AU2016203626B2

AU2016203626B2 - Post Clip and System

Info

Publication number: AU2016203626B2
Application number: AU2016203626A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lawrence O'toole
Original assignee: Infrabuild Wire Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Infrabuild Wire Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-10
Filing date: 2016-05-31
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-31
Also published as: AU2016203626A1; NZ720706A

Abstract

A system and clip (10, 50) for retaining a strand-like member (W) with respect to a post (100, 100') is disclosed. The system comprises the clip (10, 50) and the post (100, 100'). The clip comprises a body (12, 52) able to be secured with respect to the post. 5 The clip also comprises a flange (25, 65) projecting with respect to the body. In use, when the body is secured with respect to the post, the flange is able to be spaced from the post so as to define a passage (P) through which the strand-like member (W) can be passed to be retained by the clip. The flange projects with respect to the body such that the passing of the strand-like member through the passage is constrained. A method of 10 installing the system is also disclosed. 7793538_1 (GHMatters) P100005.AU.1 0 CY 90,3 131, 000 -Im CD 41 .. . 00 Wj /Y 00v

Description

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POST CLIP AND SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a clip for a post that can releasably retain a strand like member (e.g. such as wire, mesh, grid, etc) to the post. The disclosure also relates to the post and to a system for the clip and post. The clip, post and system find particular, though not exclusive, application as a trellis.

BACKGROUNDART

A trellis is a structure used to support climbing plants. A particular application of trellis systems is in viticulture to support grape vines. Trellis posts form part of such a structure, and can employ retention mechanisms for retaining wire and wire mesh/grids at the post, to help form the trellis. For example, the posts may have notches formed therein into which a wire strand, or a strand of the wire mesh/grid, can be located and retained.

It is also known to attach a clip to a post, with the clip being employed to secure a wire strand, or a strand of wire mesh/grid, to the post.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the clip, post and system as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a clip for retaining a strand-like member with respect to a post that has a circular or curved external profile. The post can form part of a trellis although it is not so limited. For example, the clip and post may form part of a fence or other structure in a variety of different agricultural or commercial purposes, etc.

The strand-like member may, for example, be wire strand, or a strand of wire that forms part of a wire mesh or grid, tape or cable (optionally an electrical conductor), etc. The

18026273_1 (GHMatters) P100005.AU.1 wire may be of metal, optionally galvanised or polymer-coated, or the strand-like member may be of polymer, or of polymer-composite, etc.

The clip may be employed to directly retain the strand-like member at the post. Alternatively, it may be employed to indirectly retain the member with respect to the post (e.g. to retain it to an extension of/from the post, or to retain it to an intermediate element, etc).

The clip can comprise a body that is able to be secured at the circular or curved external profile of the post. For example, the body may be secured with respect to the post by a fastener. The body can have a curved profile that defines a concave region that is generally matched to locate at the circular or curved external profile of the post in a mating arrangement. The fastener can extend through an aperture in the curved profile of the body so as to secure the concave region of the body at the circular or curved external profile of the post in the mating arrangement.

The clip can also comprise a flange that projects with respect to the body. The flange can be configured such that, when the body is secured with respect to the post, the flange may be spaced from the circular or curved external profile of the post. The flange can define a passage between the flange and the post through which the strand-like member can be passed to be retained by the clip.

The clip may be a unitary item (i.e. body and flange are integrally formed), or a separate flange can be connected/attached (e.g. welded, etc) to the body.

Whilst the passage is able to be defined between the flange and the post itself, it should also be understood that, when the clip is employed to indirectly retain the strand-like member with respect to a post (e.g. at an extension of/from the post, or to an intermediate element), the passage can be defined between the flange and that extension/element.

The flange can project with respect to the body such that the passing of the strand-like member through the passage can be constrained. In other words, whilst the passing of the strand-like member is allowed, typically it requires some urging or force. This "constraint" can be predetermined, i.e. so as to act to retain the strand-like member at the post in use. However, it can also allow for removal of the strand-like member (e.g. without needing to adjust, loosen or remove the clip). Such removal can allow for ongoing maintenance of a

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1 structure (e.g. trellis), for temporary lifting of the strand-like member (e.g. for crop access), etc.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the clip can be formed so as to cooperate with a strand-like member of a given thickness (e.g. gauge). For example, the clip and member can cooperate such that the member may be "snapped" into location on the post and under a flange of the clip.

For example, in a first clip variation, when the body is secured with respect to the post, the passage may already be defined adjacent to the flange. In this variation, the width of the passage may be set (e.g. it may be designed into the clip) to be slightly less than the thickness or gauge of a given strand-like member. Hence, the passing of the member through such a passage can require some urging or force.

In a second clip variation, when the body is secured with respect to the post, there may be no passage that is defined as such. For example, only an entrance to the passage may be defined. In this variation, the flange may sit closely adjacent to or may abut the post, etc. In this variation, the passage may be defined (i.e. it may arise) when the strand-like member is moved past the flange (e.g. by causing the flange to deflect outwardly). In this second clip variation, assuming the clip is of the same material and has similar dimensions to the first clip variation, the passing of the member through the passage may require a greater urging or force. Alternatively, the flange, etc of the second clip variation may be designed to be more easily deflected, such that it requires only a similar urging or force to thefirst clip variation.

As set forth above, either such clip variation can allow a user to remove (e.g. by urging or force) the strand-like member, i.e. after it has been retained at the post, without needing to adjust, loosen or remove the clip. When the post forms part of a trellis, this can allow for trellis maintenance and service, and for canopy/crop adjustment, etc.

In accordance with the present disclosure, when the clip is secured at the post, the flange of the clip may point generally upwards, such that the strand-like member may then be urged or force downwards into the clip. However, depending on the topography of the surface (e.g. ground) in which one or more such posts are arranged (e.g. sloping, undulating, etc), it may be appropriate to secure the clip such that the flange of the clip points generally downwards, so that the strand-like member may then be urged or force upwards into the clip. Alternatively, the clip may be secured at various angles with respect to the post if necessary.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

For example, when each clip is used with a respective post in the construction of a fence or trellis, a given one or more of the clips located at one or more respective posts can be secured inverted (flange pointing down) and on their own; i.e. in comparison to a remainder of the clips/posts in the fence/trellis. Such varying arrangements may occur when the fence/trellis configuration changes and results in an upward rather than a downward force on the strand-like member at a given clip/post.

In one embodiment, the passing of the strand-like member through the passage may require a relative deflection of the flange with respect to the post (e.g. either or both of the flange and post may deflect or deform). Alternatively or additionally, when the strand-like member is formed of a deformable material, the member itself may deform when it is passed through the passage.

In one embodiment, the clip, or at least the flange, may be formed from a deflectable material. For example, when the clip is of metal, a spring-like alloy such as spring steel may be selected such that, when the body is secured with respect to the post, and the strand-like member passes through the passage, the flange may deflect outwardly with respect to the post to enable the passing of the member each way through the passage. In some embodiments and applications, the clip may be moulded from a polymer.

In one embodiment, a distal end of the flange may be configured to define an out turned lip. When the body is secured with respect to the post, the out-turned lip may be arranged to define an entrance throat to the passage. The entrance throat may help to guide the strand-like member into the passage, thereby assisting a user of the clip.

In one embodiment, when the clip is viewed in profile, the flange may project with respect to the body so as to generally define a Z-shape (i.e. the flange can have a Z-shaped profile).

In this respect, the flange may comprise a base portion of the Z-shaped profile. The base portion may project at an angle away from the post when the body is secured with respect to the post. The flange may further comprise an intermediate stem portion of the Z shaped profile. The stem portion may project at an angle towards the post when the body is secured with respect to the post. The base and intermediate stem portions may combine to define a recess into which the strand-like member can be received (and be captured), once it has passed through the passage, so as to be retained by the clip.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

The flange may additionally comprise a top portion of the Z-shaped profile. The top portion may also project at an angle away from the post when the body is secured with respect to the post. Further, the top portion may define the out-turned lip at the flange distal end (i.e. that defines the entrance throat to the passage).

In one embodiment, the passage may be located adjacent to the intersection of the intermediate stem and top portions. This intersection may, for example, be formed or defined as a curved transition surface extending between the intermediate stem and top portions to facilitate passing of the strand-like member each way through the passage.

In one embodiment, a part of the clip body may be profiled so as to generally match an external profile of the post to which it is to be secured with respect to. For example, when the post has a circular or curved profile, the part of the clip body may be provided with a correspondingly curved profile (i.e. when viewed from an end of the clip body, being that end which opposes the flange).

In this embodiment, an edge of the body that is located at the clip body end may be curved so as to define a concave region at that part of the clip body. Thus, in use, the circular or curved profile of the post may be received into the concave region.

In one embodiment, the clip body may comprise therein at least one aperture. A respective fastener can extend through the at least one aperture and can thereby be employed to secure the clip with respect to the post. For example, the clip may be adapted for use with a self-tapping fastener (e.g. self-tapping screw). The use of a self-tapping fastener can, for example, allow the clip to be quickly and easily secured anywhere along the post.

Also disclosed herein is a post that is adapted for use with a clip as set forth above. For example, the respective fastener as set forth above can extend into the post so as to secure the clip with respect to the post. The post as disclosed herein may form part of a trellis, although it is not limited to this application.

In one embodiment, the post may comprise at least one opening therein. The at least one aperture of the clip body may be aligned with the at least one opening such that the respective fastener can be extended into the opening and thereby secure the clip with respect to the post.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

In one embodiment, the post may comprise multiple, discrete and spaced openings along its length. Each opening may receive therein a respective fastener that is used with a respective clip so as to secure that clip at that opening of the post. The spacing of such openings may be predetermined, for example, according to the application in which the post is to be employed. For example, when the post is to form part of a trellis, the spacing of the openings may correspond to standard wire or grid spacings used in trellis systems.

In one embodiment, and according to the application in which the post is to be employed, the post may be supplied with multiple clips pre-secured thereto, each located and spaced according to said application. For example, when the post is to form part of a trellis, the clips can be secured at predetermined suitable spacings to suit the required wire spacings for the particular crop (e.g. vines).

In one embodiment, the post is formed from a material such that a self-tapping fastener (e.g. screw, bolt, etc) can be employed to secure the clip to the post at a location other than at the at least one opening. For example, the post may be formed of metal (e.g. steel that is galvanised or painted) that can receive therein one or more self-tapping fasteners. The post may optionally be of timber or a structural polymer (e.g. a fibre-reinforced resin, etc). The post may also be hollow.

In one embodiment, adjacent openings in the post may be spaced such that a flange of one clip (i.e. that is secured at one of the adjacent openings) is able to be arranged to face a flange of another clip (i.e. that is secured at the other of the adjacent openings). For example, the adjacent openings in the post may be spaced such that the facing flanges are spaced more closely than a thickness of the strand-like member, or so as to abut. These close-facing clips can thus cooperate to "permanently" retain one or more the strand-like members at the post, such that the strand-like member cannot be lifted or removed away from the clips/post.

Also disclosed herein is a system for supporting and retaining a strand-like member at an elevated location with respect to a surface. The surface may be the ground, or it may be located at an elevated bed, planter box, etc.

The system can comprise at least one clip as set forth above. The system can also comprise at least one post as set forth above. The system as disclosed herein may be employed to form a trellis, although it is not limited to this application.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

In one embodiment, the system may comprise two or more such posts that are able to be secured at spaced locations with respect to the surface (e.g. driven or located in the ground, fastened with respect to the elevated bed or planter box, etc).

In one embodiment, the system may comprise at least one clip for each of the two or more posts. Each clip may be able to support and retain a given strand-like member at the post.

In one embodiment, the system may comprise multiple strand-like members (e.g. multiple separate wires/strands, or a length of mesh/grid having multiple strands/wire, etc). With reference to the surface, each such member may be supported and retained at a different respective elevated location (i.e. at multiple levels on the post). In one embodiment, the system may further comprise, at each elevated location on the post, a respective clip for each member. These clips may be secured before or after the post is secured at the surface.

In another embodiment, the system may comprise at least one clip for at least one post, and a given strand-like member supported by the clip at the post. Opposing ends of the strand-like member (e.g. wire/strand) may each be anchored to a surface at which the post is located. Such an arrangement can provide additional security for and retention of the post at the surface.

Also disclosed herein is a method of installing the system as set forth above. The method as disclosed herein may be employed to install/construct a trellis, although it is not limited to this application.

The method can comprise securing the at least one post with respect to the surface. For example, each post may be inserted and/or driven into the surface, or it may be mounted adjacent to e.g. an elevated surface (e.g. a planter box, bed, etc).

The method can also comprise securing the at least one clip with respect to the post. For example, each clip may be secured to the post at a location that is spaced above the surface.

As set forth above, in one embodiment of the method, the clip(s) may be secured with respect to the post(s) before or after the post securement with respect to the surface.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

In one embodiment of the method, the clip(s) may be secured directly to the post(s) using a fastener. The fastener may be self-tapping such that a clip is able to be secured anywhere along the length of its post.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise retaining a strand-like member at each clip when secured with respect to its post.

In one embodiment of the method, at least two posts may be secured with respect to the surface at spaced locations. In one embodiment of the method, each strand-like member may be secured to span between clips of adjacent, spaced posts.

In one embodiment of the method, at least two clips may be secured with respect to each post. Each such clip may retain a respective strand-like member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figures 1A to 1C show side, front and plan elevations of a first clip embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the clip embodiment of Figure 1 secured on a hollow, tubular post, and supporting a wire strand thereat.

Figures 3A & 3B show side and front elevations of a second clip embodiment.

Figure 4A shows a front view of a hollow, tubular post having multiple spaced clips secured there-along and Figures 4B & 4C respectively show front and side details of the clip embodiment of Figure 1 secured on the post of Figure 4A.

Figure 5 shows a front schematic view of the clip embodiment of Figure 1 secured on a post of Figure 4, and supporting a wire strand thereat that is anchored to the ground at opposite ends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1 departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Referring firstly to Figures 1A - IC & 2, a clip in the form of a wire clip 10 is shown. The wire clip 10 can retain a strand-like member in the form of a wire W at a post in the form of a hollow tubular post 100. The post 100 can form part of a trellis, although it should be understood that this is but one of many applications for the post and wire clip.

The strand-like member can, instead of a single wire strand W, be a strand that forms part of a mesh or grid, or can be a tape or cable, an elongate electrical conductor, etc. The wire W can be of metal, and can be polymer-coated. The wire W can alternatively be of polymer, or a polymer-composite, etc.

In Figure 2, the wire clip 10 directly retains the wire W at the post 100. However, the clip 10 may be mounted to another component so as to indirectly retain the wire W with respect to the post 100. For example, the clip 10 may be mount to an extension offrom the post (e.g. a cross-beam, strut, etc), or to an intermediate component (e.g. block, plate, etc) located at the post.

The wire clip 10 comprises a body part 12 that is configured to be secured with respect to the post. The body part 12 comprises an aperture in the form of a hole 14 extending therethrough (e.g. a 6mm hole). The body part 12 is secured to the post 100 by a fastener in the form of a self-tapping hexagonal-headed screw 16 (see Figure 4). The use of a self tapping screw can, in addition, allow the clip 10 to be quickly and easily secured anywhere along the post 100.

An in-use lower portion 18 of the body part 12 is profiled to generally match an external profile of the tubular post 100. The post 100 has a circular or curved profile, and the portion 18 is provided with a correspondingly curved profile as shown. The resultant in-use lower edge 20 of portion 18 is curved, and the portion 18 defines thereat a concave region 22 (Figure IC) into which is received the curved profile of the post. The end corners 24 of the lower edge 20 can be rounded.

When the body part 12 is fastened by the screw 16 to the post, this mating arrangement of the concave region 22 and post curved profile helps serve to better secure the

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1 clip 10 to the post 100, and also helps to prevent it from rotating around the screw 16 in use. It also means that the body part 12 need only be fastened by a single screw 16 and need only have one hole 14, rather than requiring e.g. two holes for two respective screws.

The wire clip 10 also comprises a flange in the form of a Z-profiled portion 25 that projects with respect to the body part 12. In the clip embodiment of Figures 1, 2 & 4, the portion 25 is configured such that, when the body part 12 is fastened by screw 16 to the post 100, the portion 25 is spaced from the post (see Figure 4C). This defines a passage P through which the wire W can be passed (e.g. urged or forced) to then be retained by the clip 10 (i.e. as shown in Figures 1A & 2).

It should be understood that, when the wire clip 10 is mounted to an extension offrom the post 100 (e.g. a cross-beam, strut, etc), or to an intermediate component (e.g. block, plate, etc) located at the post 100, the passage P can be defined between the portion 25 and that extension/ component.

The Z-profiled portion 25 projects with respect to the body part 12 such that the passage of wire W through passage P is allowed but constrained, so typically requires some urging or force (e.g. the use of a tool). In this way, having passed through the restricted passage P, the wire W is now retained by the clip 10 at post 100.

The size of passage P can be predetermined when designing the clip so as to cooperate with a wire W of a given thickness (gauge). For example, for the clip embodiment of Figures 1, 2 & 4, when a 2.5mm gauge wire is employed, the width of passage P may be 2.2 mm. Thus, the wire W can be "snapped" into location on the post 100, to locate under (behind) the portion 25 of clip 10 (see Figure 2).

However, because the wire clip 10 is designed to allow but restrict the passage of wire W, it can also allow for removal of the wire W (e.g. without needing to adjust, loosen or remove the clip 10). Such removal can allow for ongoing maintenance of a structure incorporating the post 100 (e.g. a trellis), and can allow for temporary lifting of the wire W away from the post (e.g. for crop access), etc. When multiple posts 100 form part of a trellis, the configuration of the wire clip 10 can allow for trellis maintenance and service, and for canopy/crop adjustment, etc.

Looking more specifically at the Z-profiled portion 25, when the wire clip 10 is viewed in profile, the Z-profiled portion 25 comprises a base region 26, i.e. defining a base of

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1 the Z-shaped profile. As shown in Figures 1A & 4C, the base region 26 projects from the body part 12 away from and at an angle to the post 100 (i.e. when clip 10 is mounted at the post).

The Z-profiled portion 25 further comprises an intermediate region 28, i.e. defining a stem of the Z-shaped profile. The intermediate region 28 projects from the base region 26 at an angle towards the post 100 (i.e. when clip 10 is mounted at the post). The base region 26 and intermediate region 28 combine to define a recess R into which the wire W is received and retained (captured), i.e. once it has passed through the passage P.

The Z-profiled portion 25 additionally comprises a top region 30, i.e. defining a top of the Z-shaped profile. The top region 30 projects from the intermediate region 28 at an angle away from the post 100 (i.e. when clip 10 is mounted at the post). In doing so, the top region 30 effectively defines an out-turned lip at a distal end of the clip. This, in turn, defines an entrance throat T to the passage P. The throat T helps to guide the wire W into passage P in use, thereby assisting a user of the clip 10.

The top region 30 also comprises rounded corners 31. These help to prevent the wire W from catching on the out-turned lip of region 30 as it is passed into the throat T.

Further, it will be seen that the passage P is located adjacent to the intersection of the top region 30 with the intermediate region 28. This intersection is formed as a curved transition surface 32 that extends between the top region 30 and intermediate region 28. This curved transition surface 32 further facilitates passage of the wire W (i.e. each way through the passage P), and into/from the recess R.

In use, as the wire W is moved past the transition surface 32, it causes the Z-profiled portion 25 to deflect outwardly with respect to the body part 12. However, when the strand and/or the post are of a deformable material (e.g. polymer, timber, etc), the portion 25 may not deflect much at all (if any), and rather the strand and/or post can deform/deflect.

Referring now to Figure 3, a second clip variation is shown in the form of a wire clip 50 that can directly retain a wire W at the post 100, or which may be mounted to another component so as to indirectly retain the wire W with respect to the post 100 (i.e. as described above).

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

The wire clip 50 comprises a body part 52 that is again configured to be secured with respect to the post. The body part 52 again comprises an aperture in the form of a hole 54 that can be secured to the post 100 by a fastener such as self-tapping hexagonal-headed screw 16.

Again, an in-use lower portion 58 of the body part 52 is profiled to define thereat a concave region 62 that generally matches the external profile of the tubular post 100, and into which region is received the curved profile of the post. As above, this serves to secure the clip 50 to the post 100, and also helps to prevent it from rotating around the screw 16 in use.

The wire clip 50 again comprises a flange in the form of a Z-profiled portion 65 that projects with respect to the body part 12. However, in the clip embodiment of Figure 3, the portion 65 is configured such that, when the body part 52 is fastened by screw 16 to the post 100, the portion 65 abuts the post (see Figure 3A) or very closely faces the post. Thus, at this stage, no passage P is defined as such.

The Z-profiled portion 65 again comprises a base region 66, and an intermediate region 68 that combines with the base region 66 to define a recess R into which the wire W can be received and retained (captured).

The Z-profiled portion 65 also comprises a top region 70 that defines an out-turned lip at a distal end of the clip 50, with rounded corners 71. This again defines an entrance throat T to the clip 10 that helps to guide the wire W in use, thereby assisting a user of the clip 50. The intersection of the top region 70 with the intermediate region 68 is again formed as a curved transition surface 72 to facilitate each-way passage of the wire W into and from the recess R.

However, in the configuration of clip 50, when the body part 52 is mounted to the post 100, only the top region 70 is spaced from the post (i.e. to define wire entrance throat T). In the clip embodiment of Figure 3, the curved transition surface 72 abuts or sits closely adjacent to the post 100.

Thus, in use of the wire clip 50, the passage becomes defined (i.e. it arises) when the wire W is moved past the transition surface 72, thereby typically causing the Z-profiled portion 65 to deflect outwardly with respect to the body part 52. Again, where the strand-like member and/or the post are of a deformable material (e.g. polymer, timber, etc), the portion 65 may not deflect much at all (if any), and rather the member and/or post can deform/deflect.

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1

When the wire clip 50 is of the same material and has similar dimensions to the wire clip 10, the passing of the wire W through the passage may require a greater urging or force in the case of clip 50. Alternatively, the Z-profiled portion 65 of the clip 50 can be redesigned to be relatively more easily deflected, such that it requires only a similar urging or force to the clip 10 to pass through the passage.

Each of the wire clips 10, 50 is formed from a deflectable material, typically of metal (although it may in some applications be moulded from a polymer, such as a polymer resin fibre composite). For example, when the wire W is of metal (e.g. galvanised or polymer coated steel) a spring-like alloy such as spring steel is selected to enable the Z-profiled portion 25, 65 to deflect outwardly with respect to the body part 12, 52, thereby enabling the passing of the wire W each way through the passage. In some embodiments and applications, the clip.

The post 100 (Fig. 2) or 100' (Fig. 4A) can be supplied with one or more openings in the form of one or more holes 102 (e.g. pre-drilled/formed holes). The post 100, 100' can be of hollow/tubular metal pipe (e.g. of galvanised steel). The post can be solid and can optionally be of timber or a structural polymer (e.g. a fibre-reinforced resin, etc).

The post material and gauge is selected such that a self-tapping fastener (e.g. screw/bolt 16, etc) can be used to attach each wire clip 10, 50 to the post at a respective one of the holes 102, or elsewhere along the post. Although the post may comprise just a single hole 102 therein (e.g. a pre-drilled/formed hole 102), typically a series of pre-drilled/formed holes 102 are formed in the post along its length.

For example, as shown in Figure 4A, for a hollow post 100' of e.g. 2.4 metres in length, having an outside diameter of-60mm, and a wall thickness of-2.3mm, up to twelve holes 102 may be pre-drilled/formed into the post. The spacing of the holes 102 is predetermined according to the application in which the post 100' is to be employed. For example, when the post forms part of a trellis, the hole spacing corresponds to standard wire or grid spacings used in trellis systems (e.g. for desired wire heights for a trellis used in e.g. viticulture).

The holes 102 can each be located and spaced on the post 100' above a barrier layer 104. The barrier layer 104 is provided on the post at a location that corresponds to ground level in use of the post, and acts to prevent post corrosion at the post-soil interface. The

18026273_1 (GHMatter) P100005.AU.1 barrier layer 104 may be a coating (e.g. polymer sleeve or paint), or barrier tape, that surrounds the post.

As also shown in Figures 4A-4C, the wire clip hole 14, 54 of a given number of clip body parts 12, 52 is aligned with a respective one of the holes 102, such that a respective self tapping screw 16 can be used to mount each wire clip 10, 50 to the post 100'. In Figure 4A, four such clips 10 are mounted to the post 100'. These four clips may be supplied pre-secured to the post, with additional clips and screws being supplied separately for the user to secure as required.

In one configuration, adjacent holes 102 in the post 100, 100' may be closely spaced, and such that the Z-profiled portion (25, 65) of one such clip (10, 50) faces (e.g. closely) or abuts the Z-profiled portion (25, 65) of an adjacent clip (10, 50). With this configuration, the wire W that is retained in either or both of the adjacent clips (10, 50) is effectively captured, and cannot be lifted out, i.e. without loosening, adjusting or removing at least one of the adjacent clips. These close-facing clips thus cooperate to "permanently" retain one or more wires W at the post.

In a system of posts (e.g. trellis), the orientation of some clips 10, 50 can be reversed (i.e. to be upside down on the post 100, 100' - Z-profiled portion (25, 65) pointing downwards). This orientation can be used to prevent a wire strand from being pulled upwards, such as when the post is installed in sloping ground.

Several embodiments of the clip, post and system are shown in the Figures and described above. However, the clip, post and system may be embodied in many other forms.

For example, whilst the wire clip 10 depicted in the Figures is a unitary item (i.e. body part and Z-profiled portion are integrally formed), a separate flange can be connected/attached (e.g. welded, etc) to the body part in place of the Z-profiled portion.

Referring to Figure 5, the clip 10 of Figure 1 is secured on a post 100' of Figure 4. The clip 10 is used to support a single wire strand W at the post. The wire strand is anchored A to the ground G at opposite ends thereof (i.e. using ground support anchors). This arrangement can be used to support a single post, or it may be employed to strengthen, stabilise or shore-up a given post that forms part of a trellis or fence.

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A non-limiting example of a trellis method and system employing the clips and posts as described above will now be given.

EXAMPLE - TRELLIS METHOD & SYSTEM

A method of installing/constructing a trellis system comprised securing at least two (and typically multiple) spaced posts 100, 100' into the ground, up to the level of the barrier layer 104 in each case. Each post had prior-secured thereto at least one clip 10, 50, and typically a number of spaced clips, each attached using a respective self-tapping screw 16 for each clip. For example, in a standard trellis system, each screw 16 located in a respective post hole 102.

The multiple clips 10, 50 were attached to each post 100, 100' at spacings corresponding to a standard wire or grid spacing to be used in the trellis system (e.g. for desired wire heights for a trellis used in viticulture).

For sloping sites, some of the clips were inverted (Z-profiled portion 25, 65 pointing down), due to a given wire exerting an upward force at that post. For extreme post locations (e.g. extremely steep sites), a pair of facing clips (Z-profiled portions 25, 65 facing each other) was employed to effectively "lock" the wire at the post, such as where a given wire extended at an extreme angle with respect to the post. This prevented inadvertent wire "pop out".

The method then comprised retaining a strand of wire W (e.g. individual lengths of -0 wire, or given wire stands of a mesh/grid) at a given one of the clips on each post. The wire strand W spanned between clips of adjacent posts, generally at the same level above ground on each post.

In this regard, each wire was "snapped" into location by urging/forcing it (e.g. using an appropriate tool) through the passage P located under each Z-profiled portion 25, 65, until the wire located in a respective recess R. Each wire was then strained (tensioned) at a strainer post located at opposite ends of the trellis. The strainer post could itself comprise a post 100, 100', or a larger diameter (e.g. timber) post. Alternatively, one or each end of the wire was secured to the ground using a ground support anchor (see e.g. Figure 5), and the wire was then strained.

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For maintenance or service of the trellis system, or for adjustment of the crop supported on the trellis system, a given one or more of the wire strands W was able to be lifted or depressed (urged/forced) out of a respective clip.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is, the features as above may be associated with further features in various embodiments.

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Claims

1. A clip for retaining a strand-like member with respect to a post that has a circular or curved external profile, the clip comprising:

a body able to be secured at the circular or curved external profile of the post, wherein the body has a curved profile that defines a concave region that is generally matched to locate at the circular or curved external profile of the post in a mating arrangement; and

a flange projecting with respect to the body such that, when the body is secured at the circular or curved external profile of the post, the flange defining a passage between the flange and the post through which the strand-like member can be passed to be retained by the clip, the flange projecting with respect to the body such that the passing of the strand-like member through the passage is constrained; and

a fastener configured to extend through an aperture in the curved profile of the body so as to secure the concave region of the body at the circular or curved external profile of the post in the mating arrangement.

2. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein a distal end of theflange is configured to define an out-turned lip that is arranged, when the body is secured with respect to the post, to define an entrance throat to the passage, and so as to help guide the strand-like member into the passage.

3. A clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein, when the clip is viewed in profile, the flange projects with respect to the body so as to generally define a Z-shape, such that the flange comprises:

- a base portion of the Z-shaped profile, the base portion projecting at an angle away from the post when the body is secured with respect to the post;

- an intermediate stem portion of the Z-shaped profile, the stem portion projecting at an angle towards the post when the body is secured with respect to the post;

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- a top portion of the Z-shaped profile, the top portion also projecting at an angle away from the post when the body is secured with respect to the post;

wherein the base and intermediate stem portions combine to define a recess into which the strand-like member can be received, once it has passed through the passage, to be retained by the clip; and

wherein the top portion defines the out-turned lip at the flange distal end; and

wherein the passage is located adjacent to the intersection of the intermediate stem and top portions.

4. A clip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the clip is formed from a deflectable material that is selected such that, when the body is secured with respect to the post, and the strand-like member is passed through the passage, the flange is able to deflect outwardly with respect to the post to enable said passing.

5. A clip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener is a self tapping fastener.

6. A post that is adapted for use with a clip as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the post comprises at least one opening therein, and wherein the aperture of the clip body is able to be aligned with the at least one post opening such that a respective fastener can be extended into the opening so as to secure the clip with respect to the post.

7. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein the post comprises multiple, discrete and spaced openings along its length, each opening able to receive therein a respective fastener that is used with a respective clip so as to secure that clip at that opening of the post.

8. A post as claimed in claim 7 wherein adjacent openings in the post are spaced such that a flange of one clip that is secured at one of the adjacent openings is able to be arranged to face a flange of another clip that is secured at the other of the adjacent openings.

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9. A post as claimed in claim 8 wherein the adjacent openings in the post are spaced such that the facing flanges are spaced more closely than a thickness of the strand-like member, or such that the facing flanges abut.

10. A system for supporting and retaining a strand-like member at an elevated location with respect to a surface, the system comprising:

at least one clip as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5; and

at least one post as set forth in any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, the system comprising:

two or more such posts that are able to be secured at spaced locations with respect to the surface; and

at least one such clip for each of the two or more posts, each clip able to support and retain at the post the strand-like member.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, the system comprising multiple strand-like members, such as different wire strands or different lengths of wire within a grid or mesh, each member to be supported and retained at a different respective elevated location with respect to the surface, the system further comprising at each post a respective clip for each member.

13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, the system configured to form a trellis.

14. A method of installing the system as set forth in any one of claims 10 to 13, the method comprising:

securing the at least one post with respect to the surface;

securing the at least one clip with respect to the post.

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15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the at least one clip is secured with respect to the at least one post before or after the post is secured with respect to the surface, the at least one clip being secured directly to the at least one post using the fastener.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fastener is self-tapping such that the clip is able to be secured anywhere along the length of its post.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, the method further comprising retaining a strand-like member at the at least one clip when secured with respect to its post.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least two posts are secured with respect to the surface at spaced locations, and wherein each strand-like member is secured to span between clips of adjacent spaced posts.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein at least two clips are secured with respect to each post.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein each post is inserted and/or driven into the surface, and wherein each clip is secured to the post at a location that is spaced above the surface.

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