end of the receiving space. For example, the protrusions may have a triangle or arrowhead shape. This cross-sectional shape allows for progressive deformation of the protrusions and/or the arms as the protrusions press against the flange as a clip is being fitted to the flange.

[0015] Alternatively, the protrusions may have a square or rectangular shape. Such a shape provides for a firm fixing of the clip to the post, and is most advantageously utilised where in a clip that is placed on a flange in an open position, and then deformed to a closed position to retain the clip on the flange.

[0016] Preferably, the fencing assembly has a clip wherein each of the two arms of the clip has two protrusions, and the flange of the post has at least two corresponding apertures (each aperture corresponding to one protrusion on each arm of the clip) or two corresponding recesses to on each face of the flange (each recess corresponding to one protrusion). [0017] Alternatively, the fencing assembly has a clip wherein each of the two arms of the clip has four protrusions, and the flange of the post has at least four corresponding apertures (each aperture corresponding to one protrusion on each arm of the clip) or four corresponding recesses on each face of the flange (each recess corresponding to one protrusion).

[0018] In an alternate arrangement of the fencing assembly, each arm of the clip may have two protrusions that are substantially parallel to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post, and two protrusions that aligned substantially at a 45° angle to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post. This particular arrangement has the advantage of giving a greater retention of the wire by the clip to the post and allows greater resistance to the removal of the wire from the fencing assembly as a result of pulling in any one direction.

[0019] The fencing assembly preferably has a wire retaining aperture formed that is suitable for receiving wire from a selection of fencing wire, barbed wire, electrically conducting wire and hinge joint netting.

[0020] In a further arrangement of the fencing assembly, the receiving space of the clip may be lined with electrically insulating material, and the slots on the flange may also be lined with electrically insulated material, such that when the clip receives the flange, the aperture that securely retains the wire is electrically insulates the wire from the post. This arrangement permits use of the fencing assembly with electrically conducting wire yet while still retaining the time and cost-efficiencies of the present invention.

[0021 ] The clip may have a pair of arms, the arms being joined and forming a receiving space therebetween for receiving a portion of the flange, and at least a pair of protrusions on at least one arm of the clip, wherein the at least one pair of protrusions and/or the arms are deformable. [0022] Preferably, the post is a star picket or a steel post or a plastic post. In one arrangement of the fencing assembly, the clip may have arms which are substantially planar. Preferably, the clip has protrusions where each protrusion on the arms of the clip is formed by bending a portion of the arm into the receiving space. In one embodiment, the protrusions are located towards the free edges of the substantially planar arms. Alternatively, the protrusions are located away from the free edges of the substantially planar arms.

[0023] The clip may be formed of any suitable material, which may include metal or plastic. Preferably, the clip is made from a single sheet of metal folded over. This arrangement allows for the clip to be made in a simple, efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0024] In an alternative arrangement of the fencing assembly , the receiving space of the clip is wide enough to accommodate a bent flange. This allows for wires to still be securely retained in the fencing assembly even if the post is slightly bent, for example, as a result of hammering the post into the ground. This allows such bent post to still be used, reducing waste and increasing efficiencies.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to a clip used in any one of the fencing assemblies as described above.

[0026] In a still further aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to a post used in any one of the fencing assemblies as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0028] Figure 1 is a side view of a post with wire according to one

embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 2a is a side view of a clip and Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the clip of Figure 2a;

[0030] Figure 3 is a side view of the fencing assembly in a final configuration with the post and clip of Figures 1 , 2a and 2b;

[0031 ] Figure 4 is a side view of a post with wire according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 5a is a side view of a clip and Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the clip of Figure 5b;

[0033] Figure 6 is a side view of the fencing assembly in a final configuration with the post and clip of Figures 4, 5a and 5b;

[0034] Figure 7 is a side view of a post with wire according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 8a and 8b are side views of an open and closed configuration of a clip;

[0036] Figure 9 is a side view of the fencing assembly in a final configuration with the post and clip of Figures 7, 8a and 8b; and

[0037] Figure 10a and 10b are a front view and side view of another clip according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0038] Referring now to Figure 1 to 3, there is shown views of a fencing assembly 30 and components 10 and 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring first to Figure 1 , there is shown a side view of a post 10 with flange 12 that is provided with a slot 14. The slot 14 extends to the edge of the flange 12 and allows for a wire 16 to be inserted into the flange 12 by the open end of the slot 14 and the wire will now rest within the closed end of the slot 14. In this embodiment, the wire 16 is a plain fencing wire; however it is considered that any type of barbed wire or hinge joint netting may also be used in this embodiment of the invention. The flange 12 is also provided with four apertures 18, 19. Specifically, the flange has two sets of apertures 18 and 19 on either side of the slot 14; apertures 18 are substantially rectangular in shape and are aligned with the edge of the flange while apertures 19 are also substantially rectangular in shape but are aligned at a 45° angle to the edge of the flange. Alternatively, only one aperture may be provided on either side of the slot. Further alternatively, the apertures may be replaced by a recess on either face of the flange.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b, there is shown side and cross- sectional views of a clip 20 which includes a pair of arms 22 that are joined. Each arm 22 includes a slot 24 that extends to the edge of the clip 20. The arms 22 are spaced apart to form a receiving space adapted to allow a portion of the flange 12 to be fitted there between. In this embodiment of the invention, each arm 22 has two sets of resiliently deformable protrusions 26, 28. As can be seen in Figure 2b, the protrusions 26, 28 extend inwardly into the receiving space formed by the arms 22, leaving corresponding apertures or recesses 27, 29 on the outer face of the arms 22. The resiliently deformable protrusions 26 are substantially rectangular and extend substantially parallel to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post. The resiliently deformable protrusions 28 are also substantially rectangular and aligned at a 45° angle to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post. The positioning of the protrusions 26, 28 correspond to the positioning of the apertures 18, 19 on the flange. [0041 ] While the specific embodiment of this clip 20 has four resiliently deformable protrusions 26, 28 on each arm 22, it will be understood that where the post has either more or less apertures or recesses, the clip 20 will be provided with a suitable number of protrusions. For example, where only one aperture (or one pair of recesses on either face of the flange) is provided on either side of the slot, the clip 20 will feature four protrusions, one being located on either side of the slot on each arm.

[0042] Now referring to Figure 3, there is shown a side view of a fencing assembly 30. In this view, flange 12 of Figure 3 is provided with a series of apertures and slots, similarly to flange 12 of Figure 1. Wires 16 have been inserted into the open end of the slots 14. Clips 20, as depicted in Figures 2a and 2b, are affixed on the flange by protrusions 26, 28 on the arm 22 of the clip 20 being retained within recesses or apertures 1 8, 19 on the flange 12 of the post 10. In order to affix the clip 20 to the post 10 in this manner, resiliently the protrusions 26, 28 on the arm 22 of the clip 20 and the recesses or apertures 18,

19 on the flange 12 of the post 10 are aligned and the flange 12 of the post 10 is inserted into the receiving space of the clip. As the flange 12 of the post 10 is inserted into the receiving space of the clip, the protrusion and/or the arms resiliently deform until the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess. Once the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess, the protrusions fixably engage with the corresponding aperture or recess to retain the clip on the post, thereby forming an wire retaining aperture between an edge of the clip 20 and a closed end of slot 14 of the flange for retaining a wire 16.

[0043] Thus it can be seen that in a single operation, the clip 20 may be affixed to the flange 12, so as to secure a wire 16 to the post 10. This method of fastening wires 1 6 to a post 1 0 is also able to be performed in a similar way with any other kind of wire, line or hinge joint netting.

[0044] Furthermore, it may also be understood that either of slot 24 of the clip

20 or slot 14 of the flange 12 may not be necessary. For example, if slot 14 located on the flange 12 did not exist, the wire 16 may be placed into the slot 24 of the clip 20 and still be able to be securely retained onto the flange 12, however the wire 16 would now be held within the closed end of slot 24 and the edge of flange 12. Similarly if clip 20 was not provided with a slot 24, and slot 14 was sufficiently long enough on the flange 1 2, that clip 20 may still be used to fasten the wire 16 on the flange 12. However now the wire 16 would be now be held within the closed end of the slot 14 and leading edges of the arms 22. It also may be seen that in this particular embodiment of the present invention, that it is the protrusions 26, 28 of the clip that predominantly resiliently deform, with little, if any deformation of the arms 22. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of this invention it may be that the arms 22 may undergo more significant deformation in affixing the clip to the post.

[0045] It can be seen that this fencing assembly 30 with two clips 20 is a specific embodiment of the present invention, and that any configuration of the flange 12 with any number of clips 20 in any specific combination may be produced within the present invention that would suit a range of fencing choices for the customer.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 4 to 6, there is shown views of a fencing assembly 44 and components 32 and 42 according to a yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a side view of flange 34 on a post 32. The flange 34 is in most respects the same as the flange 34 of Figure 1 , except that the flange 34 is also provided with an insulating portion 36 that is located within the flange 34. This insulating portion 36 is provided with a slot 38 where a wire 40 may also be inserted by the open end of the slot 38 and rests within the closed end of the slot 38, in a similar way to the slot 14 of Figure 1 . This insulating portion 36 is made of a material that electrically insulates the wire 16 from the flange 34. This allows a current to be passed through the wire 40 thus electrifying the wire 40 and ultimately providing an electric fence, while insulating the post 32.

[0048] In Figures 5a and 5b, there is shown side and cross-sectional views of a clip 42. The clip 42 is in most respects the same as the clip 20 of Figure 2, except that the clip 42 also includes an electrically insulating portion 46 that lines the receiving space between the arms 48. Figure 5b shows the bendable protrusions 43, 45 extend inwardly into the receiving space formed by the arms 48 and insulation portion 46, leaving corresponding recesses or apertures 47, 49, as seen on Figure 5a. This allows that if a wire 40 was to be placed within the open end of slot 50 and the wire is held in the closed end of slot 50 and a current passed through the wire 40, the clip 42 would be insulated from the electricity passing through the wire.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 6, there is shown a side view of a fencing assembly 30 assembled from the post 32 of Figure 4 and clips 42 with insulated portions 46 of Figures 5a and 5b. In most respects, this assembly is the same as fencing assembly 30 of Figure 3, except that the clip and post are insulated in the manner described above and depicted in Figures 4, 5a and 5b. It can therefore be seen that an embodiment of the fencing assembly according to this invention can be used in the construction of an insulated electric fence.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a side view of a post 52 with flange 54 that is provided with a slot 56. The slot 56 as above, also extends to the edge of the flange 54 and allows for a wire 58 to be inserted into the flange 54 by the open end of the slot 56 and the wire will now rest within the closed end of the slot 56. Wire 58 is a plain fencing wire, however it is considered that any type of barbed wire or hinge joint netting may also be used in this embodiment of the invention.

[0051 ] In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the flange 54 is now provided with two apertures 60. Specifically, the flange has now one set of apertures 60; one aperture on either side of the slot 56. Apertures 60 are substantially rectangular in shape but are longitudinally aligned at a 90° angle to the edge of the flange.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 8a and 8b, there is shown a side view of a clip 62 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, which includes a pair of arms 64 that are joined. Each arm 64 includes a slot 66 that extends to the edge of the clip 62. The arms 64 are spaced apart to form a receiving space adapted to allow a portion of the flange 54 to be fitted therebetween. In this embodiment of the invention, each arm 64 has a pair of protrusions 68. The protrusions 68 extend inwardly into the receiving space formed by the arms 64. The protrusions 68 are substantially square and are aligned perpendicularly to the plane of the arms 64 and are positioned at the corners of arms 64. The positioning of the protrusions 68 correspond to the positioning of the apertures 60 on the flange 54. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the protrusions 68 are not necessarily deformable as in previous embodiments of the invention. However in this clip 62 the arms 64 are deformable between an open position which allows the flange 54 of the post 52 to be inserted into the receiving space of the clip 62, and a closed position, in which each of the protrusions 68 fixably engage with a corresponding aperture or recess 60 to retain the clip 62 on the post 52. In this manner, an aperture between an edge of the clip and a closed end of the slot 56 of the flange 54 is formed for retaining wire 58. Figure 8a, in particular shows the clip 22 with the arms in an open position. Figure 8b shows the closed position after a deforming force has been applied to deform the arms 64 to their closed position. In particular it can be seen that protrusions 68 now overlap each other when the clip 62 is in the closed position.

[0053] Now referring to Figure 9, there is shown a side view of a fencing assembly 70 according to this alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this view, flange 54 is provided with a series of apertures and slots, similarly to flange 12, 34 of Figure 1 and 4. Wires 58 have been inserted into the open end of the slots 56. Clips 62, as described above and depicted in Figure 8, are affixed on the post 52. In order to affix a clip 62 to the post 52 in this manner, the arms of the clip are firstly placed in their open position. The clip 62 is then positioned on the flange such that protrusions 68 on the arms 64 of the clip 62 and the corresponding recesses or apertures 60 on the flange 54 of the post 52 are aligned and the slot 66 of the clip 64 and the slot 56 of the flange are also aligned. After the clips 62 have been placed onto the flange 54, such that the wire 58 moves along the slot 66 of the clip 62, the arms 64 are deformed to their closed position. In the closed position each of the protrusions 60 fixably engage with a corresponding aperture or recess 60 to retain the clip 62 on the post. The wire 58 is pushed to the closed end of slot 56 of the clip and is held within the wire retaining aperture formed by the closed end of slot 66 of the clip 62 and the closed end of slot 56 of the flange 54.

[0054] In yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 10a and 10b show another clip 72 to be used with a post 52 with flange 52 and fencing assembly 70 similar to those of Figures 7 and 9.

[0055] Figure 10a shows a front view of the clip 72 which includes a pair of arms 74 that are joined. Each arm 74 includes a slot 76 that extends to the edge of the clip 72. The arms 74 are spaced apart to form a receiving space 50 adapted to allow a portion of the flange 52 to be fitted there between. In this embodiment of the invention, each arm 74 has a pair of protrusions 76. The protrusions 76 extend inwardly into the receiving space formed by the arms 74. The protrusions 76 have a cross-sectional shape that tapers towards an open end of the receiving space. Specifically the protrusions 76 are substantially triangular or arrowhead shapes, and are positioned at the corners of arms 74. The positioning of the protrusions 76 correspond to the positioning of corresponding apertures on the flange. In this embodiment, the arms 74 of the clip 72 are resiliently deformable in such a way that the arms 74 may be pushed apart when the flange 52 is inserted into the receiving space 50. The shape of the protrusions 76, tapering towards an open end of the receiving space 50, allow for the arms 74 to be progressively deformed outwardly as the flange 54 of the post 52 is inserted into the receiving space. Once the protrusions 76 reach a corresponding aperture or recess 60, the protrusions 76 fixably engage with the corresponding aperture or recess 60 to retain the clip 72 on the post 52, and the arms 74 will then return towards their original configuration. The slot 78 of clip 72 aligns with a slot 56 in the flange 54 of a post 52 to create a wire retaining aperture in the manner previously described.

[0056] Figure 10b now shows a side view of the clip 72. Figure 10b shows, in particular the triangular or arrow shaped protrusions 76 and that protrusions 76 overlap each other.

[0057] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For instance, while the embodiments in the invention have shown specific numbers and shapes of the apertures, slots, protrusions and wires, there may be any number of shapes of the apertures, slots, protrusions and wires that can be made.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A fencing assembly including:

a) at least one post, the post having at least one flange with at least a pair of recesses or apertures provided in the flange,

b) at least one clip, the clip having a pair of arms, the arms being joined and forming a receiving space therebetween for receiving a portion of the flange, and at least a pair of protrusions on at least one arm of the clip, the protrusions extending inwardly into the receiving space, the positioning of the protrusions corresponding to the positioning of the recesses or apertures in the flange;

d) a length of wire received in the slot in the post or clip,

2. A fencing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one pair of protrusions and/or the arms of the clip are resiliently deformable such that when the flange of the post is inserted into the receiving space of the clip, the protrusions and/or the arms resiliently deform as the flange is inserted into the receiving space until the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess, and once the protrusions reach a corresponding aperture or recess they engage with the corresponding apertures or recesses on the flange to secure the clip and the wire received in the slot to the post.

3. A fencing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the arms of the clip are deformable between an open position, which allows the flange of the post to be inserted into the receiving space of the clip, and a closed position, in which each of the protrusions fixably engage with a corresponding aperture or recess to retain the clip on the post, thereby securing the length of wire in the slot to the post.

4. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slot is provided in the flange.

5. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a slot is provided in each arm of the clip.

6. A fencing assembly according to any one of claim 1 to 5 wherein each arm of the clip has at least a pair of protrusions.

7. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the protrusions have a cross-sectional shape that tapers towards an open end of the receiving space.

8. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the protrusions have either a triangle or arrowhead shape.

9. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the protrusions have either a square or rectangular shape.

10. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each arm of the clip has at least two protrusions, and the flange of the post has at least two corresponding apertures extending through the flange.

1 1 . A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each arm of the clip has at least two protrusions, and the flange of the post has at least two corresponding recesses on each face of the flange, each recess corresponding to one protrusion.

12. A fencing assembly according to claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein each of the arms of the clip has four protrusions, and the flange of the post has either four corresponding apertures, or four corresponding recesses on each face of the flange, each recess corresponding to one protrusion.

13. A fencing assembly according to claim 12, wherein each arm of the clip has two protrusions that are substantially parallel to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post, and two protrusions that aligned substantially at a 45⁵ angle to the direction in which the clip is to be affixed to the post.

14. A fencing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wire is a fencing wire, a barbed wire, or a wire of hinge joint netting.

15. A fencing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wire is an electrically conducting wire, and the slot in the flange and /or in the clip is lined with an electrically insulating material, such that the wire is electrically insulated from the post.

16. A clip for use with a fencing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clip has a pair of arms, the arms being joined and forming a receiving space therebetween for receiving a portion of the flange, and at least a pair of protrusions on at least one arm of the clip, wherein the at least one pair of protrusions and/or the arms are deformable.

17. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or a clip according to claim 16, wherein the arms of the clip are substantially planar.

18. A fencing assembly or a clip according to claim 17 wherein at least one protrusion on the clip is formed by inwardly bending a portion of an arm or the clip.

19. A fencing assembly or a clip according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the protrusions are located towards the free edges of the substantially planar arms.

20. A fencing assembly or a clip according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the protrusions are located away from the free edges of the substantially planar arms.

21 . A fencing assembly or a clip according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the clip is formed of metal.

22. A fencing assembly or a clip according to claim 21 wherein the clip is formed from a single sheet of metal folded over.

23. A fencing assembly or a clip according to any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein the clip is formed of plastic.

24. A post for use with a fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the post having at least one flange with at least a pair of recesses or apertures provided in the flange, and at least one slot provided in the flange of the post for receiving a length of wire, the slot being located between the apertures or recesses in the flange.

25. A fencing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or a post according to claim 24, wherein the post is a star picket.

26. A fencing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, or a post according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the post is a steel post.