Fencepost and fencepost kit

Abstract

An elongate fencepost (100) has an outer surface (110) and a longitudinal axis (120), the fencepost (100) having: a length parallel to the longitudinal axis (120); a width perpendicular to the length;

Description

Field of the invention The present invention relates to temporary fencing. Background to the invention Temporary fencing is often used to separate areas of land, for example, to keep animals contained within an area of land or to keep them out of another area of land. It is known to provide temporary fencing made up of component parts including fenceposts and nets. These fences are typically constructed using tools to secure the nets to the fenceposts. For example, nails and screws may be used to attach the net to one or more fence posts. Assembly of these fences is often time consuming. Moreover, once the fence is constructed and has been used for the required amount of time, disassembly of the fence is also time consuming as each means of attachment (e.g. each nail and screw) must be removed from each fencepost. This requires the use of various tools for the removal. Moreover, the disassembly of the fence often causes the fenceposts and nets to be in a condition where they are no longer able to be used for further applications - i.e. the temporary fences are often not reusable. It is in this context that the present inventions have been devised. Summary of the invention In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate fencepost with an outer surface and a longitudinal axis, the fencepost having: a length parallel to the longitudinal axis; a width perpendicular to the length; a plurality of slots extending widthways through the fencepost at spaced apart locations along the length; and a plurality of net receiving channels, each slot having a corresponding net receiving channel, wherein each net receiving channel of the plurality of net receiving channels extends between a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots and the outer surface; and wherein each slot is configured to demountably receive a net via the corresponding net receiving channel. In this way, the fencepost is able to receive and retain a variety of different nets which can enter the fencepost through the plurality of receiving channels. Different strands of the net can be received and retained in different spaced apart net receiving channels. As the slot is configured to demountably receive a net via the corresponding net receiving channel, the net may travel into the slot through the receiving channel and the net can subsequently be retained in the slot and removed if and when desired which allows for the fencepost and net to be reused. Typically, temporary fencing is constructed using fencing materials which require tools to assemble and disassemble. The use of such tools makes the construction of the fences both time consuming and laborious. The use of tools such as screws and nails also render the temporary fencing structure inflexible and difficult to move, for instance, to a new location. The fencepost construction of the present invention enables the construction of fences which comprise fenceposts that can be distributed across both even and uneven ground quickly and efficiently. The nets can be inserted into and removed from the fenceposts in an easy-to-use manner, omitting the need to use tools. The receiving channels and the slots are configured such that the nets can be fed into slots through the receiving channels, e.g. by a push-fit type mechanism. This makes the assembly and disassembly of the fences constructed from these fenceposts straightforward. The fenceposts are reusable as a result of this construction and, therefore, the present invention also permits the relocation of fences to different areas in a convenient manner. The longitudinal axis defines a central axis through the fencepost. The fencepost may be configured in a number of different ways. For example, the fencepost may be cylindrical, having a circular cross section, or it may be cuboidal, having an oblong cross section. The fencepost may have two opposite sides. The slots are configured such that they allow for a strand of a net to be retained in the fencepost after being inserted via a receiving channel. The slots are defined widthways through the fencepost. The slots therefore define a channel through the fencepost. The slots may be symmetrical. In this way, the slots allow for movement of a net strand within the slot so that the net can be retained at different positions within the slot. The slots may be located at a range of depths through the fencepost. The slots may be at regular spaced apart locations along the length of the fencepost to allow for a net to be received within the slots with regular spacing. The slots may be manufactured as through channels and can be made to accommodate nets of different sizes and configurations. For example, larger and / or thicker nets may be required to assemble a fence which will be used to block areas off from larger animals such as deer compared to smaller animals such as rabbits. The slots can therefore be manufactured according to different dimensions to accommodate the different sizes of nets. Each net receiving channel of the plurality of net receiving channels extends between a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots and the outer surface. In this way, for every slot of the plurality of slots, there is a corresponding net receiving channel in the plurality of net receiving channels. Each slot and corresponding net receiving channel are connected to one another such that a net inserted into a receiving channel may be received into the corresponding slot via the receiving channel. The outer surface of the fencepost may cover an entire outer surface area of the fencepost. The outer surface may be a portion of the entire outer surface area of the fencepost which surrounds the longitudinal axis. The outer surface may comprise a surface of an attachment, such as a bracket, on the fencepost. In some embodiments, the fencepost comprises a main body and at least one demountably removable attachment and wherein at least one slot of the plurality of slots is defined widthways through the at least one attachment. In this way, a net may be received into a slot through a corresponding receiving channel on a part of the fencepost which can be removed and reattached to the fencepost. The attachment may be screwed onto the main body of the fencepost. For example, the attachment may be a bracket. In some embodiments, each slot in the plurality of slots may extend widthways through the fencepost main body. In some embodiments, each slot in the plurality of slots may extend widthways through a respective attachment on the fencepost that is demountably removable. In some embodiments, at least one slot of the plurality of slots may extend through the main body of the fencepost and at least one slot may extend through a demountably removable attachment on the fencepost. In this way, the fenceposts are extremely versatile as they can receive different nets in different ways, either through the main body, through the attachments or through any combination of both through the main body and through the attachments. The attachments act to provide additional strength by retaining more net strands. The attachments act to provide additional net insertion positions and support to nets that are arranged in the slots on uneven ground. The slots in the attachments can be used in case not all net strands fit into already premade slots on the main body of the fencepost due to, for example, unpredictable ground conditions during fence assembly. The slots in attachments can also act to provide more strength to retain heavier net strands. In some embodiments, each slot has a slot height, H, parallel to the longitudinal axis and each net receiving channel extends at an angle of between 30° to 60° relative to the height of the corresponding slot. For example, each net receiving channel may extend at 45° relative to the height of the corresponding slot. This range of angles through which the part of the net may be received allows for a range of different net configurations to be received through the net receiving channel and therefore the fencepost is extremely versatile. The specific range between 30° to 60° offers an optimal range for the part of the net to be received in, any angle sharper than this range, i.e. any angle less than 30°, makes the edge of the fence post between the slot and the receiving channel very sharp and can cause the fencepost to become brittle. If the angle is any larger than 60°, it becomes more difficult to insert the net into the slot. The specific range of between 30° to 60° allows the net to be demountably received into the slot such that it can travel at the angle of receipt through the receiving channel before being accepted into the slot. On removal of the net from the slot the net can be angled back through to the receiving channel and then slid out at the same angle as the angle of receipt. Accordingly, the fencepost is arranged such that the net can be demountably received easily and efficiently via, e.g. a push fit-type mechanism for insertion and a reversal of the push fit-type mechanism for removal. It may be that the net can exit the receiving channel at an angle within a range of angles relative to the height of the slot. Accordingly, the net may enter and exit the receiving channel in a first position and be retained in the slot in a second position. The plurality of slots and outer surface of the fencepost may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. In this way, the plurality of slots may run along the length of the fencepost such that a net inserted into the plurality of slots extends along a length of the fencepost. Each slot may have a slot height, H, parallel to the longitudinal axis, a slot length, L, which is the extent of the slot widthways through the fencepost, and a slot axis along its length. Each slot may be configured such that a strand of the net is retainable in the slot within an angular range. Typically, the angular range is a range of at least 10°. Typically, the angular range is a range of less than 120°. It may be that the angular range is a range of less than 90°. Typically, the angular range extends in both senses relative to the slot axis. The angular range may be symmetrical about the slot axis. Typically, the angular range is defined by the length and height of the slot, and by the thickness of the net strand. The angular range is a range in a plane including both the longitudinal axis of the fencepost and the slot axis. The range of angles may extend at least between + / -10 ° in either sense of the axis. The minimum angle that the net may be retained in the slot may be 0°. Two or more fenceposts may be connected to one another by one or more nets inserted into the plurality of slots of two or more fenceposts. When a net is inserted into the plurality of slots on one fencepost it may be angled within the slot such that the connection to another fencepost is angled. The angle is determined by the angle which the net adopts when retained in the slot. Accordingly, the slot configuration on a first fencepost allows for a net to adopt a wide range of positions within the angular range within the slot. For example, when the net is inserted into respective pluralities of slots on both a first and second fencepost, the net can adopt various positions depending on where the second fencepost may be located relative to the first fencepost, the connection between the first and second fencepost being facilitated by the net. Upward and downward directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the fencepost may define the positions of a first fencepost relative to a neighbouring second fencepost where the upward direction means that a second fencepost connected by a net is uphill of a first fencepost and, in the same way, that a first fencepost is downhill of a second fencepost. When the net extends along the slot in a downward direction, the first fencepost may be uphill of the second fencepost and vice versa. The advantage of this feature is that a fence assembled from such a fencepost and net is extremely versatile in that it is adjustable and able to be used as a fence on even and uneven ground, fencing off areas which have a variable landscape in terms of the level of the ground from one location to another. In application in, for example, a forest or remote area, this is extremely useful as often it is the case that the land for which fencing is required is not flat. In some embodiments, the height of each slot, H, is between 40 to 120 mm, the length, L, of the slot is between 20 to 150 mm, the net has a net strand that is demountably receivable by the net receiving channel and the height of the net strand, N, is from 3 to 40 mm. For example, the slot height may be 70 mm or 80 mm. The length of the slot will be determined by the type of net that that is required to be inserted into the fencepost for fence construction. The length of the slot through an attachment of the fencepost may be less than the length of a slot through the main body of the fencepost. For example, the length of a slot through the main body of the fencepost may be between 30 to 150mm. For example, the length of a slot through an attachment, such as a bracket, of the fencepost may be between 20 mm to 50 mm. Longer slots will accommodate nets with longer strands, typically for use in areas where larger animals roam to prevent them from breaching a restricted area defined by the fence. For example, a slot length of 80 mm may be required for use with nets that are used to keep out larger animals such as deer. A slot length of 50 mm may be used with nets that are used to keep out smaller animals such as rabbits. The slot length in this range allows for different types of nets to be inserted into and out of the slot and allows for the net to be retained in the slot with some room for lateral movement of the net within the slot. The fenceposts are configured such that the net strands are able to be received into the slot and retained in the slot and so that the net strands may have room for some lateral movement within the slot. This lateral movement provides for a flexibility in the fence construction whereby the net strand can be moved such that it is comfortably oriented so that it may point in an upward or downward direction (i.e. angled relative to the slot extent). For example, the slot extent may be between greater than 2 mm to 10 mm longer than a net strand length. In some embodiments, the height, H, to length, L, ratio of the slot is in the range from greater than 0.5 to less than or equal to 3. The slot can therefore be arranged with different dimensions depending on the type of net that is intended to be inserted into the slots. In some embodiments, each net receiving channel opens into the corresponding slot at an intermediate location that is between 50 and 90% of the slot height, H, the slot height extending above and below the intermediate location. For example, each receiving channel may open into the slot at a height that is 75% the height of the slot. This intermediate portion of the slot may intersect the net receiving channel and the slot may have upper and lower regions on either side of the intermediate portion where the slow does not intersect the net receiving channel. The intersection of the slot at this point is beneficial as it aids the entry of the net into the receiving channel at the same time as providing a locking-type mechanism for ensuring that the net, once entered the slot, cannot easily escape. By providing the opening of the receiving channel at this point means that the net does not have an easy route out of the slot and into the receiving channel once it is entered into slot. An intentional force has to be applied to remove the net, which although not overly large, means that it would be a challenge for the net to accidentally exit the slot. At the same time, the height of the opening allows for the easy access of the net into the receiving channel. If the opening was higher than 90% of the height of the net, entry of the net into the receiving channel would be significantly hindered. The same applies to the position being below 50% of the of the height of the slot. In this position the net would not be able to be retained in the slot in a such a way that it was difficult to be exit the slot and therefore the chances of accidental removal would be higher. This is particularly important as the nets can be moved by animals that could try and lift the nets out of the fenceposts. In some embodiments, each slot and each net receiving channel have a thickness of at least 2 mm. In this way, the receiving channel and slot are configured such that the fencepost is able to receive net strands of below 2 mm thickness with enough room for flexibility of the net within the receiving channel and slot. In some embodiments, the receiving channel and slot may be configured to receive a net which is between 1 mm to 5 mm thick. For example, the receiving channel and slot may be configured to receive a net with a thickness of 2 mm. The thickness of the net may be determined by the intended use of the fence. For example, thicker nets may be required to prevent larger animals such as deer passing through and thinner nets may be required to prevent smaller animals such as rabbits passing through. Depending on the thickness of the net used, an appropriate size of slot and receiving channel should be used such that each receiving channel and slot are configured for use with a particular thickness of net. In some embodiments, the fencepost comprises more than one plurality of slots and each slot in each plurality of slots has a corresponding receiving channel and therefore there may also be two pluralities of receiving channels. In some embodiments, the fencepost comprises two pluralities of slots and respective receiving channels, wherein a first plurality of slots and respective receiving channels is on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective receiving channels is on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side. These pluralities of slots and receiving channels may run parallel to each other through the fencepost such that they oppose one another. Each of the plurality of slots may be defined in a corresponding side of the fencepost. When the fencepost has more than one plurality of slots arranged in this way, for example, two pluralities of slots arranged on opposite sides of the fencepost to one another, the fencepost is able to demountably receive more than one net - i.e. one net per plurality of slots. In this way, fences of varying lengths can be assembled with different numbers of nets demountably received thereto. In some embodiments, the fencepost comprises an opening on a lower portion of the fencepost. This opening may be configured to receive a part of a tool that aids removal of the fencepost from a material into which it is inserted. For example, the fencepost may comprise an opening at near the bottom of the opening where the fencepost has been inserted into the ground such that a tool such as a lever may be inserted to aid removal of the fencepost from the ground. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a net configured to be received by the fencepost of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The net has a plurality of rows, each row formed from a first series of strands extending laterally along a length of the net from a first end of the net to a second end of the net, wherein each strand is receivable into a fencepost slot via a corresponding net receiving channel and wherein the net is arranged as a plurality of intersecting strands defining a plurality of apertures, each point of intersection of two or more strands being defined as a strand intersection point. The first series of strands extend laterally along the length of the net from a first end of the net to a second end of the net to form rows which are connected indirectly to one another by the ends of the net, thus forming a framework of the net. In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the net each comprise a minimum of two strands. Each strand of the net is receivable into a fencepost slot and this allows for the net to be oriented in different ways. It may be the case that only some of the strands in each row are inserted into a fencepost slot in an assembled fence. It may be the case that all strands in each row are inserted into a fencepost slot in an assembled fence. It may be the case that one or more strands in any row are not inserted into a slot of a fencepost in an assembled fence. At each point where two strands intersect, a strand intersection point is defined. The strand intersection point may act as a holding mechanism to effectively block movement of the net beyond its location when the net is inserted in the slot of a fencepost. For example, a strand intersection point made up of a strand comprised in the end of the net and a strand in a row may restrict lateral movement of the net beyond the strand intersection point, effectively retaining the net inserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the net further comprises a second series of strands extending from a first end of the net and along the net, each strand being angled relative to the length of the net. The at least one row of the plurality of rows intersects the at least one second series of strands at at least one strand intersection point. By incorporating strands which are angled relative to the length of the net, further options to insert the net into a fencepost are provided and at different orientations. Typically, the second series of strands comprises strands oriented in opposite senses relative to the length of the net. This enables the net to be mounted on ground which slopes in either direction. The net is extremely versatile in that fences can be assembled where combinations of different strands at different orientations may be utilised. This is particularly useful if the fenceposts are inserted into an uneven surface as the net can be oriented away from the surface when inserted into a fencepost by using a strand angled relative to the length of the net. In some embodiments, the net further comprises plurality of columns formed from a third series of strands extending longitudinally along a height of the net from a third end of the net to a fourth end of the net. The at least one row of the plurality of rows intersects the at least one column of the plurality of columns at at least one strand intersection point. As at least one column intersects at least one row, the intersection point defined by this intersection functions to restrict movement of the net when inserted of the slot of a fencepost. This strengthens the connection of the net to the fencepost when the fence is assembled. In some embodiments, any one strand intersection point may be made up of from between 2 and 8 strands. In some embodiments, a strand intersection point may occur at an intersection of at least a strand in a row and a strand in a column. In some embodiments, a strand intersection point may occur at an intersection of at least a strand in a row and a strand in a second series of strands angled relative to the length of the net. In some embodiments, a strand intersection point may occur at an intersection of at least a strand in a second series of strands angled relative to the length of the net and a strand in a column. In some embodiments, a strand intersection point may occur at an intersection of at least a strand in a second series of strands angled relative to the length of the net, a strand in a column and a strand in a row. In some embodiments, a strand intersection point may occur at an intersection of at least two strands in a second series of strands angled relative to the length of the net. The nets can have different numbers of strands and spacing between strands to fulfil different fencing purposes. The apertures defined by the net strands can have a range of shapes and sizes. There is, accordingly, a wide variety of nets which can be received by the fencepost. This allows for a large variety in the type of fences that can be assembled. In some embodiments, the apertures defined by the net strands may be rounded. The points of intersection between each net may therefore have rounded edges. Each net is typically arranged as a net sheet or a net roll before it is to be inserted into a fencepost as described in relation to the embodiments described above. The nets may be in rolls or sheets of any length that suits the purpose / areas of land to be protected. For example, the net roll lengths may be between 50m and 100m in length. Each net may have a first end defined by a first edge that is the point of termination of the apertures in the net and a second end at a point which is at the opposite end relative to the first end that is the point of termination of the apertures in the net at the end of the net length. In some embodiments, the net is arranged as a lattice, each aperture defined by four intersecting strands. In some embodiments, the apertures defined by the four intersecting stands are of quadrilateral shape such as square shape, rectangular shape or parallelogram shape. The net may be comprised of intersecting longitudinal and latitudinal net strands, each longitudinal net strand in a first column of longitudinal net strands running parallel to each longitudinal net strand in a second column of longitudinal net strands, each latitudinal net strand in a first row of latitudinal net strands running parallel to each longitudinal net strand in a second row of longitudinal net strands. The nets in this configuration are particularly useful for fences which are to be arranged on even ground. For example, each end of the net may be inserted into a different fencepost, and the fenceposts may be inserted into the ground such that they are approximately standing at the same height relative to one another. In some embodiments, the net is arranged such that each aperture is defined by three intersecting strands. In this arrangement the apertures in the net may be arranged such that they are triangular in shape. In some embodiments, each aperture formed by each set of thee intersecting strands may be of the same size and shape and in some embodiments, some or each aperture formed by each set of thee intersecting strands may be of different size and shape. Nets comprising apertures defined by three intersecting strands are particularly useful for fence assembly on uneven ground where the nets are required to be inserted into the ground at different heights relative to one another. The nets arranged in this way have a greater degree of flexibility to remain angled at the desired position compared to, for example, the nets which are arranged in a lattice formation. In some embodiments, the net is arranged such that a first plurality of apertures are defined by three intersecting strands and a second plurality of apertures are defined by four intersecting strands. In this arrangement, there may, for example, be repeating quadrilateral and triangular apertures defined by the intersecting net strands. In some embodiments, each of the apertures defined may have equal dimensions. In such embodiments, there is a regular array of the apertures. In some embodiments, the strands in the plurality of columns are angled relative to one another such that the columns are non-linear, typically wherein the strands in a column form a zig-zag. In some embodiments, the height of each strand, N, is from 3 to 40 mm. In this range of heights, the strands are complementary to the fencepost receiving channel and slot dimensions such that the strands can be received by the receiving channel and retained in the slot with room for movement. This allows for both the easy insertion of the net into the fencepost and the retention of the net strand into the slot, comfortably, such that the insertion and retention are not too tight that breaking of the strands could occur or not too loose such that the assembled fence would be weakly assembled. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a clip for removably attaching a net according to any of the aforementioned embodiments to at least one further net, the clip comprising a longitudinal axis, a receiving channel configured to receive at least one net strand therethrough (typically parallel to the longitudinal axis) and a retaining slot (typically at 90° to the receiving channel and parallel to the longitudinal axis). In some embodiments, on insertion of a net strand through the receiving channel and rotation of the clip by 90° about a longitudinal axis, the net is retained in the retaining slot. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembled fence comprising at least one fencepost according to any of aforementioned embodiments, and at least one net according to any of the aforementioned embodiments retained in the slots thereof, the assembled fence optionally comprising at least once clip according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The assembled fence may comprise any number of fenceposts necessary, and this will vary depending on how big the area that is intended to be fenced is. For example, an assembled fence may comprise between 5 and 20 fenceposts. The assembled fence may comprise at least once fencepost having at least two pluralities of slots along its length so as to be able to attach at least two nets thereto. The assembled fence may comprise at least one fencepost which has at least one attachment containing at least one slot. For example, the assembled fence may comprise at least one fencepost having at least 5 brackets containing slots on one side of the fencepost. The assembled fence may comprise a plurality of fenceposts each with at least one net strand received into at least one slot on each fencepost. The assembled fence may comprise a plurality of fenceposts, each fencepost having at least 50% of its slots with a net strand received therein. It may therefore be the case that not all the slots in a fencepost of the assembled fence have net strands inserted into them. It will depend on the intended purpose of the fence as to number of slots in each fencepost and the degree to which they are filled. For example, in some embodiments, the assembled fence may not have net strands inserted into all slots owing to the positioning of the fence in the ground. In some embodiments, the assembled fencepost comprises attachments comprising slots to allow for further net strand insertion. In some embodiments the assembled fence may further comprise at least one peg for anchoring the net into the surface which the fence is assembled on. For example, the assembled fence may comprise a plurality of pegs, each peg securing at least a part of one net strand to the ground. In some embodiments, the assembled fence comprises at least one fencepost that has a first plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side, and at least one further fencepost has one plurality of slots and respective receiving channels on a first side of the further fencepost. In this way the assembled fence may contain at least one net connected to two fenceposts and at least one net connected to a fencepost with two pluralities of slots, one on either side of the fencepost. The fencepost with two pluralities of slots, one on either side of the fencepost, is useful in that it can join two sections of net together without creating a gap or needing to otherwise join the net sections. Moreover, the fencepost with two pluralities of slots, one on either side of the fencepost, is useful in that it can change the direction of the net and thus of the fence. For example, an assembled fence could be assembled such that the fence extends across a stretch of land in a substantially straight line between a first and second fencepost. The fencepost comprising the two plurality of slots, the second fencepost, could be positioned such that on insertion of a second net into the second plurality of slots, the net is angled away from the direction of travel of the first net. In some embodiments, the assembled fence comprises a first end of a first net retained in a plurality of slots of a first fencepost and a second end of the first net retained in a first plurality of slots on a second fencepost, the assembled fence further comprising a second net retained in a second plurality of slots of the second fencepost, wherein at least one of the nets is angled within the slots such that the fence is assembled on a slope. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising one or more fenceposts according to any of the aforementioned embodiments, at least one net according to aforementioned embodiments and, optionally, at least one clip according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. In some embodiments the kit of parts may further comprise a peg for anchoring the net into the surface which the fence is assembled on. For example, the assembled fence may comprise a plurality of pegs, each peg securing at least a part of one net strand to the ground. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a fence comprising the steps of: providing a first fencepost according to any of the aforementioned embodiments; securing the first fencepost to a surface; inserting a first net according to any of the aforementioned embodiments into a first plurality of slots via a first plurality of net receiving channels of the first fencepost; and positioning the net at an angle within the first plurality of slots relative to the slot axes. In some embodiments, the method of constructing a fence further comprises the steps of: providing a second fencepost according to any of aforementioned embodiments; and inserting the net into a second plurality of slots via a second plurality of receiving channels on the second fencepost such that the net is demountably received by both the first and second fenceposts. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of slots on the first fencepost have net strands inserted into them before the at least some of the plurality of slots on the second fencepost have net strands inserted into them. In some embodiments, only some of the slots in each of the first and second pluralities of slots have net strands inserted into them and therefore not all of the slots in the first plurality are have net strands inserted into them before the second plurality of slots have net strands inserted into them. In some embodiments, a majority of the slots of the first plurality of slots have net strands inserted into them before the slots of the second plurality of slots have net strands inserted into them. In some embodiments, the second fencepost has a first plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side, the method further comprising the steps of inserting a second net into a plurality of slots via a plurality of net receiving channels on the opposite side of the fencepost to the net already inserted such that the second fencepost has two nets demountably received thereto. Typically, this has the effect of forming a continuous fence comprising two net sections, without a requirement to join the two net sections directly to each other. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of demounting a fence comprising the steps of: demounting a second end of a net from a second plurality of net receiving channels of a second fencepost according to any of the aforementioned embodiments and demounting a first end of a net from a first plurality of net receiving channels of a first fencepost according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The demounting of the net from the receiving channels is extremely efficient as it does not require the use of any tools to remove the net from the slots through the receiving channels. Moreover, it allows for the quick deconstruction of assembled fences which can also be easily re-assembled in different locations or to cover a different size or shape of area to be fenced. In some embodiments of demounting a fence, at least one fencepost comprises a second plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding net receiving channels and the method further comprising the step of demounting a net from the fencepost comprising the second plurality of slots and the plurality of corresponding net receiving channels. It shall be understood that the steps of any of the abovementioned methods may be carried out in any order. Description of the Drawings Example embodiments of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which: Figure 1 is a fencepost in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a portion of a fencepost in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3A-3F are front views of a portion of a fencepost having a net strand received therein at different positions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a fencepost in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, are an enlarged view of a portion of a fencepost in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an enlarged perspective view of an attachment to a fencepost in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and an enlarged side view of an attachment to a fencepost in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a net in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a net in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Figures 8A and 8B are, respectively, two further nets in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are, respectively, a view of an assembled net, a net clip and a net peg in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment In accordance with an embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig 1, there is provided an elongate fencepost (100) having an outer surface (110) and a longitudinal axis (120) as represented by the dashed line. The fencepost (100) has a plurality of slots (140) extending widthways through the fencepost at spaced apart locations along the length of the fencepost. The fencepost (100) also has a plurality of net receiving channels (130). Each slot (141, 142, 143) of the plurality of slots (140) has a corresponding net receiving channel (131, 132, 133). Each net receiving channel (131, 132, 133) of the plurality of net receiving channels (130) extends between a corresponding slot (141, 142, 143) of the plurality of slots (140) and the outer surface (110). Accordingly, for every slot (141, 142, 143) that extends through the width of the fencepost (100), there is a corresponding net receiving channel (131, 132, 133) that extends from it to the outer surface (110) of the fencepost (100). In this way, each slot (141, 142, 143) is configured to receive a net via the corresponding net receiving channel (131, 132, 133). Fig. 2A is a front perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the fencepost (100). The fencepost (100) has a cylindrical main body with a circular cross-section when cut though the width of the fencepost (100). The length of the fencepost is parallel to the longitudinal axis (120) and the width, W, of the fencepost is perpendicular to the length. Only one slot (141) of the plurality of slots (140) and corresponding receiving channel (131) of the plurality of receiving channels (130) is shown in this portion of the fencepost (100). The slot (141) is shown to extend widthways through the fencepost (100) and the corresponding receiving channel (131) is shown to extend from the slot (141) to the outer surface (110) of the fencepost (100). Fig 2B is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the portion of the fencepost (100). The slot (141) has a height, H, parallel to the longitudinal axis and a slot length, L, which is the extent of the slot widthways through the fencepost (100). A slot axis is defined along the length L. The net receiving channel (131) extends at an angle of approximately 45 0 relative to the height of the corresponding slot (141). This angle is particularly advantageous as it allows for easy access of a net into the receiving channel (131) and through into the slot (141), at the same time as being well positioned to prevent the net from escaping the slot (141) through the net receiving channel (131) once received in the slot (141). The slot (141) opens into the net receiving channel (131) at an intermediate location (151) represented schematically in the figure by a box. The intermediate location (151) at approximately 75% of the slot height, H. The slot height, H, extends above and below the intermediate location (151) at upper region (171) and lower region (161). Both the upper region (171) and lower region (161) are represented schematically in the figure by boxes. The slot (141) and the corresponding receiving channel (131) have a thickness, T, of at least 2 mm to allow a net strand to be received therein comfortably with some room for movement of the net in the slot (141). A net received in a slot of a fencepost may be retainable in the slot within an angular range depending on where the fence is located and how the fence is positioned. Figs. 3A-3F show the portion of the fencepost (100) having a strand of a net (401) received into the slot (141) via the net receiving channel (131), the net strand (401) being retained at different positions in the slot (141) in each figure. The portion of the fencepost (100) is shown in front view with the receiving channel (131) facing outwards through the outer surface (110) in each figure. The angle a is the angle within the angular range at which the net is retained in the slot. Figs 3A and 3B shows the net strand (401) retained in the slot (141) at approximately 0° relative to the slot axis. Fig. 3A shows the net strand (401) retained in an uppermost portion of the slot (141). Fig. 3B shows the net strand (401) retained in a lowermost portion of the slot (141). Figs. 3C and 3D show the net strand (401) retained in the slot (141) at an angle, a, of approximately 60° relative to the slot axis, either side of the axis. The net strand is able to move freely between these the 0° to 60° range of angles either side of the slot axis depending on how the fence comprising the fencepost and net is to be assembled. For example, in accordance with the invention, in a fence arrangement including a first and second fencepost and a net retained in at least one slot of each fencepost, the net may be angled upwards in a slot of the first fencepost within the angular range if the second fencepost to which the net is attached is uphill of the first fencepost (as is shown in the arrangement of Fig. 3D). Similarly, a net may be angled downwards in the slot of a first fencepost relative to a second fencepost if the second fencepost is downhill relative to the first fencepost (as is shown in Fig. 3C). In all positions shown in Figs. 3A to 3D, the net strand (401) is retained in the slot (141) and requires manual intervention to remove the net strand (401) from the slot (141). A net can therefore be securely retained the plurality of slots (140) of the fencepost (100) and this can be used to assemble a strong fence. At the same time, such a fence having the described fencepost does not require a lot of effort to remove the net from the fencepost. This makes fences assembled from this fencepost arrangement extremely versatile and easy to assemble and disassemble, readily allowing for relocation of fences from one area of land to another. In Figs. 3E and 3F, the net strand (401) is positioned within the slot (141) such that one side of the net strand (401) is able to be removed from the slot (141) through the net receiving channel (131) on application of a physical force. In Fig. 3E, the lefthand side of the net strand (401) is able to be removed from the slot (141). In Fig. 3F, the right-hand side of the net strand (401) is able to be removed from the slot (141). In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 4, there is provided an elongate fencepost (200) which has a longitudinal axis (220) and two pluralities of slots (240A, 240B). A first plurality of slots (240A) is located along the length of the fencepost (200) on a first side of the fencepost (200) and a second plurality of slots (240B) is located along the length of the fencepost (200) on a second side of the fencepost (200), opposite to the first side. The fencepost (200) also has two pluralities of net receiving channels (230A, 230B), one on either side of the fencepost (200). Each slot (241 A, 242A, 243A, 241B, 242B, 243B) has a corresponding net receiving channel (231 A, 232A, 233A, 231B, 232B, 233B). Each net receiving channel (231 A, 232A, 233A, 231B, 232B, 233B) of the plurality of net receiving channels (230A, 230B) extends between a corresponding slot (241A, 242A, 243A, 241B, 242B, 243B) of the plurality of slots (240A, 240B) and the corresponding side of the outer surface (210A, 210B). Accordingly, each side of the fencepost has a plurality of slots (240A, 240B), each slot with a corresponding net receiving channel that extends from the slot to the outer surface (210A, 210B) on the corresponding side of the fencepost. Each slot on either side of the fencepost (241 A, 242A, 243A, 241B, 242B, 243B) is configured to receive a net therein via the corresponding net receiving channel (231 A, 232A, 233A, 231B, 232B, 233B). In this way two different nets can be received into the slots on either side of the fencepost (200). Any fencepost in accordance with the invention may have a main body and at least one demountably removable attachment on the main body, with a plurality of slots defined widthways through the fencepost main body and / or the at least one attachment. Fig. 5 shows a section of fencepost (300) having a longitudinal axis 320 with a plurality of slots (341, 342) defined widthways through a plurality of demountably removable attachments in the form of brackets (351, 352). The fencepost (300) has another slot (343) defined through the main body (360) of the fencepost (300). Each slot (341, 342, 343) defined widthways through the fencepost (300) has a corresponding receiving channel (331, 332, 333) extending between the slots (341, 342, 343) and respective outer surfaces (311, 312, 313). Not all of the slots of the fencepost are shown in this view. Fenceposts may have any number of slots defined through demountably removable attachments and / or through the main body of the fencepost. Fig. 5B shows an enlarged view of one demountably removable attachment bracket (351) attached to the fencepost (300). The bracket is demountably attached by any attachment means through opening (361). For example, this could include using screws to attach the bracket to the main body. Fig 5C shows bracket 351 in a side view. The slot (341) is shown as a through channel through the width of the bracket (351). The corresponding receiving channel (331) is shown to extend from the slot (341) to the outer surface (311). A net strand may be received by the receiving channel 331 and retained in the slot (341) at a given angle. Nets in accordance with the invention may be arranged in many different ways. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 6, there is provided a net (400) that is able to be received by any of the fenceposts in accordance with the invention. The net is arranged as a plurality of intersecting rows (410) and columns (420), each row (410A, 410B, 410C, 410D, 410E) and column (420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, 420E) made up of a series of net strands (401, 402, 403, 404). The net strands (401, 402, 403, 404) intersect one another at intersection points (431). The intersecting strands define apertures (450) in the net (400). Each aperture (450) in the net (400) is defined by four intersecting net strands (401, 402, 403, 404). The net is arranged in a lattice. Fig. 7 shows a net (500) which is arranged as a plurality of rows (510) made up of net strands (502) that extend laterally along the net. The net also has a plurality of columns (520) that are made up of a plurality of net strands (501, 503) that extend longitudinally along the net. The plurality of columns (520) are arranged such that they are non-linear and form a plurality of zig-zag shaped columns. The net further comprises a second series of strands (540) that extends from a first edge of the next and along the net. Each strand (541, 542) in the second series of strands is angled relative to the length of the net (500). The strands are angled in both senses relative to the length of the net, with a first set of strands (541), oriented at a first orientation relative to the length of the net, useful on ground sloping in one direction and another set of strands (542), oriented in the opposite sense to the first set of strands relative to the length of the net, useful on ground sloping in the other direction. There are a plurality of strand intersection points (531) formed as a result of intersection of any of the strands (501, 502, 503, 541, 542) in the net. A plurality of apertures (550) are defined by the strands intersecting. In this net (500) there are a plurality of apertures (550) defined by four intersecting stands (553, 554) and a plurality of apertures defined by three intersecting strands (551, 552). Any of the strands may be received into a slot of a fencepost according to this invention. Figs. 8A and 8B show further examples of nets (600, 700) according to the invention. Fig. 8A shows a net (600) which is arranged as a plurality of rows (610) made up of net strands (602) that extend laterally along the net. The net also has a plurality of columns (620) that are made up of a plurality of net strands (601, 603) that extend longitudinally along the net. The plurality of columns (620) are arranged such that they are non-linear and form a plurality of zig-zag shaped columns. The net further comprises a second series of strands (640) that extends from a first edge of the next and along the net. Each strand (641, 642) in the second series of strands is angled relative to the length of the net (600). The strands are angled in both senses relative to the length of the net, with a first set of strands (641), oriented at a first orientation relative to the length of the net, useful on ground sloping in one direction and another set of strands (642), oriented in the opposite sense to the first set of strands relative to the length of the net, useful on ground sloping in the other direction. There are a plurality of strand intersection points (631) formed as a result of intersection of any of the strands (601, 602, 603, 641, 642) in the net. A plurality of apertures (650) are defined by the strands intersecting. In this net (600) there are a plurality of apertures (650) defined by four intersecting stands (653, 654) and a plurality of apertures defined by three intersecting strands (651, 652). Any of the strands may be received into a slot of a fencepost according to this invention. Fig. 8B shows a net (700) which is arranged as a plurality of rows (710) made up of net strands (702) that extend laterally along the net. The net also has a plurality of columns (720) that are made up of a plurality of net strands (701, 703) that extend longitudinally along the net. The plurality of columns (720) are arranged such that they are non-linear and form a plurality of zig-zag shaped columns. The net further comprises a second series of strands (740) that extends from a first edge of the next and along the net. Each strand (741, 742) in the second series of strands is angled relative to the length of the net (700), in alternating senses relative to the length of the net. There are a plurality of strand intersection points (731) formed as a result of intersection of any of the strands (701, 702, 703, 741, 742) in the net. A plurality of apertures (750) are defined by the strands intersecting. In this net (700) there are a plurality of apertures (750) defined by four intersecting stands (753, 754) and a plurality of apertures defined by three intersecting strands (751, 752). Any of the strands may be received into a slot of a fencepost according to this invention. The net (600) in Fig. 8A has a strand intersection point (631) which is formed by intersection of 8 net strands. The net (700) in Fig. 8B has a strand intersection point (731) which is formed by intersection of 4 net strands. Any net in accordance with the invention may be received by any fencepost in accordance with the invention to form an assembled fence. Fig. 9A shows an assembled fence (800) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The assembled fence (800) comprises two fenceposts (100A, 100B) with net (400) received in at least some of the plurality of slots on each fencepost (100A, 100B). To assemble such a fence (800) according to an embodiment of the invention, a method of assembly involves securing at least two fenceposts (100A, 100B) to a surface. Typically, this surface will be the ground in a field or a forest although any surface into which the fenceposts (100A, 100B) can be inserted can be used. A net according to the invention (400) is then provided and inserted into at least some of the slots in the plurality of slots on a first fencepost (100A) via corresponding receiving channels on the fencepost (100A). The plurality of slots on the first fencepost (100A) are filled before the net is inserted into plurality of slots on the second fencepost (100B). When the net (400) is inserted into at least some of the plurality of slots on each fencepost (100A, 100B), the fence is assembled. The net (400) may be positioned in the slots in either fencepost (100A, 100B) at an angle depending on how the fence is assembled. For example, it may be that the second fencepost (100B) is uphill relative to the first fencepost (100A) and therefore the net (400) may be retained in the slots of each fencepost within an angular range, for example of from 0° to 60° (+ / -10°) relative to the slot axis in an uphill direction relative to the surface from a slot of the first fencepost (100A) and a downhill direction relative to the surface from a slot of the second fencepost (100B). The net (400) is demountably received into the slots on each fencepost (100A, 100B) via corresponding receiving channels. Accordingly, the assembled fence (800) may be easily disassembled, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, by demounting the net (400) from the plurality of slots that have been filled either on the first fencepost (100A) or second fencepost (100B). Once the net (400) has been removed from the plurality of slots on, for example, the first fencepost (100A), the net (400) can then be removed from the plurality of slots on the second fencepost (100B), for example. Fig. 9B shows a net clip (900) in accordance with the invention which can be used to removably attach a net (400) to another net to be used in the assembled fence (800). The clip comprises a longitudinal axis (920), a retaining slot (930) having a lower slot portion (935) and an upper slot portion (936), a receiving channel (945), oriented at 90 degrees to the retaining slot, for receiving at least one net strand therethrough for retention in the retaining slot, a blocking portion (940) configured to define the upper slot portion, the retaining slot (930) and blocking portion (940) together configured to retain a net strand, received through the receiving channel (945) in the clip (900). In use, the clip (900) may allow attachment of one net to at least one other net. For example, on insertion of a first net strand through the receiving channel (945) into the retaining slot (930) between lower slot portion (935) and the upper slot portion (936), and rotation of the clip (900) by 90° about the longitudinal axis (920), the net (400) is retained by the securing portion (950). A further net strand from a further net may be inserted into the clip (900) and secured in the clip in the same way as for the first net strand. A net peg (1000) is shown in Fig. 9C. One or more net pegs may be used to secure the net to a surface. For example, one or more net pegs (1000) may be hooked through the apertures of the lower portion of net (400) in assembled fence (800) to secure the net (400) to the surface such as the ground of a field. An assembled fence (800) in accordance with the invention may comprise at least two fenceposts (100A, 100B), at least one net (400) one or more clips for removably attaching net (400) to a further net and one or more net pegs (1000) for securing the net to the surface in which the fenceposts (100A, 100B) are inserted. A kit of parts in accordance with the invention may be made up of at least one fencepost (100) and at least one net (400). The kit of parts may optionally further include at least one net clip (900) and at least one net peg (1000). Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An elongate fencepost with an outer surface and a longitudinal axis, the fencepost having: a length parallel to the longitudinal axis; a width perpendicular to the length; a plurality of slots extending widthways through the fencepost at spaced apart locations along the length; and a plurality of net receiving channels, each slot having a corresponding net receiving channel, wherein each net receiving channel of the plurality of net receiving channels extends between a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots and the outer surface; and wherein each slot is configured to demountably receive a net via the corresponding net receiving channel.

2. The fencepost according to claim 1, wherein each slot has a slot height, H, parallel to the longitudinal axis and each net receiving channel extends at an angle of from 30° to 60° relative to the height of the corresponding slot.

3. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of slots and outer surface are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each slot has a slot height, H, parallel to the longitudinal axis, a slot length, L, which is the extent of the slot widthways through the fencepost, and a slot axis along its length, and each slot is configured such that a strand of the net is retainable in the slot within an angular range.

5. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height of each slot, H, is between 40 to 120 mm, the length, L, of the slot is from 20 to 150 mm, the net has a net strand that is demountably receivable by the net receiving channel and the height of the net strand, N, is from 3 to 40 mm.

6. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height, H, to length, L, ratio of the slot is in the range from greater than 0.5 to less than or equal to 3.

7. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each net receiving channel opens into the corresponding slot at an intermediate location that is between 50 and 90% of the slot height, H, the slot height extending above and below the intermediate location.

8. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each slot and each net receiving channel have a thickness of at least 2 mm.

9. The elongate fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fencepost comprises a main body and at least one demountably removable attachment and wherein at least one slot of the plurality of slots is defined widthways through the at least one attachment of the fencepost.

10. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, the fencepost comprising more than one plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels, wherein a first plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels is on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels is on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side.

11. The fencepost according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fencepost has a circular cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. A net configured to be received by the fencepost of any of claims 1 to 11, the net comprising a plurality of rows, each row formed from a first series of strands extending laterally along a length of the net from a first end of the net to a second end of the net, wherein each strand is receivable into a fencepost slot via a corresponding net receiving channel and wherein the net is arranged as a plurality of intersecting strands defining a plurality of apertures, each point of intersection of two or more strands defined as a strand intersection point.

13. The net according to claim 12, further comprising a second series of strands extending from a first end of the net along the net, each strand being angled relative to the length of the net, wherein at least one row of the plurality of rows intersects at least one second series of strands at at least one strand intersection point.

14. The net according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the net further comprises plurality of columns formed from a third series of strands extending longitudinally along a height of the net from a third end of the net to a fourth end of the net, and wherein at least one row of the plurality of rows intersects at least one column of the plurality of columns at at least one strand intersection point.

15. A clip for removably attaching a net according to any of claims 12 to 14 to at least one further net, the clip comprising a longitudinal axis, a receiving channel configured to receive at least one net strand therethrough and a retaining slot.

16. The clip according to claim 15, wherein, on insertion of a net strand through the receiving channel and rotation of the clip by 90° about a longitudinal axis, the net is retained in the retaining slot.

17. An assembled fence comprising at least one fencepost according to any of claims 1 to 11, and at least one net according to any of claims 12 to 14 retained in the slots thereof, the assembled fence optionally comprising at least once clip according to claims 15 to 16.

18. The assembled fence according to claim 17, wherein at least one fencepost has a first plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side, and at least one further fencepost has one plurality of slots and respective receiving channels on a first side of the further fencepost.

19. The assembled fence according to claim 18, comprising a first side of a first net retained in a plurality of slots of a first fencepost and a second side of the first net retained in a first plurality of slots on a second fencepost, the assembled fence further comprising a second net retained in a second plurality of slots of the second fencepost, wherein at least one of the nets is angled within the slots such that the fence is assembled on a slope.

20. A kit of parts comprising one or more fenceposts according to any of claims 1 to 11, at least one net according to claims 12 to 14 and, optionally, at least one clip according to any of claims 15 to 16.

21. A method of constructing a fence comprising the steps of: providing a first fencepost according to any of claims 1 to 11; securing the first fencepost to a surface; inserting a first net according to any of claims 12 to 14 into a first plurality of slots via a first plurality of net receiving channels of the first fencepost; and positioning the net at an angle within the first plurality of slots relative to the slot axes.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of: providing a second fencepost according to any of claims 1 to 11; and inserting the net into asecond plurality of slots via a second plurality of receiving channels on the second fencepost such that the net is demountably received by both the first and second fenceposts.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second fencepost has a first plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a first side of the fencepost and a second plurality of slots and respective net receiving channels on a second side of the fencepost, opposite to the first side, the method further comprising the steps of inserting a second net into a plurality of slots via a plurality of net receiving channels on the opposite side of the fencepost to the net already inserted such that the second fencepost has two nets demountably received thereto.

24. A method of demounting a fence comprising the steps of: demounting a second end of a net from a second plurality of net receiving channels of a second fencepost according to any of claims 1 to 11 and demounting a first end of a net from a first plurality of net receiving channels of a first fencepost according to any of claims 1 to 11.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein at least one fencepost comprises a second plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding net receiving channels, the method further comprising the step of demounting a net from the fencepost comprising the second plurality of slots and the plurality of corresponding net receiving channels.

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