AU2018231939A1 - Retaining clip - Google Patents

Abstract

A retaining clip for attaching an elongate line to a post where the post includes an aperture is disclosed. The retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip. The retaining clip further includes an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

Description

RETAINING CLIP

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application

No. 2017900815 titled RETAINING CLIP” and fried on 9 March 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates to a retaining clip for retaining a line to post. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a retaining clip used for fencing arrangements.

BACKGROUND [0003] A type of fencing often used to provide a boundary for large areas, particularly in rural applications for livestock such as cattle and sheep, involves the use of spaced apart upright posts that are driven into the ground with one or more horizontal strands of wire extending between the posts to form the boundary. One type of post that is commonly used is a type of metal post known as a star picket. This type of post is formed from steel having three equal spaced flanges having a trigonal planar configuration in cross-section with one end adapted to be driven into the ground. Typically, one of the flanges includes one or more regularly spaced apertures extending down its length.

[0004] In order to fence a region, star pickets are driven into the ground at a suitable spacing and fencing wire that is attached to each post at substantially the same height in order to form a strand or line connecting each of the posts. In one example, the fencing wire is inserted through corresponding apertures in each post, however, contact between the wire and the fence can cause any protective coating on either the post and/or the wire to become compromised leading to corrosion and eventual failure of the fence. This arrangement is also unsuitable for electric fences where the wire carries an electric current and contact with the metal post will cause the wire to earth.

[0005] In another method of assembly, the star pickets are once again driven into the ground at a suitable spacing and the fencing wire is extended and laid out beside each post. An installer then attaches the wire to each post using a wire tie which is a short length of wire that is inserted through an aperture on the post and tied off around the horizontally extending fence wire by twisting the wire tie in on itself. This process is labour intensive and there is again the same risk of contact between the tie wire, fencing wire and the post which can cause a loss of protective coating in multiple locations and the potential for corrosion.

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0006] There is thus a need for an arrangement to attach fencing wire or equivalent to a post which reduces the likelihood of corrosion and which may also assist in the installation process.

SUMMARY [0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a retaining clip for attaching an elongate line to a post, the post including an aperture, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip and wherein the retaining clip includes an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

[0008] In another form, the aperture engaging portion includes an insert portion for insertion into the aperture of the fence post.

[0009] In another form, the insert portion includes a barbed portion for retaining the retaining clip in the aperture of the fence post.

[0010] In another form, the barbed portion is releasable to allow removal of the retaining clip from the aperture of the fence post.

[0011] In another form, the barbed portion is manually releasable.

[0012] In another form, the retaining clip includes an abutment portion at an opposed end from the insert portion, the abutment portion configured for location against the fence post on insertion of the retaining clip into the aperture of the fence post.

[0013] In another form, the retaining clip includes a first body portion and a complementary second body portion to together form the retaining clip.

[0014] In another form, the first body portion and the second body portion together form a channel when closed about the line for capturing the portion of the line within the retaining clip.

[0015] In another form, the first body portion and the second body portion each include longitudinally extending recesses or grooves to receive the elongate line and which when closed about the line form the channel.

[0016] In another form, the first and second body portions are attached to each other.

[0017] In another form, the first and second and body portions are foldable with respect to each other to close the retaining clip about the line.

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0018] In another form, the first and second body portions are attached to each other by a flexible flap.

[0019] In another form, the post is a star picket comprising there longitudinal flanges having a trigonal planar configuration.

[0020] In another form, the aperture is located in a flange of the star picket.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a fencing assembly comprising: a post including an aperture; an elongate line extending from the post; and a retaining clip for attaching the elongate line to the post, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip and which includes an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

[0022] In another form, the aperture engaging portion includes an insert portion for insertion into the aperture of the fence post.

[0023] In another form, the line is attached to the post by threading the line through the aperture and then applying the retaining clip to the line by closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post by inserting the insert portion into the aperture of the fence post.

[0024] In another form, the aperture includes an extension or slot portion extending to an edge of the post.

[0025] In another form, the line is attached to the post by closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post via the slot portion.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a retaining clip for retaining a fence wire with respect to a fence post, comprising:

a first body portion having a first insert portion, the first insert portion including a longitudinally extending recess or groove to receive the fence wire; and a second body portion configured to combine with the first body portion and including a complementary shaped longitudinally extending second insert portion, wherein when the first body portion is combined with the first second body portion in a closed configuration about the fence wire the first and second insert portions together form a combined insert portion for insertion into an aperture of the fence post.

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0027] In another form, the first and second body portions are configured in a closed configuration to form an abutment flange at one end of the combined insert portion.

[0028] In another form, the first and second body portions are configured in a closed configuration to form a barb arrangement at an opposed end to the abutment flange.

[0029] In another form, the first and second body portions are attached to each other.

[0030] In another form, the first and second body portions are foldable with respect to each other to form the retaining clip in the closed configuration.

[0031] In another form, aperture of the fence post includes a slot extending to an edge of the fence post and wherein the fence wire is retained to the fence post by inserting the closed retaining clip incorporating the wire into the slot.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of installing a fencing assembly including:

arranging a number of posts at a predetermined spacing, each of the posts including an aperture; threading a line through the apertures; and applying a retaining clip to the line to secure the line to the number of posts, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip, the retaining clip including an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

[0033] In another form, applying the retaining clip includes closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post by inserting the insert portion into the aperture of the fence post.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of installing a fencing assembly including:

arranging a number of posts at a predetermined spacing, each of the posts including an aperture, the aperture including an extension or slot portion extending to an edge of the post;

laying a line next to the number of posts; and applying a retaining clip to the line to secure the line to the number of posts, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip, the retaining clip including an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0035] In another form, applying the retaining clip includes closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post via the slot portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a retaining clip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 1 closed about a line;

[0039] Figure 3 is an end on view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 1 in an open configuration;

[0040] Figure 4 is a first side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 1 in a closed configuration;

[0041] Figure 5 is a side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 4 rotated counter clockwise 90°;

[0042] Figure 6 is a fencing assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0043] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the installation of retaining clip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0044] Figure 10 is a fencing assembly in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

[0045] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the installation of a retaining clip in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

[0046] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a retaining clip in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

[0047] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 13 closed about a line;

[0048] Figure 15 is an end on view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 13 in an open configuration;

[0049] Figure 16 is a first side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 13 in a closed configuration;

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0050] Figure 17 is a second side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 16 rotated counter clockwise 90°;

[0051] Figure 18 is a front perspective view of a retaining clip in accordance with yet another illustrative embodiment;

[0052] Figure 19 is a front perspective view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 18 closed about a line;

[0053] Figure 20 is a first side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 19 in a closed configuration;

[0054] Figure 21 is a second side view of the retaining clip illustrated in Figure 16 rotated counter clockwise 90°;

[0055] Figure 22 is a top view of a retaining fixture in accordance with an illustrative embodiment for use with a retaining clip; and [0056] Figure 23 is a side view of the retaining fixture illustrated in Figure 22.

[0057] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0058] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, there are shown various views of a retaining clip 100 in both an open configuration (see Figures 1 and 3) and a closed configuration (see Figures 2, 4 and 5) where retaining clip is closed about a line 200 (shown in outline in Figures 1 and 2) to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip 100.

[0059] Throughout the specification, the term line is defined to include any type of wire, strand, rope, cable, tape or elongate element that may be used to form a boundary in fencing applications. In this illustrative embodiment, line 200 is formed from fencing wire which may be formed from hi or lo tensile steel and which is typically galvanised to protect against corrosion. In other embodiments, the fencing wire may be coated by a suitable plastic such as PVC to protect against corrosion.

[0060] Retaining clip 100 includes an aperture engaging portion 110 which in this embodiment is formed as an insert portion comprising a generally cylindrical shaped body 111 having a barbed portion 120 at one end and consisting of, in this embodiment, a pair of opposed outwardly extending resilient tabs or

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PCT/AU2018/000031 extensions 121 in an arrow configuration which deform inwardly towards the body 111 of the insert portion on compression and which then spring back outwardly on the release of any compressive force. In this illustrative embodiment, resilient tabs 121 may be manually flexed by finger pressure.

[0061] Retaining clip 100 further includes an end abutment portion 130 formed as a circular flange 131 located at the opposed end of the retaining clip 100 from barbed portion 120. In this illustrative embodiment, the region of the body 111 between circular flange 131 and the ends of flexible tabs 121 forms a waisted portion 112. Furthermore, in this illustrative embodiment the sides of the waisted portion 112 corresponding to the location of flexible tabs 121 are of a slightly narrower diameter than those of the other two sides forming a flattened circular profile in cross section.

[0062] Retaining clip 100 further includes a tapered ramped portion 113 extending from circular flange 131 and tapering inwardly to the opposed or insert end of clip 100. Ramped portion 113 is offset at 90° from resilient tabs 121 and may form an anti-rotation member as will be seen below.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 1, retaining clip includes a first body portion 160 and a second body portion 170 which are generally semi-cylindrical in overall configuration and which when closed together form a channel 180 through which line 200 extends. In this illustrative embodiment, each semi-cylindrical body portion 160, 170 includes a longitudinally extending part-circular recess or groove 161, 171 which on closing of body portions 160, 170 along join 165 then forms receiving channel 180 (as best seen in Figure 2). In this example, first and second body portions 160, 170 are attached to each other by a flexible flap 167 (as best seen in Figure 3) that extends between each semi-cylindrical body portion 160, 170 and which allows the body portions 160, 170 to be foldable with respect to each other to form the cylindrical shaped body 111 and the circular flange 131 when retaining clip is closed about a line 200.

[0064] As would be appreciated, body portions 160, 170 need not be attached and may be formed of separate members which when joined together function to capture the line 200 and form an aperture engaging portion. In this manner, the body portions 160, 170 need not be semi-cylindrical in shape as the formed aperture engaging portion may depend on the shape of the aperture. In one example, the aperture may have a square shape and the body portions are shaped as rectangular solids which when joined together form an insert portion having a square profile. As would be further appreciated, channel 180 need not necessarily be circular in profile and may be configured in accordance with the type of line being retained. In one example, where the line is of a planar tape form, such as electrical tape, there may be no channel formed and the body portions 160, 170 will clamp and capture the tape on closing of the retaining clip.

[0065] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 5, retaining clip 100 is formed as a single unitary moulding from nylon plastic material such as PA6, this material also having excellent electrical

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PCT/AU2018/000031 insulation and heat resistant characteristics. In other embodiments, retaining clip 100 may be moulded or fabricated from any suitable substantially rigid material such as other plastics depending on requirements.

In one example, where electrical insulation is not required, retaining clip may be moulded from aluminium or other metals. As would be appreciated, retaining clip 100 may also be formed from two separate components which may be joined together to capture the line.

[0066] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a fencing assembly 500 including a series of posts in the form of star pickets 300 having a single strand or line 200 in the form of galvanised fencing wire that is threaded through corresponding apertures 310 in each of the posts to form a boundary. Star pickets 300 in this example include a protective coating such as galvanised or bituminous coating. As discussed above, in these circumstances frictional wear between the fencing wire 200 and the star picket 300 can cause the protective coating on the wire 200 and/or the post 300 to wear, eventually leading to corrosion.

[0067] Referring now to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown an example post 300 from the fencing assembly 500 illustrated in Figure 6.

[0068] Post 300 incorporates an aperture 310 located in one of the longitudinal flanges 311 of the three outwardly extending equally spaced longitudinal flanges 311, 312 and 313 of the star picket 300. As shown in Figure 7, retaining clip 100 is closed about fencing wire 200 to capture the fencing wire 200 by folding body portion 160, 170 with respect to each other. As shown in Figure 8, retaining clip 100 is then inserted into circular aperture 300 causing the resilient tabs 121 of barbed portion 120 to deflect inwardly and then resiliently return to their original position once they have passed through aperture 310.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, on insertion of retaining clip 100 into circular aperture 310, abutment portion 130 in the form of circular flange 131 abuts against longitudinal flange 311 with the flange 311 of the star picket 300 being retained within waisted portion 112 located between abutment portion 130 in the form of circular flange 131 and barbed portion 120 in the form of outwardly extending resilient tabs 121. In this embodiment, resilient tabs 121 of retaining clip 120 may be manually depressed and retaining clip 120 removed from aperture 310.

[0070] As would be appreciated, the use of retaining clip 100 to attach the fencing wire to the post ensures that there is an intermediate barrier formed between the fencing wire 200 and the post 300, as a result reducing the likelihood of frictional wear and corrosion. Furthermore, use of retaining clip 100 allows fencing assembly 500 to be retrofitted for use as an electrical fence as retaining clip 100 will also function as an electrical insulator to prevent the electrified fencing wire from being earthed through the conductive post 300. In this example, retaining clip 100 includes tapered ramped portion 113 which in this embodiment functions as a wedging member to prevent movement of retaining clip 100 once it has

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PCT/AU2018/000031 been inserted into aperture 300. In other embodiments, retaining clip 100 may not include ramped portion 113.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a fencing assembly 600 prior to assembly. As with fencing assembly 500 illustrated in Figure 6, the star pickets 300 are driven into the ground at a predetermined spacing. In order to install the fencing wire 200, instead of threading the wire 200 through circular apertures 310 as in the fencing assembly 500, the wire 200 is laid out beside each star picket 300 which in this embodiment include an aperture having a circular shaped region 310 and a slot portion 320 extending from the circular shaped region 310 to the edge of the longitudinal flange 311 of the star picket 300.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, retaining clips 100 are attached to wire 200 at locations corresponding to the spacing of the star picket and then inserted into apertures 310 via the slot portion 320 by first inserting the waisted portion 112 of the retaining clip into slot portion 320 and moving retaining clip 100 laterally until it is seated in circular aperture 310. As mentioned previously, the sides of the waisted portion 112 corresponding to the flexible tabs 121 are of a slightly narrower diameter than those of the other two sides which facilitates insertion of the clip 100 into slot 320. In addition, ramped portion 113 abuts against slot 320 and functions as an anti-rotation member that prevents rotation of retaining clip 100 within aperture 310 as best seen in Figure 12.

[0073] As would be appreciated, use of the retaining clips 100 greatly simplifies and reduces the labour involved in installing a fencing assembly as compared to methods using wire ties or equivalent arrangements which involve the laborious process of inserting the wire tie through the aperture and then positioning the fence wire and then twisting the wire tie to retain the wire to the post. In accordance with the above disclosure, a fence installer lays out the wire besides the posts, applies the retaining clips at locations corresponding to each of the posts and then inserts the retaining clip (and wire) into the aperture of the post. Not only is this process more efficient, the wire is also captured or encapsulated within retaining clip as a result reducing the risk of frictional wear and associated corrosion.

[0074] Referring now to Figures 13 to 17, there are shown various views of a retaining clip 800 in both an open configuration (see Figures 13 and 15) and a closed configuration (see Figures 14, 16 and 17) where retaining clip is closed about a line 200 (shown in outline in Figures 13 and 14) to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip 800.

[0075] Retaining clip 800 is similar in many respects to retaining clip 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 being configured as two body portions 860, 870 which are joined together by flexible flap 867 and which on closing capture line 200 as illustrated in Figure 14. In this embodiment, retaining clip 800 includes end abutment portion 830 configured as rectangular shaped flange 831 for increased structural rigidity and a

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PCT/AU2018/000031 cylindrical shaped body 811 having a barbed portion 820 located at the other end from abutment portion 830 including a pair of opposed outwardly extending resilient tabs or extensions 821 in an arrow configuration which deform inwardly towards the body 811.

[0076] Located below tabs 821 is a pair of inwardly extending opposed arms 832 extending upwardly from rectangular flange 831 having a gap between them and forming a pincer configuration (as best seen in Figure 17). Between the ends of arms 832 and the ends of tabs 821 there is defined a retention region 890 which in use is equivalent to the waisted portion 112 of retaining clip 100 where on insertion of retaining clip 800 into an aperture as has been previously described, the post is retained in this region. As arms 832 are able to resiliently flex downwardly toward flange 831, this allows the retention region 890 to change in size to accommodate for different thicknesses of the section of the post that the retaining clip is inserted into (eg, longitudinal flange of a star picket) which may vary from a standard thickness depending on the thickness of any protective coating.

[0077] Referring now to Figures 18 to 21, there are shown various views of a retaining clip 900 according to another illustrative embodiment in both an open configuration (see Figure 18) and a closed configuration (see Figures 19, 20 and 21) where retaining clip is closed about a line 200 (shown in outline in Figures 18 and 19) to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip 900.

[0078] Retaining clip 900 is similar in many respects to retaining clip 800 illustrated in Figures 13 to 17 being configured as two body portions 960, 970 which are joined together by flexible flap 967 and which on closing capture line 200 as illustrated in Figure 19. In this embodiment, retaining clip 900 includes end abutment portion 930 configured as rectangular shaped flange 931 for increased structural rigidity and a cylindrical shaped body 911 having a barbed portion 920 located at the other end from abutment portion 930 including a pair of opposed outwardly extending resilient tabs or extensions 921 in an arrow configuration which deform inwardly towards the body 911.

[0079] Located below tabs 921 is a pair of outwardly extending opposed arms 932 extending upwardly and outwardly from a central edge region of rectangular flange 931 having a gap between them and forming a dual cantilever configuration (as best seen in Figure 21). Between the ends of arms 932 and the ends of tabs 921 there is defined a retention region 990 which in use is equivalent to the waisted portion 112 of retaining clip 100 where on insertion of retaining clip 900 into an aperture as has been previously described, the post is retained in this region. As arms 932 are able to resiliently flex downwardly toward flange 931, this allows the retention region 890 to change in size to accommodate for different thicknesses of the section of the post that the retaining clip 900 is inserted into (eg, longitudinal flange of a star picket) which may vary from a standard thickness depending on the thickness of any protective coating.

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PCT/AU2018/000031 [0080] Retaining clip 900 further includes a tapered stepped ramped portion 913 extending from rectangular flange 931 and tapering inwardly to the opposed or insert end of clip 900. Ramped portion 913 is offset at 90° from resilient tabs 921 and forms an anti-rotation member to prevent rotation of retaining clip 900 once it has been inserted into aperture 300 where the ramped portion 913 abuts against slot 320. In this example, retaining claim 900 further includes an additional extending resilient tab or extension 914 similar in configuration to resilient tabs 921 and located on the opposite side of cylindrical shaped body 911 from the stepped ramped portion 913 and which further functions to define the retention region 990.

[0081] Referring now to Figures 22 and 23 there are shown top and side views of a retaining fixture 1000 according to an illustrative embodiment for attachment to a post and for use in combination with a retaining clip as described in the present disclosure. Retaining fixture 1000 includes at one end a post attachment portion 1020 for attaching the retaining fixture 1000 to the post and at an opposed end a head portion 1040 including a centrally disposed circular shaped aperture region 1045 and a rectangular slot portion 1046 extending from the circular shaped aperture 1045 to the periphery of the head portion 1040. In this illustrative embodiment, post attachment portion 1020 is configured for attachment to a wooden post and includes a shaft f 02 f and a screw threaded portion 1022 for screwing into a wooden post to attach the retaining fixture 1000 to the post. As would be appreciated, post attachment portion 1020 may include other attachment arrangements including, but not limited to, clamps (eg, ring clamp) and bolting arrangements.

[0082] Once attached to the post, retaining fixture 1000 provides a retaining region equivalent to the slotted aperture 310, 320 shown in Figure 11 which allows the retaining clip to be attached to the post via the retaining fixture 1000 in a similar manner. This allows all manner of posts to be retrofitted for use with retaining clips in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0083] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0084] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated

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PCT/AU2018/000031 that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (29)

1. A retaining clip for attaching an elongate line to a post, the post including an aperture, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip and wherein the retaining clip includes an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

2. The retaining clip of claim 1, wherein the aperture engaging portion includes an insert portion for insertion into the aperture of the fence post.

3. The retaining clip of claim 2, wherein the insert portion includes a barbed portion for retaining the retaining clip in the aperture of the fence post.

4. The retaining clip of claim 3, wherein the barbed portion is releasable to allow removal of the retaining clip from the aperture of the fence post.

5. The retaining clip of claim 4, wherein the barbed portion is manually releasable.

6. The retaining clip of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the retaining clip includes an abutment portion at an opposed end from the insert portion, the abutment portion configured for location against the fence post on insertion of the retaining clip into the aperture of the fence post.

7. The retaining clip of any one the preceding clams, wherein the retaining clip includes a first body portion and a complementary second body portion to together form the retaining clip.

8. The retaining clip of claim 7, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion together form a channel when closed about the line for capturing the portion of the line within the retaining clip.

9. The retaining clip of claim 8, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion each include longitudinally extending recesses or grooves to receive the elongate line and which when closed about the line form the channel.

10. The retaining clip of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first and second body portions are attached to each other.

11. The retaining clip of claim 10, wherein the first and second and body portions are foldable with respect to each other to close the retaining clip about the line.

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12. The retaining clip of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first and second body portions are attached to each other by a flexible flap.

13. The retaining clip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the post is a star picket comprising there longitudinal flanges having a trigonal planar configuration.

14. The retaining clip of claim 13, where the aperture is located in a flange of the star picket.

15. A fencing assembly comprising: a post including an aperture;

an elongate line extending from the post; and a retaining clip for attaching the elongate line to the post, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip and which includes an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

16. The fencing assembly of claim 15, wherein the aperture engaging portion includes an insert portion for insertion into the aperture of the fence post.

17. The fencing assembly of claim 16, wherein the line is attached to the post by threading the line through the aperture and then applying the retaining clip to the line by closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post by inserting the insert portion into the aperture of the fence post.

18. The fencing assembly of claim 15, wherein the aperture includes an extension or slot portion extending to an edge of the post.

19. The fencing assembly of claim 18, wherein the line is attached to the post by closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post via the slot portion.

20. A retaining clip for retaining a fence wire with respect to a fence post, comprising:

a first body portion having a first insert portion, the first insert portion including a longitudinally extending recess or groove to receive the fence wire; and a second body portion configured to combine with the first body portion and including a complementary shaped longitudinally extending second insert portion, wherein when the first body portion is combined with the first second body portion in a closed configuration about the fence wire the first and second insert portions together form a combined insert portion for insertion into an aperture of the fence post.

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21. The retaining clip of claim 20, wherein the first and second body portions are configured in a closed configuration to form an abutment flange at one end of the combined insert portion.

22. The retaining clip of claim 20 or 21, wherein the first and second body portions are configured in a closed configuration to form a barb arrangement at an opposed end to the abutment flange.

23. The retaining clip of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first and second body portions are attached to each other.

24. The retaining clip of claim 23, wherein the first and second and body portions are foldable with respect to each other to form the retaining clip in the closed configuration.

25. The retaining clip of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the aperture of the fence post includes a slot extending to an edge of the fence post and wherein the fence wire is retained to the fence post by inserting the closed retaining clip incorporating the wire into the slot.

26. A method of installing a fencing assembly including:

arranging a number of posts at a predetermined spacing, each of the posts including an aperture; threading a line through the apertures; and applying a retaining clip to the line to secure the line to the number of posts, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip, the retaining clip including an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein applying the retaining clip includes closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post by inserting the insert portion into the aperture of the fence post.

28. A method of installing a fencing assembly including:

arranging a number of posts at a predetermined spacing, each of the posts including an aperture, the aperture including an extension or slot portion extending to an edge of the post;

laying a line next to the number of posts; and applying a retaining clip to the line to secure the line to the number of posts, wherein the retaining clip is configured to open and then close about the line to capture a portion of the line within the retaining clip, the retaining clip including an aperture engaging portion for attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post.

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29. The method of claim 28, wherein applying the retaining clip includes closing the retaining clip about the line and then attaching the retaining clip to the aperture of the post via the slot portion.