FENCE POST

Priority Cross-Reference

[0001] The present application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application 2022902362 filed 18 August 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to fence posts, fences formed by fence posts and fencing systems. The invention particularly relates to fence posts for supporting fencing wire in an agricultural or rural setting. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not necessarily limited to this application and might also be used in other types of fencing such as metropolitan fencing, roadside fencing and pedestrian fencing.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Rural fencing systems typically include longitudinal strands of steel fencing wire (for example, plain wire or barbed wire) strung along a series of fence posts. Fencing systems for rural applications may include wooden fence posts in which case fencing wire is typically secured to the wooden post via a fixing clip such as a U-nail or similar. A drawback of this type of fencing system is the use of fixing clips such as U-nails is time consuming during assembly in that each fixing clip must be manually hammered into the post. Where disassembly or modification of the fence is required, the removal of the fixing clip is also time consuming.

[0005] Alternatively, rural fencing systems can include steel fence posts commonly known as fence pickets which may include Y-shaped pickets known as star pickets or T-shaped pickets known as T-posts. Steel fence posts are usually provided with a series of spaced holes along their length to enable strands of fence wire to be secured to the post, typically via a separate short length of wire fed through the picket opening and used as a tie around the fencing wire. A drawback to the use of wire ties is that installation and removal of fencing wire is relatively labour intensive and can require special tools.

[0006] In view of these drawbacks, slotted fence pickets have been developed which include a number of wire-retaining slots along a length of the picket that are open through an edge of the picket for insertion of wire. A wire may be selectively located within the slot and removed from the slot after the picket has been installed in the ground and without requiring each picket to be subsequently ‘threaded’ with fence wire. Furthermore, slotted fence pickets are significantly more convenient during disassembly of a fencing system in that they do not require removal of a U-clip as is the case with wooden fence posts.

[0007] One example of a slotted fence picket is provided in international patent publication WO/2008/154677 and in which a movable clip is configured to open or close each slot allowing a fence wire to be selectively located or removed from the slot. A drawback of fence picket configurations having movable clips is the added cost and complexity of manufacture as well as added potential for movable components to fail.

[0008] Another example slotted fence post is provided in Australian patent application AU2008100898 which discloses a star picket with a convoluted slot configured to receive and retain a fence wire. A drawback with this configuration is that fence wire, particularly unstrained fence wire (for example, unstrained due to wires becoming accidentally severed or a fence being knocked over) can potentially move out of the slot and cause the wire to become disconnected from the post.

Summary of Invention

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative fence post which provides an improvement over existing posts and/or which provides an alternative choice for consumers. [0010] According to the present invention there is provided, a fence post for supporting a strand of fencing wire, the fence post having a longitudinal post axis and including: at least one web extending outwardly from the post axis; a strand opening extending through opposite sides of the web for receiving and retaining a portion of the strand, the strand opening including a strand accommodating portion and an open-ended mouth leading to the strand accommodating portion for inserting and removing the strand portion into and from the strand accommodating portion, the mouth being defined by upper and lower surfaces that have a slanted configuration, slanting from one of the opposite sides of the web to the other of the opposite sides of the web and including a slanting mouth axis extending through the opposite sides of the web and forming an acute angle with the post axis, the mouth configured to permit insertion and removal of the strand portion through the mouth and into the strand accommodating portion upon substantial alignment of the strand portion with the mouth axis.

[0011] The fence post of the present invention is advantageously provided a fencing wire strand opening configured to reduce or prevent instances of fencing wire becoming unintentionally disengaged with the fence post. The configuration of the strand opening includes no moving parts. The strand opening may therefore be produced at lower cost and/or with more reliable strand retention as compared to some existing designs with movable clips and locking mechanisms.

[0012] The strand opening is further advantageous in that the insertion and removal angle of the strand is non-parallel with the ordinary, in use, generally horizontal strand orientation. This is distinct from configurations such as AU2008100898 wherein a fence wire may be disengaged from the fence post with only translational (up, down, left, right) movement which can occur whilst the fencing wire is still strung taught.

[0013] In contrast, from this configuration, insertion and removal of the strand portion through the mouth of the strand opening therefore requires selective alignment of the strand portion with the mouth axis. Consequentially, engagement and disengagement of the strand portion with a fence post of the present invention requires the strand portion to be deliberately misaligned with the, in use, axis of the strand and which is typically perpendicular with the fence post axis. The instance of unintentional disengagement is thereby reduced and particularly when tension is maintained throughout the wire. When strung under tension, bending the strand portion into alignment with the mouth axis in order to permit removal through the mouth requires a particularly deliberate application of force to the section of wire captured or located within the strand opening. Moreover, the mouth may be configured so as to require a high degree of alignment accuracy to permit strand removal and which is unlikely to be achieved without deliberate human intervention. That is, the mouth may have a dimension that is similar to the diameter of the strand so that the strand is a close fit through the mouth.

[0014] Once inserted through the mouth, the strand portion may be, in use, retained within the strand accommodating portion and in alignment with a fence direction and which is, in typical applications, approximately perpendicular to the post axis. In some applications where a fence is erected on inclined land, the strands will generally extend parallel with the land and correspond with the land inclination. In these instances, the fence direction and the strand will therefore not be horizontal. The fence direction and strand will also not be perpendicular to the post axis if it is installed vertically (as it typically is on all but significant inclines). However, mouth axis may generally be of greater inclination (relative to horizontal) than the angle of the strand. That is, despite the strand being inclined due to the inclined fence direction, the strand will still generally be orientated at a greater acute angle relative to the post axis than the mouth axis.

[0015] In applications where the fence direction is perpendicular with the post axis, the fence direction forms an acute angle with the mouth axis that is a complementary angle to the acute angle between the mouth axis and the post axis. Whilst aligned with the fence direction and located in the strand accommodating portion, the strand portion is misaligned with the mouth axis and is therefore retained against removal through the mouth.

[0016] In this regard, an embodiment of the invention provides that the strand portion is, in use, aligned with a fence direction in which the strand portion is retained within the strand accommodating portion and in which the strand portion is retained against removal through the mouth. The strand accommodating portion may also act to support the strand portion in that the strand portion may seat or rest upon part of the strand accommodating portion.

[0017] The mouth axis may therefore be orientated between the post axis and the fence direction. For example, the mouth axis may form a 30 degree angle with the post axis and consequentially form, in use, a 60 degree angle with the fence direction in applications where the fence direction and post axis are perpendicular. In a particular form of the invention, the mouth axis is orientated at between 30 to 60 degrees relative the post axis. More particular, the mouth axis may be provided at an angle of 50 degrees relative to the post axis.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower faces oppose each other. In a particular form of the invention, each of the opposing faces is slanted with respect to the post axis. In an embodiment, each of the opposing faces are generally parallel with each other. Each of the opposing faces may be generally planar. Each of the opposing faces may be planar and parallel with the mouth axis.

[0019] In an embodiment, the mouth has a width direction perpendicular to the mouth axis and the opposing faces are spaced from one another in the width direction by a mouth width. The width of the mouth may therefore be equal to the spacing between the opposing faces. The parallel arrangement of the upper and lower faces may provide a mouth of consistent or non-variable width.

[0020] It will be appreciated that the term ‘mouth axis’ is intended to give a general angle of inclination of the mouth with respect to the post axis. The mouth axis may be generally determined by the angle of the upper and lower mouth faces. For example, the mouth axis may extend equidistantly between the upper and lower mouth faces. The mouth axis could comprise a line of best fit extending between the upper and lower mouth faces. In embodiments of the invention where the upper and lower mouth faces are parallel, the mouth axis therefore extends parallel with and equidistantly between the upper and lower mouth faces.

[0021] The spacing between the upper and lower faces (and therefore the mouth width) may be configured to suit a fencing wire strand of predetermined width or diameter. The mouth width may be slightly greater than the diameter of the strand that is employed with a fence post according to the invention. For example, a fence post according to the invention may be configured for use with fencing strand of 3mm diameter and in which case the mouth is configured with a width approximately equal or slightly larger than 3mm to permit insertion of the strand portion through the mouth.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the mouth width is between 5 - 10% larger than a predetermined width of the strand. In a particular form of the invention the web thickness is approximately 4mm, the mouth width is approximately 3.3mm and the mouth axis is orientated at 50 degrees relative to the post axis. This configuration may advantageously be used with fencing wire or barbed wire between 1 mm to 3.15mm diameter. That is, the 3.3mm mouth width will comfortably accept strand portions up to 3.15mm diameter when aligned with the mouth axis. This particular configuration may retain strand portions as low as 1 mm diameter once within the strand opening and orientated in the fencing direction.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the mouth has a length direction taken along a length of the mouth and which is also along the mouth axis. As noted, the mouth also includes a width direction which is perpendicular to the length direction of the mouth axis. The mouth further may further include a depth direction which is perpendicular to both the width direction and the length direction. The depth direction may also be perpendicular to the post axis extending centrally through the web. The depth direction of the mouth may be the direction along which the fencing strand is inserted or removed through the mouth.

[0024] The opposing faces may comprise or be formed as a pair of planes which are parallel with one another in both the length direction of the mouth (i.e. a direction taken along the mouth axis) and the above-noted depth direction of the mouth (i.e. the insertion and removal direction of strand movement toward or away from the post axis). The parallel configuration of the opposing faces provides a mouth with nonvariable width and non-variable depth.

[0025] The strand accommodating portion of the strand opening allows for the strand portion to be accommodated therein and to extend in the fence direction. As mentioned in the foregoing, once located within the strand accommodating portion the strand might typically extend perpendicularly with the fence post but in some instances may be inclined with respect to the fence post. The strand accommodating portion may comprise a variety of shapes or configurations and could, for example, comprise a circular or square or elongate opening extending through the opposite sides of the web. The strand accommodating portion may be located inwardly of a front edge of the web and whereby access to the strand accommodating portion is provided via the open-ended mouth which leads from the frond edge of the web to the strand accommodating portion.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the strand accommodating portion comprises an interior slot orientated approximately parallel with the post axis. The interior slot provides a retention zone wherein the fencing strand is retained during use and wherein the strand is generally prevented from accidental removal/disengagement with the fence post through the mouth. In a form of the invention, the mouth extends in the mouth depth direction between the interior slot and the outer end or edge of the web.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the mouth includes an outer end corresponding with an outer end or edge (hereinafter “outer end”) of the web and an inner end which opens into the interior slot of the strand opening. In use, a strand portion is substantially aligned (for example by a user’s hands) with the mouth axis before being inserted into the outer end of the mouth and is pushed through the mouth along the mouth depth direction toward the inner end of the mouth (also toward the post axis) until reaching the interior slot. It will be appreciated that ‘substantial’ alignment of the strand portion includes exact alignment of the strand portion with the mouth axis but may not necessarily require exact alignment. For example, the mouth may be configured to accept a strand portion which is manipulated by the user to be generally or approximately aligned with the mouth axis.

[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the mouth is positioned along the post axis above a lower or bottom end of the interior slot and below an upper end or top of the interior slot. The mouth may therefore intersect with the interior slot at an intermediate position along the interior slot and with a portion of the interior slot extending above the mouth and a portion of the interior slot extending below the mouth. In a form of the invention, the mouth upper face is below the interior slot upper end and the mouth lower face is above the interior slot lower end. [0029] The interior slot may have a generally linear configuration. In a form of the invention the upper and lower ends of the interior slot have a curved configuration. The curved configuration may have a curved configuration of diameter approximately equal to or slightly greater than that of the fencing strand. Similarly, the width of the interior slot may be sized to as to correspond with the size of fencing strand intended for use with the particular fence post. In this regard, the strand opening may be configured in its size and/or shape for use with a fencing strand of predetermined dimensions. For example, the mouth configuration (e.g. the mouth width) and interior slot configuration (e.g. the interior slot width and the curvature radius of the upper and lower interior slot ends) may be selected to correspond with a particular size or type of fencing strand.

[0030] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the mouth axis is orientated at between 20 - 70° relative to the post axis. In a form of the invention, the mouth axis is orientated at between 20 - 60° relative to the post axis. In a form of the invention, the mouth axis orientated at between 30 - 50° relative to the post axis.

[0031] It will be appreciated that in many fencing applications, multiple fencing strands are used with each strand spaced apart along the post axis and each strand arranged generally parallel with one another. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the fence post includes a plurality of strand openings spaced apart along the post axis.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the configuration of the fence post itself may vary. For example, the fence post may be a steel fence post such as a steel picket. The fence post may be a star picket or, alternatively, a steel T-post. Other configurations of steel picket are envisaged.

[0033] The one or more strand openings (including the interior slot and mouth) may then be produced by various processes such as by laser cutting or machining or a combination thereof. In a form of the invention, the strand openings are formed by punching.

[0034] The fence post may comprise metal material. The fence post may comprise cast or welded metal material. In particular embodiments, the fence post may comprise steel or cast iron. It will be appreciated that alternative materials such as polymers and fibre-reinforced polymers might also be used to produce a fence according to present invention.

[0035] The one or more webs of the fence post may be produced using an extrusion process. For example, the webs may comprise extruded aluminium. In another form of the invention the webs may be produced by, roll-forming and/or bending and/or welding. In another form of the invention, the webs may be produced using a casting process. The use of a casting process may be preferred when the fence post is formed using high-tensile steel which can be unsuitable for roll-forming.

[0036] After a longitudinal fence post with the one or more webs is produced, a subsequent process can be used to produce the strand openings. For example, production may involve a casting or extrusion process to produce a fence post with a T-post or star picket web configuration followed by a subsequent process to produce the one or more strand openings in a web of the fence post. This subsequent process to produce the strand openings may, for example, be a machining or punching or laser cutting process.

[0037] In a particular form of the invention, the fence post is cast-formed and includes a plurality of webs extending perpendicularly from the post axis. In a particular form of the invention, the fence post is a cast-formed steel star picket. In a particular form of the invention, the fence post is a cast-formed steel star picket with including three webs extending outwardly from the post axis.

[0038] In a particular form of the invention, the steel fence post may be produced by roll-forming and therefore have a roll-formed configuration. The roll-formed process may include providing a steel sheet and rolling the sheet into a desired star picket configuration. The fence post produced according to this process may include a plurality of webs extending perpendicularly from the post axis.

[0039] Following formation of the star picket via the rolling process, the one or more strand openings may be produced in a web of the star picket. In a particular form of the invention, the web including the one or more strand openings is produced by folding the sheet folded back upon itself. The web including the strand opening may therefore have a U-shaped configuration. [0040] In a particular form of the invention, the fence post includes a plurality of webs extending from a longitudinal post axis. The webs may be configured, for example, in a T-shape or Y-shape configuration. In a particular embodiment, one web in the plurality of webs is configured with one or more strand openings and the one or more additional webs are configured without any strand openings.

[0041] It will be appreciated that installation of fence posts commonly involves impacting the upper end of the post by a suitable tool such as a post driver. In a particular form of the invention, the web of the fence post which includes the one or more strand openings includes a bevelled upper end. In embodiments of the invention where a strand opening is located relatively proximate to the upper end of the fence post, the bevelled upper end may advantageously minimise the chance of damaging the upper end of the web during fence post installation. According to an embodiment of the invention, a top surface of the fence post is bevelled to provide a slanted portion located above the strand opening and configured to minimise impact force in the vicinity of the strand opening. It will be appreciated that an alternative method of installation for the fence post to be concreted into a pre-dug hole.

[0042] The present invention advantageously resists removal of the strand through the mouth whilst the strand is misaligned with the mouth axis. Accordingly, selective and deliberate orientation/alignment of the strand is required in order to permit removal of the strand portion from the wire support opening. The mouth slot may therefore permit insertion and removal of the strand portion through the mouth only upon alignment with the mouth axis.

[0043] It will be appreciated that a fence wire strand will generally extend through a fence post in a fence direction (i.e. along a length of a fence) which is usually perpendicular with the post axis. When a fence strand is strung taught it is therefore misaligned with the mouth axis and unable to be removed therethrough. In this manner, the configuration of the mouth resists or prevents removal of the strand portion from the wire support opening whilst the fence strand is taught.

[0044] Furthermore, in the event that the fence post (or adjacent fence posts) were knocked over or the fencing wire strand was severed, the likelihood of the fencing wire strand unintentionally moving out of the wire support opening is low and would require for the strand portion to be orientated (by chance) in alignment with the mouth axis and further (by chance) to be pulled outwardly, away from the post axis, through the mouth at the exact moment of alignment with the mouth axis.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0045] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 is a view of a wire fence including a plurality of fence posts according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 2 is a side view of one of the fence posts shown in Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 3 is a top view of the fence post shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0049] Figure 4 is a side perspective of the strand opening in the fence post shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0050] Figure 5 is a front view of the strand opening of Figure 4;

[0051] Figure 6 is a side view of the strand opening of Figure 5; and

[0052] Figure 7 is a front perspective of a fencing wire strand being inserted into a mouth of a strand opening of the fence post of Figures 1 to 6;

[0053] Figure 8 is a closer view of Detail A in Figure 1 and illustrates the fence post and fencing wire strand from Figure 7 with the fencing wire strand fully received within the strand opening and orientated in a fence direction;

[0054] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic front view of the mouth of a strand opening in a post according to an embodiment of the invention and in which example dimensions are annotated;

[0055] Figure 10 is a side view of a fence post according to a second embodiment of the invention; [0056] Figures 11 , 12 and 13 are perspective, side and front views respectively of an upper part of the fence post illustrated in Figure 10; and

[0057] Figure 14 is a diagrammatic front view of a mouth of a strand opening illustrated according to a different embodiment fence post according to the present invention and in which example dimensions are annotated.

Detailed Description

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a fence 10 which includes a plurality of fence posts comprising star pickets 12 and which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. The fence 10 further includes five strands 14 of fencing wire each engaged and supported by the plurality of fence posts 12.

[0059] The fence posts 12 include a longitudinal post axis Ap extending centrally through the fence post 12 and which, in use, is upright and typically vertical. As shown in Figure 2, the fence post 12 includes a tapering end 16 configured for ground penetration and an upper end 24 opposite to the tapering end 16. The strands 14 in Figure 1 extend in (and are aligned with) a fence direction FD which in many instances is approximately perpendicular with the post axis Ap.

[0060] As best shown in Figure 2, the fence post 12 includes a plurality of strand openings 18 spaced along the post axis. For convenience, only the first three strand openings 18 are labelled in Figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality includes twelve strand openings 18 though it will be appreciated that the number and positioning of strand openings 18 may vary.

[0061] The strand openings 18 are configured for selectively receiving and retaining the wire strands 14 to assemble a fence 10 such as is illustrated in Figure 1 . As will be described in further detail below, the strands 14 are retained in the strand openings 18 whilst aligned with the fence direction FD.

[0062] Figure 3 provides a top view of the fence post 12 which has a roll-formed configuration comprising a single steel sheet folded at three positions in order to provide the illustrated configuration which includes three webs comprising a pair of rear webs 20 and a front web 22. Each web 20, 22 extends outwardly from the central post axis Ap which extends out of the page in the top view in Figure 3. Each web 20, 22 includes its own axis labelled ARW for the axes of the rear webs and AFW for the axis of the front web 22.

[0063] It will be appreciated that the angle between the webs 20, 22 may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the rear web axes A W is approximately 104 degrees and the angle between the front web axis AFW and each of the rear web axes ARW is approximately 128 degrees. The rolled configuration of fence post 12 is therefore includes a single axis of symmetry about the front web axis AFW.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, each of the rear webs 20 are provided by a single layer of steel sheet material whereas the front web 22 is provided by a double layer of sheet material which has been folded onto itself in a generally U-shaped configuration. The front web 22 is therefore approximately double the width (i.e. the thickness) of the rear webs 20. The front web 22 includes a pair of opposite sides comprising a first side 30 and a second side 32. The front web 22 further includes a front edge 38 which is also a distal end of the front web 22 and which extends parallel with the post axis Ap. The front edge 38 has a rounded or U-bend configuration formed by the folding over of the steel sheet used to form the fence post 12.

[0065] As best shown in Figure 2, the front web 22 is provided with each of the strand openings 18. The rear webs 20 of the illustrated embodiment are provided without any strand openings though it will be appreciated that, depending on the application, strand openings 18 could be provided on more than one of the webs. Turning now to Figures 4 to 6, the strand openings 18 will be described in further detail.

[0066] Figures 4, 5 and 6 provide front-perspective, front and side views of a top portion of the fence post 12 and, in particular of the topmost strand opening 12 which is adjacent to the upper end 24 of the fence post. It should be appreciated that each of the strand openings 12 positioned along the fence 12 are identical in configuration and so, for convenience, only the topmost strand opening 12 will be illustrated and described in Figures 4 - 8.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the strand opening 18 extends between the opposite first and second sides 30, 32 of the front web 22 (only the first side 30 being visible in Figure 4). The strand opening 18 therefore provides a passage in the front web 22 through which one of the wire strands 14 may extend.

[0068] The strand opening 18 includes a mouth 26 leading to a strand accommodating portion provided by an interior slot 28. The interior slot 28 has an elongated and linear configuration which extends parallel with the post axis Ap and also with the front web front edge 38. The interior slot 28 includes an upper end 34 and a lower end 36 each of which having a rounded or semi-circular configuration. As shown in Figure 4, the interior slot 28 is positioned inwardly of the front edge 38 by the mouth 26 which provides passage between the front edge 38 and the interior slot 28.

[0069] Turning to Figure 5, the mouth 26 includes a pair of planar faces comprising an upper face 40 and a lower face 42. The lower face 42 is also shown in Figure 4. As labelled in Figure 5, the mouth 26 includes a mouth axis AM extending equidistantly and parallel to the upper and lower faces 40, 42. As shown in Figure 5, the mouth axis AM extends between the first and second sides 30, 32 of the front web 22 and forms an acute angle 0 with the post axis Ap. In the illustrated embodiment, acute angle 0 is approximately 45 degrees but it will be appreciated that angle 0 could be provided at alternative values within the scope of the invention.

[0070] The opposing mouth faces 40, 42 are planar and parallel with one another and are non-variably spaced apart by a mouth width Mw extending along a mouth width axis Aw that is perpendicular to the plane of the faces 40, 42 and also perpendicular to the mouth axis AM. The mouth 26 has a mouth length ML extending along the mouth axis AM. The mouth length ML is generally equal to the front web thickness WT divided by the cosine of acute angle 0 between the post axis Ap and the mouth axis AM. The mouth length ML is therefore a function of angle 6 and of the front w _T web thickness WT according to the equation M _L = — COS 0

[0071] The mouth width Mw is non-variable in that it is consistent along the mouth axis AM and along a mouth depth MD (best shown in Figure 6) which extends parallel with the front web axis AFW that is shown in Figures 3 and 5 and extending into the page in Figure 5. The mouth depth MD therefore extends perpendicular to the mouth axis AM and also perpendicular to the post axis Ap. The mouth depth MD extends between the front web front edge 38 and the interior slot 28 and is therefore generally equivalent to the distance which the wire strand is moved through the mouth 26 in order locate within the interior slot 28.

[0072] The mouth width Mw is configured so as to permit insertion and removal of a portion of wire strand 14 through the mouth 26 only if and when the wire portion is aligned with the mouth axis AM. The mouth width Mw is approximately equal or slightly larger than a width (typically a diameter) of the wire strand 14 intended for use with the fence post 12. A portion of the wire strand 14 is therefore receivable through the mouth 26 only when deliberately aligned with the mouth axis AM.

[0073] Still referring to Figure 5, the upper face 40 has a lower edge 41 and the lower face 42 has an upper edge 43. The lower edge 41 and upper edge 42 are spaced from one another along the post axis Ap by a distance D which is indicated in Figure 5.

[0074] As the distance D is taken along the post axis Ap, in typical applications where the fence direction FD is perpendicular to the post axis Ap then the distance D is the component of the mouth width Mw which is, in use, is aligned with the wire strand 14. The mouth 26 is therefore configured such that distance D is smaller than the width/diameter of the wire strand 14 in order to resist or prevent unintentional removal of the strand 14 when aligned with the fencing direction FD inside the interior slot 18. It will also be appreciated that the distance D is smaller than the mouth width Mw in order for the wire strand 14 to be insertable and removable through the mouth 26 when aligned with the mouth axis MA but not when the wire strand is aligned in the fence direction FD.

[0075] In a particular example, the post 12 is configured for use with a fencing wire of 5mm diameter. The mouth width ML is 6mm and the distance D is 3mm. The fencing wire is therefore too large to move through the mouth 26 when aligned with or approximately with the generally horizontal fencing direction FD. Instead, removal of the fencing wire from the interior slot 28 requires alignment of the fencing wire with the mouth axis AM. [0076] It will be appreciated from Figure 1 that the wire stands 14 are, in use, aligned with a fence direction FD that is (in most applications) approximately perpendicular with the post axis Ap. The acute angle 0 between the mouth axis AM and the post axis Ap forms a complementary acute angle [3 between the fence direction FD and the mouth axis AM and wherein [3 = 90 - 6 in applications where the fence direction FD and the post axis Ap are perpendicular.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the distance D could be provided in different sizes according to different configurations of the post 12 and, in particular, the strand opening 18. It is envisaged that the distance D could be a positive value and could, be within the range of, 2 - 5mm. In alternative configurations, D could have a value of zero, for example, if the lower edge 41 and upper edge 43 were on the same level along the post axis Ap. In other alternative configurations (for example, with lower values of 0 or larger values of front web thickness WT) the upper edge 43 and lower edge 41 may ‘overlap’ one another such that the upper edge 43 is higher than the lower edge 41 .

[0078] In the illustrated configuration shown in Figure 5, the distance D may be generally found via the expression D = * tan(90 - 0 ). In a particular example, the angle is 6 is 45 degrees, the front web thickness WT is 5mm and the 3 3 mouth width Mw is 3.3mm. This provides a distance D of — sin - 45 5 * tan 45 = -0.33.

The negative value of D indicates that the upper edge 43 is higher than (i.e. overlaps) the lower edge 41 by 0.33mm. In another example, the angle is 0 is 50 degrees, the front web thickness WT is 5mm and the mouth width Mw is 3.3mm. This provides a 3 3 distance D of — sin - 50 5 * tan 40 = 0.11. That is, the upper edg ^a e 43 is 0.11 mm lower than the lower edge 41 .

[0079] It will be appreciated that for lower values of 0 (i.e. a steeper mouth axis inclination) the insertion angle of the strand portion will be farther from the fencing direction FD and which may provide greater resistance to unintentional strand disengagement. However, lower values of 6 may also require more slack in the fencing wire to enable deliberate/selective insertion or removal of the fencing strand and so the desirable value for 6 may vary depending on the particular application and/or intended use of the fence post and/or the particular fencing system.

[0080] Figure 6 provides a side view of the strand opening 18 in which the front web axis AFW can be seen extending perpendicular from the post axis Ap. Figure 6 best illustrates that the mouth 26 has a mouth depth MD extending along the front web axis AFW between the front web front edge 38 and the interior slot 28. The as shown in Figure 6, the upper and lower faces 40, 42 of the mouth 26 are not inclined with respect to the front axis web AFW and therefore the mouth 26 extends at a consistent level with respect to the post axis Ap.

[0081] Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, the insertion of wire strand 14 into the strand opening 18 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 7, the wire strand 14 is aligned with the mouth axis AM such that a portion 15 of the wire strand 14 is receivable within the mouth 26. The strand portion 15 is moved inwardly through the mouth 26 toward the post axis Ap until reaching the interior slot 28 whereupon the strand portion 15 locates within the interior slot 28. The wire strand 14 is then reorientated into alignment with the fencing direction FD as is shown in Figure 8 which is a closer view of detail A provided in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, the strand portion 15 may, in use, seat upon the interior slot lower end 36.

[0082] The wire strand 14 is then typically strung under tension when assembly of the fence 10 is completed which thereby resists reorientation of the strand 14 away from the fencing direction FD. Accordingly, reorientation of the strand 14 into alignment with the mouth axis AM is unlikely to occur except if/when selectively performed by a user in order to deliberately remove the strand 14 from the strand opening 18.

[0083] Figure 9 provides a diagrammatic front view of the mouth 26 which is similar to Figure 5 but in which exemplary dimensions are provided in order to describe the relationships between various parts.

[0084] As indicated in Figure 9, the upper face 40 and lower face 42 are parallel with one another and orientated at 50 degrees relative the post axis Ap. The front web width WT is 4mm and the mouth width Mw (i.e. the width taken perpendicularly to the upper and lower faces 40, 42) is 3.3mm. In this dimensional example, the distance D 3 3 may be found according to the expression D = —^ - 4 * tan 40 = 0.95. Accordingly, the width of the distance D through which the fence wire could be removed when in the fence direction (i.e. perpendicular to the post axis Ap) is approximately 0.95mm.

[0085] The exemplified configuration is therefore suitable for use with fencing strand having a diameter as low as approximately 1 mm. When aligned with the mouth axis AM the mouth width Mw through which the fence wire could be inserted or removed is 3.3mm. The exemplified configuration is therefore suitable for use with fencing strand having a diameter as high as approximately 3.15mm in diameter. In this example, the mouth width of 3.3mm is approximately 5% larger than the maximum 3.15mm diameter of the strand portion providing tolerance to facilitate insertion of the strand portion through the mouth and into the strand opening.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the dimensions shown in Figure 9 are provided by way of example only and that angles other than 50 degrees, web thicknesses other than 4mm and mouth widths other than 3.3mm may be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] For example, Figure 13 illustrates an alternative configuration in which the mouth axis AM is 25 degrees instead of 50 degrees. With mouth width Mw still 3.3mm and the web thickness WT still at 4mmm, the distance D can be recalculated using the formula provided in the foregoing:

[0089] It will be appreciated that the negative value of -0.77mm for distance D indicates that the upper edge 43 of the lower face and the lower edge of the upper face therefore ‘overlap’ one another and where the lower face upper edge 43 is higher than the upper face lower edge 41 by 0.77mm. In this configuration, a strand portion regardless of its diameter, could not be removed through the mouth when in the fence direction (i.e. perpendicular to the post axis Ap).

[0090] Figure 10 illustrates a fence post 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The fence post 100 is similar in configuration to above-described fence post 10 and includes an upper end 124, a tapered end 116 and a plurality of strand openings 118 which are equivalent in configuration to the above-described strand openings 18 of fence post 10 illustrated in the preceding figures.

[0091] Figures 11 , 12 and 13 respectively illustrate perspective, side and front views of an upper part of the fence post 100.

[0092] As best shown in Figure 11 , the fence post 100 is configured as a Y- shaped star picket including three webs extending outwardly from a longitudinal post axis Ap. The three webs include two rear webs 120 which are provided without any strand openings and a front web 122 which is provided with the plurality of strand openings 118. The uppermost of the strand openings 118 is illustrated in Figures 11 to 13.

[0093] The fence post 100 differs to the fence post 10 in that the fence post 100 is cast-formed whereas the fence post 10 is roll-formed. A cast-formed configuration may allow the fence post to be produced using materials with properties that are less desirable or unsuitable for roll-forming such as high-tensile steel. After the three webs 120, 122 of the fence post 100 are cast, the strand openings 118 may be produced using one of the techniques discussed above with respect to fence post 10 and, for example, via laser cutting or punching or machining or a combination thereof.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, the fence post might be produced via welding. For example, the front web may be welded to one or more rear webs. For example, the fence post may be a steel T-post with a front web welded perpendicularly to a rear web in a T-shaped configuration.

[0095] Returning to Figure 11 , the fence post 100 also differs from the fence post 10 in that a top surface 150 of the front web 122 is provided with a slanted portion 152. The slanted portion 152 may be provided by bevelling the top surface 150. The slanted portion 152 may be formed during casting of the fence post 100 or may be applied after the fence post is cast and, for example, via machining or laser cutting any other suitable bevelling process. In embodiments where the fence post is welded together instead of cast, the slanted portion 152 could be formed in the front web before or after the front web and rear web(s) were welded together. [0096] The slanted portion 152 is provided above the uppermost strand opening 118 such that a post-driving load applied to the top surface 150 (for example by a post driving tool) is not applied to the slanted portion 152 and therefore not applied above the strand opening 118. The presence of the interior slot 128 in the uppermost strand opening 118 creates a neck portion 154 of relatively thin web material between the interior slot 118 and the top surface 150. The slanted portion 152 may therefore minimise the possibility of fracturing the neck portion 154 during post installation.

[0097] Still referring to Figure 11 , the upper end 124 of the post 100 includes a Y- shaped impact surface 158 which is perpendicular to the post axis Ap and which typically experiences impact during post installation. The slanted portion 152 of the top surface 150 extends between the front edge 138 of the front web 122 and a position 156 on the top surface 150 which is approximately above or slightly inboard (i.e. in the direction of the post axis) of the interior slot 128. The impact surface 158 terminates at the position 156 and does not encompass the slanted portion 152. Consequentially, impact force applied to the impact surface 158 during installation is not transmitted through the neck portion 154.

[0098] It will be appreciated that the roll-formed embodiment of the fence post illustrated in Figures 1 - 9 could also be bevelled to provide the slanted portion 152.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0100] Where any or all of the terms “include”, “includes”, “included” or “including” are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

[0101] Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” are used in the specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.